Celia wonders if she could withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage if the girl’s features never betray her Chinese background. What do you think of this question, particularly in the context of the book’s time period? Should information like this ever be withheld, in your opinion? Why or why not?
I can understand how this thought might have crossed Celia’s mind, but she was also aware of her fear when she was giving birth. Would this be a fear she would want to pass on to her daughters and granddaughters? I believe there are some cultural traits that are just embedded in personalities and will show up. In today’s world there is no hiding, and there shouldn’t have to be, DNA is right there. Also there some medical conditions that are more prominent in certain backgrounds, would you want this to be overlooked because of your secret?
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I wish for every person in the world to be proud of their heritage - cultural, religious, etc. And I also recognize the reality of that being easier said than done given the discrimination that is still a reality today.
I feel like no good ever comes from withholding information in families, even when it is done in the spirit of protection. There have been a number of “secrets” in my family history that have come out later, and they were really damaging. Withholding information is a violation of trust and trust is crucial to building good relationships. I totally agree with Emily that everyone should be allowed to be proud of and know about their heritage. In fact, I think having everyone know the true nature of their heritage might undercut some of the prejudices that people have
My goodness, such truth in your first sentence. I also found some family secrets that came out later. And even though the family history didn’t change my life, I would have liked to be aware of my mother’s earlier life before I did. It didn’t change my love for my dear Grandpa. Even though he was my mother’s step father, I couldn’t have had a better man in my life.
I couldn’t create a mental image of Celia. It would seem the Asian physical features of her father would be apparent, much so that she might not be able to pass as white, like her mother. A friend’s grandkids have an Asian mom (Japanese) and Caucasian dad. I’ve only seen photos; however, neither child could pose as a white person as did Celia. Did anyone else wonder about this? I questioned this and it affected my comprehension.
It’s not good to keep family secrets,but sometimes the events of the time it’s best left unsaid
I also wondered how she was able to “pass,” especially because of the widespread attitude toward mixed race. I was confused at her pride in her Chinese while at the same time keeping it hidden unless it could benefit her.
Given the prevailing prejudice against the Chinese in the U.S. it is understandable why Celia seeks to hide her own ethnic identity. Her employer only keeps her on because she can “pass”. It is a very hard question to answer but Stephen’s apparent kindness and love for both Celia and Pearl may make the decision easier
I think Celia should withhold the truth of Pearl’s heritage, given the times. Years later, when Pearl is and adult and the danger is past, the truth should be revealed.
Yes, children should know their heritage and ancestry, but not until they are old enough to understand what it means, maybe around 8 years old.