The mothers use these stories to tell their daughters all about life and hopefully instill good morals, yet the lives that the mothers lived growing up in a different culture doesn't benefit there daughters who are Americanized to such a degree that this form of communication is not only ineffective, it is destructive. A Chinese mother will demand respect and and could be considered a dictator in some situations. This may not have been so difficult if the daughters were to grow up

in China, but it is a real challenge and it questions the relationship between the mother and daughter. Frustration begins on both sides and builds to a boiling point as each finds the other's methods either useless or impossible. The mothers in the story are teaching the only way they know how and with so much faith in the in the Oral Traditions,

while their daughters have so little understanding. The third story, "American Translation" touches on these concepts, and proves that over time and through each generation there is a new interpretation from the child that is brought up in the American culture.

Amy Tan throughout the entire story gives examples of mothers in the Chinese culture trying to influence their American children with their old customs and traditions. Over time we see a constant struggle between child and parent in every culture but in the Chinese culture the morals and traditions seem to be a little stronger and run a little deeper. In conclusion one cannot determine what exactly is beneficial or destructive but rather view it as a trying experience and hopefu

Some common words found in the essay are:
Amy Tan, America Chinese, American Translation, America Americans, Traditions McGuire-2, chinese culture, amy tan, beneficial destructive, mother daughter, morals traditions,
Approximate Word count = 734
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)