Smith - Fresh off the boat: six-words stories of immigration, identity, and coming to America

I was born in Las Vegas; both my parents were born in Iran. My family was full of characters: dad, mom, grandfather, aunts, uncles, (I remember one uncle telling us all to call him Panther)and they all helped shaped my sense of humor. For me, being a first-generation American, coming from a family of immigrants, it was always important to tell stories from the inside out.

We are telling our story, we are not being told our story. Were not being looked at in a fishbowl, were looking out at the world through a different lens, with a different perspective. Fresh Off the Boat has that same courage. We are confident in who we are, were not apologizing for it, were not thankful for it, we own it, we live in it every day. And now is our time to share it. My six words?

We exist because
these stories exist.

Nahnatchka Khan, creator/executive producer, Fresh Off the Boat

My father was the last son to immigrate to America from China. Our family had a long history with this country dating back to the early days of California. They helped build America, but always felt they werent a part of America. Growing up, my father told me not to make waves. Keep your head down, do your work, be respectful. You can never go wrong that way.

In many ways, I think my father was right about the realities of surviving in a new country; that was what it was about for his generation. They did the bravest thing: leaving their home to come for a better life for themselves and their family in America, the land of opportunity. Whether it was working on the railroad, to later generations working in Chinatown kitchens or delivering groceries to those same restaurants, they have been an integral part of America. Being the first generation born here, its my duty to tell our story and participate in making this country a better place. My six words?

I owe it to my father.

Melvin Mar, executive producer, Fresh Off the Boat

This book is inspired by our audience, by viewers across the country, across cultures, and across generations. They tell us that in the story of our television family they see reflections of their own families. That the show could resonate so personally is rewarding; that through this collaboration with Six-Word Memoirs it can also be a catalyst for storytelling is exciting.

In the pages ahead are hundreds of stories. We hope you enjoy them and will kick things off with Six-Word Memoirs from our cast and creative team.

Designed in Asia,
assembled in California.

Ian Chen, Evan Huang

Where are you from ?
Im Irish-Korean.

Kourtney Kang, co-executive producer

Moms recipes get
ruined by me.

Randall Park, Louis Huang

Thanksgiving dinner
with samosas
and turkey.

Rachna Fruchbom, coproducer

I learned Hinduism
from Urban Outfitters.

Sanjay Shah, co-executive producer

Still amazed
they let me in.

David Smithyman, executive story editor

.
My American dream has come true.

Lucille Soong, Grandma Huang

Warning! Land of Opportunity
includes standup.

Sheng Wang, story editor

Hot pot,
free to be me.

Forrest Wheeler, Emery Huang

My familys
why I can fly.

Hudson Yang, Eddie Huang