is instead that many of the old ways were right to follow in the old culture, but he realizes that in a new world you must attempt to adopt the beliefs of the new culture. This is not a rejection of Chinese culture but it is the stark reality that every immigrant must face. To succeed you need to conform and this book is the story of the struggle of the Chinese to balance societal conformity with old world values. In fact, Lowe writes of how his father still looks to China before adopting certain American habits. When automobiles began to emerge the father only gains interest when he learns that they are all the rage in the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Hong Kong. In addition, the father continually speaks of the way traditional Chinese children should act and the way traditional Chinese familial interaction should occur. In these instances, Lowe does not reject his culture but expresses the duality that occurs in all immigrant families. Lowe has also been branded an “Accommodationist” or “one who adopts the ideals or attitudes of whites.” While this is partially true it is not a reason to ignore his work. At no point does Lowe ever wholly accept the white system of ideals nor does he wholly condemn his old ways. The best term to describe Lowe is a partial-accommodationist, owing to the fact that he adopts the best of both worlds. This is vividly demonstrated in his description of attending Christian events and the teaching he receives in their schools. While he believes some of what he is taught, Lowe says all he hears in these schools is tempered by “traditional Chinese Confuscist” values. This is evidenced in the fact that he places more emphasis on the “good deeds towards you neighbor” part of the religion than most white Christians. This combining of the best of both worlds is partially accommodationist in that while he “adopts the ideals” of whites his thou...
