Well, you never knew exactly how much space you occupied in people's lives. Yet from this fog his affection emerged--the best contacts are when one knows the obstacles and still wants to preserve a relation.
F. Scott FitzgeraldRead
Because growing up as an Asian-American and growing up as someone who is not white, oftentimes in this country you can feel as though you're a foreigner, or you're reminded of being a foreigner, even though you're not. Even though inside, internally, you feel completely American.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the internal conflict of identity experienced by Asian-Americans, feeling both American and foreign simultaneously.
Lee Isaac Chung's quote highlights the complex emotions faced by individuals of Asian descent in America, who often navigate a dual identity. Despite feeling a strong connection to their American identity, societal perceptions can create feelings of alienation and otherness, leading to a sense of being viewed as outsiders even in their own country.
Themes
IdentityBelongingAmericanForeignerAsian-American
In practice
Example use cases
During a cultural awareness seminar, this quote could illustrate the challenges faced by minority communities.
Similar quotes
I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.
Oscar WildeRead
She was not good on the phone. She needed the face, the pattern of eyes, nose, trembling mouth... People talking were meant to look at a face, the disastrous cupcake of it, the hide-and-seek of the heart dashing across. With a phone, you said words, but you never watched them go in. You saw them off at the airport but never knew whether there was anyone there to greet them when they got off the plane.
Lorrie MooreRead
I'm part of a community that holds each other up, and it's been great to be held up too.
Elizabeth EdwardsRead
The deepest hunger in human beings is the desire to be appreciated.
William JamesRead
It feels like a punch. Tears fill my eyes, and I wonder how I could be upset over losing something I never had.
Jodi PicoultRead