The Chinese Community in the United States and Canada

Chinese communities around the world are increasingly diverse and dynamic. New types of professional and social organizations are replacing fraternal-political groups like the Guomindang and Freemasons and Chinese benevolent associations.

Individuals within a community create culture—religion, food, style, language, marriage and morals—and often share values, including fighting for their rights. This article explores the history of cohesion, dispersion and resistance in Chinese diaspora communities.

Chinatowns

During the California Gold Rush, many Chinese men came to America seeking opportunity. They worked in mining, coastal fishing, and railroads. They faced extreme racism and prejudicial laws in their new homeland, but they formed tight-knit communities and created Chinatown neighborhoods across the country.

Currently, Portland is home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. It’s small but still a destination for Chinese food and cultural attractions. For example, a recent trip to the city entailed a stop at Xin Ding for a delicious dumpling feast (and some interesting history).

The neighborhood also houses several stores selling Chinese American food products, including a place where you can get dried banana flowers and fish bladders. It also has the Republic Cafe, a longtime local favorite for chow mein and almond chicken. Although the restaurant suffered a devastating fire in 1980, the iconic sign remains in place and the building has been preserved.

Chinese Canadians

In Canada, Chinese Canadians are the second largest group of Asian Canadians. They are concentrated in urban areas, particularly Vancouver and Toronto.

During the exclusion era, Chinese communities developed a social system based on kinship and clan, locality of origin (one’s home village or county in China) and a network of associations that provided family and community support, helped them manage prejudice and discrimination and served as a protective barrier from Caucasian society.

These associations also adjudicated disputes and represented their communities in the outside world. They included fraternal-political organizations, such as the Guomindang and Freemasons and Chinese Benevolent Associations.

Today, Chinese Canadians are working to reconcile their traditions and identity as Canadians with the changing economic evolution in China. They continue to support each other and their elders, and they are a proud and active community. They are embracing and promoting their culture, including preserving their language, celebrating their festivals and sponsoring cultural exchanges with China and Hong Kong. They are also actively pursuing business opportunities and contributing to the economy.

Chinese Americans

As the United States became more culturally diverse, Chinese Americans moved beyond traditional Chinatowns to live and work in mainstream communities. In the process, they were viewed as model minorities—hardworking and friendly citizens who paid their taxes and didn’t engage in antisocial behavior.

But as these groups grew more integrated, they became more divided over issues that are important to them and their families. Gloria Lee, executive director of the Chinese Community Center of the Capital District, said that it’s challenging to find common ground.

The organization’s mission is to promote and strengthen the bonds between the Chinese community and other communities in the region. It does this by promoting Chinese language, culture, and heritage. It also hosts events that bring members of the community together. It encourages young people to explore their heritage, and it offers support to members of the community who need it. Its membership includes college students and professionals who have come from around the world.

Portland’s Chinatown

The CCBA building was constructed in 1900 as an advocacy center for the Chinese community. It featured a variety of traditional Chinese motifs including wrought iron grating on upper balconies, round “moon gate” decorations and arched awnings over the windows.

By 1880, Portland’s Chinatown occupied seven city blocks. It was one of the largest in the country and home to a variety of ethnically Chinese merchants and associations. The most prominent of these were the tongs, which acted as benevolent societies for new arrivals and assisted those in need.

Today, the fabric of Chinatown is slowly disappearing due to a lack of money and public interest. But mingled with Portland mainstays like Ground Kontrol arcade bar and legendary drag revue Darcelle XV, you can still find the traces of a rich history in this historic downtown neighborhood. And thanks to the Oregon Historical Society’s exhibit Beyond the Gate and the Portland Chinatown Museum, those traces won’t be lost forever.

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