Being Chinese away from China

Freedom, well nurtured, can grow to fidelity. - Eric Liu

Eric Liu is a second-generation Chinese American, a speechwriter for former US president Bill Clinton. The line cited above is from his book The Accidental Asian, and refers to the idea that if immigrant parents grant more freedom to their children to explore their identity and cultural heritage, the children might ultimately find solace in and become loyal to their parents' culture.

The line is so meaningful that it can find resonance in other contexts. During my conversations with Chinese students overseas, I often find their strengthened affinity with Chinese culture even when they are thousands of miles away from China.