Portfolio Project
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Trine University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
AUDITING
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
7
Uploaded by MasterScience9621
1
The Exploration of Toronto's Vibrant Chinatown Neighborhood
Student Name: - Pratigya KC
Course Code: ENG101-3
Instructor Name: Dr. Peter Kunze
Date: 10/08/2023
2
Option #1: Narrative Essay
The Exploration of Toronto's Vibrant Chinatown Neighborhood
Chinatown, a thriving and busy neighborhood in the center of Toronto, has long served as
a cultural center for both Chinese immigrants and visitors. It is a location that perfectly
encapsulates Chinese culture with its vibrant streets lined with classic Chinese buildings, exotic
aromas of spices and herbs, and the incessant conversation of Mandarin and Cantonese. As a
resident of Toronto, I've had the privilege of getting to know this area and have come to the
conclusion that Chinatown is a crucial component of the character of this city. In this personal
story essay, I'll go into detail on why Chinatown is so important to me and why everyone should
maintain and cherish it.
Chinatown's history began in the late 19th century, when Chinese immigrants first arrived
in the city, according to Wu, Techasan, and Huebner (2020). Despite the difficulties and hostility
they encountered, they persisted and built a vibrant community in the center of Toronto.
Chinatown still exists as a sign of tenacity and endurance today, a reflection of the resilient
nature of its people. It is a treasure trove for everyone interested in learning about Chinese
culture and history because of the stories that are told in its streets and the history that is present
in its structures.
Spadina Avenue, sometimes referred to as the "main artery" of the neighborhood, is
where Chinatown is located. One can't help but get the impression while strolling along Spadina
that they have been transferred to a busy street in China. Red lanterns, classic Chinese
architecture, and Chinese characters that can be seen on all of the businesses decorate the streets.
You will notice a combination of old and new as you go along the street, with conventional stores
3
and cutting-edge restaurants coexisting side by side. This fusion of tradition and modernity
makes Chinatown a destination for history and culture, as well as places to shop and dine.
The neighborhood's vitality and excitement strike you like a wave as soon as you enter
Chinatown. The streets are dotted with brightly colored stores that provide a variety of
interesting goods. There is something to explore and learn about for everyone, from modern
fashion trends to traditional Chinese herbs and treatments. Markets are always busy as merchants
shout out to the passing masses and tempt them with their wares. Chinatown offers a unique
sensory experience thanks to its sights, sounds, and scents.
Chinatown's lively, busy environment is among its most remarkable features. You get
enthralled by the sights, sounds, and fragrances as you stroll through its streets. The air is filled
with the smells of roast duck and hot dumplings as traditional Chinese lanterns hang above,
throwing a pleasant glow over the streets (Heng, 2023). The streets are always bustling with
activity, from little toddlers chasing one another to elderly Chinese playing mahjong on the
sidewalks, and it appears like everyone is rushing around, going about their daily lives.
Chinatown is remarkable and distinctive because of its vibrant energy and ongoing activities. It is
a location that never sleeps and is constantly bustling with activity; it is a place that accurately
captures the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the Chinese community.
However, Chinatown is more than simply its bustling streets and delectable cuisine.
Additionally, it is a location with strong cultural traditions. It would be impossible to see
Chinatown without taking part in some of the annual festivals and celebrations. These occasions,
which range from the vibrant Dragon Boat Festival to the majestic Lunar New Year, draw people
from all walks of life together to celebrate and preserve Chinese culture. These celebrations
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
4
encourage inclusiveness and diversity in the city while also providing a window into the rich
history and customs of the Chinese community.
I am continually reminded of the tenacity and struggles of the Chinese population as I
navigate the congested streets of Chinatown. Despite the neighborhood's lively and busy surface,
it's important to keep in mind that a long history of adversity and tenacity lurks behind it. Over
the years, Chinatown has encountered many difficulties, including prejudice and urbanization,
yet it has persevered and is still an important component of Toronto's cultural scene.
Gentrification is one of the biggest issues Chinatown is now dealing with. There is ongoing
demand to renovate the neighborhood as the city expands and becomes more contemporary, yet
doing so might potentially destroy its history and cultural relevance. This threatens Chinatown's
very identity as well as the community it stands for. As a city, we must endeavor to protect
Chinatown and make sure that its distinctive identity and history are not destroyed by
development.
When discussing Chinatown, it is impossible to ignore the significant contribution it
made to the Chinese Canadian community. Chinese immigrants to Canada in the late 1800s
experienced severe prejudice and discrimination (Chen et al., 2023). Unfair policies, including
the Head Tax, which limited the number of Chinese immigrants who could enter the nation, were
imposed on them. Chinatown evolved into a haven of comfort, camaraderie, and resiliency for
the Chinese immigrants in the midst of such hardship. These immigrants' tenacity and dedication
allowed Chinatown to flourish and become an essential component of Toronto's cultural
landscape.
5
Chinatown celebrates its culture and heritage through a variety of festivals and events, in
addition to its rich history. The Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place on the Toronto Islands
each summer, is one such occasion. The event honors the Chinese custom of dragon boat races,
in which teams navigate the water to the rhythm of a drum. The festival offers attendees a vivid
and entertaining experience with its traditional Chinese entertainment, cuisine, and market
booths.
It is crucial to realize that Chinatown has its difficulties. The neighborhood has come
under danger from gentrification and rising rent costs as many small businesses struggle to
remain viable in the face of growth. However, the community's tenacity has helped Chinatown
continue to be a vibrant and busy hub in the center of Toronto. It serves as a reminder that, in
spite of difficulties, the community is resilient and keeps adding to the city's dynamic landscape.
Chinatown is more than simply an ordinary neighborhood; it is a symbol of Toronto's
openness and ethnic variety. This is seen in the numerous stores, eateries, and companies that
serve customers of diverse ethnic backgrounds. It's usual to see a group of friends from various
ethnic origins eating at one of the many restaurants in the area, and traditional Chinese medicine
stores may be found next to Italian pizzerias. Not just in Chinatown but across the city, this
fusion and coexistence of various cultures should be praised and fostered.
The cuisine of Toronto's Chinatown is an important feature. There are several options for
delectable and genuine Chinese cuisine, from dim sum to bubble tea (Yao, 2022). The fragrances
and flavors in any restaurant are absolutely exceptional and unmatched, and they may instantly
transport one to the streets of China. The dumplings at Mother's Dumplings, a family-run
establishment that has been serving delectable dumplings for more than 15 years, are one of my
6
personal favorites. Each dumpling is made by hand by the proprietor, a woman known as
"Mother," who makes sure that every morsel is infused with devotion. This is but one illustration
of the several undiscovered restaurants in Chinatown that provide a unique and amazing eating
experience.
You will discover a number of historical sites as you stroll through the neighborhood,
each with a unique tale to tell. One such monument is the Wing Sang building, which was the
first reinforced concrete building in Toronto. One of the first Chinese-owned companies in the
city, the well-known Kwong Chong Importing Company, originally occupied this structure. The
structure still remains evidence of the Chinese community's tenacity in Toronto, as well as of the
substantial contribution they have made to the growth of the city.
In summary, Toronto's Chinatown is more than simply a neighborhood; it is a cultural,
historical, and economic asset. It is a destination that is hard to find anywhere else because of its
lively streets, rich customs, and varied community. As a Toronto citizen, I think Chinatown is an
important and integral part of this city's character and that it should be protected and honored by
everybody. The principles that make Toronto such a varied and welcoming city are embodied by
Chinatown via its celebrations, customs, and culture. In order to keep Chinatown a thriving and
important neighborhood for future generations, the city must fight to protect and promote it.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
7
References
Chen, S., Luo, Y., Dong, K. R., Yau, Y., Hires, B., Liang, S., & Tang, A. M. (2023). HEAR US: a
qualitative study of racial discrimination in Boston’s Chinatown and empowering change
from within the community.
Frontiers in public health
,
11
.
Heng, J. (2023).
Ethnic Food Fights: Assembling Asian American Identities
(Doctoral
dissertation, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville).
Wu, H., Techasan, S., & Huebner, T. (2020). A new Chinatown? Authenticity and conflicting
discourses on Pracha Rat Bamphen Road.
Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural
Development
,
41
(9), 794-812.
Yao, S. C. A. (2022).
A Toronto-Taiwan Food Atlas: Urban Connections from Dumplings to Beef
Noodle Soup
(Doctoral dissertation, Carleton University).