Analysis Of Eric Liu's Essay Notes Of A Native Speaker

What does it feel like to be constantly left out due to race or culture? This is a normal occurrence for Eric Liu, a Chinese American speechwriter and journalist who has experienced many struggles with acculturation throughout his life. In the essay, “Notes of a Native Speaker,” Liu’s diction, figurative language, and personal experiences help him reveal his experiences with acculturation, as well as explain what race and culture mean to him. Liu’s powerful diction highlights the struggles he has experienced as a Chinese American, which began near his teenage years. Unlike his childhood, which was a “state of ‘amoebic bliss,’” Liu’s young adulthood was “more complicated than just a parade of smiling teachers and a few affirming
Liu “suffered a bruising adolescent education” with his “looks, loves, and manners.” Liu refers to the styling of his “Chinese hair” as being “one of the most consuming crises” of his teenage life, as well as his “greatest social burden.” Liu was so self-conscious of his “straight, rigid, and wiry” hair that he shaved it all off in order to fit in with the other boys. In addition, Liu tried to begin serious relationships with many girls, but his race was the “sole obstacle to his advancement.” Liu was also seen as “impolite” when he ate dinner at a friend’s house, since Liu’s practices differed from those of his friend. Liu’s personal experiences help him build his credibility. His experiences with acculturation allows the audience to have confidence that he knows what he is talking about since he has encountered it first-hand. This reminiscent piece hides nothing about the fact that acculturation, although very beneficial, is a difficult process to carry out in today’s society. Liu’s difficulties fitting in, however, helped him to become the person he is today. Liu’s word choice, figurative language, and personal experiences help him share his difficult coming-of-age story. Although America is a place where many different races and cultures come together, the question of whether its citizens will ever accept those of other races and cultures for who they are still