5/18 Kelly Loves Tony pt. 2

In the second viewing of Kelly Loves Tony, there is increased tension between Kelly and her partner. Kelly is having a hard time juggling her responsibilities between being a student, mother, and perfect daughter-in-law. She starts to get overwhelmed with the amount of expectations placed on her. She struggles taking care of her son, while having to go to class. At the same time, she performs household chores and takes care of her fiance's family. No one really seems to help her or at least don't quite know how to. Her fiance doesn't understand her struggle, thereby invalidating her feelings which furthers her stress and anger. This conflict showcases the lives of many Southeast Asian American womxn. The hegemonic control of young womxn is seen through how Kelly is expected to stay home and take care of her family. Her fiance, in-laws, and even her own family perpetuates this ideal as she moves in to her new home. The continuation of tradition is ultimately placed on young womxn. There is also a clash of cultures as Kelly is realizing her own personal worth and goals that does not neccesarily align with the roles and expectations of Mien culture. She repeatedly ponders about going to college and getting a degree. She wants to be successful, and not adhere to the traditional role of being a housewife. The individualist characteristic of American culture is conflicting the tradtional, collectivist nature of Mien culture.

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