In Postmodernism, many traditions that were prevalent in some societies began to change and reform themselves; others had died out allowing new ones to be generated. In the twentieth century, the World Wars impacted nearly every society in the world, changing the international relationships between nations that were previously perceived as allies. Countries like China, Germany, France, Japan, and Italy became impoverished due to the effects of wartime, and the United States went from an isolationist country to a superpower. Because of the United States’ openness to immigrants, many found themselves in search of a better life. This included an influx of Chinese immigrants, who fled to the United States after the Japanese rule and their country's torment during World War II. Many children found themselves in the same position as Amy Tan, who felt the impact of multiculturalism and being a first-generation American.
Tan is a Chinese-American woman who frequently describes her upbringing within her stories. Being a first-generation American, Tan experiences life in a different way than most Americans. In the majority of her stories, Tan remarks on the difficulties of being a woman and earnestly describes them with candor and without restraint. This is similar to Charlotte Perkins Gilman, who was candid about her own life experiences within her work. Being a female writer was quite the accomplishment in Gilman’s time, and her honesty earned the respect from the Postmodernism society. Thanks to her own bravery, writers like Tan who are women are able to unapologetically express themselves. With being a minority as well, Tan finds comfort in speaking about her own experiences, which are unique in her own circumstance but can be comforting to those who can relate to her in this position.
Tan's "Two Kinds," is somewhat of a reflection of being a Chinese American post-WWII, and showcasing the struggles many children face when their parents are immigrants. While the protagonist of the story, Jing-mei Woo’s mother loves her and wants the best, their conflict is based on the complexity of different cultures emerging. Woo was born in the United States, but her mother was a refugee from China; as a result of World War II, Woo’s mother had no family left (Tan 1). Having nothing else to lose, Woo’s mother came to the United States and decided to make a life for herself. While it was a great choice for herself, she also developed a skewed perspective of how the United States was. For an immigrant, especially from her time, the United States seemed like the Mecca of the universe in comparison to her homeland. Woo’s mom believes that the United States is the land of opportunity, and pressures Woo to becoming a star on her own (Tan 1). However, while Woo grows to appreciate her mom’s mentality, her Tiger parenting is the reason for Woo’s frustration as a child.
Tiger parenting is the coined term for Asian American child-rearing, noting how parents are stricter on their children than other ethnicities and races. Asian Americans are the largest growing demographic in the United States, immigrating at the highest numbers and staying within the United States for generations to come (American Psychological Association 1). The Chinese had their own surge into the States during different periods of history, but the last major immigration was after World War II. Many lost their entire families after the war and had nothing else to lose. In Woo’s mother’s case, she had to build her own foundation back, and Woo was a part of this process. Moving to the United States, her mother had full faith that the American system would be the key to achieving her personal best which would be evidenced by her daughter’s success. However, what really occurred was a difference of cultures clashing.
Woo was first thought to become a Chinese version of Shirley Temple; this was the first major culture clash between her and her mother. Being a child, Woo’s mother would watch Temple on the television screen and comment how her daughter would be like that one day (Tan 1). Emulating the Temple idea, Woo received a haircut that ended up being butchered and her mother was immediately infuriated with her daughter. This highlighted the first distinct differences between the Chinese and Americans. In Asian culture, parents are known to have an authoritarian stance and obedience is considered the honorable action (Kim 2). While Woo tried to be obedient towards her mother’s wants, she realized that when this was not achieved, her mother was angry with her (though it was the hair student’s fault for the cut). Instead, Woo was relieved whenever the stylist changed her hair to a more suitable cut, conveying the image of American individuality. This urge to be her own self was the next divider between mother and daughter, which capitulated the two in their climatic event.
Woo realized that after her horrific haircut, she wanted to fully adopt the American lifestyle of being original. Her mother was still on the path of making her child into a genius and being the best she could. This was displayed with making Woo learn random useful facts via TV shows, dancing and eventually playing the piano (Tan 2-4). However, Woo was not satisfied with her mother’s treatment of her and did not feel loved, even if she was able to achieve considerable success in an activity. Asian parents were surveyed and displayed a lack of affection and warmth towards their children (American Psychological Association 1). Woo’s mother was the prototype of this belief, never satisfied with her daughter’s inability to catch on any activities. Dismayed and annoyed with her mother’s treatment, Woo became blatantly disobedient, developing more of an American attitude of independence and individuality.
Eventually, Woo’s independence took a turn for the worst. She openly expresses her anger towards her mother, who did not respond to her pain when insulted (Tan 3). Any time Woo would cry or be visibly upset by her mother’s disapproval, her mother would retort that she was not trying hard enough. In her mother’s opinion, everyone can become the best if they were willing to work towards their goal and reserve their energy for it. When she began piano lessons, she would purposely perform lazily with her teachers (Tan 4). After a while, Woo came to the realization that her own instructor wasn’t talented, but still thinks she is far better than him. It was her next interaction with her mother that taught Woo the lesson she needed the entire time from her.
Woo performed a song for an audience, and her mother didn’t feel her daughter played up to par; even more troublesome, her rival told her she will never be a genius (Tan 5). This affected Woo, who felt her mom favored her rival and always tried to make sure she knew the other girl’s abilities. As a result, Woo’s mother wanted her to practice the same section of music that she was unsatisfied with. Woo, in response, disobeyed and fighting ensured. While Woo’s mother wanted her to be obedient and perform, Woo screamed she wanted to be like the daughters she lost in the war (Tan 5). Immediately, Woo’s mother lets go of the fight and removed herself from the situation. While her mother was immediately broken, it reflected the one true thought that might have been true. While Woo knew she was only herself, her mother tried to make her what she was unable to achieve with her other children (who passed away).
From this point on, the relationship between Woo and her mother has changed. Woo’s mother's ambition and pressure died like her daughters had so many years ago. Woo began to live her life in her own way and was a constant disappointment to her mother. Realizing that she would never live up to her mom’s expectations, Woo explores her individuality but also regrets and reflects on her relationship with her mother. While it was heart-wrenching to be constantly challenged and emotionally abused even, Woo realizes her mom’s intentions in the end (Tan 6). While harsh in her treatment, Woo’s mom knew her daughter’s potential and wanted her to be better than her. It wasn’t quite the right way of going about her intentions, but as Woo plays the piano for the first time since the recital, she then begins to realize her mother only ever wanted the best because she thought she was the best.