How one event in history can ripple through generations of a family
Jul 3, 2024
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Delving into the impact of historical events on Asian-American families, the podcast highlights Carol Kwong Park's experience during the LA uprising. It explores family resilience, language preservation, and the immigrant experience, shedding light on racism, personal relationships, and societal issues.
Family history impacts individual experiences and coping mechanisms.
Exploring personal trauma can lead to self-discovery and reshaping perspectives.
Deep dives
Carol Kwang Park's Childhood at the Gas Station
Carol Kwang Park's childhood was marked by her involvement at her family's gas station in Compton, California. At the young age of 10, Carol began working at the station after her father's passing, helping out due to the family's financial needs. She vividly recalls learning to operate the cash register and serve customers, feeling a sense of duty to support her family during difficult times.
Impact of Social Unrest on Carol and Her Community
As racial tensions and social unrest heightened in Los Angeles, particularly during the LA Uprising, Carol's family-owned gas station faced challenges. The eruption of violence and hostility in the community, culminating in the beating of Rodney King and the killing of Latasha Harlins, had a direct impact on Carol and her experience at the gas station.
Transition and Reflection on Trauma
After years of working at the gas station and experiencing the trauma associated with it, Carol's life took a significant turn when she decided to hire someone to take over her shifts. This change prompted Carol to confront the suppressed emotions and trauma from her past, leading her to seek therapy and reevaluate her childhood experiences in a new light.
Journey of Self-Discovery and Education
Driven by a newfound understanding of societal issues and her personal history, Carol embarked on a journey of education and self-discovery. Through studying Ethnic Studies and Creative Writing, she delved into the complexities of racial dynamics and inter-ethnic conflicts, reshaping her perspective on her own experiences and the broader societal context that influenced them.
This week we're bringing you the first episode in a new series called Inheriting, created in collaboration with our friends at LAist Studios. In each episode, NPR's Emily Kwong sits down with Asian American and Pacific Islander families and explores how one event in history can ripple through generations.