This is really four separate stories all related to the Chinese-American experience. The first is told against the background of the gold rush and the building of the transcontinental railroad. Ah Ling leaves his impoverished life in China for the "Gold Mountain"and becomes a servant to a wealthy man. The second story follows the career of Anna Mae Wong, a movie star who, although a great beauty, struggled to overcome racial barriers to her career. The racially motivated beating of Vincent Chin is the core of the third story. This story happened in our life time. Did we notice? Finally a young couple goes to China to adopt a baby girl and struggle with what it means to be hyphenated. All explore the Chinese-American experience in various decades. All are based are real stories. There are positive moments but mostly the stories raise many questions about identity and the roots of prejudice.
No comments:
Post a Comment