Amy Tan’s article has many different subjects the most important being shame. Tan’s article is to learn to have pride in our culture, it makes the readers remember their youth or anytime they've ever felt ashamed of themselves.  Everyone has their own customs and beliefs and it’s what makes us who we are therefore nobody should feel ashamed of their culture.

I personally understand Tan's purpose because I faced a similar experience in which I was ashamed and hurt people around me. Know that I see life in a different angle and I am ashamed of myself and the way I reacted to certain occasions. When I was 14 years old I remember feeling ashamed of my culture and I felt I needed to hide it. My father knew how I felt before I could even explain it; he then took me on a trip to our hometown and showed me how important it is for me. I am now very proud of my culture and our customs.