Blog

Michelle Zauner's Mother: Shaping Cultural Identity

Korean cooking ingredients on a counter with a woman's silhouette, evoking a daughter's memories of her mother's kitchen

Have you ever felt torn between two cultures? How does a mother's influence shape our connection to our heritage?

In her memoir Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zauner explores her journey with her Korean-American identity. The book delves into Michelle Zauner's mother's impact on her cultural roots and how their relationship influenced her sense of self.

Keep reading to discover how Zauner's experience with loss and grief led her to embrace her Korean heritage and honor her mother's legacy.

Understand the world's best ideas with Shortform.
Summaries of thousands of books, podcasts, articles, and more.

A Mother's Influence on Cultural Identity

Michelle Zauner's mother played a pivotal role in shaping her journey with her Korean heritage. As a mixed Korean-American, Zauner's connection to her cultural roots was primarily established through her mother's influence. This relationship between Michelle Zauner and her mother not only shaped Zauner's sense of identity but also her approach to grief and healing after her mother's passing.

Navigating a Mixed Heritage

Growing up with a Korean mother and a Caucasian father, Zauner often felt like an outsider. Her mixed racial background drew attention, causing feelings of alienation and impacting her sense of belonging. During her adolescence, she made efforts to blend into suburban American life, seeking approval from those hesitant to accept her mixed cultural background.

Despite these challenges, Zauner's mother remained a strong link to her Korean heritage. Through traditional cooking practices and significant cultural behaviors, her mother reinforced their connection to Korea. This was particularly evident during the mourning period for Zauner's grandmother, where her mother's public expression of sorrow emphasized her deep cultural roots.

Strengthening Cultural Ties

As Zauner grew older, she began to embrace her Korean heritage more fully. Her biennial visits to Korea played a crucial role in this process. In Seoul, she felt validated, a stark contrast to her experiences in Eugene where she was primarily seen through the lens of her Asian identity. These trips allowed her to engage deeply with Korean culture, from refining her palate for traditional dishes to exploring the vibrant scene in Gangnam.

Zauner's efforts to maintain her cultural heritage extended beyond her visits to Korea. She took on the responsibility of preserving her cultural legacy by perfecting the culinary arts passed down from her ancestors and exploring the customs associated with her heritage. She honed her skills in Korean cooking, making use of utensils inherited from her mother and experimenting with innovative gastronomic concoctions.

Facing Loss and Grief

The bond between Zauner and her mother was put to the ultimate test when her mother was diagnosed with stage IV squamous-cell carcinoma. Zauner put her career on hold to care for her mother, facing both emotional and practical challenges. She meticulously managed her mother's nutritional needs and medication, all while grappling with the reality of her mother's deteriorating health.

The loss of her mother marked a profound turning point in Zauner's life. She struggled to fully grasp the depth of her sorrow, finding comfort in her mother's cherished keepsakes and dreams. This period of grief led to a renewed dedication to maintaining her mother's heritage.

Finding Healing Through Food and Culture

In the aftermath of her mother's passing, Zauner found solace and healing through her connection to Korean culture, particularly through food. Cooking became a soothing activity that strengthened her bond with her mother's memory. She paid tribute to her mother by carefully participating in online cooking courses and affectionately preparing traditional dishes like seaweed soup on her birthday.

The regular practice of preparing kimchi became a comforting tradition that linked her to her Korean roots and the nation's past. Zauner's commitment to authentically recreating classic recipes underscored the powerful connection between cultural heritage and memory in her path to healing.

Embracing a Renewed Cultural Identity

Through her journey of grief and healing, Zauner discovered a renewed appreciation for her Korean heritage. She found joy in everything from the specialized kimchi refrigerator in her household to the cherished traditional dishes prepared by her aunt. While she lamented lost opportunities to engage more deeply with her heritage earlier in life, she strived to foster the culture within herself.

Zauner's experience highlights the profound impact a mother can have on shaping cultural identity. Her journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her Korean heritage is a testament to the enduring influence of her mother's cultural legacy. Through food, memories, and a deepened connection to her roots, Zauner found not only a way to honor her mother but also a path to healing and a revitalized sense of self.

Learn the world's best ideas with Shortform.
Summaries of thousands of books, podcasts, articles, and more.