Americanization refers to how non-Americans gradually take on or espouse traits and behaviors commonly associated with the typical American.

An example of Americanization in Bone is when Nina and Leila share a meal at the Santa Fe restaurant. Nina admits to liking forks and to hardly using chopsticks. Her preference for American eating utensils over Chinese eating utensils is a strong example of Americanization.

• Double consciousness

Double consciousness is a concept developed by W. E. B. Du Bois. It addresses how historically marginalized people tend to view themselves from the standpoint of their oppressor. Their own consciousness, awareness, thoughts, and identity is constantly interrupted by the reputed consciousness, awareness, thoughts, and identity of the colonizer or dominant group.

One example of double consciousness in Bone comes via Zeke. Zeke’s mom didn’t name him. She let the nurse name him. She wants him to have an American name. She wants her son to have a name that links to the dominant group, not to the marginalized group.

• The melting pot theory

The melting pot theory describes the ways in which a diverse society blends together to produce a relatively common culture.

The melting pot theory might present itself in Mah’s affair with her boss. Her relationship shows that extra-marital affairs aren’t specific to one type of culture or people. They’re a common part of many cultures and people.

The melting pot theory also manifests itself is with Mah’s store for baby clothes. It shows that owning and running a business is something that can be undertaken by people from a collection of cultures.

• The salad bowl theory

The salad bowl theory is sometimes thought of as the opposite of the melting pot theory. A salad bowl theory refers to how one society can contain different cultures while maintaining their distinction and separateness.

The salad bowl theory might manifest itself most strongly with Leila’s stepdad. Leila’s stepdad literally separates himself from his family. He still lives in San Francisco. He’s still a part of American society, yet he remains distinct. His stays at an “old-man hotel on Clay Street.” To reinforce his separate aims and goals, Leila tells how Leon kept “a private stash of money, what he called his Going-Back-to-China fund.”