The Elusive Snake Way : Falling Off Of A Cliff

Adolescence is popularly known to be a very tumultuous stage in a person’s life. In the adolescent stage (also coined the identity vs. role confusion stage by theorist Erik Erikson) bodies are changing rapidly, emotions are unfamiliar and unexplainable, and refraining from succumbing to peer pressure is more challenging than ever.

We’ve all know what it feels like: walking down the halls in middle school or high school while you feel like you’re being watched…analyzed…critiqued. It would almost seem like every person you passed would be silently judging you for what you’re wearing, how you applied your makeup, how you did in the last soccer game, or what they heard you did with Jonny. The passerby’s in the hallway would place you on the high-school-hierarchy-of-coolness scale based on superficial characteristics even before getting to know you. Adolescence is a time of learning and forming an identity but it’s also a time where you are constantly being watched and evaluated by your peers, sometimes even put down by physical or verbal means. Bullying has always been

Despite the large amount of people that feel confident and comfortable in expressing themselves freely, many adolescents have a deteriorating concept of self because of the belief that they should have to conform to their peer’s ideals. The identities of these children are being dictated by a need of acceptance from prominent social groups in their environment; however, teenagers must realize one’s own individuality as something beneficial and recognizing that conforming can become problematic in certain situations.

In the graphic novel, American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, Jin, an American Chinese, struggles to fit in with society and his environment. Throughout the novel, Jin struggles with being himself in society and ultimately conforms to society's expectations. In the beginning of the novel, Jin learns that he is able to transform to become anything he wants. In the middle of the novel, Jin struggles to fit in with society and has trouble in the way he views himself. He changes himself in order to fit in.

I have really not had the opportunity to read graphic narratives or novels, comic books or anime. It was really interesting to read this week’s chosen book which was a graphic novel titles American Born Chinese. I was really excited to actually see the story of the Monkey King because growing up as a child that was one of the favorite T.V shows that I truly enjoyed from the start to the end of each episode. After reading this book, I have really given much appreciation to the authors of graphic novels or narratives. The story in the book American Born Chinese, is mainly about Jin but has other stories as well within the book. It initially starts with story of the Monkey King, and then it switches to Jin’s story in the second chapter. The story then switches to Danny’s story with a repetition of the same pattern.

“In our media-intensive culture it is not difficult to find differing opinions… The difficulty lies in deciding which opinion to agree with and which ‘experts’ seem the most credible” (Espejo 11). The perceptions of one age group in society of another age group are built upon assumptions that are made through what is visible. However, rarely is anyone willing to understand the reason behind someone’s actions. Sibling rivalry, the death of a loved one, moving to a new school, competition among peers, and the reputation adolescents have today often end up giving a misperception of society to teens and of teens to society, thus damaging the relationships between society, as illustrated by J.D. Salinger in The Catcher in the Rye.

American Born Chinese was a book that I would have initially missed reading because it didn’t appeal to me then. However, it wasn’t until the three narratives intertwined at the end that I realized that this was a great read. Jin, Danny, and the Monkey King all have one thing in common; they try to become something they are not, and they lose their sense of identity until the realization of the truth that we cannot fight who we really are. Jin comes to America and desperately tries to fit in with his classmates and assimilate. The Monkey King tried to become something greater than himself, and become an equal with the other deities. Danny is what looks to be a normal high school student, but is plagued by his Chinese cousin’s visits

Young people don’t maintain the same personality, feelings and views throughout their life. At some point in their life, which very often starts during adolescence, they start looking for their true identity. The transition into becoming a more mature person may be very exciting and very uncertain at the same time. It is a process that involves many changes shaped by the family, friends, environment, community and culture. Young people become more independent, dream of living their life the way they always wanted to, they explore the world, look for new possibilities. At the same time they still ponder their personal identity, are vulnerable and easily influenced by others. They take on new responsibilities, face new challenges and make mistakes.

In the 20th century do you know how many teens are affected by society, just social media alone in 2018 studies have shown 63% of teens go online daily, and 93% of teens 12-17 years old use the internet daily (TopTenReveiws, 2018). Outside of Social Media society has a great effect on how teen's confidence can increase or decrease by the label placed onto them. The label can increase or decrease the teens chances of being bullied and being the bully, or them changing themselves to "fit in" to society. In the story Nether Grave, the main character Jeremy goes through something very similar to this.

Finding oneself is hard. Finding oneself in Canada, in the late 1930s, as a Chinese, is even harder. Jung-Sum experiences this in The Jade Peony by Wayson Choy. Although a young boy of only twelve years he has experienced many horrors in which his character has been displayed. At the age of four, Jung woke up to a strangled mother and a father who committed suicide (page 96). Traumatized, he clung on for dear hope. Hope that allowed him to reach the age of 12. Moving from one foster family to another he kept strong until his adoption. Jung is not like other children - despite times of hardship he keeps progressing. As a boxer, he trains diligently to be successful. His boxing shows his determined character and will to persevere. Moreover,

This book is mainly about the character Jin, but the book actually starts off as the story of the Monkey King. In the second chapter, it then switches to Jin and, in the third chapter, it then switches to the story of the character Danny, who is Jins alter-ego. After Jin and Danny's stories, it then switches back to the Monkey King and repeats the pattern at least two more times. For this summary, I will explain the main things of each character’s stories, one at a time.

In "God doesn’t hate nor punish," Roger Guffey states, "These people feel they know God's will so well that they can prophesize to the rest of us." Most Believers would rather through their personal opinions than actual scripture. Guffey then ends the article with," Perhaps those individuals who revel in judging others and relishing the sufferings of their fellow humans should spend more time actually reading the Bible they claim to know."

The desire to fit in with peers can be a very strong influence on teens.

Eagle sighs. "I don't know. It was just an idea," he says. "We should get some sleep. Who knows what'll happentomorrow."

Lack of Self Identity of Teens Represented in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been”