Children Quote by Euny Hong
““I was teased constantly by children calling me “Yankee,” which was slightly amusing, and mimicking my Korean, which was less amusing. I wouldn’t say that the kids were openly cruel, but I have never felt more culturally segregated before or since. Mostly, they just looked at me with incomprehension. For a child, that feeling of being dumb and mute is utterly alienating. Language aside, I was simply a misfit. My facial expressions and mannerisms were all wrong; I made intent, direct eye contact with my betters when I should have been sheepishly looking down at my shoes. When””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Cultural Misfit” in The New Yorker, 2018
The narrator describes feeling alienated as a Korean‑American child, struggling with language and social expectations.
In simple terms: Child felt isolated due to cultural and linguistic differences.
Key Takeaway
Seek supportive environments that value diverse identities.
Themes
identity
belonging
bullying
cultural clash
Mood
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
social
cultural
When to use this quote
- school
- family gatherings
- online communities
- peer groups
Key Concepts
acculturation
social anxiety
stereotype threat
Questions to Reflect On
- How can peers foster inclusion for cultural minorities?
- What role does language play in feeling accepted?
A Different Perspective
Cultural differences can be both a source of humor and deep isolation.
