For many Chinese Americans, their heritage and identity are rooted in historic Chinatown neighborhoods. Though many have moved out of these crowded communities, they continue to function as social hubs and tourist attractions.
They celebrate their heritage through foods, parades, holidays and language. And they continue to work hard, despite America’s persistent anti-Chinese bias.
1. Employment
The Chinese are one of the largest ethnic groups in the world, with 1.3 billion people. They are the dominant ethnic group in China, Taiwan (Han Taiwanese), Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.
In American history, objections to Chinese immigration often centered on economic issues. Immigrants had to send money back home, as well as pay off loans to the merchants who paid for their passage to America. As a result, many resented the presence of Chinese immigrants in their neighborhoods. They feared the Chinese would squeeze them out of jobs and undercut wages.
Today, the city of New York is home to 12 Chinatowns. The most prominent is in Flushing, Queens, where Main Street and the surrounding area form the primary nexus of a community that includes neighborhoods like Kissena Boulevard and Northern Boulevard. Long Island is also home to substantial Chinese communities, most notably in suburban Nassau County. In Central Jersey, significant communities are located in the municipalities of Edison, Parsippany-Troy Hills and West Windsor.
2. Education
Chinese people are characterized by their intense interest in education. They want their children to receive a high level of education and be successful. The traditional archetype of the family is that of a single-child household, and parents are utterly devoted to their children’s success. They strive to see their children rise higher than they have done.
The community education movement in China is far more concerted than it is in the United States, and it has addressed issues much more broadly. Nevertheless, it must be recognized that empowerment models will vary by societal context.
Chinese Learning Center is an immersive learning experience that introduces students to the rich culture of the people of China. This unique program is a great fit for teachers of global studies & world languages and coordinators of travel abroad programs. It is also open to students of all ages who have an interest in the Chinese language & culture.
3. Religion
The government allows the practice of Taoism, Buddhism and Islam in China (except Tibet). The Chinese Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Officially registered religious groups are allowed to gather, publish, and worship, but their activities must follow the government’s guidelines. Breaching these guidelines can result in fines or imprisonment.
Since Xi took power, there has been a marked tightening of religious restrictions. Some of this stems from a shift in policy priorities and ideological stances. But other factors contribute, including a gap in leadership and the skepticism of local leaders who see crackdowns as a risk to their own political standing.
Some faith communities have responded with a growing assertiveness and resistance. For example, Buddhist monks have rebuffed requests to attend patriotic reeducation sessions or have fled into the mountains, and Catholic seminarians have boycotted graduation ceremonies to avoid attending Mass with an illegitimate bishop. Many have also resorted to direct protests. These have included publishing open letters or creating human walls to deter the removal of crosses.
4. Family
The family is a key element of Confucian values and has become the centerpiece of Chinese national ideology. Although the government encourages men and women to marry later in life to reduce population growth, family remains a priority for most Chinese people (Ji et al. 2017). Parents are often utterly devoted to their children and hope that their offspring will do better than themselves, which is why receiving a good education and attending university is a highly valued status symbol.
But the resurgence of family values has coincided with a more unsettling reality – China’s aging. The country’s kin networks have expanded in recent decades, but their fragility may threaten the nation as a whole if left unchecked.