NEW

Henry’s and his family is a Chinese family living in America during the time of Japanese

discrimination. Henry’s family relationship, particularly with his father, is messy. The

miscommunications between Henry and his father made it hard for them to have a relationship

due to their inability to respect each other's different beliefs and different views about the

Japanese discrimination going on in America, However, someone must accept their identity in

order to find peace.

The differing opinions between Henry and his father about the Japanese discrimination in

America greatly strained their relationship. Ford illustrates their different beliefs by saying, “They

can exclude anyone. They can exclude us. Or German immigrants.” His father looked at Henry,

setting the letter down. “Or the Japanese” (Ford 69). Henry expresses his concern about the

situation with the Japanese discrimination in America to his father, who holds different beliefs.

Henry believes there is a possibility that they could be the next group targeted by Americas.

Similarly, “His father pointed at the door. “If you walk out that door— if you walk out that door

now, you are no longer part of this family. You are no longer Chinese. You are not part of us

anymore. Not a part of me” (Ford 185). This quote highlights the relationship between Henry

and his father. His father informs him that he and the Chinese community would disown him,

revealing that his love for Henry is conditional upon Henry’s actions. The

miscommunication and the lack of respect that Henry and his father gave each other made

them resent each other. His father telling Henry that he is no longer Chinese is his father trying

to strip Henry of his identity. Henry’s father’s attempt at making Henry feel as though he is no

longer a part of his Chinese identity makes it so that Henry's sense of himself is no longer with

his family or heritage due to his beliefs.