- Paperback: 264 pages
- Publisher: University of Minnesota Press (1 July 1998)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0816629056
- ISBN-13: 978-0816629053
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.1 x 1.4 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,902,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Synopsis
In the American popular imagination, Chinatown is a mysterious and dangerous place, clannish and dilapidated, filled with sweatshops, vice, and organizational crime. This volume presents a real-world picture of New York City's Chinatown, countering the "orientalist" view by looking at the human dimensions and the larger forces of globalization that make this neighbourhood both unique and broadly instructive.
From the Publisher
An exploration of this fascinating community.
A brilliant execution of what we can think of as a new research strategy: how to study globalization through the details of a micro-level focus, how to capture cross-border dynamics in the complexities of localized social forms. Saskia Sassen, author of Globalization and Its Discontents, Columbia University
A brilliant execution of what we can think of as a new research strategy: how to study globalization through the details of a micro-level focus, how to capture cross-border dynamics in the complexities of localized social forms. Saskia Sassen, author of Globalization and Its Discontents, Columbia University
In this ethnography Jan Lin brilliantly explodes multiple fables about Chinatown constructed by white mythmakers over the last century. Politicians, movies, and TV shows have created stereotypes of dangerous or mysterious Orientals and of exotic urban zones and red light districts. This anti-immigrant imagery gives way as we see the complexity and vitality of life in Manhattan's Chinatown community, a real place with the sights and sounds of real people. These Americans have built community in the face of chronic intrusions--from government redevelopment and federal immigration policy to corporate exploitation and cycling investment from China. Using diverse research methods, Lin reveals the problems and change characteristic of urban communities thrust increasingly into the globalizing economy of the late twentieth century. Joe Feagin, professor of sociology, University of Florida and author of The New Urban Paradigm, and coeditor of The Bubbling Cauldron
Much has been made of the increasingly transnational character of Asian American communities, but virtually no community studies have emerged to thoroughly interrogate this condition. Lin engages this absence by dramatically illustrating how localized processes of development and change are shaped by the new global economy. His study of Chinatown explores the connections between capital and labor, the community, and the state, and demonstrates how structural forces and representational practices are intertwined in the construction of racialized places. This book truly represents the next wave of community studies. Michael Omi, University of California, Berkeley
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Visit Chinatown but leave your stereotypes at the door
1 Sep 2005
Format:Paperback
Arguing that public perception of a group is ultimately subjective, Jan Lin (associate professor of sociology, Occidental College, Los Angeles) puts forth his research that how Chinatown is perceived rests largely on a westernized construct of what is 'good'.
Using qualitative and quantitative research methodology he paints a much more empathetic and complex picture of New York City's Chinatown. Lin notes the groups inside these ethnic enclaves are not homogenous and have their own disagreements with each other over what direction is best for the community to follow.
Including the information about intra-community transformation actions is important because 'white' society tended to portray Chinatowns as monolithic entities whose members intrinsically agree with one another. While such blanket stereotyping was prevalent in the past, it still continues because this work itself would not be as consciousness-raising as it is if society acknowledged this community's complexity.
Lin examined New York's Chinatown, but his research is broadly applicable to any part of the country with Chinatown (or Asian) enclaves. The founders of NYC's Chinatown (and others across America) inadvertently pioneered urban redevelopment when they settled into properties which society had cast off.
Increasingly Chinatown residents are entering and impacting American politics. Voter registrar offices are now having to provide registration and election materials in these languages. In addition to being courted by politicians, the Chinatown residents are also becoming politicians themselves.
Ultimately finding his research intersecting with many facets of my own work, I recommend Lin's book for people interested in Asian American studies. It is also a good read for people undertaking community development work with Asian American communities.
Using qualitative and quantitative research methodology he paints a much more empathetic and complex picture of New York City's Chinatown. Lin notes the groups inside these ethnic enclaves are not homogenous and have their own disagreements with each other over what direction is best for the community to follow.
Including the information about intra-community transformation actions is important because 'white' society tended to portray Chinatowns as monolithic entities whose members intrinsically agree with one another. While such blanket stereotyping was prevalent in the past, it still continues because this work itself would not be as consciousness-raising as it is if society acknowledged this community's complexity.
Lin examined New York's Chinatown, but his research is broadly applicable to any part of the country with Chinatown (or Asian) enclaves. The founders of NYC's Chinatown (and others across America) inadvertently pioneered urban redevelopment when they settled into properties which society had cast off.
Increasingly Chinatown residents are entering and impacting American politics. Voter registrar offices are now having to provide registration and election materials in these languages. In addition to being courted by politicians, the Chinatown residents are also becoming politicians themselves.
Ultimately finding his research intersecting with many facets of my own work, I recommend Lin's book for people interested in Asian American studies. It is also a good read for people undertaking community development work with Asian American communities.
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