Exercise 2: My Family History

February 9, 2024 By: Jin Yi Wu

My Family History

 

Grandparents

I have few personal memories of my grandparents’ stories related to the major wars and political events, so I rely on my mother’s recollections. Born in southern China during the 1920s-40s, my grandparents enjoyed relative peace and stability despite major international conflicts occurring. The southern regions, including Guangdong, remained mostly untouched by Japanese forces during World War I and II, offering a comparatively peaceful existence. Consequently, they did not experience the direct impact of Japanese occupation or the need to participate in major wars. Their decision to move within Guangdong might have been influenced by economic opportunities and a desire for safety, given the region’s relative stability during that tumultuous period. Primarily engaged in farm-related activities, my grandparents grew crops and sold them to the community. They also undertook side hustles, such as making desserts and selling them in the market.

Our family’s modest economic status played a pivotal role in safeguarding us from the repercussions of the Chinese Civil War, which raged on between the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and the Communist Party. The conflict spanned from 1927 to 1949, bringing widespread socio-political upheaval to the nation. Our financial constraints inadvertently shielded us from becoming specific targets during this turbulent period. The civil war’s impact on the country was profound, yet our humble circumstances allowed us to navigate the tumult with relative obscurity. Lacking substantial wealth, we remained beneath the radar and escaped the attention that often befell those perceived as symbols of economic privilege. Instead, our energies were devoted to day-to-day survival and the preservation of our family, enabling us to weather the storm of the civil war with a degree of anonymity.

 

Parents

In the tranquil landscapes of Guangdong, southern China, my parents’ lives took an unexpected turn amidst the harsh realities of the one-child policy. Enacted by the Chinese government in 1979 to manage population growth, the policy cast a shadow over family aspirations and introduced a complex set of challenges. Their peaceful existence was shattered as the policy dictated our family’s destiny. With four daughters, we became unwitting rebels in a system that demanded conformity.

Under the one-child policy’s constraints, my parents found themselves entangled in a relentless struggle to maintain family unity. Fearing government repercussions, they resorted to hiding me (as the second daughter) from authorities, transforming our household into a constant battleground for anonymity. Employment in a cookie factory for my mother and a sales profession for my father became not just a means of livelihood but a strategy for survival. Entrepreneurial ventures, including selling homemade goods, became a lifeline as we navigated the precarious dance of concealment. The emotional toll was palpable as we lived in perpetual fear of separation and exposure. Ultimately, the unyielding pressure of the one-child policy led to a painful decision – our family’s forced migration to a different part of the world, severing our ties with the land that had witnessed our struggles.

Our story epitomizes the impact of governmental policies on family life, portraying a journey marked by upheaval, resilience, and a forced exodus from our cherished roots in southern China. It’s notable that my parents, lacking extensive education, entered the workforce early. Both completed an equivalent of grade 7 in China, with my mother starting work at a young age, assisting in the family farm and taking on various jobs. The echoes of our past, defined by the shadows of the one-child policy, linger as a testament to the indomitable spirit required to navigate the harsh realities of a tumultuous era. Our story epitomizes the impact of governmental policies on family life, portraying a journey marked by upheaval, resilience, and a forced exodus from our cherished roots in southern China.

 

Me

Born as the second daughter under the one-child policy in Guangdong, southern China, my arrival into the world was shrouded in secrecy. The prevailing societal preference for sons cast a looming shadow over families like mine, as the birth of a daughter often meant facing discrimination, abandonment, or worse. My mother, working in a cookie factory, had to navigate the challenging task of concealing her pregnancy from her peers. To evade the watchful eyes of authorities enforcing the one-child policy, I was born inside our home and placed in a basket, whisked away to live with my grandparents in a distant city. This clandestine act spared me from the fate that befell many second daughters, who were often sold into slavery or faced societal rejection.

The 1900s in China were marked by deeply ingrained gender norms, with sons perceived as essential for carrying on the family name. My family’s decision to keep my birth a secret was an act of resistance against these oppressive expectations, challenging established societal norms and their discriminatory consequences. In a society where husbands were considered superior to wives, the emphasis on male heirs perpetuated a cycle of inequality.

At the age of seven, our family embarked on a journey to Canada in pursuit of a better life. The move separated me from my mother and youngest sister, who stayed behind. The revelation of my younger sister’s existence came as a surprise, unfolding several years after her arrival in Canada. In our new home, my parents faced the challenges of language barriers, finding employment in low-paying jobs in factories and restaurants. The pursuit of a better life in Canada reflected our family’s resilience and determination to overcome the hardships of our past.

My story embodies the intricate interplay of cultural norms, family dynamics, and the pursuit of opportunity. From the hidden corners of southern China to the promise of a new life in Canada, my journey reflects the strength that emerges when families defy societal expectations, steering towards a desired future filled with hope and opportunity.