“Human nature will not flourish, any m ore than a potato, if it be planted and replanted, for too long a series of generation, in the same worn-out soil. My children have had other birthplaces, and, so far as their fortunes may be within my control, shall strike their roots into unaccustomed earth.”
-Nathaniel Hawthorne
i’ve been reading jhumpa lahiri’s book “unaccustomed earth” this week. it’s been an intersting read. definitely not your feel good, laugh out loud, kind of book. it’s a compilation of eight short stories which give accounts from just about every perspective, of being torn between being “american” and being bengali at the same time. it’s a book about ignorance, disappointment, betrayal, expectations, love, death, grief, and greed. it’s depressing. but i’m intrigued anyway. i guess most of the intriguing stories are that way…depressing, raw, and real.
as i was reading i kept thinking back to nathanial hawthorne’s quote that prefaces the stories that followed. when i opened this book and read it, i thought “exactly!” but i’m thinking the book isn’t a reinforcement of the beauty of this idea. though, hawthorne’s qoute still resonates with me, i am sobered by the reality of the sacrifce that comes with planting potatoes in new soil. i’m the second generation in my familys uprooting, and i must admit, though i am thankful for the opportunities being “american” has afforded me, there is a loss that can not be recompensed when ones culture is detached, taken, or lost in some way. not that everyone’s experience is the same, but being in america, (depending on where you’re from, the extreme depends on your geographical location!) i’ve been asked if i was “even born here”, and asked if i was everything from: chinese to iranian, israeli, puerto rican, phillipino, native american, and most recently eastern european. weird! i know. but going to korea, with only half asian eyes that are green and slightly frizzy brown hair, as opposed to dark almond eyes, and sleek black hair- not to mention i only can speak about 6 words in korean… i definitely stood out. also weird situation.
not that this is all negative, my experience, though sad in some respects is also unique and beautiful and privileged in it’s own way. i mean i grew up eating kimchee and our house smelled like ginger and spices and the first time i had subway i was 18. when i go home i get served seaweed soup… don’t turn your nose at me. it’s good.
unacustomed earth.
i can’t wait to travel to scotland and ireland some day. the only physical thing i’ll have in common with that part of my heritage is my last name and green eyes.
oh unacustomed earth.
oh potatoes.
the view from here 
i like potatoes 😉