95
culturally,
years, the younger ones are Western in their way of life socially, and ideologically. They do not speak or write Chinese, and they are not too familiar with Chinese culture or food. Is this progress? Or am I too conservative? Although I admire their ability to adapt and change, I am saddened to see such total rejection of the Oriental culture and the full embrace of things Western, when there are many positive aspects in our Chinese background.*
Another spurt in my effort was made in 1977, when I wrote on my birthday, "I am 71 years old to-day — no better time than now to write my autobiography since the idea has been perking in my head for the last few years. I realize that this must be done soon before my memory becomes even more fuzzy. A lot of emotions are evoked at this moment as memories of great joy and happiness and love, mingled with those of sorrow and loss, rush through my mind.
"A few years ago I read in the newspaper that first generation immigrants cling to their language and culture; the second generation rejects them; but the third generation searches for its roots and tries to recapture its language and culture. It is somewhat for this reason, and obviously to satisfy my ego, that I would like to record some of what I have experienced and learned for those of my family who might one day become interested in our mutual backgrounds. There is a feeling of pride that I am of Chinese ancestry, born in Hawaii, a citizen of the United States, and that I am a fusion of three cultures: the love of humanity of the Chinese; the warmth and generosity of the Hawaiians; the understanding of feelings and the value of human life of the West. Hopefully, I have assimilated the best of each,**
Now, in 1987, I am completing this project on which I have worked over a period of almost fifteen years.
The origin of Cha In Village*
The founder of the Chan clan was Chan Joong Goong A†, who
* Extracted from the Chan Genealogy Record.
† Characters are romanized according to the Heong Shan dialect, or the dialect peculiar to one's village, or the spelling adopted by the individual.
95
culturally,
years, the younger ones are Western in their way of life socially, and idealogically. They do not speak or write Chinese, and they are not too familiar with Chinese culture or food. Is this progress? Or am I too conservative? Although I admire their ability to adapt and change, I am saddened to see such total rejection of the Oriental culture and the full embrace of things Western, when there are many positive aspects in our Chinese background.`*
Another spurt in my effort was made in 1977, when I wrote on my birthday, "I am 71 years old to-day — no better time than now to write my autobiography since the idea has been perking in my head for the last few years. I realize that this must be done soon before my memory becomes even more fuzzy. A lot of emotions are evoked at this moment as memories of great joy and happiness and love, mingled with those of sorrow and loss, rush through my mind.
"A few years ago I read in the newspaper that first generation immigrants cling to their language and culture; the second generation rejects them; but the third generation searches for its roots and tries to recapture its language and culture. It is somewhat for this reason, and obviously to satisfy my ego, that I would like to record some of what I have experienced and learned for those of my family who might one day become interested in our mutual backgrounds. There is a feeling of pride that I am of Chinese ancestry, born in Hawaii, a citizen of the United States, and that I am a fusion of three cultures: the love of humanity of the Chinese; the warmth and generosity of the Hawaiians; the understanding of feelings and the value of human of life of the West. Hopefully, I have assimilated the best of each,**
Now, in 1987, I am completing this project on which I have worked over a period of almost fifteen years.
The origin of Cha In Village*
The founder of the Chan clan was Chan Joong Goong A†, who
* Extracted from the Chan Genealogy Record.
7 Characters are romanized according to the Heong Shan dialect, or the dialect peculiar to one's village, or the spelling adopted by the individual.
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