Fresh Off the Boat – “Hi, My Name Is…”
Fresh Off the Boat is beacon of light in an otherwise whitewashed TV show landscape. It perfectly shows the struggles of first generation immigrant families and drives the message home with strong humor while remaining completely respectful. This show is not only a much needed positive representation of the Asian community, but it also serves as a learning tool for white America. I can personally vouch for many of the situations in the show since I am the child of immigrants who came to America for a better life. “Hi, My Name Is…” is the most powerful and affecting episode to come out this year. It deals with the notion of sacrificing cultural identity to try and assimilate into American society better. Things like adopting an American pseudonym so people can pronounce your name and not discriminate against you. That is the reason my parents chose the name they did for me, and also why they were socially forced to change their names. Like the show, what I would learn later in life is that changing your name to better adapt in society doesn’t mean you are sacrificing or betraying your cultural heritage or history. Your name is a part of you and it doesn’t define the kind of person you will become. -Jon Espino
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