ABC for ABCs
What does ABC stand for exactly? Urban Dictionary defines ABC as “American-Born Chinese.” Need more clarity? They provide this example: “Man, he ain’t azn, he’s ABC.” I’ll spare you the convoluted definition of the word “azn”, but if you’re an Asian born in the mid to late 80’s, you know. For me, growing up in a Chinese household in Brooklyn meant that ABC was the label used to define my existence. Emphasis on the letter “A” for “American.” As a naive, impressionable pre-teen, I was influenced by fellow classmates and pop culture into thinking that it was an embarrassment to be Chinese. It took me many years to be comfortable in my skin and to embrace my culture, its history, and all the unique practices we have for holidays and celebrations. I still have a lot to learn but I’m eager and excited to revisit my roots now more than ever.
What inspired me? Like in many cultures, food is the universal glue for family, love, and gatherings. “Have you eaten?” is the equivalent to “How are you?” in my household. Sometimes it makes me wonder if love is measured by the amount of food on the table. My grandma, who was the most generous and fabulous woman I ever knew, hosted events at our house nearly every weekend. The “Brooklyn Socialite” is what I would call her if she was around today. Her cooking was on point and food was always overflowing from the dining table onto kitchen countertops and Mahjong tables. As you can imagine, I was a chubby McChubster and my dream job was to be a restauranteur or food critic. It didn’t turn out that way, but food is central to my being. I look forward to what I will be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a daily basis. Trips are planned around dinner reservations and Yelp has been an outlet for me to document my food adventures through humble reviews.
Speaking of careers, I would bet that almost all Asians know someone that works or once worked in a restaurant. It was the job that supported countless immigrant families in the U.S. that needed to find work without a more formal education. My grandparents on both sides worked in restaurants. Even my dad met my mom while working in a restaurant. He eventually became co-owner of a Chinese restaurant near the United Nations building catering mostly to upper-middle class patrons. He soon gave that up to be able to spend more time with me. Working in a restaurant, even if you were on a management level, apparently meant working at least 12-hour days, 6 days a week with little sleep or time for anything or anyone else. I don’t remember much from those days but I do remember the food.
Props and high-fives to restaurants that raised families with General Tso’s Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice. It’s a taste that is mostly catered to an Americanized palette but it can be so f*ckin delicious when done right. We seem to be living in a time where Asian cuisine is celebrated and even considered trendy. Asian restaurants are creative, traditional, distinct, and they’re finally getting credit for it!
This is one of many reasons why I decided to create ABC for ABCs. I want it to be a reminder that our culture and roots can also be applied to our basic educational rhetoric. Children learn early on that “A is for apple,” but who said it couldn’t be for Almond Cookies?
Why now? I wasn’t sure about the timing of the release of ABC for ABCs since the pandemic hit the States in March, but I’m convinced that there’s no better time than now to promote Asian food. New York’s Chinatown, which was once a sardine-packed, bustling area of markets and restaurants, is now eerily quiet with shutters and graffitied boards wrapping the streets in silence. Asian businesses have been seriously suffering and every little cultural contribution counts. I’m hoping ABC for ABCs can lift the spirits of someone during this tough time, whether it would be a little reminder of their childhood or an introduction to a new type of cuisine!
ABC for ABCs is intended to be shared with everyone who is interested in my version of an alphabet book. Prototype copies have landed on the laps of a few lucky friends and family members but it is not published yet! I am looking for publishers and individuals who are interested in seeing the potential of my work reach a greater audience. Please feel free to email me at abcforabcs@gmail.com if you’d like to help make this a reality for me or if you want to be on the list to be one of the first to purchase my board book!
Tiffany Q. Liu grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She is a senior art director and designer excited about ideas, food, silly things, interesting characters, gardening, and great stories.
Text & Illustrations by Tiffany Q. Liu