“Facing Poverty with a Rich Girl’s Habits” was written by Suki Kim in 2004 and is an extract from a wider publication by Roen, Glau and Maid, (2010). In her work, Kim noted how difficult it was for her as a young girl to adjust to a completely different lifestyle following the bankruptcy of her previously wealthy father and a subsequent escape to America. This is her most important point because it is the most repeated theme in the article. Other main points in the work are summarized in the ensuing paragraphs.
Kim stressed on the mishaps she faced regarding racism. The atmosphere appeared to be different in America from what she had been used to in her homeland of South Korea. She was now referred to as Asian or yellow-skinned, which was absurd considering what she had been accustomed to in Korea. Being poor meant that she could not be identified even with her fellow but wealthier Korean immigrants. She also underscored the difficulty she underwent in an attempt to learn English, and worse still, to socialize in the American culture where English was a must have language.
Finally, Kim acknowledged that though America helped them evade the wrath that would have otherwise seen her father behind bars, it did not solve their problems as expected. Just like the other families that had escaped “Korea’s rigid class hierarchy”, her family still hurdled through poverty and discrimination. Many years later, she finds herself still attached to the Korean culture despite embracing the American way of life.
The purpose of the work is to inform readers that life is full of uncertainties since all human beings are vulnerable to changes which may at times be detrimental but at the same time manageable. This is indicated by the dramatic changes her family underwent both geographically and in status and the struggles she faced to overcome related challenges. The article is an autobiographical literary work because it narrates the experiences of a section of the author’s life in a few paragraphs. The essay is only a few paragraphs long yet it captures a lot about Kim’s experiences as a teenager following the changes that she had to cope with. It appeals to a wide audience that may include people of different nationalities, races, ages and even social classes. The main theme is multifaceted and therefore touches the livelihood of various people from different backgrounds. As a result, it is ideal for a wide audience. The tone may be termed as solemn because the author maintains a serious attitude towards the themes. I find the essay both interesting and touchy. Kim’s experiences are sensitive but her narration is quite enthusiastic. Her teenage life after the age of thirteen, when her family had to flee their home, was characterized by hurdles that would have probably ruined her entire life. Despite this, she manages to narrate her painful experiences with enthusiasm. Accordingly, I think her work is excellent.
Reference
Roen, D, Glau, G. & Maid, B. (2010). The McGraw-Hill Guide: Writing for College, Writing for Life (2nd ed.). Facing Poverty with a Rich Girl’s Habits (Kim, S., 2004). New Jersey: McGraw-Hill Education.
