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Scenario #2: Learning to prepare and cook an Asian style meal

Mother: “Aiyah! No, no! You cut the carrots too chunky and big! Whoever eat that will choke! You, not thinking!”

Daughter: “Ma, everyone in the family has healthy teeth. They could bite and chew longer.”

Mother: “How many times I tell you! Make food look good by cutting smaller pieces. You must learn to prepare and cook well, so you could attractive a future husband. Good food is the key to keep his heart and devotion to you. You are too young, don’t understand.”

Daughter: “Why? Really? What does that have to do with cutting carrots?”

Mother: “That is to prove you have some life skills as a future wife. No man would want you, my daughter if you don’t know how to please him.”

Daughter: “Why do I have to please him, when he could please me?”

Mother: “Keeping the peace is important, my daughter. One day, when you have a husband, remember my words.”

Moral lesson:

Traditional values are important and individuality are not glorified being raised by an immigrant mother. I admired her sincerity and always considered my future.

By Jazzmin S. Lu