Cultural identity is defined by the feeling of belonging to a group that includes many variables such as nationality, ethnicity, and social class. This identity heavily influences an individual’s actions and is essential to their self-conception and self-perception. In Lisa Ko’s The Leavers, Deming is split between deciding which culture he is comfortable with and associating with. Although he lived in China for a short amount of time, he grew up in the Bronx and became accustomed to the American culture. With the disappearance of his mother, he had to leave the life he knew behind. Deming experiences a drastic difference in both nationalism and social class after being adopted by a wealthy Caucasian family. Throughout the novel, problems with conforming to society become prevalent and cause him to question his cultural identity.
Deming grew up in a more underprivileged household in the Bronx. His surroundings and conditions were not fitting for a kid his age. In a small apartment, he shared the living space with Polly, Michael, Vivian, and Leon. Their several neighbors would often argue, jump, and cause disruption to the group. He also heard many explicit words from his mother’s vocabulary and witnessed her argue with Leon. Since he lived in a low-income household, Deming’s meal plans were rather unhealthy and practical since they consisted of sweet candy, frozen pizza, and instant noodles. In addition, as a result of the absence of a father and his mother being gone for work, he didn’t care much for his studies. This environment is definitely unideal for a growing child. However, Deming was familiar with living in the low ends of the Bronx and considered it his cultural identity. His community, social status, and academic experience accumulated him as a person.
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His comfortable lifestyle dissipated when his mother was deported. Deming was adopted by Peter and Kay and introduced to a new lifestyle. Life with his adoptive parents was different than his past laidback lifestyle and brought many new opportunities and privileges such as a bigger house and new clothes. Although it may seem to be an upgrade to his previous life, living in New York was a cultural shock to Deming. Transitioning from a low-income household to an established family may have been too much of a change in social class for him. With these new changes, it is inevitable that the pride of Deming’s background and cultural identity will be crushed. The altered societal norms of New York will take a mental toll on him. Furthermore, Peter and Kay’s actions infer that the typical life of a White American is superior to his Bronx childhood and Chinese culture.
Peter and Kay believed that it was in his best interest to change his name to Daniel Wilkinson because it would be easier to fit in at school. The majority of the population there was caucasian as well. As a result, Deming was often bullied and faced prejudice for his race. For instance, because of his Chinese background, the principal of Ridgeborough Middle School attempted to put him in the fifth grade when he belonged in the sixth grade. Principal Chester would say “His English may need a little brushing up on, but I’m afraid we don’t have enough foreign students in this school district to warrant an English as a Second Language class” and “It would be beneficial to let him be with the fifth graders. Kids can get discouraged easily. We don’t want him to get him started off in his new country on the wrong foot” (Ko 52). Despite Kate repeatedly telling him that Deming was born in the United States and that his English was perfect, Principal Chester continued to claim that Deming needed additional schooling. His actions prove that his statements are rooted in prejudice. This occurrence caused Deming to view his Chinese culture as a derogative feature and appealed to Peter and Kay’s apprehensions about his struggle with belonging.
Although Peter and Kay believe what they’re doing is good for Deming, it ultimately places him in an inferior spot. From the act of changing his name to a more American name to making him dress differently, they suppress his original cultural identity and unconsciously infer that the American New York life is better. We are able to see this effect when Ko states “He shivered, and for a brief, horrible moment, he could see himself the way he realized they saw him as someone who needed to be saved” (Ko 332). Kay and Peter mean well, but they have naïve ideas about success—ideas built upon the assumption that stereotypically American forms of prosperity are “better” than anything else. Kay talks about Polly as if she’s disenfranchised, and Daniel realizes that his adoptive parents have a narrow idea of what it means to lead a good and happy life.
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