Almost American Girl

“Robin: ‘Why do you bother learning English?’

Robin’s mom: ‘Because everyone speaks English around the world.’

Robin: ‘But nobody speaks English in Korea. It’s useless.’”

Robin and her mother feel differently about learning English, and by extension, about America. Though Robin does not know it yet, at this point her mother plans to take them to the United States. In small ways, like in learning another language, she makes it known to Robin that they are unlikely to stay in Korea, even though she does not reveal her plan outright. Robin has a different perspective on English and America: She does not see a future where she needs to communicate with anyone outside of Korea.

“Robin: […] I don’t want to live here! I want to go back to Korea!’

Robin’s mom: ‘Calm down and listen to me! America is a better country than Korea, and someday you’ll like it here. I know it’ll be tough for now, but it will get better…’

Robin: ‘What do you mean?? What about my friends? My things and my comics?’”

Robin’s mother breaks the news to her that they are not leaving the United States. In the 1990s, there was no or limited internet access in most homes and long-distance calling options to stay in touch internationally were expensive. Their move denotes complete social and cultural isolation for Robin. Her main worries are about her comics, which guide her interests and identity, and her friends who she shares these stories and interests with. Robin believes in The Power of Stories in Shaping Identity, and without them she fears she will be isolated and unmoored.