1. "'In the suburbs, nobody knows you. People don't come to your face and ask you where you're from or what ethnicity you are. To most people, you are just another person living the American Dream' (page 11) - This quote highlights the perceived anonymity and inclusivity of suburban life for many Asian American families, allowing them to blend in and escape direct confrontation about their race or ethnicity.
2. "'In the suburbs, I felt a sense of freedom that I had never experienced before. I was able to be myself and explore my own identity without feeling like I had to conform to any specific stereotype' (page 21) - This quote reflects the sense of liberation and self-discovery that many Asian American individuals find in suburban environments, allowing them to break away from societal expectations and embrace their true selves.
3. "'We always felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in being able to purchase a home in a 'good' neighborhood. For us, it was a symbol of our success and that we had made it in America' (page 45) - This quote highlights the importance of homeownership and suburban residence as markers of success and social mobility for Asian American families, reflecting their aspirations for economic achievement and integration.
4. "'There is a feeling of comfort and security in living in a suburban community where I know my neighbors and they know me. It gives us a sense of belonging' (page 56) - This quote speaks to the sense of community and belonging that Asian American families find in suburban neighborhoods, where they can establish connections with others and build social networks.
5. "'The pressure to excel academically is often overwhelming for our kids. They feel the need to prove themselves constantly and to outperform not just their peers, but also the stereotypes that society often imposes on them' (page 71) - This quote addresses the academic pressures faced by Asian American children in suburban communities, highlighting the expectations placed on them to succeed and fulfill societal expectations of academic excellence.
6. "'We want to expose our children to a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, so that they can develop a better understanding of the world and grow up to be more tolerant and accepting of others' (page 83) - This quote reflects the intentional efforts made by Asian American parents to broaden their children's perspectives through diverse experiences, hoping to foster open-mindedness and cross-cultural understanding.
7. "'Despite all the challenges we face, we love our lives here. The suburbs have provided us with a safe and supportive environment to raise our families, and we wouldn't trade it for anything' (page 112) - This quote encapsulates the overall sentiments expressed by many Asian American families living in suburban communities, despite encountering various obstacles and challenges, they find comfort, support, and a sense of home in these environments.