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| Example of food in Oakland Chinatown |
Growing up near Oakland Chinatown, I think that it is great that there are several grassroot campaigns trying to preserve ethnic enclaves. Not only is it a representation of history, but it is a reminder of home. Both of my parents are immigrants from China, and because they have responsibilities here, it is extremely difficult for them to go back to their hometown. In addition, plane tickets are quite expensive, so Oakland Chinatown is a reminder and representation of China. Meeting other people that speak their native tongue or shopping at grocery stores similar to home makes my parents feel more like they belong in the United States.
It upsets me that many of the earliest enclaves disappeared or are becoming redevelopment zones for tourists. It goes back to how Asian American history constantly gets erased. Why do local governments not want to preserve ethnic enclaves? I understand that making it into a tourist attraction brings money and people to the city, but isn’t making immigrants feel welcome to the United States as important? It is an important part of history and it brings comfort to many immigrants who do not have the money to visit their home countries at all.
Joyce Wong
Section A01
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