Had you heard the term CHIP (“Chinese-Indonesian princess”) before? What did you think of Mebel giving herself this label? Why do you think she’s proud of being a CHIP at the book’s start? Do you think she still considers herself a CHIP by the end of the book?
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CHIP was a new one to me. In embracing this identity, I think the role and expectations were clearly delineated for Mebel. Sadly, I also believe the term limited her ability to dream and imagine other possibilities, hindering personal growth. In the end, and in part because of her interactions with the other students, particularly Gemma and Bella, Mebel was able to shed her CHIP identity. Bravo to Mebel!
I have never heard CHIP before, but it is similar to JAP which is Jewish American Princes which I have heard of.
Mebel knows who she is and she loves who she is. What is wrong with that? She is kind and a good mother and wife. why would it matter if she thought herself as a CHIP?
I do think she may consider herself still a CHIP at the end of the book. I believe she should think of herself as on. She is still fabulous- stylish and charismatic.
I had never heard of this term.
I think by the end and after she had new experiences, she could shed this “title,” but it would always be with her.
I so agree with your comments! I had never heard the term CHIP, which she did seem to embrace and I loved how she evolved throughout her experience.
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I had not heard the term CHIP before and it was interesting to learn about how Chinese-Indonesian woman are expected to be, and that most feel perfectly content with their role in society. I suppose it’s a matter of what one grows up with.
I don’t think I had heard this term before (possibly it was used in another Sutanto book I’ve read). Mebel was quite proud of this moniker in the beginning but her life totally changed and I think she had second thoughts by the end.
I had never heard that term before and I know I certainly would not want to one. It’s a lot of work and responsibility all to support the husband who thinks he’s doing all the supporting. She certainly was proud of her position, but getting away and out into a different world made her realize it was no longer for her.
CHIP was a new term for me. I, too, have heard the Jewish and Italian variations used in my younger years and would not be surprised to learn of yet more global variations.
In the beginning, Mebel gave herself this label and wore it as a badge of honor, for she fulfilled her expected societal role. By the book’s end, she appeared to understand that such a role is not the only one afforded her and chose to investigate more independent ones.