Khachatryan 1

Gina Khachatryan
Professor Altman
English 114A
4 October 2016
Identity Crisis
Identity, although, seems like an easy concept, is hard to realize. Some people struggle
with it, even writers themselves. In Amy Tans Mother Tongue, the author is writing about her
mothers multiple Englishs. Her mother cannot speak English fluently, so she speaks broken
English. Tans mother is often embarrassing at times, due to her terrible speaking skills. It is one
Tan does not seem proud of. As the text progresses, the reader learns that Tan truly finds herself
within, and begins to accept her mothers English as it is. She understands her flaws, and is
immediately drawn to her unique language. Tan, being an inspired author, even writes a whole
story on her beautiful mothers tongue. Geeta Kotharis If You Are What You Eat, Then What
Am I, is all about finding yourself. Kothari writes how growing up was a bit of a different
struggle for her. Due to her culture, she was taught to believe and follow certain traditions. She
did have a strict dietary regime which constantly aroused her curiosity. She was caught between
two cultures, and at times, did not know which to be a part of. Her relatives believed differently,
than what her friends did. Her culture had an influence on the food she tasted, and the food she
was exposed to. In other words, both Tan and Kothari lost their identity, and found themselves
by accepting culture, society, and personal beliefs.
In Mother Tongue, the author has targeted any audience in general. One who might not
be fluent in English, or any given language will connect to the text, especially, to Tans mother.
Language is based on culture. Due to what Tans mothers has been taught in her culture, she has

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not yet mastered the formula of proper language. The purpose is to present the fact that people
judge and categorize based on how people manage. Tan uses emotion and embrace as a praise to
her mothers struggles. In my opinion, Her mothers broken English is referred to as multiple
Englishs, and it is one that should not be fixed, yet embraced. For example, I relate to Tan since
my mother is not fluent in English either, but I learned to embrace her different trait. Tan gives
credit to herself, as a writer, which helps with her understanding of her mothers trait. People do
not necessarily understand her mothers English, but the way she speaks is what sends the
powerful message. There are many rejected stereotypes; one being, multiple Englishs. Tan
describes her mothers language as vivid, direct, full of observation and imagery. That was the
language that helped shape the way I saw things, expressed things, made sense of the world
(Tan 635). Tan finally looks at her mothers English not as a flaw, but a unique characteristic and
a piece of art. This shapes both their identities as a whole. Tan realizes the true essence of her
mothers language, the beauty of it. As she would think of it as a restriction, she realizes its
uniqueness and learns to embrace it as a gift. It allows her to see the world differently as well.
Tan sees the bigger picture in the world, and its flaws that come with it. She does not judge
people by the way they act, or speak, but who they are as individuals. Geeta Kotharis If You
Are What You Eat, Then What Am I, the author is torn between two cultures. Coming from an
oriented culture myself, I definitely understand the struggle of Kothari because she had to cope
with many traditions that were different from the people around her. The food she is exposed to
growing up, is not the same as what she is exposed to when she is older. The people surrounding
her are different than the ones of her culture. Her dietary regime got in the way of being an
actual American child. Due to a certain tradition, she is entitled to a specific opinion about
certain food. She is confused at which culture she belongs to. Both authors were raised on

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observations, and experiences of their past. Due to their certain cultures, it shaped them into the
people they are. Their diversity really changed them for the better, by shaping them into different
human beings. The way they were raised influenced their identities by limiting them as people,
and it was up to the individual to change that. They morals, customs, and traditions helped them
realize the true essence of accepting to be different. This allowed them to be different, and accept
their identities as is. The true emotion of both texts are based upon the understanding and
acceptance of diversity, and identity.
Amy Tans Mother Tongue, and Geeta Kotharis If You Are What You Eat, Then What
Am I?, both share similar themes and differences that add to its central message, finding
identity. The two texts are written formally to educate and inform the reader. The authors used
pathos, logos, and ethos to emphasize the messages behind the texts. They both incorporate
culture, old mentality, and traditions, which is part of the main conflicts of the stories. They use
visual context, by embracing multiple Englishs and tasting different food flavors. For Tan,
society judges based on a way a person manages. Switching English languages is a rejected
stereotype. As for Kothari, she makes the reader feel bad for her and her culture. Her experiences
are painted clearly, so the reader can feel its taste. She makes sure her text paints a vivid image of
food, and its actual taste, for the better visualization of the reader. He learns to make chili with
ground turkey and tofu, tomato sauce with red wine and portobello mushrooms, roast chicken
with rosemary and slivers of garlic under the skin. (Kothari 925). Not only does Kothari explain
her writing, but allows the reader to visualize its words. She clearly explains detailed images of
food, allowing the reader to visualize its taste. By reading each word, it shows the emphasis of
writing style the author uses. The images are painted so clearly, that it allows the reader to feel
the taste of the food. Leading up to the central message, identity is key. Both authors seem they

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have lost their identity in the beginning. They are confused, and do not know what to believe in.
The stories go through pain, emotion, taste, and culture. Multiple languages and culture
confusion are rejected stereotypes. Stereotypes are common in both stories, but are overcome by
finding themselves and accepting who they really are as individuals.
Both texts are based on real life events, to pass knowledge on to the reader. For Mother
Tongue, in my opinion, Tan may have been a bit lost and missing that inspiration that is needed
as a writer. Her identity was not found yet because she was so focused on her mothers
imperfections that she forgot the beauty of it. Nobody is perfect, and even our heroes may fail us
sometimes. The story is much more than just being weak in a language. It allows to reader to feel
the emotional roller coaster with the author, and her mother. It shows the ups and downs of their
relationship, and the journey of their friendship. Amy Tongue used her own experiences to show
the world that it is okay to be different, as long as you are willing to accept being different. As
long as you are happy, then that is all that matters. You have to stay true to your individual
identity. As for Kotharis text, she did not know what culture to be a part of, but I think she was
just used to a certain tradition growing up. As she grew up, she was exposed to something
different that confused her. Not that her identity was lost, but her beliefs and morals that she was
used to. As for me, society and culture affect my own identity. My culture has specific opinions
and beliefs, much like Kotharis. Society paints a perfect picture of what a person should look, or
act like. Majority, look down upon something different than what is expected in society. At times,
I have had different beliefs than the ones of my culture. I am only human, and I too, have flaws
that I need to be willing to accept. Each individual is different, and our past experiences truly
shape us into who we are today. The influence of many may affect us, but you have to stand tall,
and not let it break you. I had to remember where I came from, who I am, how I was raised, and

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realize the true essence of just being myself. Society has wanted to change me, but it has not
succeeded. I matured and realized to be entitled to my own opinions, and do whatever I feel is
right. Identity is shaped by gender, culture, beliefs, and religion. All of which, fall under the
category of society, and personal experience.
In Tans text, she writes about her experience with her mothers broken language and the
struggles of acceptance she had to go through. The lack of fluency in the language caused
problems and difficulties in her everyday life. In Kotharis text, she writes about her experience
in two different cultures which cause her confusion. She is taught to be a certain way due to her
culture and its dietary restrictions. She is even disgusted at times of different food she is not used
to. As far as stereotypical rejections go, both fall under the victim of categorization. The only
thing that sets the texts apart are its titles, topics, and authors. They are based around the same
idea of rejection, and lost identity. Although, when all hope is lost, both authors overcome their
struggles, find themselves, and write inspiring texts based on their own lifestyles. I can relate to
both texts, just as any human being. The texts showed people that it is okay to be different
because it is about loving yourself and accepting yourself as you are. Nobody can change a
person unless they want to be changed. It is a powerful message to send to a reader and an
audience. Society constantly needs a reminder of what it is like to be different and accept our
flaws. Its culture, and political beliefs shape society, which leads to the formation of ones true
identity.

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Works Cited
Tan, Amy. Mother Tongue. The Norton Field Guide to Writing and Readings. Ed. Marilyn
Moller. 3rd ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company, 2006. 633-639. Print.
Kothari, Geeta. If You Are What You Eat, Then What Am I? The Norton Field Guide to
Writing and Readings. Ed. Marilyn Moller. 3rd ed. New York, NY: W.W. Norton
&

Company, 2006. 922-927. Print.