Personal Narrative: The Relationship With My Family

In the past couple years, I faced emotions of loneliness, worthlessness and even depression. I spent those years trying to figure out what was the cause of these serious emotions and one of the answers that I stumbled upon was when I finally talked to a therapist about dealing with my depression. The simple answer was the relationship with my family and the environment I was in; Figuring out what to do about it was the next giant leap. Throughout history, America has been known as an immigrant country that uses the phrase “The American Dream” over and over, but what is it really? “That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” (James Truslow

As my education began, there was an obvious difference between families. I was more secluded and there was a difference in behavior and mannerism. Growing up, I saw this dissonance between my parents and myself. The more I tried to lessen the distance, the more father they appeared. I began distancing myself and became ashamed of my parents and their tradition. My family now considers me more “Americanized” being more accustomed to social norms and having the same mannerisms. Because of this, there are arguments in the differences of views, beliefs and mannerism. As a response, I shut myself off. No longer arguing. No longing caring. I soon wanted to be more independent and I began to plan an escape of emotional prison.

This story is a small image of what generally happens to an a child of an immigrant family. Among many immigrant families, younger family members tend to adapt to the culture faster than members of older generations. Members of the older generation may dislike the influence that American culture has on the younger members. On the other hand, the younger generation may view their elders as too set in their views and beliefs. Because of this, arguments can occur and can create divides among family