“As a first-generation “Asian American woman” for one thing, I knew there was no such thing as an “Asian American woman.” Within this homogenizing labeling of exotica, I knew there were entire racial/national/culture/sexual-preferred groups, many of whom find each other as alien as mainstream America apparently finds me” – Shirley Geok-lin Lim. This quote is what struck me when reading “They Called US Enemy.” If you haven’t read the graphic novel, it describes the memorir of George Takei, who famously worked on Star Trek, who talks about his experience in the Japanese internment camps during World War II. His memorir uses great detail to portray the different emotions and perspectives on a variety of topics. What struck me the most is how I best related with Takei and his experiences as an Asian American.

In Asian tradition, we refer to American culture as west and Asian culture as east. My family uses the term “western” with me a lot because of the culture I was born into. The difference of cultures is a very debated topic in Asian households. Typically, east culture revolves around the family and staying submissive until necessary. East Asian culture revolves about the concerns of a group rather than an individual like in America. Takei describes how he felt angry at his father for being submissive and not standing up for himself and his family. I felt the same way as my parents are more prone to being pushovers rather than standing up for themselves. My parents have always commented on how their actions can affect other people. Seeing how my parents react like this in sitations has brought up many debates on my identity. Am I more American or more Asian?

Now going to American culture. My parents have always critized me on being too western and forgetting my roots. They disliked how independent, confident, and courageous I am in certain situations, always telling me to worry about others first then myself. This has always baffled me because putting yourself first would allow more opportunities to help others along the way. Discovering my identity, like Takei, is a very long journey as you want to do what you want but you also don’t want to bring disappointment to your family. I believe that Takei did an excellent job portaying his emotions in finding his sense of identity. It felt real and relatable and goes in depth on how even Asian Americans are still seen as the “enemy” today.

Overall, the discovery of one’s identity is talked deeply throughout this graphic novel. The conflict between American and Asian morals and trying to find a balance between the two opposing sides shows the experience many Asian Americans experience. The sense of identity helps fuels encouragement and determination to stop Asian hate and show the world that Asians deserve to be treated with respect. George Takei once said, “One differences in beliefs do not truly separate us, or elevate us over others. Rather, they highlight the rich tapestery that is humanity.”