"In the American Society" is a short story about an immigrant family called the Changs who moved from China to the United States. In China, they didn't have much economic opportunity. After opening the breakfast restaurant in the United States, however, they had a tremendous opportunity and became financially well-off. In that sense, "In the American Society" is a fundamentally optimistic work. It shows that with hard work, perseverance, and dedication, anyone can succeed if they work hard enough, regardless of race, ethnicity, or immigration status.
"In the American Society" is also a story about culture. In the novel, the Changs have trouble integrating into the culture of the United States. Mr. Chang initially doesn't want to assimilate into American culture; Mrs. Chang struggles to integrate into American culture until she goes to the country club, where she learns what it means to be a true American rich person.
But the two still have struggles becoming fully American. They and their daughters continue to walk the tightrope between Chinese and American culture, which they struggle with. Ultimately, they realize they are both American and Chinese and learn the importance of embracing their identity. Their struggles are similar to all of the immigrants throughout history who struggled to adapt to a new country. And the Changs will not be the last to struggle, something which can be comforting to many of the short story's readers.
