Realization of Divergence and it's Effect on Self-Esteem

In Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese, three storylines are introduced which contribute to the central conflict that deviation from the norm is something to fear and avoid. In two of those three cases, this idea is brought upon by society and the influence of others. In the case of the Monkey King, his life is fulfilling and happy, up until the point where the dinner party of the gods rejects him. He is left feeling a sense of dissatisfaction with his identity and a severe drop in self esteem. Despite a feeling of rage toward the other gods, he begins to want to become like them, he wants to be part of the norm, as he reflects on page 20 of the graphic novel, the caption states, "the smell of monkey fur greeted him. He'd never noticed it before. He stayed awake for the rest of the night thinking of ways to get rid of it."
This transition into low self-esteem and displeasure with one's old customs is reflected in the experiences of Jin, the main character of the novel. After coming from San Francisco, where his community was supportive and similar to him, as were the Monkey King's subjects, Jin arrives at Mayflower Elementary, where he is immediately ostracized and looked down on (31-32). Despite his animosity toward his caucasian bullies, Jin begins to feel inferior to them, and wants to become like them, even styling his hair a certain way to mimick one of his classmates, in an effort to appear more likable to his crush (98).
Both of these characters originally had high self-esteen and happy lives, but were told by their societies that who they were made them inferior. Unfortunately for both of these characters, they fell into the trap of believing them.

Chin-Kee: Why What He Represents is Supposed to Make You Uncomfortable

Gene Yang’s Chin-Kee character serves an interesting purpose in this book. His crude, offensive existence brings to light the horrible stereotypes America imposes on Asian Americans, albeit in an exaggerated way. The medium of the graphic novel gives a face to the character, accentuating his large front teeth, his slit eyes, and yellow skin. His speech bubbles include a crass “Chinese” accent. Chin-Kee is, in every respect, a caricature of Asian Americans as perceived by white media, meant to shock and offend. I believe this is a very effective tool for Gene Yang to address these stereotypes.

There are several scenes in which Chin-Kee embarrasses those around him, especially Danny. From pages 117-120, Chin-Kee follows Danny through the lunchroom to various classes, peeing in his friend’s Coke (after which he exclaims, “Me Chinese, me play joke, me go pee-pee in his coke!”) and answering questions loudly and correctly in class, followed by mirthless laughter from other students. Danny is seen hiding his head in his hands in shame.

After Danny’s detention on page 22, he finds Melanie in the hall and apologizes for Chin-Kee’s behavior the night before. Though Melanie says she forgives him, she quickly turns down Danny’s invitation for another date. Danny gets defensive, saying, “I’m not like him, Melanie” (123). Melanie insists his connection to Chin-Kee has nothing to do with their breakup before pointing out that she has noticed his teeth look a little bucked (just like Chin-Kee’s). Danny immediately covers his mouth, doing anything to stop a comparison between himself and his annoying cousin.

This caricature does not only isolate Chin-Kee himself; it isolates anyone with whom he is associated. No one wants to be like the “other.” This storyline highlights the way white America is so afraid of its own creation, of things it perceives “different” than the All-American, traditional way of existing. By creating a character so exaggerated, Yang points out the way white America concocted its own idea of Asian Americans, thus establishing its own “other.” I agree with Yang: the best way to tear down a stereotype is to force people to look at the horrible thing they themselves create and fear. Chin-Kee is a masterful rendering of this.

Graphic Novels vs. Traditional Novels

                As we talked about in class on Monday, graphic novels still have a stigma in America today.  They are often not considered “real” books or are viewed as having less literary value than traditional books. They are not often taught in schools and written off as purely entertainment based, lacking depth and complex themes.  American Born Chinese is just one of the few graphic novels that challenges these traditional views.  American Born Chinese uses both words and detailed pictures to tell a story that tackles issues of racism, bullying, and what it means to grow up feeling like an outsider.

The graphics in the novel help to enhance its message in a way that a traditional novel might not be able to.  For example, the sharp contrast between how Chin-Kee is portrayed relative to the other characters in the story might not be as apparent without visuals.  The amount of blatant racist characteristics portrayed by Chin-Kee are staggering. When he is first introduced on page 48, he completely fills the frame, showing off his yellowed skin, squinted eyes, buck teeth, and traditional hairstyle and dress. His bags are represented as take-out food containers, and he is shouting, “Harro Amellica!” The number of racist stereotypes that are packed into one page is incredible.  I remember turning the page and feeling almost sick to my stomach. I was immediately shocked while taking in the contains of that first introduction of Chin-Kee, in a way that I do not think would be possible in a traditional novel.  It really did feel like a “slap in the face,” which is how Gene Luen Yang wanted his readers to feel when reading the sections devoted to Chin-Kee. 

Graphic novels have the unique ability to combine words and illustrations in a way that traditional novels cannot.  The subtle placement of characters or objects in a panel, how large they are, as well as their appearance or expression can be an important storytelling tool used by graphic novelists to enhance the message being expressed through the descriptions and dialog.  I think graphic novels allow readers to explore a new way of reading and absorbing literary themes. It really makes you combine your comprehension of words and pictures to form a whole story.  I hope that educators will start to view graphic novels in a new, more positive light and start teaching them to their students.  I think exposing people to different ways of communicating ideas only helps people become more adept at understanding and communicating ideas in different ways. These skills will help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Converging Jin's Dual Identity

American Born Chinese sheds light on the psyche of immigrant children, breaking down the simple and complex prejudices they are forced to face along the way to adulthood. It focuses on the stereotypes that Chinese students faced in particular, through the lens of Jin, the novels protagonist. The most effective illustration of this struggle comes through the authors depiction of characters Danny and Chin-kee, two students on opposing ends of the social spectrum bound by their Asian identity. This personification of dual identity is the author’s most compelling portrayal of how young people deal with their heritage, and proves the empathetic resolution that can come out of it.

Throughout the story, author Gene Yang makes clear that there are no similarities between story lead Danny and his immigrant cousin, Chin-kee. Danny is a charming, confident teenager who understands the ins and outs of social culture, and enjoys the benefits of his status as a jock. He seems to have no problems talking to his friends, going on dates with girls, etc, until his cousin, Chin-Kee, is introduced. His abhorrent behavior (peeing in the Coke can, shouting in class, calling Melanie a “pletty Amellican girl wiff bountiful Amellican bosom” (53)), embarrasses Danny and creates a not-so-subconscious connection between him and his cousin. This goes so far as to ruin his standing with Melanie, who later remarks that “[she] never noticed it before, but your teeth kind of buck out a little” (127). 

Chin-kee’s weighing down of Danny represents a parallel of Jin’s perception of his own culture. While ultimately protective of it, he saw his heritage as an obstacle, until coming to the revelation that the character of Chin-kee was indeed a facet of Jin’s identity all along. His eventual acceptance of this comes with a token of self peace, as Jin realizes the best course of action is to accept himself as a whole, Danny and Chin-kee, and appreciate his true identity.

Transformers and Transformations

In American Born Chinese the role of the transformer toy is of great importance to the overarching theme of the novel. From claiming a spot on the front cover of the novel to forging a connecting between Jin and Wei-Chen, the transformer is a constant reminder of how the main characters- Jin, Danny, and the Monkey King -want nothing more than to change their identity and transform into someone else.

However, these desires do not come without a consequence. The Chinese herbalist warns Jin that "it's easy to become anything you wish...so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul" (Yang, 29). This is evident in all of the main characters. Jin wants to become independent from his asian roots and even fellow asian classmates. Danny wishes nothing more than to escape the shadow of his cousin Chin-Kee, stating that "by the time [Chin-Kee] leaves, no one thinks of me as Danny anymore. I'm Chin-Kee's cousin" (Yang, 127). Finally, the Monkey King, though highly regarded by his subjects, wants to distance himself from his monkey roots by practicing and mastering the twelve major disciplines of Kung-fu. The Monkey King then changes his identity to "The Great Sage, equal of Heaven" (Yang, 60). The consequences of transformation are most evident in the case of the Monkey King, for he becomes buried under a mountain of rock for five hundred years.

In all of these characters, the most inherent issue is separation from their asian roots. Jin dissociates himself from his asian heritage by rejecting Wei-Chen's original offer of friendship, which becomes more clear at the end of the novel when we are shown that Jin is actually Danny. Danny shows the true feelings of Jin- he wants to escape the reign of his Chinese roots by rejecting his cousin. Chin-Kee is a clear representation of Chinese heritage and how it is oftentimes seen by others. However, no matter where Danny moves to, Chin-Kee returns each year to wreak havoc on Danny/Jin's life, exemplifying the fact that transformations do not come without a consequence. In the end, however, the characters are more accepting of their identity, with the Monkey King stating that he "could have saved [himself] from five hundred years imprisonment beneath a mount of rock had [he] only realized how good it is to be a monkey" (Yang, 223). It is with this statement that the reader is left with a true sense of the theme of the novel- accepting who you are is the only way to live a happy life.

Parallels of the Monkey King and Jin

In American Born Chinese by Gene Yang, the role of the Monkey King narrative serves as an inspiration for Jin to reidentify himself. The narrative begins with the Monkey King mastering the “Four Major Heavenly Disciplines,” where he learns to be an effective fighter (Yang 10-11). These disciplines allow the monkey king to gang strength and be an effective leader to his monkeys. However, when the Monkey King attempts to enter a dinner party that turns him down, after accepting every other leader and even demons, the Monkey King feels insecure of his identity. The scene closes with the last panel displaying the Monkey King in pitch black lighting (20), which displays how desolate and alone he feels in his own skin.

Jin Wang has a similar crisis with his own identity when his family moves and he begins to attend Mayflower Elementary School. Jin realizes that he is one of only two Asian students in his class (31), leaving him to feel excluded from the group, just as the monkey did at the dinner party. On the first day of recess, panels display all the white kids at the school having fun playing tether ball, four square, and tag (32). On a panel just below these kids, Jin sits by himself at the end of a long picnic table eating dumplings (32). The fact that Jin is sitting on a long table, meant for a big group, all by himself, demonstrates how alone he truly is, relating his own feelings to those of the Monkey King.

Because the Monkey King feels so alone and unworthy as a monkey, he feels as though he needs to change his identity in order to fit in. As a result, the Monkey King then masters the “Four Disciplines of Bodily Form,” including shape shifting, a way to actually transform his outer appearance (58). The Monkey King believes that if he is no longer a monkey, the gods, goddesses and demons will actually respect him. He even goes as far as to change his name to “The Great Sage, Equal of Heaven” (60), enabling him to completely strip himself of his identity as a monkey.

The Monkey King’s transformation in image and identity provides hope and inspiration for Asian Americans like Jin, who believe they can change their identity to fit in. As Jin continues to feel left out from the white kids at his school, he decides he needs to conform to the appearances of those around him. He decides to change his hair to curly like Greg’s, hoping that this change will influence his crush, Amelia, to go out with him (97). However, he realizes that this change is not drastic enough, as  he still feels like an outcast among the white boys at his school. In particular, Greg, who had previously stood up for him, asks him to not ask Amelia out again because he thinks it will ruin her reputation (179). Therefore, just like the Monkey King completely changes his image and identity, Jin wishes he were a white boy and changes his name to Danny to complete his transformation (198). This transformation allows Jin to finally feel as though he belongs, instead of feeling lonely like he and the Monkey King did before they transformed their identities.

Dismantling Racist Stereotypes

          In American Born Chinese by Gene Yang, the main character, Jin, struggles with identity issues that are often reinforced by the people he interacts with. The kids at school bully and stereotype him, calling him slurs and accusing him of eating cats and dogs. As a result, he has a very poor opinion of himself and gets defensive about anything related to his heritage. When Wei-Chun arrives, Jin is very skeptical of him at first and tries to make him speak English. Essentially, he treats Wei-Chun the way that white kids treat him. This does a lot to show how racist stereotypes really affect the people that they are inflicted on. Jin is so insecure about his identity that he takes it out on someone who, by all accounts, he should be able to empathize with. Jin being able to put aside his perceptions and fears in order to befriend Wei-Chun.
          The part of the novel depicting the story of Danny and Chin-Kee also goes a long way to prove that racist stereotypes are prevalent and how people often cope with them by reinventing themselves. Jin perms his hair and tries to act like he doesn't have any ties to his culture because he's so scared of how people will treat him if he doesn't conform. "Danny" is very embarrassed by Chin-Kee and all that he represents, not to mention how he doesn't seem to understand the cultural norms that Danny wants him to. Chin-Kee represents the part of Jin's identity that he's ashamed of and wants to leave behind.
          The biggest change comes when it is revealed that Chin-Kee is part of Danny all along and that their story is a metaphor for how Jin feels. He can try to change himself as much as he wants, but he will never feel better until he accepts the part of him that he dislikes and that others made fun of. Jin dismantles his own stereotypes of how he believes he's supposed to act by accepting the reality of who he is and the fact that it doesn't make him worth anything different than others.

Structure of American Born Chinese

The structure of American Born Chinese obviously plays a large role, as the events are not presented in the order in which they happen. It is interesting that Yang chose this method of storytelling instead of a more linear one. While this non-linear form does add an exciting element to reading the graphic novel, I would argue that Yang also made this decision to emphasize the similarities in experiences that many Asian Americans feel. 

The first part of the graphic novel is presented in what appears to be three separate storylines. The reader has no indication that the Monkey King, Danny, and Jin are all connected in any way, let alone that Danny is Jin and that the Monkey King is Chin-Kee. Throughout this part of the story, I believe that Yang intended for the events that the three characters, the Monkey King, Jin, and Danny, experienced to have similarities. Although each character, obviously, has their differences, they each are used by Yang to show the importance of being who you are and owning your identity. Jin struggles to accept his Chinese heritage, and this, as we later learn, causes him to turn into Danny. Even before he learns his lesson by becoming Danny, the reader is shown that Jin is struggling to accept his Asian-American identity. For example, he avoids being friends with the other Asian-American girl in his class, and he fights becoming friends with Wei-Chen. This struggle to accept his identity is also reflected in the Monkey King.

Yung successfully compares the Monkey King and Jin by eventually having both characters undergo physical transformations. These physical transformations from a monkey to more human and from Jin to Danny represent the respective characters disregarding their identities in favor of what they believe is wanted of them. The Monkey King’s drive to be a deity ultimately does him a disservice, as it forces him to stay stuck in the rocks until he becomes a monkey again, and Danny is not able to understand that he has become a completely different person.

Even at the beginning of the graphic novel, before it is revealed that all three storylines are connected, Yang connects the characters in a way that reinforces the idea that people experience similar problems with identity. Without the knowledge that all three storylines are connected, the reader is able to draw connections between the characters. If the reader simply saw the plot happen chronologically, then this connection between storylines would be lost.

Never Judge a Book by...

     American Born Chinese embodies the definition of never judge a book by its cover for so many different reasons, from it being a graphic novel, to the actual pictures in the book, and finally drastic change we see from the first half of the book to the second half.
     Graphic novels do not get much respect in classrooms across the country as we heard today in the Ted Talk with Gene Luen Yang.  Yet, from Yang's personal experience, graphic novels did something that technology never could.  Graphic novels immersed the students into the work and allowed them to go at their own pace. The illustrations and lessons in "comics are what I call permanent" (Yang). Essentially every part of the problem is laid out on the page in front of a student, allowing them to take it all in simultaneously or frame by frame.  The stigma of comics and graphic novels being for nerds or those who are immature has slowly been dispelled.  But, the stereotype still remain for many.  American Born Chinese shatters this by delivering important, some may even say crucial information, in a way that is easily attainable for all people. A potential reader may be quick to judge the book because it is indeed a graphic novel, but that judgement would be wrong.  Just as it may be easy to assume this graphic novel has nothing to teach, it is just as easy to quickly skim through and only read the words.  Be warned, this would be mistake number two.
     Students are infamous for taking the easy way out; they are all in a race to finish. This is the hidden trap in a graphic novel like American Born Chinese because the pictures themselves tell half of the story.  A reader may be going through the text and thinking one thing, but if they were to look at the pictures they reveal an entirely new representation.  For example on page 40 where the two American students are depicted as big, muscular jocks playing football, Jin and Wei-Chen are drawn extremely basic, small, and almost as a second thought.  This depiction can be taken in a larger context as the two Asian-American students feel small and insignificant in their own school.  They feel as if they are overshadowed by everyone else, not given a chance to fit in. Looking further to page 99 we can see Wei-Chen interacting with the monkey in the classroom.  If one were to closely examine this picture they could identify similarities between the way the money and Wei-Chen are drawn and depicted.  In one frame it even appears as if Wei-Chen's arm is a monkey arm, a dead giveaway for what is to come later in the graphic novel. This leads directly to the third possible mistake while dealing with this book: assuming things about the characters.
     I am guilty of making this mistake and presuming the three stories were similar in nature but not intertwined.  I believed there was a common theme or teaching that would reveal itself throughout the graphic novel.  Yet, the latter part of the book proves this wrong. It all begins with Cousin Chin-Kee who reveals his true form, the Monkey King, and implores 'Danny' "perhaps it is time to reveal yours [true form]" (Yang 213). 'Danny' then shifts back into Jin, a transformation we had just learned. American Born Chinese is full of these twists and turns, intertwining seemingly separate stories into one narrative.  This stands out as not only a theme in the book but a theme throughout America and our treatment of others.  We judge those by how they look, by where they're from, and never truly see them for who they are.
     Yang masks and hides characters true identities throughout the entire book but leaves us hints at the same time.  If you never picked up and gave this graphic novel a chance, you would not know.  If you never looked in depth at the pictures, you would not know.  If you assumed things about the characters, you would not know. Similarly, in real life if you judge and assume, you will never know.

Acceptance of Identity

Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese is a graphic novel that explores the idea of cultural identity of the course of the book. Through the use of both visuals as well as text, the novel demonstrates the endeavors of the various characters -- the Monkey King, Jin, and Danny -- as they try to discover who they truly are, both physically and culturally.

Through the storylines of these three characters, it is evident that they are searching for their true identity. At the beginning of the novel, none of them have discovered who they are and what they stand for, and each have inner conflicts as they search for the best version of themselves. The Monkey King wants acceptance from the immortal beings, Jin wants to assimilate to American culture and forget his background, and Danny wants to uphold his American identity without disruptions from his Chinese cousin, Chin-Kee. For example, the Monkey King masters the twelve disciplines of kung-fu as a means of transforming into a god. Even though he considers himself a god, the god who created him “says that [the Monkey King is] a monkey. Therefore [he is] a monkey” (Yang 69). Despite his attempts to hide his true being, there is no escaping who the Monkey King truly is. On the other hand, Jin and Danny come to terms with their true selves in a very similar manner. Jin does his best to assimilate to American culture and American ideals, which is seen through the way that he mentors Wei-Chen, and “show[s him]  how things work in America” (Yang 102). While Wei-Chen sees this as an act of kindness and appreciates the way that Jin has helped him, this reinforces just how much Jin wants to put his Asian past behind him, and forget his true identity. Danny faces a similar fate throughout the course of the novel. He appears completely American, and yet his cousin Chin-Kee always comes to visit, “talking his stupid talk and eating his stupid food” as a means of reminding Danny about his past (Yang 127). Just before Danny begins to make a new life for himself at a new school, Chin-Kee arrives as a reminder of his culture and who he is. In fact, it is later revealed that Danny and Jin are actually the same person. They both struggle with their true character and want to forget their pasts and embrace life in America. The book helps to visualize how important it is for them to hold on to their cultural background.

Essentially, Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese analyzes the importance of the acceptance of one’s cultural identity in the novel, which is visualized through the three storylines of the Monkey King, Jin, and Danny. While each of these characters have different stories, they are ultimately unable to pretend to be someone who they are not, and must choose to embrace their culture and appreciate who they really are.

Identity Issues in American Born Chinese

              Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese tackles the real-world struggle with personal image and identity issues in a graphic novel format. A foreboding omen near the beginning of the novel hints at these themes, prophesying, “It’s easy to become anything you wish…so long as you’re willing to forfeit your soul” (Yang 29). All three main characters want to be someone or something they are not. The Monkey King wants to be a god and be accepted into heaven with the other spirits; Jin wants to hide his true Asian-American identity behind his American status; and Danny does not want to be associated with his Chinese cousin. Throughout their individual storylines, they all share the struggle of learning to be true to themselves. Just as the omen suggests, there are consequences to pretending to be someone you are not, but there are also consequences to staying true to yourself. Either way, there is a price to pay, so it is up to each character to decide who exactly they want to be.

              The Monkey King’s journey towards finding humility begins when he is rejected by the other gods and spirits of heaven simply because he is a monkey. He does not give up so easily, though. He resolves to “[master] twelve major disciplines of Kung-Fu and [transcend his] former title” in order to prove himself to the other gods (Yang 60). He calls himself “The Great Sage, Equal of Heaven” and learns to shapeshift into a humanoid form so that those in heaven might take him more seriously (Yang 60). His ego is so inflated, and he changes himself so much that he actually seems to forget that he is still a monkey, and he will always be a monkey no matter how many disciplines of Kung-Fu he masters. Despite his attempts to be something he is not, he can never change his true identity. He must accept his fate and become who he was truly meant to be if he ever wishes to gain heaven’s recognition and favor. Until he does this, he remains imprisoned under a mountain of rocks for five hundred years.

              Jin and Danny are revealed to be the same person, since Jin just wants to be a regular all-American boy who doesn’t have to deal with negative Asian-American racial stereotypes. When this wish comes true and he wakes up one morning to find a blond, white, normal all-American boy gaping back at him in the mirror, he is glad to leave his Asian-American identity behind and enjoy this new life as a typical American male. However, this twist of fate is too good to be true. When Danny’s cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit, he exists as a physical reminder of Jin’s Asian-American roots. Eventually, Danny transforms back into Jin and cousin Chin-Kee is actually revealed to be the Monkey King. Here, all three storylines merge into one with a single shared lesson. The Monkey King advises Jin, “‘I would have saved myself from five hundred years’ imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey’” (Yang 223). This moral reflects the warning behind the omen at the beginning of the novel: you forfeit your soul by pretending to be somebody you’re not. So, all three characters must come to terms with their true identities and learn to appreciate and be happy with who they are, rather than trying to be something they are not.

American Born Chinese: Representation and Awareness

American Born Chineseby Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novel that tackles difficult topics like racism and the concept of individuality in face of adversity. By teaching readers through a visual medium, Yang is better able to portray the challenges of his characters to fit into a society that will not accept them.  Young readers in particular can benefit from this form of education. Two types of readers that this graphic novel is particularly beneficial for are those who can relate to challenges Jin Wang faces as the child of immigrants and those who are unintentionally insensitive to the challenges people like Jin face regularly. 

Yang portrays relatable scenarios in American Born Chinese for those who don’t fit in perfectly with the white American population. Like we discussed in class, the repeated butchering of both Jin and Wei-Chen by teachers is familiar to many who do not have typical American names. The blatant lack of respect for other cultures by people in authority, in this case the teachers, perpetuates the issue and tells the impressionable students that it is okay to act this way. This same behavior exists in the teacher’s response to Timmy saying, “My momma says Chinese people eat dogs” (31). The teacher brushes off the heinous comment without teaching the students about actual Chinese culture or even correcting the stereotype. Behavior like this is all too common, and while everyone’s experiences are different, I am confident that this sort of treatment is familiar to many.  

American Born Chinese is also very beneficial to those who are in the majority and have not struggled with their cultural identity like Jin has. I think that far too many of us are unaware of this privilege and are not contentious of the battles others are fighting. Greg’s character embodies this mentality. Greg is not a bad person and does not allow his friends to attack Jin over offensive stereotypes, saying “Hey be cool, man” when they do (32). However, Greg also does not go out of his way to support Jin, and later even interferes with Jin dating Amelia. Greg asks Jin to not ask her out again because he “just [doesn’t] know if [Jin is] right for her” (180). Unlike his friends, Greg does not try to attack Jin for his differences, but he also is not fully comfortable with Jin either.  Too many people fall into this category that is not outwardly harmful, but also not supportive of those they perceive to be different. Reading American Born Chinese  is an eye-opening experience for those of us who, like Greg, need to do more to support individuality and cultural differences. 

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words (American Born Chinese)

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang provides us with a different way to approach and portray topics for readers. Instead of solely relying on pages of text to tell a meaningful story, Yang created a graphic novel that utilizes frames of pictures with small amounts of text and speech bubbles to get his points across. While it is possible to just read the text on each page to get a general idea of the story, the pictures are what provide the reader with the full story. 

For graphic novels, the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” holds true. Instead of having to describe everything in the story using words, the author can use a single picture to describe multiple things at once. When Jin and Amelia are at the movie theater together, Yang almost exclusively uses pictures without any text to show both of their experiences that night. When the pair first get seated inside the theater on page 165, they both have nervous sweat coming from their heads and empty speech bubbles showing the reader that their situation is awkward and neither of them know what they should do. Within the same scene on page 170, Yang again decides not to use words to describe the interaction between Jin and Amelia, which in this case is Jin making the classic move of pretending to stretch to put his arm around Amelia. Here, the reader can see that at first Amelia is a bit shocked by the action and doesn’t immediately react, making Jin nervous and slightly embarrassed. Amelia sees Jin’s reaction and leans into him, surprising him. In the last frame, the two are seen leaning into each other happily. Although there isn’t any text to describe the situation to the reader, they are able to infer everything they need to know from the provided images. 

American Born Chinese being a graphic novel also helps Yang examine the racism and stereotyping that Asian-Americans face in this country. With the use of images, Yang is able to show a character that consists of the most common Chinese stereotype characteristics. The character Chin-Kee is shown as a Chinese teenager who wears traditional Chinese clothing, has squinty eyes, buck teeth, switches his R’s and L’s, and mentions that he is eating “clispy flied cat gizzards wiff noodle” (114). If someone was to just read the text on each page, they would be able to understand that there was a Chinese character who struggles with English, it isn’t until looking at the pictures that one realizes that the character is meant to embody the American stereotypes of Chinese people. The character of Chin-Kee jumps out at the reader and is easily understood in what he represents. This allows Yang to focus more on what he wants the reader to take away from his work. 

Graphic novels facilitate a more visual way to tell stories and teach lessons compared to regular, text only novels. By utilizing pictures to capture scenes and body language, graphic novels are able to tell stories just like their plain text counterparts, but instead without a large amount of text. Graphic novels are able to tell stories efficiently thanks to pictures being “worth a thousand words”.

Role of Transformers in ABC

The toy transformers that Jin and his friends play with at the beginning of American Born Chinese would not seem significant from simply the images and text.  However, Gene Yang takes careful consideration to make sure we immediately take notice of these seemingly normal toys.  On the cover art, the transformer toy Jin is holding takes up a significant portion of the page.  Jin's transformer represents his desire to become someone else (ultimately that being Danny) and abandon what makes him different, his Asian descent.  Telling the herbalist that he wants to be a transformer isn't out of place for a young kid, but the reasons he gives for his desire is what makes it significant.  He wants to be "a robot in disguise" and "more than meets the eye" (28).  These lines being bolded gives further evidence to Yang's desire to use Jin's transformer in this way.  Oddly enough, Jin receives what he desires and becomes Danny, a white kid who is breaking into being popular.  But his transformation doesn't completely erase his Asian roots.  Rather, they are reincarnated as Chin-Kee.  Though Chin-Kee embodies the stereotypes others hold about Asians, he also embodies how Jin has been molded to think about his Asian roots through the bullying and discrimination he experiences.  Jin thinks that his Asian descent is what is ruining his life as he explains as Danny on page 126-127 that Chin-Kee always appears and ruins his social life, forcing him to run away.  Danny's fight with Chin-Kee later is the ultimate rejection of his Asian heritage, while Chin-Kee's reveal as the Monkey King is a reminder to Jin of how he should be proud of his heritage instead.

Interestingly however, the toy on the cover isn't Jin's toy seen on page 23.  Rather, it is Wei-Chen's toy seen on page 39.  As Jin's transformer represent his desire to be someone else, perhaps holding Wei-Chen's instead of his own represents his eventual acceptance of his Chinese side, as Wei-Chen is instrumental in this transformation in Jin's life.  Speaking of this robot in particular, Wei-Chen mentions that his "can change into a robot monkey" (39).  This both foreshadows the reveal of the Monkey King's relation to Wei-Chen as well as gives us a potential insight into Wei-Chen's mind that we don't really get in the novel.  The robot-monkey is a reminder to Wei-Chen about his role in the world, both his need to be virtuous and his loyalty to his father and Tze-Yo-Tzuh.  Though Wei'Chen eventually rejects this role and transforms into a gangster of some sort, he eventually finds his way again through the Monkey King and Jin's influence

Medium and Message

When looking at American Born Chinese, the medium and message combined have a larger impact than just one of them on their own would be able to convey. Both the medium of the graphic novel and the morals Yang conveys in the plot of American Born Chinese have pertinent traits that could be analyzed on their own, but the intersection of these two aspects presents something more than the sum of its parts.

One doesn’t have to know all the horrible intricacies of the history of Asian-American oppression in the United States to know that cousin Chin-Kee’s portrayal is a commentary on the stereotypes to which that oppression has given rise. When Chin-Kee enters the plotline, he’s depicted as larger than life- he almost fills an entire frame, stereotypes and all. He’s wearing traditional Asian clothing, has very small eyes that are slanted closed, and even has take-out boxes for his “luggage,” all very prevalent Asian-American stereotypes in America’s popular culture (Yang 48). Yang relies on the presence of pictures in this scene- the graphics play a big role in emphasizing the scope of the stereotypes. Chin-Kee’s size in the frame makes it impossible for the reader to ignore the offensive tropes Yang depicts, stereotypes that Yang “yanked… straight out of American pop culture” (Yang). If the book were written as a traditional novel without pictures, Chin-Kee’s stereotyped description would have to be conveyed through words rather than an image. This change in format would diminish the scene’s impact, as Chin-Kee’s size in the frame would have to be left out, somewhat diminishing the impact his initial arrival has through its graphic portrayal.

Conveying this complicated relationship between minorities and American-born stereotypes surrounding these minorities is something that’s done in doctoral theses, but Yang chooses a graphic novel. The graphic novel medium of American Born Chinese, in addition to its more fantastical elements like physical transformations and “Monkey King, Emissary of Tze-Yo-Tzuh,” appeal to a younger audience, cloaking the elevated themes of colorization and ingrained racism in a veil of immaturity (Yang 211). The graphic novel format removes the responsibility of world-building and character visualization from the reader’s shoulders, allowing them to immediately immerse themselves in the world of the novel, which makes for a quick and fun read. Conveying layered messages about racism and generalization in this easy-to-digest format, using snapshots of action instead of long descriptions, makes the message that much more powerful. When Danny and Chin-Kee fight, all of Chin-Kee’s exclamations play on racist stereotypes- “Spicy Szechuan Dragon!... Kung Pao Attack!... Happy Famiry Head Bonk!... Peking Strike!” (Yang 206-211). If this scene were depicted through words, the impact of these “battle cries” would be lost amidst the description of the fight scene. Using pictures to convey the fight and having the only words on the page be examples of perpetuated stereotypes in America means that the audience is confronted with the reality of these stereotypes in every single frame. The juxtaposition between the bombardment of stereotypes and the medium of the graphics emphasizes the stereotypes’ prevalence and normalization in American culture, speaking to Yang’s larger theme of the troubling implications of normalized discrimination.

Citations: “GENE YANG on STEREOTYPES.” First Second Books, 1 May 2007, firstsecondbooks.com/uncategorized/gene_yang_on_st/.

Symbolism of the Transformer

In American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, I think the desire to be someone else is a theme most people can relate to. Just as the ever present transformer action figure throughout the novel, the Monkey King works to be a god, Jin Wang wants his appearance to match his American status, and Danny hopes to hide his association with his Chinese cousin. Though the Monkey King is accepted as a god by his fellow monkeys, he is not content, and believes he must prove it to the gods and goddesses of heaven. However, when rejected because of his being a monkey, he isolates himself, eventually appearing to his monkey followers to show that he has "mastered twelve major disciplines of Kung-Fu and transcended [his] former title" to now be called "The Great Sage, Equal of Heaven" (Yang 60). One discipline in particular, shape shifting, allows him to take on the human-like figure that he has always aspired to have. Yet, he is still rejected by the gods and goddesses, sentenced to imprisonment for five hundred years under a sealed mountain of rocks. He is only given a task by the gods when he accepts that he is a monkey and returns to his true form. Equal to the action figure that can change from car to robot, the Monkey King can try to disguise himself with his skills, but he will always be a monkey. I think this serves as an important message to young readers that no matter how much one attempts to be something they are not, it will never change who they are and who they were meant to be. Once they accept their fate and come to love who they are, it is much more fulfilling and a happier way to live.
This message also pertains to Jin Wang and Danny, who are actually the same person. In junior high, Jin transfers from San Francisco, but is treated by teachers and classmates as though he transferred from China. The stereotypes of intelligence, language, foods, and cultural rules follow him, causing him to wish for nothing more than to be an All-American boy on the outside as he is on the inside. This wish and some magic transforms him into just that, and he calls himself Danny. However, his past haunts him, when his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee comes for the annual visit that has caused him to transfer schools in the past. When his cousin proves the stereotypes the Jin Wang transformer had always avoided and he is upset, Danny returns to his former self and Chin-Kee transforms into the Monkey King. While he tries to change his exterior as Jin and his past as Danny, he is and will always be the son of Chinese immigrants. As the monkey tells Jin, he "could have saved [him]self from five hundred years' imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had [he] only realized how good it is to be a monkey" (Yang 223). Thus, Jin can only be satisfied when he accepts his identity, his relatives, and his past in the same way that the Monkey King can only be a true god when he uses monkey identity to serve his fellow monkeys and others instead of proving something that he is not. This philosophy can be transferred to today's society, as money, appearance, and background should not change who one is as a person.

The Importance of Graphic Novels

Graphic novels have been considered entertainment for many years, but they have proven to have literary value as well as shown through examples like American Born Chinese.  Graphic novels give the reader another way to experience the story besides the traditional words only way.  In American Born Chinese the reader can gain insight from the dialog between characters as well as the body language and facial expressions of the characters.  The artist can also emphasize certain emotions or instances through their artistic choice.  For instance, on page 40 Jin and Wei-Chen are put into the background and given very little detail in comparison to the American boys playing football in the foreground.  This helps to illustrate their feeling of isolation.  Since they are different and the other kids discriminate against them, they fade into the background both in the image and in their lives. 

               Graphic novels also help make hard to deal with stories a little more palatable.  American Born Chinese focuses on the racism that Jin and other Asian-Americans face in their everyday lives.  The character Chin-Kee embodies many common stereotypes placed on Asian-Americans from old political comics: he is dressed in stereotypical Chinese clothes, has a long braid, and frequently mixes up L’s and R’s.  Even though the scenes with Chin-Kee are formatted like a funny sitcom, the book is calling out many harmful stereotypes in the hopes that readers will recognize them and refrain from perpetuating them.  Throughout the book, Jin is under immense pressure to fit in with the other American kids.  When he is first introduced one kid says, “My momma says Chinese people eat dogs.”  The teacher’s immediate response is to mildly chide him and to say, “I’m sure Jin doesn’t do that! In fact, Jin’s family probably stopped that sort of thing as soon as they came to the United States!” (31)  This shows just how severe the discrimination and stereotyping was for Jin and how immigrants are immediately pressured into conforming to “normal” American ways.  It is one thing for kids to buy into ridiculous stereotypes, but it is a bigger problem if the adults do nothing to correct such behavior. 

               By being a graphic novel, American Born Chinese is able to reach a broader audience due to its approachability.  People think that graphic novels will be easy to read and understand, so they are more likely to pick a graphic novel version than a traditional novel of the same story.  Most people would not grab a memoir of a childhood filled with discrimination, but the friendly exterior and simple format make American Born Chinese more approachable for young adults.  Overall, graphic novels can be a good gateway to deeper stories for young adults since it combines education with a fun and accommodating format. 

Transforming Yourself (American Born Chinese)

            The theme of transformation is very prominent in American Born Chinese. The character of the Monkey King learns to transform himself because he believes that it will help him fit in with the other deities he knows. Jin gets his wish and transforms into Danny, going from a young Asian boy who be believes will never be accepted to a young All-American boy who is accepted, all until his cousin Chin-Kee comes along. Even Wei-Chen goes through a transformation, going from an optimist that believes humanity is basically good to a cynic that believes all humans are selfish and terrible. Each of these characters’ transformations is rooted in how others see them. The Monkey King wants to transform because he is excluded from the community of the deities for being a monkey, and is laughed at for trying to become immortal and fit in with the other gods. Jin wants to be somebody else because he is tired of facing the teasing of others and wants to escape the box that his heritage puts him into in the eyes of his peers. Even Wei-Chen’s transformation comes as a result of his peers in school casting him in a prejudiced light, his friend Jin seeing him as immature and disposable, and his father seeing him as a failure for being unable to help Jin be at peace with who he is. While each of these transformations are different, they are all motivated by the prejudice of others, the feeling of exclusion, and the desire to be accepted by those around them.

            I think every young person has desired to transform themselves at some point. We all dream of being the best version of ourselves, and we struggle to come to terms with who we are. When I was younger, I was a quirky, lonely kid who preferred to spend her days reading books in the quiet of her room. I wrote many stories in which I transformed myself into a character in the books I was reading because I wanted desperately to escape my life in which I had no friends or siblings, I was being bullied at school, my father was overseas and my mother was always working. And when I changed schools for high school, I changed my name to try and leave who I was in elementary and middle school behind. I looked back at who I had been and hated myself, and so I crafted a new persona and gave her a new name to become the person I wanted to be and erase the person I had been. So on a non-cultural identity level I can relate to Jin who tries so desperately to leave behind the parts of himself he doesn’t like. I do believe that there is some good to transforming yourself into a person you like better, but I can say from experience that the only way to truly overcome dislike of yourself is to acknowledge and accept every bit of what makes you who you are.