Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families

Introduction

In his article “Eat Turkey, Become American,” Marie Myung-Ok Lee contends in the chosen text that Thanksgiving carries a profound significance for immigrant families, particularly those who have encountered adversity and challenges in their native country. The author effectively conveys the message that Thanksgiving holds a special significance for immigrant families, using personal accounts and emotions to make a strong case for the deeper meaning of the holiday.

Author’s Arguments

Lee’s claim in the selected reading is that Thanksgiving has a deeper meaning for immigrant families, particularly those who have faced hardships and struggles in their homeland. The author wants the audience to understand that for immigrants, Thanksgiving is not just about the traditional American celebration, but also about the gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities and safety that America has provided (Lee, 2014).

The key points that the author uses to support their claim are the personal experiences of the author’s parents as Korean immigrants. She describes how their parents fled from North Korea and came to the United States, facing immigration problems and discrimination along the way (Lee, 2014). The author also highlights the importance of Thanksgiving in their family as a way to honor and express their gratitude for the opportunities and safety they have found in America.

Target Audience

Lee’s target audience is likely immigrants or children of immigrants who can relate to the experiences and struggles described in the reading. She makes choices within their writing to connect with this target audience by using personal anecdotes and emotions to convey the significance of Thanksgiving for immigrant families (Lee, 2014). Additionally, she also appeals to a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities provided by America.

Personal Opinion

I believe the author’s claim is substantial. The reading effectively demonstrates, through personal experiences and emotions, that Thanksgiving holds profound significance for immigrant families. The author’s description of their parents’ struggles and the gratitude they feel towards America creates a powerful argument for the importance of Thanksgiving in immigrant families.

Conclusion

Overall, the author effectively argues that Thanksgiving holds a unique and deep value for immigrant families. The personal anecdotes and emotions shared in the reading make a strong case for the deeper meaning of Thanksgiving in these families. The author’s claim is well-supported by the evidence and key points provided.

Work Cited

Lee, Marie Myung-Ok. “Eat Turkey, Become American.” The New Your Times. 2014. Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2026, February 4). Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families. https://studycorgi.com/marie-myung-ok-lees-eat-turkey-become-american-on-thanksgivings-meaning-for-immigrant-families/

Work Cited

"Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families." StudyCorgi, 4 Feb. 2026, studycorgi.com/marie-myung-ok-lees-eat-turkey-become-american-on-thanksgivings-meaning-for-immigrant-families/.

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StudyCorgi. (2026) 'Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families'. 4 February.

1. StudyCorgi. "Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families." February 4, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/marie-myung-ok-lees-eat-turkey-become-american-on-thanksgivings-meaning-for-immigrant-families/.


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StudyCorgi. "Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families." February 4, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/marie-myung-ok-lees-eat-turkey-become-american-on-thanksgivings-meaning-for-immigrant-families/.

References

StudyCorgi. 2026. "Marie Myung-Ok Lee’s “Eat Turkey, Become American” on Thanksgiving’s Meaning for Immigrant Families." February 4, 2026. https://studycorgi.com/marie-myung-ok-lees-eat-turkey-become-american-on-thanksgivings-meaning-for-immigrant-families/.

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