Stay Golden, Gogol

Hey all, today I'm talking about a important decision that many people face. In the book "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri, the main character is Indian but lives on the East Coast. He often faces many conflicts between the two cultures he knows; Indian culture, and the new unfamiliar American lifestyle. His parents disapprove and sometimes fear the American culture, encouraging him to do the same. However, Gogol(the main character)'s exposure to American culture has given him vastly different opinions from those of his parents. Although his father is well educated, a college professor, Gogol's education has led him to question and be ashamed of many parts of his ethnicity. For example, Gogol's greatest embarrassment is his name; for it is very ethnic and he is humiliated by it. He hates it so much that he decides to legally change his name. Throughout the story, Gogol comes across situations where his Indian side and American side come to a crossroads and he must choose which lifestyle he wants to live. As he grows older and starts making more decision on his own and without his parents' consent, he tends to choose the "american" way. Since his parents view the "american" way as a sinful way and Gogol idolizes it, they have many arguments. Which led me to think about the real question for Gogol; to stay true to his Indian roots or to adapt to the new environment and follow the American way of life. I believe it is simpler than that; I believe the only thing Gogol must stay true to is himself, without worrying about what Americans will think of his ethnic name or customs. Likewise, he should not be completely ruled by his parents' opinion on what is right, because Gogol is not living the same life as they are and should therefore not lead his own life the same way. Many people that come from another country or have an ethnic background face this same dilemma, and through seeing Gogol's struggle and the actions he makes, I firmly believe that being being honest to ones' self is important above all else, regardless of any society.