Analysis of The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong Research Paper

Analysis of The Concubine's Children by Denise Chong - Research Paper Example The idea of adaptation is one that becomes fragmented in identity and in being able to move to a foreign land without associating one’s identity with being foreign. Complexities in Immigrant Adaptation The immigrant adaptation that is developed in various regions is dependent on attitudes, behaviors, definitions and associations with a majority culture. The attitudes which are created create differences between the majority or native groups and the minority groups and immigrants that come from a different region. The first level of adaptation is one which is based on culture shock, which is based on the initial reactions, misunderstandings and lack of understanding about the majority culture. The process then continues with trying to adapt to behaviors, cultural norms, language and identifying the self in a different context. However, this often occurs without completely adapting into society or being a part of the majority mentality and group. The ability to adapt is based on cognitive styles and the association with both individual personality and overall adaptation into society (Witkin, 17). Throughout the explanations offered by Chong, there is a sense of trying to adapt and the continuous displacement that is a part of coming from China and assimilating in Canada. The metaphor that is used is one which is based on having a division of identity in two, one which belongs to the old culture and the other which is a part of the new. â€Å"It was as if the coat, in its last performance, in forbearance and forgiveness, had itself restored the two halves of the family – one in Canada, one in China – to one† (Chong, 3). This particular example becomes a main association in the book where the idea of adaptation also means losing part of one’s identity to gain another. While there is a strong association with the original culture, the need to be a part of the new becomes the main concern. The ability to adapt within society is not only seen with the tearing apart of identity by trying to fit in with the majority. There are also other layers of adaptation which occur. Acculturation and ethnic relations are two areas which are defined when one is working into a society. Acculturation is when an individual decides to begin being a part of the majority culture. Language, food, dress and other appearances are a part of the main culture while the area in which one immigrates form is left behind. The desire is to build ethnic relations with others that are in the community while creating a plural society of multiculturalism. It is noted that this changes security, tolerance and ethnic attitudes among both majority and minority groups while developing attitudes within the larger of society (Berry, 719: 2006). The changes in attitude that are noted with adaptation is one that is also seen in the narration. For instance, when working toward moving into the Canadian community, it is expected that Chen Sam and his family lives in Chinatown, works in a sewing factory and takes their place among immigrants. While this is expected for immigrants, the need to adapt into the society becomes more prominent based on need and the expected lifestyle of those working in the country. â€Å"Chan Sam had his own ideas about what his daughter’s next move should be. ‘Everybody is buying a house,’ he said. He persuaded them to look at what he’d found for sale†¦ Winnie and John liked the neighborhood. There was a United Church across the