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Ethnic Stereotypes in the Movie "Smokin' Aces", 2008.
This paper examines the movie "Smokin' Aces" and discusses the ethnic stereotypical images portrayed.
1,377 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This essay analyzes the use of stereotypes to portray different ethnic groups in the film "Smokin' Aces". The paper relates that the media is able to shape and influence our own perceptions of other people and cultures. The paper further relates that what we can see on the TV and movies produces a very powerful message, as we perceive the media as real even when we see a work of fiction. Additionally, the paper notes that the media is filled with stereotypes and stereotypical images. The essay then concentrates on three ethnic groups present in "Smokin' Aces", Italians, white Americans and African-Americans, and shows that they are portrayed through stereotypical images. The Italians are represented as mafia bosses, white men are good guys, while African American characters are criminals and sidekicks. The writer concludes that the construction of characters sends strong messages of racial ideology despite all the efforts put towards eliminating the racism.
From the Paper
"One of the first characters introduced in the move is an Italian Primo Sparazza. Sparazza is a mafia boss, a stereotypical role for an Italian in media. He is wanted by FBI and is known to be behind many crimes but, as usual, cannot be connected directly to any of them. As such he is untouchable, powerful person behind the mafia steel curtain. We do not know much about him, but some ideas that fit in the overall male Italian- mobster stereotypic character can be inferred from the plot. Thus, it is possible that Sparazza was an Italian immigrant since the FBI agents are tracing his illegal activities to 1950s. He made crime his career climbing up to a level of one of the American mafia bosses. As such, he is a typical non-American who presents a danger to American society and way of life."
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Hong Kong Students in Toronto, 2008.
A discussion of the challenges facing Hong Kong students studying in Toronto.
1,695 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the challenges facing Hong Kong students studying in Toronto. The paper explains that these students face social and cultural problems because Chinese people have experienced a great deal of discrimination in Canada and this has resulted in a high degree of isolation from mainstream Canadian culture for many of these students.
The paper further points out that in order to examine the experiences of international students from Hong Kong in Toronto it is necessary to look at these experiences from a social and cultural perspective, as well as an educational perspective. The paper shows that differences between Hong Kong and Canada cause challenges for Hong Kong students studying in Toronto because they come from a very mixed system and then have to learn a totally new way of doing things that is very different from either of the systems with which they are familiar.
Outline:
Introduction
Hong Kong: A Special Case In China
Hong Kong Students In Toronto Universities
Social and Cultural Challenges
Educational Difficulties
Conclusions
From the Paper
"The number of students from Hong Kong in Toronto Universities is extremely difficult to determine. This is mainly due to the fact that statistics are largely deal with the national level. There are very few statistics available for individual cities. However, universities obtain data on how many students they obtain for given countries. York University had approximately 115 students from Hong Kong in 2002. The University of Toronto had approximately 280 students from Hong Kong is 2007. There are also approximately 80 students from Hong Kong at Ryerson. These figures indicate that there are approximately 475 students from Hong Kong studying in Toronto.
"Chinese people in Canada seem to experience a wide range of social and cultural challenges. Probably one of the largest challenges faced by most Chinese students in Toronto is the difficulty that many English speaking Canadians have with certain aspects of Chinese culture. Many Chinese students use English names so that English speaking Canadians will not struggle with their Chinese names. "
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The Identity of Jamaica and Bermuda, 2008.
This paper explains that the national identity of Jamaica and Bermuda is complicated and troubled by a history of colonialism, race, sugar and slavery.
1,390 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, from a legacy of colonialism, Jamaica and Bermuda have carved out a more independent path through which they are better able to express an authentic local culture and identity. The author points out that, while Jamaica is the island with actual independence, Bermuda appears to be developing the more versatile and durable society. The paper states that the education system of Jamaica is still hampered by colonialism insofar as external imagery and tourist considerations actually determine what is taught to Jamaican school children so a citizenry is created, which will behave appropriately in the presence of white tourists. The author underscores that the Bermudans are moving towards eradicating the island's over-dependence upon tourist dollars although its education system and no doubt its society remains not wholly dissimilar to the systems of Great Britain.
From the Paper
"Continuing onward, the racial legacy of colonialism manifests itself in many ways. For one thing, there is evidence (at least in the popular press) that racial identification has grown stronger in Bermuda in recent years; unfortunately, the pyramidal arrangement of historic Bermudan society (one in which certain groups are associated with power) has lingered: as one example, it is noteworthy that a Caucasian British subject was chosen to head Bermuda's judiciary over many other qualified candidates - at least some of whom were non-white Bermudans."
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Political and Economic Anthropology, 2008.
This paper reflects on two chapters in Robert Lavenda and Emily Schultz's "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology".
1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Lavina and Schultz in "Core Concepts in Cultural Anthropology" see political anthropology as the study of power, political ideology, political economy, political organization, social stratification, social control and law, status and role and much later ideas of nationalism and hegemony. The author points out that, in 'economic anthropology', all societies are reported to show a form of material life that can be explained in terms of production, exchange or related material culture, which dictates the types of laws and political practices in that society. The paper states that the study of emergencies, crises or wars tells a good deal about matters of nationalism, hegemony and leadership as reactions of weakness to situations that are unpredictable, such as the strong instinct for 'communitas' that was seen when the United States experienced 9/11.
From the Paper
"Some anthropologists like to study how societies cope with unnatural situations or crises. For instance, if a society has known famine and starvation, or is in a climate that means food can be grown or found only for part of the year, there will be effort to save food for hard times. If the food supply is year-round and easily found, there will be less of this planning ahead. What is very valuable will be guarded by law that can mean tradable goods of high value or perhaps special religious items that no ordinary person is to touch."
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Being Gay and Elderly in Toronto, 2008.
A discussion of the difficulties faced by the elderly gay population of Toronto.
2,223 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how being elderly and gay in Toronto is not a positive experience. The paper explains that the experience is much the same for elderly gays in all cities and that elderly gay men are cut off from younger gay men and also from society. The paper points out that gays and lesbians in Canada have their own gay village right in the downtown area of Toronto and that this area is also known as the gay ghetto. The paper then looks at how the experience of elderly gay people is even worse than the discrimination that results from homophobia and it all has to do with ageism, which puts elderly gay men into yet another ghetto. In conclusion, the paper shows that elderly gay men are also faced with the issues of homophobia and ageism and the process of growing old in Toronto does not seem to have any advantages.
Outline:
The Gay Ghetto
Older Gays, Ageism, and Social Isolation
Other Problems of Elderly Gay Men
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Gays are mainly found in two areas of Toronto. The first is the Gay Village; the center of that village is Church and Wellesley Streets. The Gay Village is a symbol of exclusion or how gays and lesbians are separate from general Toronto society. Homophobia still exists very strongly, and gays and lesbians are still struggling for equality with the rest of society. In the village, gays and lesbians found "an urban neighborhood that is populated by, and reasonably tolerates, a large number of queers" (Editorial 1). They accomplished something remarkable with the rundown urban neighborhood when they rented apartments that other people rejected and opened businesses where no one else would consider doing so."
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Jelaluddin Rumi and Sufism, 2008.
This paper discuses Jelaluddin Rumi, one of the most well-known of Persian poets, who is largely credited with infusing Sufism with its highly intimate relationship with aesthetic traditions.
2,850 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that classically trained Jelaluddin Rumi, who was born in 1207 in the region that is now part of Afghanistan, lived most of his life in Turkey and the surrounding area. The author points out that Rumi created the Mevlevi Order of Dervishes or commonly called the Whirling Dervishes of Sufism. The paper relates that the Whirling Dervishes are most recognized for their unique dance movements, oblique body posturing, acute mental focus and their musical facility, which is said to combine to bring them closer in union to God. The author states that Rumi's poetry is regarded as the cultural epicenter of all thought, literature, dance and music in the world of Islamic aesthetics. The paper reports that the traditional approach to studying the impact of Rumi's poetry on Sufi music has been to examine the text from a critical theoretic perspective.
From the Paper
"The natural academic tendency, regardless of academic specialty, is to examine the concepts contained within the lines of verse; to question 'what is the tree of wisdom' and to ask what or how one identifies one's internal "fairy." These are important metaphysical questions that can and should be asked of the text through critical analysis. However, therein rests the academic pitfall that most researchers and even casual observers typically get trapped in: the interpretation of the text which is made even more complex in translation."
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Culture in Nursing, 2008.
This paper discusses practices in trans-cultural nursing care focusing on the Chinese culture.
933 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer notes that in order to provide effective nursing care, nurses must have knowledge of the client's worldview which is influenced by their cultural beliefs, values and life ways. The writer points out that in Chinese culture, the approach of patients to health and illness centers on the concept of balance, and is holistic and traditional. The writer maintains that health is understood as a state of spiritual and physical harmony with nature and illness caused by some upset in body energy. The case study demonstrates the differences that often become apparent between cultural beliefs and practices versus the perspective of nursing. This paper focuses on the cultural factor of religious and philosophical factors. The writer concludes that religious and philosophical factors greatly influence what Chinese people do and what choices they make.
From the Paper
"In contrast to Chinese religious and philosophical beliefs regarding health and disease, nurses in Western culture are trained in a much different way regarding nutrition. Nurses also are instructed to push fluids. For nurses, the focus on nutrition involves its role in healing in relation to the need for protein and fiber as well as electrolyte balance. The normal course of nursing actions is that when the problem is hypertension, then the amount of sodium is restricted. Whatever foods might be contributing to the health are either very limited or are eliminated from the diet. In the case study, nurses are following the usual procedure in promoting fluids for the patient in order to enable Mr. W. to recover from his bladder surgery. To achieve the health outcome, it is very common for nurses to provide patients with cold tap water. The issue is that both Chinese cultural practice and professional nursing practice both are concerned with the same outcome."
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African Cultural Retention, 2008.
This paper argues that African cultures were retained in the US and that African cultures did and continue to impact the dominant U.S. culture.
1,040 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that it is inaccurate to assume that there are no discernible African cultures left in the USA and that, because of the relatively small numbers of slaves bought to such a large country, all traces of African cultures were destroyed. The author points out that enslaved Africans from the same areas tended to be geographically situated together in the U.S. so that they were able to retain aspects of their individual cultures. The paper relates that Sheila Walker takes issue with the notion that European settlers "built" the U.S. and then imported some African slaves to perform manual labor for them. The paper underscores that she believes that the slaves bought to the U.S. were not ignorant, unskilled laborers but rather slave traders deliberately sought out people with skills, which the U.S. needed to help build the country.
Table of Contents:
False Assumptions
The Arguments of Sheila Walker
From the Paper
"She also points out that Africans must have made a major contribution to American society, history and culture, given that they comprised the numerical majority for the duration of the modern history of the Americas, until 1820. For example, out of those coming to the USA in 1820, 3 out of 4 new arrivals were African, not European. With this kind of demographic weight, it follows that the contributions of African minds and cultural presence had to be an important ingredient in the very creation of the Americas. Walker also points out that Howard Dodson backs her up on this theory and that he believes that the transatlantic slave trade played a central, defining role in the making of the modern world."
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Caribbean Culture and Cultural Imperialism, 2007.
A discussion on whether the Caribbean society is too receptive and diverse for its own good.
1,633 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Caribbean culture and at how its dynamic polyglot, diverse nature - and its ability, and even willingness, to accommodate different cultures and ethno-social traditions - has actually made it vulnerable on a number of profound levels. It explains that the Caribbean nations have shown a marked inability to throw off the cultural, linguistic and educational encrustations of the European nations which took over the region generations ago and which re-shaped their new fiefdoms in ways that effectively did away with pre-European values, codes, religions and dialects. The paper also looks at how many Caribbean young people attend English or French schools and prepare themselves for entry into a "global village" that is controlled by the very ethno-racial groups which turned their own lands "upside-down" in the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. In essence, the paper shows that by looking at the fragmented nature of the Caribbean world and by looking at the impress of foreign language upon its peoples and formal structures, a region is revealed that has lost much of its ability to marshal its forces against external imperialistic forces. The writer believes that the Caribbean must start doing a better job of privileging its indigenous traditions and dialects or it will finally, ineradicably, lose them forever.
From the Paper
"Many observers are of the view that the Caribbean is a melting pot; that it is a place wherein European and non-European types "creolize" and thereby shed their different historical-national identities in favor of one that is "West Indian" in nature. This argument, however, has been vigorously challenged by others who assert that the Caribbean is really a collection of different regions which have their own unique, distinctive features. Simply put, while there may be regional similarities vis-a-vis food, music, dance, dress and a host of other elements, there are many more (or at least as many more) differences as there are similarities (Allahar, p.1-2). Simply put, Allahar appears to be to arguing two things: firstly, West Indian/Caribbean is diverse; secondly, despite this diversity, the region has certain societal features that distinguish it from other regions and which bind together its disparate elements."
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Caribbean Cultural Diversity, 2007.
A discussion of the diverse Caribbean society and the impact of globalization.
1,214 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
This paper examines creolization, globalization, and cultural imperialism in Caribbean society. It explains that each country in the Caribbean has such diversity in its ethnic, religious, social, and national practices that it can be considered as a separate country and that people in the Caribbean cannot even agree on what it would mean to be patriotic. The paper notes that the basic problem is that, instead of thinking of culture, one has to consider the Caribbean in terms of numerous subcultures and that this means that there is no possibility for a united and integrated community, and no way that the Caribbean can relate as a whole to the global community. The paper also highlights the fact that whereas colonialism imposed division on the Caribbean, the exact opposite problem is imminent at the present time because of globalization. In conclusion, the paper shows that the Caribbean is made up of numerous subcultures that are actually small cultures which are relatively isolated from one another, and while there are similarities between those subcultures they are marked by too many differences to ever be brought together in unity. Whereas the process of creolization is effective for mixing the subcultures into a general form, globalization has the potential to completely destroy those subcultures.
From the Paper
"Caribbean intellectuals are quite aware of the forces of globalization and of the need to situate their communities on the world scale. According to Gyssels (2001, p. 1), these intellectuals "have been working out ideals of trans-nationalism and multiculturalism, and have studied the dialectic connection between the colonies and the ex-colonies". Other attempt are being made in the Caribbean to protect, promote and preserve the elements of the cultural heritage such as the Carnival in Trinidad (Scher, 2002). Critical reflection on creolization is basic to the quest for identity because authentic cultures are in danger of being lost through the process of globalization and in great part because of the technological superiority of Western countries."
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Culture and Ethnocentrism, 2008.
This paper argues that a definition or concept of culture will never be free of ethnocentrism or prejudice.
1,283 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper shows how generalizations about the features of culture will always have traces of ethnocentrism or prejudice. The paper discusses how culture is ultimately subjective and inter-subjective. The paper explains that culture and definitions of culture are ultimately created by individuals that will have some form of prejudice influencing their arguments.
From the Paper
"Culture is one of the most commonly used terms in anthropology and sociology. However, there is a great deal of disagreement about the nature of culture. Researchers even have difficulty in defining culture effectively. For example, in "Theories of Culture" Roger M Keesing argues, that the concept of culture currently has no meaning because definitions used to describe it are either too narrow or too broad (Keesing 1974: 73)."
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Inter-Cultural Harmony, 2008.
This paper discusses that no matter how enlightened the participants, inter-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective.
1,253 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer argues that inter-cultural or cross-cultural harmony will always be hampered by differences in background and perspective simply because human beings' (and how they react to the gestures and communicative strategies of others) are the most volatile and unpredictable variable of all when it comes to assessing the possible problems and rewards of a communication exchange. With that in mind, the paper explores why cross-cultural communication is so difficult. The paper also looks at some arguments which insist that inter-cultural exchanges can be harmonious and "worry-free" if enough training and education is provided. Finally, the writer concludes by reiterating why there will always be certain difficulties in cross-cultural communication and the paper finishes by suggesting that such tensions are just a "part of life" and must be accommodated to the fullest extent possible.
From the Paper
""Following this premise to its logical conclusion, it is clear that biological determinism, ecological factors, and simple evolution really are insufficient to wholly explain the nuances of each society - or at least to the satisfaction of a trained social scientist. Going further, each and every human being is a remarkably complex creature that will respond differently to essentially the same stimuli; consequently, it is impossible to avoid cross-cultural miscommunication because comments or gestures that someone else from the same culture finds tolerable might spark a highly unpleasant response from someone else who is also from that culture. In the end, the variables which constrain smooth cross-cultural communication are at least as numerable as there are people in the world.
"Still, some experts believe that cross-cultural communication does not have to be hampered by differences in background or by differences in perspective."
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African Cultural Retention, 2008.
This paper explores the question: Are African Americans destroying African culture?
765 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that African culture retention is noticeable in many aspects of the American lifestyle. The author points out that the African heritage for U.S. blacks survived the vicious system of slavery, despite attempts to remove remnants of African culture from the slaves and to instill a European/white culture so that they could be more accepting of their situation. The paper relates that some distorted cultural practices such as violence, sometimes labeled as "African", are not even remotely related to any kind of link with the cultural diversity of the African continent. The author concludes that the issue of African cultural retention and the destruction of the African-American society is so intertwined that it is sometimes hard to examine them separately.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tenets of African Culture In the United States
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The retention component has also been used to damage the influence of African culture; for example acts of violence or family structure, and or social interactions have sometimes been linked to the African culture, or the travesty of slavery, or even more so, the cultural practices in Africa concerning relationships, marriage, and relationships. Liberating African American cultural identity will show that the African influence or content of this identity, although not in a pure form, offers a significant amount of positive influences."
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Persian Influence on Islamic Civilization, 2008.
This paper is a theoretical, descriptive and analytical historical review pf the major aspects of the Persian (modern Iran) influence on the Islamic civilization.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Persian Empire created great civilizations before the rise of Islam. The author points out that the Persian presence within the Islamic populace influenced many core aspects of the Muslim society: the realm and formation of government, architecture, music, medicine, linguistics, literature, clothing and fashion and other areas of cultural, economical, political and social significance. The paper states that, unlike general notions perpetrated by Western civilizations, the Islamic civilization, which was a global civilization that integrated individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds who worked together to create knowledge within the arts and sciences, was not marred with war and terrorism. The author believes that the modern view of the Persian Empire is marred with subjective criticisms and linkages between Iran and terrorism.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Persian Culture; How is this Influence Explained: A General Overview
Figure 1: Iran's Cultural Dimensions
Scientific Contribution to Islamic Civilization: The Influence of the Persian Empire, Especially in the Field of Medicine
Figure 2: An Overview of the Persian Influence on Islamic Scientific Processes (Using an Input/Output Model)
Conclusion: State-Sponsored Terrorism and Iran
From the Paper
"Fields of medicine strongly influenced by Iranian scientist include but are not limited to physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology. There influence has been likened to changes in the understanding of medicine that took place between prehistoric times to the present, this is a rather profound statement, since "the torch of medicine was in the hands of Muslims in historical periods from ancient Athens to the Renaissance", but Iranian scientist have still managed to make remarkable progress in medicine. Scientist form the Persian sphere have had such a profound impact on Islamic medical research, that many medical scientist considered authorities in the field have evolved in the Islamic Civilization, but are Persian. Nabipour highlighted a few renowned scientists such as Rhazes (865 - 925 A.D.)who has one of the most authoritative books on smallpox and measles."
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Immigrants in Toronto, 2008.
This paper provides a report on immigrants in Toronto and discusses the suburbanization of immigration.
1,191 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a comparison and contrast of two distinct Toronto electoral districts; one in the downtown core that has served as a traditional immigration reception area, and one in the suburbs. The writer points out that their social compositions is important for what it reveals the changing ethnic demographics of Canadian society. The writer looks at how these changes are shaping the urban landscape of the major cities. This essay argues that a comparative analysis of these two districts reveals the suburbanization of immigration in Canada, as now established immigrants seek to migrate internally within the city from the downtown to the suburbs. The writer maintains that this intra-migration is complemented by direct settlement of new immigrants from abroad into Toronto's suburbs, effectively bypassing neighbourhoods such as the famous Kensington Market that were defined by successive waves of immigration for much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Outline:
Introduction
Social Composition: A Comparative Analysis of the Numbers
Ethnic Groups and Visible Minorities in the Landscape
Commentary
From the Paper
"Thus, it may be argued that many of the visible signs of immigrant presence in this area are remnants of past settlement, and that the former immigrant settlers in this district have moved elsewhere in Toronto. Indeed, the fact that the Italian population in York West is more than double that of "Little Italy" suggests that many former Italian immigrants and/or their children may have moved from the downtown to the suburbs. In contrast to "Little Italy" which seems to be a "shell" of its former self, the Chinatown neighbourhood of Trinity-Spadina reveals how dominant this one ethnic group is in the visible landscape of the district; a visual dominance that reflects its 52.2 percent of the district's visible minority population."
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