Chinatown in the 21st Century – Topic Abstracts

March 26, 2004
Chinatown and the New York Political Landscape

• The majority of New Yorkers are Democrats, with only about 20 percent being Republicans, yet within the Chinese voting population, Republicans significantly outnumbers Democrats. Why is that so? How significant are votes from the Chinese population?

At this point, there is only one elected Asian American legislator throughout New York. How did he succeed where others failed?

For a long time, China was seen as a competitor to the United States, but that has changed since 9/11. How does that affect Chinatown? In terms of New York politics, what should the Chinese do with the fluctuating international relationship between China and the United States?

April 2, 2004
Taking Roots: Asian American Immigrants and Civic Participation

• As legal professionals, do you see Chinese Americans enjoying the same legal rights as other Americans? Since 9/11, several reports have indicated a rise in anti-immigrant sentiments within the United States. How does this affect the Chinese immigrants?

Along with an increase of the Chinese population in New York, there are now more and more Chinese incarcerated. While they are paying their debt to society, are their rights protected? Are their needs considered at all?

What are your views on the proposal that permanent residents should have the same right to vote in local elections as other native born or naturalized citizens? How will that affect Chinatown?

April 16, 2004
The Future of Chinese Americans: Host or Guest?

• In 2001, the Committee of 100 commissioned a national survey to assess American attitudes towards Chinese Americans. Among the 1216 people interviewed, 68% felt that China would be a threat to the United States, 32% felt that Chinese-Americans were more loyal to China than the United States, and 46% felt that Chinese Americans passing on secret information to China was a problem. Can you comment on the implication of these findings?

A significant number of Americans felt that Chinese Americans were aloof, arrogant, and that they did not care about what happened to anyone but their own. What is your reaction to this view? What can be done about it?

April 23, 2004
Asian American Bonfire: Reflections of Chinese in the Eyes of Other Asians

• Can you tell us about the historical background of the relationship between the country where you came from and that of China? How is the present relationship between the two countries shaping up? How is that relationship affecting the relationship of the two immigrant communities in New York?

What is your view of Asian Americans in regard to these Asian communities?

Is it easier to be American than Asian American? Are you satisfied with the relationship between your community and that of other groups, the Hispanics, the Africans, the Jewish, the Irish, the Italians, and the White Anglo Saxon Protestants? Which group does your community work most closely with?

May 7, 2004
Strolling Down Mainstreet: Chinese Americans and Other Ethnic Groups

• With the exception of a brief friendly beginning, Chinese were not particularly welcome in America in the early history of immigration. By the time the Hart-Celler Act was passed in 1965, Chinese immigration to this country increased significantly. What kind of impact does this have on the population in New York?

Recently, there have been increasing incidences of race-related violence involving the Chinese population: school violence against Chinese students, murders of Chinese fast food delivery men, street fights between mobs. What are the causes of these problems? How do you propose to alleviate this situation?

May 21, 2004
Preparing for Mainstream: Hopes and Survival of Chinatown Residents

• Making a living is the primary reason that immigrants come to New York. How are the Chinatown residents doing, in this respect? Is it easier now than before? How is the decline of garment factories affecting the residents of Chinatown?Despite a general downturn in Chinatown, the recent arrival of Fujianese immigrants has brought much prosperity to East Broadway. The intense competition, however, has resulted in bloodshed and adverse publicity. What is the prognosis of the situation? Are corrective steps being taken?

  Immigrants have come to Chinatown in waves, each with their different needs. How are the needs of the most recent immigrants met by social service agencies?

May 28, 2004
Youth and Education: Dawn of a New Chinatown

• Recently, there have been increasing incidences of violence against Chinese youths, on the streets and in schools. How extensive is the problem? How do you propose to alleviate this situation? What can the Chinese community, local government, other races, and the media do about it?

Do the Chinese youths, foreign and native born, have similar problems? What are the most important issues for youth and education? How are they interacting with each other, with other ethnic groups? How do they relate to Chinese and American culture? Are there sufficient after-school programs and activities to engage their attentions? Are youth gangs re-emerging?

June 4, 2004
Local Business and the Development of Chinese American Community

• Local business is long recognized as an engine for community development. It spurs job opportunities, improves housing conditions, and enhances the quality of life for residents. From this perspective, what are the most urgent issues facing Chinatown? What can we do about these issues?

What is the outlook for labor and business owners? How can business help Chinatown gain political influence?

How can academic institutions such as the City University of New York collaborate with local businesses in community development? What kind of research efforts are needed?

June 11, 2004
Chinese Family in Transition: The New Role of Women

• How is the paternalistic Chinese family making its transition to the American society? How does it affect the men, women, and children in the Chinese immigrant community?

Within the Chinatown population, many cases of domestic violence have come to light in the local media, what kinds of preventive and corrective programs are in place?

The City University of New York is marked by a high entrance rate of Chinese women students. What are the causes for this phenomenon, and how does it impact on the family?

June 18, 2004
Tradition and Innovation: Growth of Chinatown Through Arts and Culture

• It has been said that assimilation does not go one way. As American society leaves its mark on the Chinese immigrants, they in turn, with their traditional arts and culture exert a significant influence to the mainstream. How will the recent funding of a major initiative to develop a “ Chinatown Lincoln Center” affect the growth of Chinatown?

Is there such a thing as Chinese American art and culture? How does it impact on the relationship between Chinatown and other communities? Would it have an influence on China?

June 25, 2004
A New Chinatown: Visions of Chinese in America

• For a long time, Chinese in America were considered sojourners who would eventually return to China after their stay in America. With a significant increase of Chinese immigration to this country since 1965, many more opted for a permanent home in America. Recently, many Chinese immigrant families even brought the remains of their ancestors for reburial in this country. In your opinion, has the Chinese American become “host” now?

It has been said that the Chinese American political communication channels are much less developed than that of the Jewish and African Americans. What are the reasons for that and what can be done about it?

What are the most important issues facing Chinatown now and in the future?

How can old and new immigrants collaborate to improve the well-being of Chinese in America?

How can Chinatown improve its relationship with other ethnic groups?

How can Chinatown residents merge into mainstream society in America?