Growing Up As a Chinese American in the 70s

By Yoobin Song

 James Lee’s character in Everything I Never Told You is affected due to the stereotype of being a Chinese American living in the 70s. James was born and raised in the United States, yet he is always seen as an outsider due to his looks and his race. This stereotype that he must break makes him the father, professor, and person he is in the book. On their wedding day, James overhears Marilyn’s mother’s questioning makes his insecurity about the marriage even stronger. Especially in the 70s, when cross-racial marriage was not common, this affected James more than ever. Specifically when Marilyn’s mother brings up the fact and asks Marilyn if “you’re sure, she said, that he doesn’t just want a green card?” exemplifies the struggle of one living and loving as an Asian American in the United States in the 70s (Ng 53).  James starts to get more insecure because he knows that he looks different, and his looks are affecting his love with the woman he is in love with. One’s love being questioned and accused of loving for a purpose shows how James is affected by being a Chinese American living in the United States in the 70s. Even when he thinks that Marilyn is his safe person and place, deep down, because of his insecurities he is never able to trust her and make a sincere connection with her. Specifically, James overhearing and knowing that Marilyn’s mother never would approve or accept the marriage makes him more prone to arguments about things even when he does not mention the insecurity, he feels about himself. James growing up as an outsider, having to break the stereotypes set for him, leads to his insecurities and impact on personal connections showing the hardness James has to face due to being a Chinese American living in the 70s trying to prove himself.