botanical studies of internet magic 02. throwing away the iron rice bowl
Feb 28, 2024
Explore the journey of transitioning from a stable career to embracing artistic freedom. The discussion highlights how cultural blueprints shape our understanding of success. It delves into the tension between immigrant values and personal aspirations. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggle against societal expectations and the panic that comes with it. The speaker questions the meaning of security in a creative life, inviting listeners to reconsider what true fulfillment looks like.
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Kanink's Background
- Kanink was born in China, immigrated to the US, and now lives in Istanbul.
- She grew up in small-town North Carolina, the only Asian child in her school.
Cultural Emphasis on Education and Stability
- Kanink's upbringing emphasized education, with daily homework and weekend Chinese school.
- The ultimate goal was to get into a top college and secure a stable, high-paying job—the "iron rice bowl."
Inherited Values
- Kanink's parents, born during China's Cultural Revolution, valued stability and providing for family.
- This influenced Kanink's inherited belief in hard work, practicality, and making her parents proud.