Five ways to Disappoint your Vietnamese Mother
1. This story has an interesting structure. What are the features of this piece? Is it an effective way to write a personal reflective response? Why/why not?
2. The dialogue is a very important part of this narrative. What does it do? Why it is so effective?
3. What are some of the stereotypes that are presented in this story?
4. Why are these stereotypes problematic?
5. To what extent does the author subvert these stereotypes?
6. Identity
What was important to Diana in her life? / What did her mother view as being most important? / How did the differences between their views affect Diana’s identity?7. Belonging
What communities did Dianne belong to? / Did she feel as though she could fit in there? / Did being a member of these particular groups have an impact on her identity?8. What message is the author trying to send the audience?
9. Can you think of a time in your life where you have struggled to merge the wishes and expectations of others with what you want?