Chinatown in Los Angeles

Chinatown in Los Angeles

The china town in Los Angeles, California, attracts visitors from all over the world. With is intriguing shops, restaurants serving authentic Chinese food and landmarks that represent historical significance. Chinatown is arguably one of the most popular tourist destinations in California. Research indicates that the first Chinese arrived in Los Angeles in 1852, and by 1870 there was a population of about 200 Chinese living in an area between El Pueblo Plaza and Old Arcadia Street (“Introduction”). At the time, the Chinese population consisted mostly of male workers working as road builders, market gardeners, agricultural and ranch workers (“History of Los Angeles Chinatown in the 1930s and 1940’s”). The Chinese community surprisingly thrived despite the racial discriminations that were rampant in the 19th century, mostly due to their economic dominance in the Los Angeles laundry and produce industries. Foreigners were not granted citizenship and could not own property, and therefore the Chinese were lessees, subleases, and tenants (“History of Los Angeles Chinatown in the 1930’s and 1940’s”). Between 1890 and 1910, the Chinese people occupied over 200 building units with over 15 streets and alleys (“History of Los Angeles Chinatown in the 1930’s and 1940’s”). An area was large enough that boasting of Chinese opera theater, three Chinese temples, and even its telephone exchange (“Introduction”). The town served as both a residential and commercial community (“Introduction”). Gradually the number of women increased, resulting in families with children. The town grew and saw the establishment of district associations, church missions, and Chinatown institutions. The developments led to the beginning of the Chinatown community acculturation (Reed 59). Old Chinatown, as was commonly known, was fully functional with restaurants, curio shops, and peculiar entertainment and even became a tourist attraction to American tourists. Since its founding, a lot has changed, including a change in location and name. The town is now divided into old and new Chinatown with the new town found on Broadway Los Angeles, California. The New Chinatown has developed in an era when the worth of money has become so significant that it has replaced the culture and spirit of the Chinese people (Aron 42).

Change is inevitable, and Chinatown has evolved to meet new demands and conditions. In the efforts to attract people’s attention, the town keeps growing through the introduction of appropriate services and activities that are endearing to diverse groups of people tailored to teach Chinese culture and customs. Through the services and events, visitors discover new things about China. The old Chinatown was destroyed in 1933 with inhabitants relocating to New Chinatown in the subsequent years (“History of Los Angeles Chinatown in the 1930’s and 1940’s”). Some of the factors that led to the demolition included land conflicts, housing conditions, street fights, all of which did not blend well with the Chinese people who wanted safety and peace (Aron 43). The conflicts and the desire for a better life are what led to the development of the New Chinatown district. Despite the name, there are very few native Chinese people in Chinatown since most of them grew up in America and learn about their culture through either their parents or grandparents (Reed 60). It is not surprising to find people from other cultures who have mastered the Chinese culture and are now applying their skills to pursue personal interests. For example, it is a typical scene to find an Italian or a black American selling authentic Chinese food.

In terms of culture and business in Chinatown, the influence of the modern way of doing business has significantly affected the want to follow traditions and customs (Aron 55). The focus is more on things and techniques to make more money as well as the increase in marketability (“Introduction”). However, there is no denying that Chinatown has a rich history that attracts great respect for Chinese culture and heritage. The Chinatown has rightfully earned its name given the fact that it was born out of considerable struggle. Its identity is mostly based on the people’s power, unity, and their dedication to culture (“Introduction”). Despite the influence of money in the world, the people of Chinatown have strived to maintain the traditions proving how deeply rooted they are to their culture.

Chinatown is a perfect model that demonstrates what real dedication to own culture and traditions looks like. The pride in their culture has always been their strength even during financial challenges since their unique devotion to culture helps them gain recognition. The kind nature of the Chinese, customs that entertain and amaze, their willingness to share with other people makes them fit in any environment. Their culture provides an invaluable lesson on life values, attitudes, and beliefs (Reed 61). Generally, in a community, people change their minds, interests, and principles with time, but Chinatown is proof that culture can withstand time and other factors. Despite the world’s influence on Chinatown, the Chinese remain rooted in their heritage, and their roots are remembered and passed from one generation to the next (Aron 62). Chinatown demonstrates how the world has become accommodative such that it is possible to have different unique foreign cultures coexisting in one country like the United States of America. Also, some would argue that China Town interferes with the development of the American dream due to its segregation. There is the fear that by subdividing a city like Los Angeles based on cultures from different countries will only lead to disunity (Reed 58). The ideas are that people should live as one, and everyone should be given a chance to learn and understand the cultural diversity that is brought about by people from other countries. Chinatown will always be remembered for its rich history, a story of Chinese Americans who served America during the World War II and created a unique identity in a foreign country through the creation of entertainment joints and recreational activities (“History of Los Angeles Chinatown in the 1930’s and 1940’s”).

Works Cited

Aron, Stephen. “Convergence, California, and the Newest Western History.” California History, vol. 86, no. 4, 2009, pp. 4–81. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40495230. Accessed 25 Feb. 2020.

Reed Ueda. “Comment: Super-Diversity: A Comparative and Historical Perspective.” Journal of American Ethnic History, vol. 36, no. 4, 2017, pp. 58–61. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.5406/jamerethnhist.36.4.0058. Accessed 25 Feb. 2020.