On Growing Up Cantonese American in Southern California
Sabrina Popo wasn’t like other grandmas. She was my grandma.
The article introduces Sabrina Popo, the author’s grandmother, as a dynamic figure who lived independently in Southern California. She maintained an active social life centered around activities like dim sum (a traditional Cantonese meal of small dishes, often enjoyed with tea), senior ballroom dancing, and mahjong (a tile-based game popular in Chinese culture, often played for socializing). The author mentions having to schedule visits with her grandmother, suggesting a busy routine filled with social engagements. This point highlights the cultural practices and community involvement of a Cantonese American elder in a specific regional context.
The article explores the experience of growing up Cantonese American in Southern California, a region with a significant Chinese American population. Southern California, particularly areas like the San Gabriel Valley, has been a hub for Chinese immigration since the mid-20th century, with many Cantonese-speaking communities settling there. The author’s grandmother represents a generation of immigrants who preserved cultural traditions while adapting to life in the United States. This point underscores the intersection of cultural heritage and generational change in a multicultural urban setting.
The relationship between the author and Sabrina Popo is central to the article. The grandmother’s independence and social vitality contrast with the author’s role as a grandchild who must coordinate visits, indicating a generational dynamic. The author’s mention of being 'penciled in' suggests a structured but flexible approach to family interactions. This point examines how family bonds and cultural traditions are maintained across generations within a Cantonese American context.
