| Regarding Chinatown, yes, it's dirty, crowded and noisy. But it's also a cultural center that many Chinese Americans like myself are grateful exist. It as a unique charm and energy that doesn't exist elsewhere, not even in Shanghai. I have warm feelings when I think of NYC's chinatown. Do you feel "warmth" anywhere in Shanghai?
Chinatowns offer a link to identity and culture that would otherwise not be available. Most people who actually live in chinatown are the older generation and new immigrants. Second gen chinese move out to the suburbs, but still frequent it for it's food, services, social and cultural ties. Regarding old and small streets, many chinatowns are part of historic districts. Despite it's superficial appearances, I'd dare say most people in US Chinatowns live better than 98 or 99% of chinese citizens. WJS, I think you have to realize that you are living in the top 2 or 3 percent of mainland chinese society. Life for the average chinese mainlander is indeed, to paraphrase a philosopher, short, hard and brutal. |
Chinatowns in U.S.