Extra Credit Blog: The Namesake

In the film The Namesake the immigration and assimilation of an Indian American family into American society is displayed. Similarly to Mei Oi in Eat a Bowl of Tea Ashima initially has trouble getting used to American culture after her Picture Bride-like wedding as she is traumatized by a visit to the laundromat and is generally unhappy. Ashima and Ashook's relationship however, is much less troublesome than the relationship of Ben and Mei Oi. More trouble assimilating into American society is experienced by Gogol throughout his life. After his decisive decision to go by Gogol instead of Nikhil while he is in elementary school eventually upsets him when he is bullied by his classmates in his high school years. Gogol's success in school with his acceptance into Yale shows the success that Indian American immigrants expected and have in America academically displayed in the group presentation today. Gogol's cultural hardships continue as he dates Maxine. Although he is initially enamored by Maxine's family estate and his name of "Nick" after Ashook's death he recommits to Indian cultural customs shaving his head and distancing himself from Maxine. Gogol's journey in the film seems to be representative of a newer generation of Asian Americans trying to balance their home culture with American culture and customs.