WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED FAMILY? by Lee Herrick

 WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED FAMILY? 

-Lee Herrick

The speaker , a Korean adopted by a Caucasian family, has a different view of family. He also has a sister whom was also adopted, originally from Alameda. This family does not share its similarities in similar appearance, but through experiences and time spent together share similar habits and traits. 

Raised in California, the brother and sister duo though had their own sibling rivalry, supported each other during time of need, such as instances of racism.  Unfortunately, The speaker grew up dealing with a lot of bullying. Furthermore, he was confused on the fact that he’s being bullied for being Asian from not only kids that resembled his family, but also the fact that he doesn’t speak with an Asian accent, likes regular things like Batman, baseball, etc. Though the bullying bothered him his mother was quick to wipe his tears and be there for him in his time of need. When he began to act out due to the bullying, who was there in this time of need his mother. The speaker made sure to point out how grateful he was for it once he got older. 

The man of the house... his father. He truly admired and looked up to him. His kindness, modesty and soft-spoken traits are things that the speaker both admired and aspired but his fathers level of calmness he know he he’ll never attain. 

On the other hand, the speaker acknowledges that he has a range of emotions that stems from his life and some from his family. It’s hard being adopted, it’s hard being in an interracial family, it’s hard to get over the loss of a birth mother, but one very important fact the speaker notes, is that the interracial family is HIS family.  In addition, the speaker talks about what an actual family is. This is a set of people that love, struggle and adapt together.  Family are the people who stand up for you. The people to help you to be a good person.  The persons who support you. Discipline you. Protects you. Inspires you.