Culture Clash

America is known as a country where people from all around the world come to chase their dreams; it’s also known as the country where anything is possible and anything can be. A lot of us may take this for granted because we are so used to our freedom and rights, but this is not always the case in other countries. When people immigrate to America, there are always adjustments to make and this is seen several times throughout the novel. I think that Ashima and Ashoke have to adjust to American culture more than Gogol does because they have only lived in the U.S for a short period of time while Gogol has grown up accustomed to American culture. This is seen for the first time when Gogol decides that he wants to change his name because he knows that its possible and the process is very easy. When he brings this up, Ashoke says “What’s done is done. It will be a hassle.” (p. 100). Ashima agrees with Ashoke, and this frustrates Gogol and makes him question why he has a good name and pet name. To answer his question, Ashima says “It’s our way Gogol. It’s what Bengalis do.” (p. 100). This shows that in Calcutta, having two names is normal but in the U.S. it isn’t and Ashima and Ashoke still aren’t used to American culture or willing to leave behind Bengali culture. In the end, his father lets him change his name and says, " In America anything is possible. Do as you wish." (p.100). I think that this shows that his father has basically given up on trying to push Bengali culture onto his son because Gogol is not longer willing to accept it.

I also see cultural differences when I read about the Ratliff family and how they live, compared to how the Ganguli’s live. For example, when Gogol first meets Maxine’s parents they are very accepting and nice to him. In contrast, Gogol’s parents are not as open and accepting when they first Maxine. Another difference between the Ratliffs and Gangulis is how they show love or affection between each other. Lydia and Gerald will hold hands, kiss, or show affection towards each other even if there are people around because that is accepted in American culture. Ashima and Ashoke do not show affection towards each other when people are around because that is not accepted in their culture. In addition, Ashima also doesn’t call Ashoke by his name while Lydia will call her husband by his name. I also think that Lydia and Gerald are more accepting of their daughter dating someone because  it is a normal thing in American culture but since it’s not as accepted in Bengali culture Ashima and Ashoke don’t like Gogol having relationships. They would probably rather have Gogol studying to become an engineer instead of dating Maxine. The fact that the Gangulis aren’t as accepting of relationships leads to the restrictions that Gogol must tell Maxine before she meets his parents. In contrast, Gogol isn’t given any restrictions when he meets Maxine’s parents.

Adjusting to a new culture is difficult, but I think that it is easier for someone who is born in the country to adjust and adapt to that culture. Ashima and Ashoke are slowly adjusting to American culture, but there will always be things that they are not okay with or have not accepted.