My Year of Meats: Jane vs. Akiko

Right from the start Ozeki begins to portray the differences between cultures using Jane and Akiko's lives as examples. Jane represents the white woman (even though she is partially Japanese), whereas Akiko is seen as the Asian American woman.  Parallel to their stereotypes, Jane is an independent woman who has no husband, and can marry and divorce whoever and whenever she wants.  She is able to maintain her own income with a steady job, without a man by her side.  On the other hand, Akiko closely follows the Asian American stereotype.  Before meeting her husband, John, Akiko had a steady job, however, after getting married, she was forced to quit.  The only job she has is to be the obedient, submissive, and quiet housewife, who essentially lives to please John.  She has no freedom as to where she wants to go or what she wants to do.