Second generation Chinese Americans were the American born Chinese whose parents immigrated to the United States from China. They encountered the unique problem of finding a balance between theChinese and American ways of life. Second generation Chinese Americans view education as a way to have a better life. They attended public schools in the United States and learned English. However, their parents saw them as Chinese and sent them to Chinese Schools in Chinatown after American school between 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. They also had Chinese classes on Saturdays between 9 A.M. To 12 Noon. There they learned Chinese language, history, literature, and philosophy.

Though anxious to get ahead of their classmates in the American schools, most second generation Chinese disliked going to Chinese School. Consequently, most of the Chinese Americans can only read and write in English. They never thought they would need Chinese because after all, they were Americans.

Unfortunately, American society did not consider these second-generation Chinese Americans as one of their own. Even though they had American ideas, thoughts, and attitudes, they still had a Chinese physical appearance. The American community denied second generation Chinese Americans chances for better jobs and social status because they did not look "American".

The Chinese immigrants did not fully embrace these second-generation Chinese into the Chinese community either. They often called these American-born Chinese insulting names such as "jook sing" or "bamboo pole". Bamboo poles had hollow shoots with joints sealed off the ends. The Chinese immigrants used the name "jook sing" because American-born Chinese were cut off at both ends, meaning they did not have to acceptance of neither the American community nor the Chinese community.

Many second-generation Chinese Americans felt isolated and alone, as if they were stuck on an island between the two countries of China and the United States.