Looking in the Mirror of My Past as a Korean Adoptee in the United States
“A second surface mirror, also known as a standard or regular mirror, creates a ghosting effect (double image).” ______________________________________________________________ “Displaced people also lived in two time zones, the here and the there, the present and the past, being as
In her story, the adoptee explores the theme of mirrors as a reflection of identity and belonging. She reflects on how her own identity was assigned to her by the adoption agency, with her name, case number, and birthdate serving as factual identifiers. The author compares her experience to a Korean folktale, "The Bridegroom's Shopping," in which a bridegroom forgets his task when he looks at a moon-shaped comb on a new moon.
The author draws parallels between the myth of the moon-shaped comb and her own life, suggesting that her adoptive family and upbringing influenced her perspective and shaped her identity. The story highlights the importance of mirrors as a symbol of self-perception and the role of memory in shaping our understanding of ourselves and others.
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