Eat a bowl of tea

In the film Eat a Bowl of Tea, it was interesting to see how the first generation of Chinese-Americans had very different views and values than those who were second generation Chinese-Americans. Ben Loy, who was a second generation Chinese-American and had grown up in America, held more of the American values of individuality and independence. Ben Loy’s dad on the other hand, was a first generation Chinese-American and had initially came to America to earn money in order to send money back home to his wife in China. Ben Loy’s dad was more of a traditionalist, and he saw the importance of collectivism. Thus, after Ben Loy married Mei Oi, Ben Loy and his father both had a very different mindset on what would happen next.

For example, in the scene of when Ben Loy is with his wife, Ben Loy is distressed so he smokes a cigar and says that he doesn’t really know what is wrong, but he feels as though everyone is watching them. This thus shows Ben Loy’s individualistic character. He believes that his marriage with Mei Oi is only their business. Ben Loy does not think that everyone else should be concerned about their marriage and that the decision to have a baby is not up to anyone else but them. Ben Loy’s father on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Having face is very important to him. The actions of his son and daughter-in-law is also representative of his reputation and role in the community.

This tension between Ben Loy and his father is exactly like the tension that Takaki says exists between first generation and second generation Chinese-Americans. I think the idea of multiple consciousness also plays a role here. Although Ben Loy strongly adheres to his American values of individuality, he is also aware and conscious of the traditional values that his dad holds. Although he does not want to follow them, Ben Loy still understands the values and expectations of his father. For example, Ben Loy married Mei Oi the traditional way in China, and then also had a banquet with a mixture of Chinese and American aspects in America.