The three guests in this episode are all children of first- or second-generation immigrants and share the peculiar burdens of that heritage. In an episode that crisscrosses the planet, from India to Korea to Poland, catch a glimpse of three distinct yet oddly overlapping experiences of families leaving their homes and becoming American.
Martha Stewart is an interesting character, saying she was never hiding her Polish roots. While this is probably true, it is worth pointing out that her name had been Stewart for decades. Her maiden name may not have sold as many magazines. Regardless, her story turns up an interesting letter on Polish-Russian conflict, and even shows how some Polish ancestors may be Muslim, which is certainly a surprise.
Margaret Cho's parents are interesting because they ran a book store in San Francisco at a time that was quite fascinating (the Harvey Milk years), and we get into how the Korean War has affected Koreans' search for ancestors. Most amazing is how far back the family can be traced. Now, perhaps this is dubious, but if accurate is some of the most impressive genealogical work you will ever see... makes one wonder if anyone in Korea does not share a common ancestor at some point.
Martha Stewart is an interesting character, saying she was never hiding her Polish roots. While this is probably true, it is worth pointing out that her name had been Stewart for decades. Her maiden name may not have sold as many magazines. Regardless, her story turns up an interesting letter on Polish-Russian conflict, and even shows how some Polish ancestors may be Muslim, which is certainly a surprise.
Margaret Cho's parents are interesting because they ran a book store in San Francisco at a time that was quite fascinating (the Harvey Milk years), and we get into how the Korean War has affected Koreans' search for ancestors. Most amazing is how far back the family can be traced. Now, perhaps this is dubious, but if accurate is some of the most impressive genealogical work you will ever see... makes one wonder if anyone in Korea does not share a common ancestor at some point.