Not only was work hard in America but it was also extremely difficult for a Chinese family to assimilate. The transition into American culture is hard because of differences in beliefs, language and custom.

The first reason why their transition into was difficult is because of the differences between Chinese and American beliefs. Brave Orchid's traditional beliefs did not diminish although she was living in America. This was displayed when Brave Orchid confronted Moon Orchid's husband. Brave Orchid in her Chinese upbringing assumed Moon Orchid could just take her place as the first wife of her husband once she arrived in America. Although in China polygamy was overlooked, she did not realize that it is not accepted in western culture. Another belief that Brave Orchid has is that Americans are bar

barians. Even though she believes this, she knows that she cannot return to China for her children were born amongst "ghosts" and are themselves "ghost - like." Brave Orchid also believes that the "ghost" use new plastic in airports to lure immigrants into feeling safe and spilling secrets. This is further explained when she states that the "Alien Office could send them right back" (p. 115). Another statement made by Brave Orchid that shows the importance of keeping secret is, "There were secrets never to be said in front of ghosts, immigration secrets whose telling could also get us sent back to China" (p. 183). Kingston explains that since they cannot trust Americans it is impossible for Chinese parents to trust their children with their secrets. Kingston continues by saying, "How can Chinese keep any traditions at all? They don't even make [us] pay attention, slipping in a ceremony and clearing the table before [we] notice specialness" (p. 185). Many times the American born children would ask about their customs but they were never answered. Consequently they became apathetic towards the place their parents called home.

The last difficulty mentioned is the differences between Chinese and American customs. Kings

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Approximate Word count = 830
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)