So far, I like it. #Memories are something everyone can relate to. Memories from the 90s are forever special! Even when they do not always have happy memories. What does it mean for your identity when your parents, or you, were born in a different country?What does it mean to be identified as part of a subgroup like Asian American, Italian American, or Russian American as a young adult? Additionally,what role does music play in shaping this mixed identity?
“ Like millions of other people, my first glimpse into the prospect of "alternative" culture came when I listened to Nirvana's
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" in 1991. I was thirteen. It was one of the greatest songs I had ever heard, mostly because it was the first great song I had chosen on my own.
I believed that I'd happened upon a secret before everyone else, and I was addicted to this feeling. I heard the song late one night on the radio. The next day, nobody knew what I was talking about. There wasn't even a video yet. I patiently awaited the release of Nevermind.” Hua Hsu
*** When my family moved to the U.S. in July of 1995, the first thing I bought after my birthday was a cheap Walkman that also picked up FM radio stations. I listened to it non-stop. I would take it with me on my way to seventh grade in September. Whenever I felt upset about the unfamiliar language and culture, I would turn to my Walkman for comfort. I listened to it even more. I could barely understand the words but it felt it was the only thing that could understand my feelings.
When we moved here, books and music in English inspired me and helped me stay afloat despite many challenges. This book reminded me of my childhood and made me realize how books and music become our closest friends when we feel lost in the world. We turn to them for comfort and to rediscover ourselves. They blend the culture we choose for ourselves with the culture we were born into.
So far, I like it. #Memories are something everyone can relate to. Memories from the 90s are forever special! Even when they do not always have happy memories. What does it mean for your identity when your parents, or you, were born in a different country?What does it mean to be identified as part of a subgroup like Asian American, Italian American, or Russian American as a young adult? Additionally,what role does music play in shaping this mixed identity?
“ Like millions of other people, my first glimpse into the prospect of "alternative" culture came when I listened to Nirvana's
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" in 1991. I was thirteen. It was one of the greatest songs I had ever heard, mostly because it was the first great song I had chosen on my own.
I believed that I'd happened upon a secret before everyone else, and I was addicted to this feeling. I heard the song late one night on the radio. The next day, nobody knew what I was talking about. There wasn't even a video yet. I patiently awaited the release of Nevermind.” Hua Hsu
*** When my family moved to the U.S. in July of 1995, the first thing I bought after my birthday was a cheap Walkman that also picked up FM radio stations. I listened to it non-stop. I would take it with me on my way to seventh grade in September. Whenever I felt upset about the unfamiliar language and culture, I would turn to my Walkman for comfort. I listened to it even more. I could barely understand the words but it felt it was the only thing that could understand my feelings.
When we moved here, books and music in English inspired me and helped me stay afloat despite many challenges. This book reminded me of my childhood and made me realize how books and music become our closest friends when we feel lost in the world. We turn to them for comfort and to rediscover ourselves. They blend the culture we choose for ourselves with the culture we were born into.