Measuring Up

Cici’s family immigrates because Cici’s parents believe that Cici will have more opportunities in America. Disconnected from her A-má and learning about new life in the United States, Cici navigates blending her culture with the American culture in which she is now immersed. This is only made more difficult by assumptions other students make about her; they call her pickled cucumbers “rotten worms” and make her feel ashamed, a feeling that lingers until the end of the novel (19). As part of her personal journey, Cici comes to the realization that she is both Taiwanese and American.

Cici never thinks about erasing her Taiwanese identity. Rather, she conceals it when people may look down on her for creating a Taiwanese dish or so that they won’t think her culture’s customs contradict American ones. She is open with A-má, who would never view her as different. When she discusses the oddness of fireplaces with A-má, her grandmother says: “I hear American houses are all made of wood. Aiyah! Burning a fire inside!” (131). However, while she feels like she can discuss this with A-má, Cici isn’t candid with her American friends. She spends much of her time being afraid that they won’t accept her, and that she has to keep her ”Taiwanese home separate from [her] American life” (147).