Research Paper On Donald Duk

In the novel, Donald Duk, by Frank Chin the protagonist is a young boy

who is turning twelve years old during Chinese New Year. Donald Duk, like any epreteen, is self-conscious and filled with angst. Struggling to find himself, much less his identity in terms of his ethnicity, he is overwhelmed by the culture he is exposed to. Donald Duk and his family live in Chinatown, which is the epicenter of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Growing up Chinese was very difficult for Donald as the children at school made fun of him. As a result, Donald Duk finds his Chinese culture to be unappealing and does not identify as a Chinese-American. Throughout the novel, Donald Duk perpetuates an American identity by aspiring to be Fred Astaire and in the process;

Ultimately, the original Fred Astaire foreshadows the Chinese Fred Astaire, who becomes a character that Donald identifies with.
As the reader, we are introduced to a young boy who aspires to be Fred Astaire, an American actor, dancer, and singer. To Donald, Fred Astaire is the epitome of an American. Fred Astaire is popular due to his talents, particularly dancing, which is something Donald Duk strives to emulate. Initially, in Donald’s eyes being Chinese is something to be ashamed of because it is socially acceptable for his schoolmates and teachers to make condescending comments towards Chinese individuals (Chin 2). Donald Duk sees the polarizing reactions that people have towards himself versus the amazing Fred Astaire, which is conveyed in the following, “The music teacher and English teacher in school go dreamy eyed when they talk about seeing Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on the late-night TV” (Chin 1). To a young, naïve, and uncultured Donald, Fred Astaire is a standard that he strives to emulate.
Through Donald’s wish to become Fred Astaire, he distances himself from his entire family, particularly his father. King Duk does not appreciate Donald’s disrespect towards the Chinese culture and conveys his frustration in the following, “I can’t believe I have raised a little white racist. He doesn’t think Chinatown is America” (Chin 90). In addition, he expresses his disappointment with Donald’s actions when discussing his reverence towards Chinese culture and the role of Kwan Kung in plays by stating the following, “I take Kwan Kung very seriously when I play him. Then my nice little baby boy turns out to be you” (Chin 69). Initially, Donald feels that he must be one hundred percent American and that anything Chinese is shameful. It is not until Donald becomes educated on his own culture, through his readings, as well as his dreams, that Donald begins to accept himself and his culture.
As the novel progresses, Donald Duk slowly identifies with his dance instructor, Larry Louie.

To Donald, Larry Louie is not very impressive and he states that he doesn’t respect him. Initially, he essentially mocks Larry for being interested in flamenco and states that Astaire wouldn’t possibly be interested in it himself (54). The Chinese Fred Astaire ultimately becomes an influential character that Donald can relate to. Through this, Donald Duk comes to terms with realizing that being Chinese takes nothing away from being American, especially if The Chinese Fred Astaire can do so. This is conveyed in the following when Donald’s mother asks him to participate in bai sun with The Chinese Fred Astaire, “He is schocked to see Larry Louie the Chinese Fred Astaire get down o his hands and knees and kowtow like a kid” (Chin 66). Although shocked at this sight, he is exposed to one of the influential characters within the novel. The Chinese Fred Astaire is a pivotal character in facilitating Donald’s road to acceptance. Donald Duk begins to identify with The Chinese Fred Astaire and his love of dance, but also his respect and reverence towards the Chinese culture. Through this, Donald Duk realizes that wanting to emulate Fred Astaire does not mean that he has to give up his Chinese

culture.
In the novel, Donald Duk, by Frank Chin, the protagonist aspires to be Fred Astaire because he is the epitome of being American. As the novel progresses, Donald Duk is exposed to many unknown facets of his own culture through the celebrations of the Chinese New Year, his family’s tradition, and the education of others. In turn, he newly identifies with his dance instructor, the Chinese Fred Astaire and recognizes that he does not have to relinquish his Chinese culture in order to identify as an American. In the end, it is clear that Donald Duk would be perfectly fine with being labeled the Chinese-American Fred Astaire.