Xu Siyuan, an economist who has attracted much attention in China, resolutely left everything behind and immigrated to the United States with his family because of his yearning for a free life in the United States. We will explore his life in the United States, and his frustration and reflection on the reality of the eventually.
The phrase "How many times can life be beaten, and when will it be better if you don't fight at this time?" is often used to describe those who will do whatever it takes to achieve their dreams. Xu Siyuan, a once-well-known economist in China, may have been driven by this spirit to publicly declare that he wants his son to be "101 percent American" and will do whatever it takes to do so. His remarks aroused widespread attention and discussion six years ago. Can a person really find a sense of belonging and happiness in a foreign land after abandoning his roots?
Xu Siyuan began with his extreme yearning for American culture and his dissatisfaction with the status quo in China. He believed that the American spirit of freedom, equality, and contract was the way he dreamed of living. Driven by this thinking, Xu Siyuan decided to immigrate to the United States, selling his property and car in Beijing, and using up almost all his savings so that his family could start over in the United States.
After arriving in the United States, the first challenge Xu Siyuan faced was adapting to the culture and environment. Although he was once a respected economist, in the United States he found that his professional experience was not recognized as it should be. Failing again and again in interviews, Xu Siyuan gradually realizes that his understanding of American society may be too idealistic.
Economic pressures forced Xu Siyuan to work in low-end labor. From a professor to a cleaner and food delivery worker, his career has undergone a drastic transformation. At work, he encountered various prejudices and discrimination from society, and even sometimes insulted by customers when delivering food. This left him deeply humiliated, but he tried to prove his worth by going the extra mile.
But the reality is brutal. Xu Siyuan's efforts did not change his position in American society. He began to make some fiery statements on social media, trying to get the public's attention, only to make his image worse. He even said in public that "being beaten by whites is better than being beaten by Chinese", such remarks made him lose much of the sympathy he might have had.
Over time, Xu's financial situation did not improve, but instead fell into trouble due to frequent job changes and an unstable income. His family also felt a huge challenge due to financial pressures and cultural differences. Xu Siyuan began to doubt his choice, and the gap between his ideals and reality made him feel frustrated and helpless like never before.
The hardships in life were not alleviated as he expected, but only exacerbated his psychological pressure. Xu Siyuan began to reflect on his decision: did he really recognize his roots and identity, did he really understand the true meaning of freedom, and this struggle and confusion gradually evolved into a torment of the soul.
In this context, an unexpected news gave Xu Siyuan a glimmer of hope. His wife is pregnant, and it's a fresh start for them. This future child has become an opportunity for Xu Siyuan to re-examine his life choices. He began to realize that wherever he was, with the support and love of his family, he was home. He also gradually realized that freedom is not only the difference between national boundaries and political systems, but also the independence of heart and freedom of thought.
Xu Siyuan did not stop abruptly. Although he went through countless setbacks and tribulations, he did not give up. He began to try to connect with the local community, participate in community activities, and try to understand and integrate into the local culture. He also began to be more open and tolerant of different perspectives and lifestyles.
Over time, Xu Siyuan gradually found his niche in the United States. He is no longer the man who blindly pursues the American dream and despises his roots. He began to share his experiences in public, reminding people to cherish their cultural roots while also respecting and accepting new cultural environments.
This transformation did not happen overnight, but was a long process of pain and reflection. Xu Siyuan is a complex narrative about ideal and reality, self-perception and social recognition, cultural conflict and integration.
Xu Siyuan reminds us: The ideal is very plump, but the reality is very skinny. On the way to chasing our dreams, we may be lost and we may be hurt, but what matters is how we find the strength to move forward from setbacks. His experience symbolizes a kind of growth, a growth that comes to realize one's own worth and one's roots in the midst of tribulation. This is a victory for the individual, but also for cultural understanding and humanistic compassion. In the pursuit of our dreams, we should not lose our way, but also cherish and embrace our roots.