How To Live the Dream
An interview with Yuri Sr.
Comrades: My father is celebrating his 65th birthday and 40th year in America. Most corporate media articles about Asians these days go something along the lines of “Why America is racist because people ask me where I’m from and how to pronounce my name.” They ignore so many stories like my father’s about why he fled his country to come to the US, and why he is proud and happy to be here. That is why I decided to interview Yuri Sr. as he reflects on his life at these milestones.
Dad: I am beyond grateful for your sacrifices. Living with you for a few months during lockdown was a blessing, as we got to spend quality time together as grown men. You have taught me so much about our family and its values. Your story inspires me to keep fighting for freedom here and in your motherland. I am proud to share it with this audience, so that humanity can unite against tyranny.
***Any new paid subscriptions this week will go towards a birthday gift for Yuri Sr.
What was your first childhood memory?
Hunger. I once hid a cookie in my bed for weeks and took small bites whenever I was famished. The Great Leap Forward and its resulting famines occurred when I was a toddler. Tragically, one of my older brothers died of malnutrition before I was born. Most basic living necessities were rationed including food, clothes, furniture, and even bicycles. There were no private cars and apartments. We could only have 6 eggs per person per month. Fried eggs are still one my favorite dishes because they were such a delicacy back then. Butter was also rare and expensive. I saved a week’s salary to buy one stick of butter and served it with bread to woo your mother, who said it helped win her heart.
What was it like to grow up during the Cultural Revolution?