If you are looking for a way to help your community, there are several things you can do. These include providing mental health services, diet and nutrition tips, and educating people about the Chinese culture.
History
The history of the Chinese community in Australia is long and rich. In the early days, most of the immigrants came from the PRC or nearby Malaysia and Singapore. There was a lot of friction between various community organisations, some of which aimed to take the credit for the best of the lot. However, a lot of what we know about the Chinese community today is thanks to the influx of immigrants from Asia that have arrived in Australia over the past couple of decades.
One of the more interesting things we have learned over the years is that the Chinese community is a highly diverse bunch. For example, there are many organisations that were founded in the 1980s and have been in operation for a few decades now. These include a state-wide forum (QCF) and an upstart organisation called the Queensland Chinese United Council (QCUC).
The history of the Chinese community in Australia is a rich trove of scholarly and public records spanning the period of the early 1900s to the present day. Many of these are digitized and catalogued for the benefit of future generations of scholars.
Ethnic designations
Ethnic designations in China have long been debated. A number of authors have written articles on the subject. Some posit that ethnicity in China is more complex than many assume.
Several researchers suggest that self-perceptions of individuals within an ethnic group may differ from the criteria used to define the group. Other studies have suggested that objective criteria are necessary for defining ethnicity.
According to ASCCEG, ethnicity is a shared identity between a group of people. It includes characteristics such as history, culture, language, clothing, and religion. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has endorsed the use of ASCCEG. It has also revised its second edition.
In China, 56 official ethnic designations exist, including Hua Xia Min Zu, Tujia, Uyghur, Manchus, and Mosuo. Most of these groups are rooted in traditional areas. However, hundreds of other groups are not classified for administrative reasons.
Religion
The religion of the Chinese community is a combination of various religious traditions. They include Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, and Christianity. Some ethnic minorities also follow their own religion.
Religious belief is a human right guaranteed by the Chinese Constitution. However, the CCP monitors the registration of religious groups. It has designated a dozen faiths as “objectionable” and banned others. These include Falun Gong and quasi-Christian groups.
Many experts believe that the Chinese government’s repression of religion has less to do with the religious doctrines of the banned faiths than with the organizational capabilities of the group. This is why a large number of people who have been detained have reported being barred from practicing their religion, and have reported suffering torture and sexual abuse.
There are over 100 million registered religious believers in China, less than 10 percent of the total population. More than 25,000 sites for religious activities are controlled by the state.
Diet
The Chinese have a very particular diet that’s been around for a long time. They’re not exactly health conscious but they’re not big meat eaters either. Typical Chinese diets consist of a mix of vegetables, fruits, and some protein. For example, you may find a meal containing rice, steamed vegetables, fish, and a few other ingredients.
The average Chinese eats about half as much fat as an average American. A traditional Chinese diet consists of small amounts of red and yellow meat. It also contains a good amount of soymilk, rice, and beans. This diet is considered healthy for its low cholesterol, high fiber content, and moderate sodium levels. Soybeans have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, and have been found to decrease blood pressure.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Chinese diet is the number of fruits and vegetables consumed daily. A typical Chinese meal consists of about three side dishes, which translates into about a dozen servings. If you’re not in the mood to cook, you can always head to an ethnic grocery store to pick up some fresh veggies to cook up at home.
Mental health services
Mental health services are critical in preventing and treating mental disorders. The Chinese government has worked to improve access to mental health services. It has developed national policies to help ensure the quality of care.
Mental health services are provided through a variety of methods. Hospital-based mental health service is the most common. There are also community-based rehabilitation centers, which are important for the recovery of individuals with mental health disorders.
One of the most commonly encountered mental health disorders is depression. According to the World Health Organization, 54 million people in China suffer from depression.
People with mental disorders often need help from family and friends. Traditionally, folk sources such as neighbors, doctors, and traditional medicine providers have been the main sources of help for people with mental disorders. However, the advent of the market economy has reduced the availability of community-based mental health services.