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I don't want her to either, which is exactly what I've…

“I don't want her to either, which is exactly what I've been saying. Still, there's a part of me that hates that our family businesses- the very things that have kept Joy fed, clothed, and housed- are so embarrassing to her...We raised our children to be Americans, but what we wanted were proper…” quote by Lisa See
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““I don't want her to either, which is exactly what I've been saying. Still, there's a part of me that hates that our family businesses- the very things that have kept Joy fed, clothed, and housed- are so embarrassing to her...We raised our children to be Americans, but what we wanted were proper Chinese sons and daughters.””

Lisa See

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker grapples with cultural expectations, feeling conflicted about family businesses that sustain them yet cause embarrassment, highlighting generational and identity tensions.

In simple terms: Family business brings pride and shame.

Key Takeaway

Communicate openly about cultural expectations.

Themes

culture family identity business generational conflict

Mood

reflective conflicted thoughtful

Type

personal cultural

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • career decisions
  • cultural education
  • identity counseling

Key Concepts

cultural assimilation family expectations inheritance pride vs shame

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do families reconcile cultural heritage with modern identity?
  • What role should family businesses play in cultural transmission?
A Different Perspective

The quote may generalize Chinese-American experiences.

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