This excerpt illustrates the theme of cultural conflict by showing the differences in customs and expectations between Amy's Chinese family and her American crush, Robert's family. Amy's family engages in traditional Chinese customs such as licking the ends of their chopsticks, reaching across the table to grab food, and belching loudly to show satisfaction with the meal. These customs make Robert and his family uncomfortable and embarrassed. For example, Robert grimaces when the whole steamed fish is brought out, and the minister musters up a quiet burp in response to Amy's father's loud belch.
In addition, Amy feels ashamed of her cultural heritage and traditions in front of her crush, Robert. She is embarrassed by her family's behavior at the dinner table and wishes to disappear. When her father offers her the tender fish cheek, she is mortified. The cultural differences between Amy's Chinese family and Robert's American family cause tension and discomfort for everyone involved, highlighting the ongoing conflict between different cultural norms and expectations.