Do people really change who they are because of where they are?

Do people really change who they are because of where they are?

By: Katherine Wu and Sabrina Saleta

An interesting character from Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet By Jamie Ford, is Henry’s dad. Henry’s dad was an orphan when he came to America from China. He’s always wanted his son Henry to feel like America was his home.

                Although he felt this way for Henry, he thought differently, and kept close binds with his home in China. An example of this is on page 127. The quote reads, “This is where he lives, but it will never be his home. Look at what is happening in Japantown. Your father is afraid that might happen to us someday. That’s why – as much as he loves his China-he wants this to be your home. For you to be accepted here.” This shows that Henry’s father cares about his family, but also loves his hometown, in which he grew up in. Henry’s father only wanted the best for his family, and that’s why he said,”Wo wei ni zuo – I did it for you” to Henry on page 263.

Henry’s father is a perfect example of how people DON’T change who they are because of their environment. Sure he enjoys American and wants his son to have it as his home, but he believes china will always be his home and that’s why he doesn’t change his ways.

An example of how people do change because of their environment is Henry.  Henry changed in his environment, and this was expected since he was born in America. Even though he was around his parents who were still traditional, he was leaning more to the American Born Chinese life. His parents even enrolled him in a good American school for his studies and also told him not to speak Chinese anymore so he can be more “Americanized.”

On page 26, it says, “Saturdays were special to Henry….he…ran down to the corner of Jackson and Maynard… Saturday was the only time of the week he could listen to Sheldon play.” Sheldon is a saxophonist who plays on Jackson Street for tips. Henry likes listening to Sheldon’s jazz music and becomes a fan.

I also feel that since Henry met Keiko, he grew more mature and brave as a person. Their ages are 12-13 in the book, and their love is already so deep and devoted. He is also not immature like the other boys his age, and I think that he is more responsible. On page 95, Henry promises Keiko to keep her family photo keepsakes safe for the meantime. It’s a risky decision, but Henry is still willing to help Keiko hide her family photos. Henry is caught with the photos when he was going home on page 101, and an officer asks him why he was out so late. Henry tells the honest truth, and the officer lets Henry off. Honesty is the best policy!