Summary

In "United," Hong describes her experience with depression, which began with a facial tic. As the sensation of the tic worsened, Hong allowed it to control her, causing her to distance herself from her social sphere. When the tic returned after she was married, Hong found a Korean American therapist. Though the appointment went well, the therapist told Hong she could not take her insurance. Hong grew frantic, incessantly calling the therapist. She was the only Korean American therapist Hong could find.

Hong says that while Asian Americans are whiter than African Americans, they are not white enough to be acknowledged by whites, or seen as white. She likens this experience to that of the "self-hating Jew" (9). Asian Americans’ near non-existence in American society fuels a similar sense of self-hatred.

During her graduate program Hong and a friend visited a nail salon. The Korean...