More Than Meets the Eye

American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang, is a graphic novel made up of three seemingly individual stories that are woven together to create a powerful conclusion. Like three small streams trickling through the forest towards one almighty river, each touches one another and ultimately become inextricably linked. The first story is that of the Monkey King, which Yang purposefully twists into a Christian version of an ancient Chinese folk tale, complete with kung fu and the real hand of “God”. The second story treads amidst the footprints of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy growing up in a primarily white suburb. The third storyline is about Danny and the torment he endures every year when his Chinese cousin Chin-Kee visits.

If it is read without mindfulness or careful thought, American Born Chinese can be dismissed as a frivolous attempt at exposing racism and stereotypes. By creating a character like Chin-kee, Yang runs the risk of readers taking what might seem like blatant social commentary, at face value, consequently further perpetuating existing stereotypes. However, Yang was quite aware of this when constructing his characters. In his blog on the publisher’s (First Second) website, Yang says, “In order for us to defeat our enemy, he must first be made visible. Besides, comic book readers are some of the smartest folks I've ever met. They'll figure it out.” He respects his audience and their ability to discern fact from fiction.

http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/authors/geneYangBlogMain.html

American Born Chinese, for me, is a crisp winter afternoon of laughing-out-loud and bathing in the bubbly sunshine of a coffeeshop window, pages of colorful comics and witty humor at my fingertips. As I turn the last page, a deluge of emotion strikes, and I know that, between the lines, beneath the words, near the warm core of this little book is a profound message. Prejudice, identity, acceptance, and gratitude paint the pages and beg the reader to search within for meaning that resonates at the level of the heart.

Near the conclusion of the story, the Monkey King visits Jin and shares his painful realization – “You know, Jin, I would have saved myself from five hundred years’ imprisonment beneath a mountain of rock had I only realized how good it is to be a monkey” (223). Perhaps we always want to be something we’re not. A child prays to be an adult by morning, a short woman longs to be tall, a man curses himself for studying English instead of medicine, and a monkey wishes he were a human? We always seem to seek that more beautiful other side in the hopes of a greater happiness. In the lightning-quick world we live in, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves and the littlest things (and people) that bring us joy. As for me, I appreciate the classical music of 99.5 on a bad day, the kindness of strangers, watching my garden grow, peanut butter, the silent early morning summer sun, striped socks, and my animals (cats and kittens).

Yet, when I stop to look myself in the mirror and ask the question, “who are you?” empty eyes and a blank expression stare back at me. Most days, I think I’m still trying to figure it out. However, like Jin, I have a story to tell. Identity and cultural heritage mold us into complex creatures, and then experiences bend and twist us until we’re exactly where we need to be. We are all shapers and transformers of our own lives. Whether it’s a robot that turns into a motorcycle or a young boy growing into a man, either way, you’re bound to find “more than meets the eye” (28).