This paper discusses problems of assimilation and acculturation, which Chineseimmigrant encounter when conforming to the American mainstream requirements.
Abstract This paper argues that it is wrong for Chineseimmigrants to assimilate so fully that they lose pride in their own ethnicity. The author presents the background of Chineseimmigration to the United States and the effects of assimilation.
From the Paper "The thesis of this paper is that it is wrong, perhaps even immoral, for Chinese immigrants to assimilate into American society to such an extent that they lose pride in their own ethnicity."
Abstract This paper examines the Chineseimmigrant population in the United States from a province and county of China, Fu Zhou (Fu Jian), a region where the people have traditionally been very different from mainstream Chinese culture. The paper explores the issues faced by these immigrants from Fu Zhou and the challenges that they face in the future. The paper also includes the personal perspective of the author, an Asian-American, in terms of his own views of the problems of immigration and the problems of negative community attribution that many immigrants from Fu Zhou undergo, since they are often looked down upon by mainstream Chinese (Cantonese) immigrants as being uncivilized and overly eager to do anything for money. Finally, the paper addresses the unequal treatment suffered by many immigrant communities in America, as well the conspicuous consumption favored by the Chinese back home in Fu Jian who 'live large' while their American family members work impossibly long hours to bring them the fruits of their labor.
From the Paper "In New York especially, the majority of Chinese immigrants who hold viable commercial and tourist space in Chinatown are Cantonese. This means that they are from the south of China, mostly from the Guangzhou province or from Hong Kong (Xiang Gang). They are an established immigrant community with labor relations boards and
viable opportunities for the community's grievances to be addressed. Many Americans think of China as being more unified than it really is in terms of groups within the mainland. There are many Chinese who speak different languages within China, and even though Mandarin is supposed to be the official (government) language, there are often language barriers between different people. Mandarin is different from Cantonese, but many Cantonese Chinese can also speak Mandarin, since the newspapers and television programs in China are often in this language."
Abstract This suburban development of Chineseimmigrants can be understood as a move toward social integration, which both locates the success of immigrant businesses in the Greater Toronto Area and points a shift away from economic enclaves. This investigation poses related questions in the field of study, which are essential to understanding the Chineseimmigrant pattern in Toronto: first, why do most new immigrants tend to move to suburban Toronto? Second, what are the significances of "Ethnoburb" in the areas of economy, cultural, social, and political life?
Abstract The focus of this paper is the pivotal period between the 1850s and the 1920s when the rates of Chineseimmigration to America and Canada were at their highest. It considers which country had the more belligerent West by examining the ideas, legislation and practicalities that formed the Chinese experience in California and British Columbia between 1850 and 1930. It also examines the perception of the Chinese newcomers by Canadians and Americans, the social experiences of the Chinese in settling into their new homes and the economic experiences they had in trying to make ends meet in the face of barriers that both federal and state/provincial governments had made.
From the Paper "Whilst historians of the American and Canadian Wests have focused their attention on the working lives of men in cities and in the mines, studies of Chinese womens' experiences have tended to be treated as a separate topic. In 1986 historian Anne Butler pointed out that women's history was lacking in an examination of the experiences of 'Oriental' women. This may be partially due to the absence of writings on Chinese women in California and British Columbia in the nineteenth century and for much of the twentieth century. Indeed, Judy Yung has commented that "life under exclusion [...has...] necessitated a pact of silence among Chinese immigrants about their past.""
This paper discusses the issue of immigration and diversity in Canada, while looking at accounts regarding Chineseimmigrants in the 19th and 20th century.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses two news accounts that presented similar backgrounds regarding the Chineseimmigrants in the 19th century and the 20th century. The writer compares and contrasts events taken from these two time periods with academic sources detailing the same. The writer notes that economic strife and the hope of acquiring wealth, while apparently more pronounced in the 20th century, was the primary motivator for these people to take life-threatening risks as well as the risk of being turned back. The writer points out that the politico-social climate had perceptibly changed since 1860, particularly regarding the shift of perceptions of immigrants by native Canadians from a racial, white superiority perspective against the backdrop of colonialism to that of cultural paranoia fueled by biased media coverage and political secondary gain. The writer concludes that although steps have been taken to control immigration, cultural diversity remains elusive. This paper includes a detailed summary and notes regarding each of the sources.
Outline:
The 19th Century
20th Century
Conclusion
From the Paper "This was one of the first accounts of local press during the 1860s regarding the arrival of Chinese migrants to British Columbia. Being of a foreign land, they initially shared the white man's dreams of finding fortune in the new province similar to the California gold rush. It was an equal proving ground where, literally, one could keep what he reaped from the mines. However, as the fervor of finding instant fortune soon died down in the south, so did the gold rush in British Columbia. This did not mean that other industries were in lack. Indeed, the lumbering and agricultural industries were also abundant, owing to the gold rush that had to be sustained by settlements and towns requiring building materials and a means with which to feed the inhabitants."
Abstract This paper examines how the Chineseimmigrants arrived in San Joaquin Valley, California, mainly because of the California Gold Rush, and how the San Joaquin Valley, in particular, was rich in gold deposits. It looks at the history of discrimination against the Chinese-Americans, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. It also explores the cultural contributions of the Chinese-Americans and how they incorporated their own traditions in their new life style, thus giving rise to a unique culture.
From the Paper "Not to be left behind, they eagerly participated in all kinds of events and activities, be it political, social or religious. A Chinese American community was established. Taoism was the chief religion which they practiced and religious meetings were held regularly. When President Zachary Taylor died, the Chinese immigrants actively led and participated in his funeral procession. When California was allowed entry into the Union, they celebrated and the 1952 Fourth of July Parade in San Francisco comprised a great number of prominent members of the Chinese American community."
This paper examines governmental and university studies to evaluate the characteristics of the recent Chinese migration to New Zealand as compared to the earlier Chinese migration.
Abstract This paper explains that changes in the immigration laws of New Zealand has resulted in changes in the characteristics of recent Chineseimmigrants, who are now stereotypically considered to be very wealthy with ready cash, coming mainly from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore rather that the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) itself as past Chinese migrants did. The author points out that the research indicated that this was not true; they do not exhibit the wealth ascribed to these new Chineseimmigrants by the media; indeed they are rather young, highly qualified and usually experienced professionals coming predominantly from large urban centers. The paper relates that the new skilled arrivals studied are very different from earlier Chinese migrants not only in their educational and employment backgrounds but also in their points of origin in China; the new migrants are from predominantly urbanized and Mandarin or Wu - Shanghai/Yangtze Delta - dialect speaking areas, which do not fit the traditionally rural, predominantly Yue/Cantonese speaking linguistic profile of earlier Chineseimmigrants to New Zealand.
Table of Contents
Thesis Statement
Experiences in Moving from One Culture to Another
The Culture Left and the Culture Entered
Specific Issues and Impact upon Lives
Impacts upon Work/Profession Life and Factors Influences
Resettlement Factors
From the Paper "The minimum English proficiency levels required of the General Category arrivals were generally somewhat lower than those that would be required of later post-October 1995 General Skills Applicants. However, in the course of completing their degrees most Principal Applicants would have had to study English as a support subject for two years and most likely read some material in English. While their English language skills did not match their technical skills, English levels reached during two years of compulsory university English language study within a science-oriented undergraduate degree would generally be considered adequate to meet the minimum level of English required."
Abstract This paper examines Chinese exclusion/limited immigration in Canada before World War II, including the notion of 'yellow peril'. Recounting changes in policy and Chinese experience, the paper notes how the Chinese responded, earning a fine reputation as conditions gradually improved. This paper also notes the pride of the Canadian Chinese in sometimes humble ancestors who came to build the railway, or simply entered Canada with nothing.
From the Paper "The paper explains Canadian reluctance concerning Chinese immigration and the formation of Chinese communities in Canada, in the light of ideas and policies once common in other parts of the British Empire and in the United States. Notions of 'yellow peril' and Chinese criminality were important influences upon this exclusion, as derived from British Asia, Africa or the Caribbean, or California, more than within Canada itself. Much opposition had to do with simple ignorance and ideas of the Chinese that were incorrect."
Abstract This paper examines the reasons why immigration occurred from China to U.S. It also looks at the geographical areas where the Chineseimmigrants settled and the reasons why these areas were chosen. The challenges the Chinese had to face as a result of migrating from China to the U.S. is also highlighted. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the influence the Chinese culture has had on American society.
From the Paper "During the 1870s, America's economy greatly suffered while that of Britain and Germany flourished. While the number of British and German immigrants decreased that of China, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Denmark and southern and eastern Europe increased. Seeing this, the United States passed its first restrictive immigration law in 1875. "During the late 1870's, Californians demanded laws to keep out Chinese immigrants. In some instances, mobs attacked Chinese immigrants, who were accused of lowering wages and unfair business competition. They were also denounced as inassimilable and as racially inferior" (Joyce Bryant, Immigration Into The United States)."
Abstract This essay examines the experiences of the Chinese people who immigrated to America between the years 1850 and 1930. The author looks at the events that these people experienced such as the hardships and the culture barriers as well as the series of laws and events that occurred during this immigration to the United States.
From the Paper "As with many other people groups who left their homelands for America during this 80-year period, Asians experienced a great number of positive and negative ordeals in their attempts to join the great melting pot of the new world. Chinese immigration during this time is filled with countless stories of hardship, rejection, persecution, opportunity, and success. A significant language barrier compounded the Chinese immigration experience. Beginning in the mid- 19th Century when young, single men were recruited as contract laborers from Southern China (particularly from the Kuangtung Province), Asian immigrants have played a vital role in the development of the United States. Several factors contributed to the influx of Chinese to the wild American West around 1850. "
Abstract This paper discusses Chineseimmigration to the United States from 1848 and looks at how the laws relating to Chineseimmigrants have developed up until today. The paper then focuses on how Chinatown in San Francisco has affected the American way of life and how San Fransisco's tourism has never suffered due to the appeal of its Chinatown. Specifically, the paper looks at how San Francisco's Chinatown has affected the status of Chinese Americans.
From the Paper "There is also the ancient tradition of homeopathic medicines that is beginning to filter into traditional American medicine. In the 19th Century Chinese medicine many times was all that was available and it served the need for Chinese and non-Chinese alike. Medicine was primitive at best in the west. There were no anesthetics, vaccines or surgeries available. Chinese Americans understood the benefits of herbs for medicinal purposes and it was their knowledge that was used throughout the United States to deal with injuries and diseases (Lyman 23)."
Abstract The paper attempts to explore the historiography of Chinese-Americans and the impact that the Exclusion Act had on shaping the course of Chinese-American culture. The paper examines why so many Chineseimmigrants continued to flock to America in droves if they knew of the hardships and discrimination they would face in America. The paper discovers several historical myths that are not based on primary sources or quantitative data. The paper presents a new approach to Chinese-American history and claims that it will have a dramatic impact on future perceptions of Chinese-Americans.
Outline:
History and Impact of the Exclusion Act
Identity Crisis
A New Generation of Historiographers
Location Specific Works
On Primary Sources
From the Paper "Erik Lee explored the impact and motive behind the actions of Chinese immigrants in his book At America's Gates. Lee relates the experiences of Chinese Americans to the immigration story of his Grandfather. In this case, he has first had knowledge of the events and their impact on Chinese Americans. This personal experience apparently sparked his interest in the topic of how the Exclusion act impacted other Chinese American Immigrants and their families. Lee uses primary sources to draw his conclusions and support his thesis. He relied exclusively on the documents of immigrants and those that were deported as his data source. This gives his work an incredible air of reliability."
Abstract This paper provides a literature review outlining the various pros and cons of direct-to-consumer advertising as it reaches first and second generation Chineseimmigrants in the United States. It discusses advertising best practices and methods regarding material that speaks to trust, health, literacy and culture. The paper then describes the effect of this type of advertising on this population.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Literature Review: Pros & Cons of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising and ChineseImmigrants Conclusion
From the Paper "The large Chinese population in the United States indicates that advertising to this population holds both opportunities and risks in the market. As a result, companies should be well prepared on how to play in this market. A review of the literature indicates that in the past decade, the Chinese immigrant consumer population has proven to be a lucrative population, both for the company manufacturing the goods as well as the independent party responsible for advertising. However, proper and efficient direct-to-consumer marketing and advertising plays a significant role in whether the brand or brand name becomes lucrative or not. Research in this area is critical to the continued success of advertising; after the initial research regarding consumer preferences and needs is completed, marketing efforts through sales becomes key. A review of the literature in this area indicates that advertising, promotion and proper use and maintenance of trademarks the most important aspects of market channeling to Chinese immigrants. As long as these aspects are consistently met, the business opportunities of this population appear to be bright. Finally, as stated by the Zhou et al (2007) research, ethnic language media cannot simply be viewed as an ethnic institution isolated from the mainstream host society in which immigrants resettled and that they can facilitate immigrant adaptation."
Tags: marketing, products, culture, literacy, language
Abstract This paper discusses various issues concerning Chinese culture and its place in American society. The papers provides an insight as to why the Chineseimmigrate to the U.S., illustrates the differences between the two cultures and explains the impact America has on the Chinese culture.
The writer also poses the question of whether the Chinese lose part of their own culture due to American influences.
From the Paper "Chinese immigrants came to America in the middle of the 19th century searching for a higher quality and economic life. They came to America because of advanced opportunities, not only economicaly, but educational, health, constitutional rights, right to privately own businesses, homes, automobiles, etc. Ambitious Chinese Immigrants saw a better quality life, in the United States that their own country did not provide. The primary reason for Chinese immigration to America is that they were enthusiastic, excited and very eager to capture the opportunities in America."
