The notion of foreign sixth grade being a splendid experience is a sentiment that is seldom expressed. It is during this period that we find ourselves more akin to mischievous creatures rather than fully developed individuals. We have outgrown the stage of outright disregarding social cues, yet we have not reached the maturity to fully embrace and appreciate cultural disparities. Consequently, when a sixth-grade girl stands up and commences a discussion on traditional Chinese cuisine, such as Fung Chua or chicken feet, one can easily anticipate the nature of the ensuing comments. While the choices made by sixth graders are hardly representative of our finest qualities, the reactions exhibited by my peers towards Chinese cuisine serve as an indication of the societal perception of such culinary practices. But in today's fast-paced world, where time seems to slip through our fingers, takeout has become an integral part of our lives. The convenience of ordering a meal with just a few taps on our smartphones is a modern-day luxury we often take for granted. Among the myriad of options available, Chinese cuisine stands out as a global favorite. Its diverse flavors, vibrant colors, and rich cultural heritage have made it a culinary phenomenon. And indeed, one of the joys of ordering Chinese takeout is the opportunity to explore the diverse regional specialties that span the country. For instance, if you're in the mood for bold and spicy flavors, try Sichuan-style dishes like Kung Pao Chicken or Mapo Tofu. Alternatively, if you prefer something lighter and more subtly flavored, Cantonese cuisine offers delights such as Dim Sum or Steamed Fish with Ginger and Scallions. Exploring these regional nuances allows us to appreciate the depth and variety that Chinese cuisine has to offer. So, let's delve deeper into the world of Chinese takeout and celebrate the authenticity it brings to our doorstep. Dr. Chen Yudan, an associate professor of international relations and public affairs at Foodon University, elucidates how cultural aspects pertaining to cooking and dining, typically deemed private and apolitical, have become deeply entrenched within the political identities of Chinese Americans. In a period marked by growing animosity towards Asian Americans, the propagation of discriminatory attitudes extends beyond mere anti-Covid or anti-Chinese rhetoric. It persists in the utilization of Chinese food as a weapon of discrimination in hindsight. But by delving into the historical context of Chinese food in America and observing its transformation over time, we can still, in due time, discern its profound implications and take strides towards moving beyond our preconceived notions.
Let us begin by examining how certain Chinese takeout food items have become integrated into our popular culture and comfort cuisine. Chinese cuisine has a long history, rooted in traditions dating back thousands of years. However, the concept of Chinese takeout as we know it today emerged primarily in Western countries from the mid-19th century to the 20th century. The surge in Chinese immigration during that period introduced locals to the bold flavors and unique cooking techniques of this ancient culinary tradition. As Chinese restaurants began to cater to the preferences of their Western customers, takeout became a popular option, allowing people to enjoy their favorite dishes in the comfort of their homes. In the mid-1800s, Chinese immigrants arrived in the United States and established restaurants as a means of securing a sustainable livelihood. However, in 1882, the United States government enacted the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited Chinese workers from immigrating with the intention of safeguarding employment opportunities for white laborers. Exceptions were made for individuals involved in the restaurant industry and similar occupations. Over several decades, this immigration policy persisted until the U.S. Congress passed the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965. This legislative act abolished the existing immigration quota system, thereby opening the doors to those desiring to immigrate. Working-class Chinese and Cantonese immigrants subsequently began to arrive in the United States and establish modestly priced restaurants to earn a living in a land that offered greater economic freedom. Due to limited financial resources among many of these working-class immigrants, their restaurants often tended to be smaller in scale and located in neglected areas. Consequently, a negative perception of Chinese food emerged among Americans, who mistakenly associated it with low quality and unsanitary ingredients. This perception was based on the assumption that such establishments were inexpensive and lacking in hygiene. In response to the growing number of Chinese restaurants in the United States, the term "Chinese restaurant syndrome" surfaced. This supposed syndrome was attributed to symptoms such as dizziness and palpitations caused by the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in Chinese cuisine. However, despite scientific evidence proving MSG's lack of adverse health effects, the media perpetuated a stigmatization of this ingredient. This intentional misrepresentation of Chinese culture has placed Chinese immigrants and subsequent generations at a significant disadvantage for many decades. Nonetheless, for numerous working-class immigrants, the establishment of restaurants represented their sole pathway to integration within society. Due to U.S. immigration policies, immigrants were automatically subject to disdain and exclusion from mainstream society.
However, in spite of this adulteration, Chinese immigrants and restaurants have managed to maintain a connection to their heritage by offering two distinct menus to their patrons. One menu features traditional Chinese cuisine, while the other incorporates more Americanized flavors. Over time, these two menus gradually merged to cater to a larger American audience. The demand for Chinese food primarily stems from American demographics, resulting in the emergence of Fusion Cuisine that blends Chinese and American culinary cultures. As a matter of fact, supporting local businesses have recently become increasingly crucial. When it comes to Chinese takeout, it's essential to seek out and support authentic Chinese restaurants run by passionate chefs who strive to bring genuine flavors to their customers. By doing so, we not only savor the true essence of Chinese cuisine but also contribute to the preservation of culinary traditions and the local economy. Fusion Cuisine involves combining and contrasting different techniques, flavors, and ingredients to create a harmonious blend within a single dish. As a consequence, typical Chinese ingredients have been replaced with American counterparts, such as American broccoli substituting Chinese broccoli, carrots replacing radishes, and yellow onions used instead of green onions. Nevertheless, this Fusion Cuisine has unintentionally created misperceptions about Chinese culture in America, negatively impacting the way future generations of Chinese-Americans perceive their own heritage. And while the Chinese takeout experience has undoubtedly evolved to adapt to Western tastes, it's important to appreciate the authenticity that lies at its core. Authentic Chinese cuisine is a reflection of the country's vast regional diversity and rich cultural heritage. From the fiery spices of Sichuan cuisine to the delicate flavors of Cantonese dishes, each region boasts its own distinct culinary traditions. Particularly in the current volatile racial climate, misunderstandings about Chinese culture have far-reaching consequences beyond our weekly Chinese takeout nights. These misconceptions also affect the individuals working behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. In the midst of the pandemic, blame for the origins of COVID-19 was unfairly placed on Chinese-Americans, leading to a surge in discrimination. This discrimination manifested in targeted economic downturns and hate crimes, with Chinese restaurants being specifically targeted. Chinese restaurants serve as symbols of economic pride and livelihood for many Chinese-Americans. Regrettably, acts of vandalism occurred, with phrases like "Ramen noodle flu" and "Kung Flu" scrawled on various establishments. Bloomberg reported that Chinese restaurants in New York experienced a staggering closure rate of 94 percent, compared to 61 percent for other restaurants in the area. This xenophobia extends beyond mere petty stereotypes associated with Chinese takeout food, profoundly affecting the way future generations of Chinese-Americans perceive their cultural identity and their sense of safety.
However, despite these troubling implications, we can all contribute to making a difference, regardless of our cultural backgrounds. As Chinese Americans, we have remained silent for an extended period, allowing the transformation of Chinese takeout not only to affect Chinese cuisine but also to make Chinese culture more acceptable to Americans. This generalization would not have occurred if Chinese immigrants had not chosen to remain silent about their culture. Instead of establishing a precedent of openly sharing our heritage, patterns of a concealed Chinese culture have emerged, visible only within our families. We have maintained an image tailored to appease Americans, preserving our silence even when public opinion was misguided. To be clear, I was raised in a household that instilled pride in my culture. However, I was not naturally placed in a position to voice and advocate for it. I suspect that many other Chinese Americans share a similar experience. This situation must change. We, as Chinese Americans, demand the respect that our culture deserves. To achieve this, we need to foster openness rather than isolation. We must break free from the confines of the model minority stereotype and speak out against misunderstandings about our culture. A potential starting point can be found in our cuisine. While there are undeniably delightful staples of Chinese American food—I must admit, I have a weakness for General Tso's chicken—there are also traditional dishes that will never grace a restaurant menu. For instance, Mǎyǐ pá shàng shù, a rice noodle and pork dish literally translated as "ants climbing up a tree," is a personal favorite of mine. I relish the opportunity to explain its name's meaning to others and share how I learned to prepare it by observing my mother's culinary prowess. If we begin to publicly share our respective cultures, we can initiate the process of bridging the divide that exists between Chinese and American cultures. Regrettably, Chinese culture remains largely unfamiliar to Americans. This fact was highlighted in a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center, wherein Americans were asked about their first thoughts regarding China. Remarkably, the historical legacy and cultural heritage of the Chinese people and country were conspicuously absent from their responses. Instead, concerns regarding China's government and economy ranked among the primary reactions. Americans appear to be more preoccupied with perceiving China as a potential threat rather than recognizing the potential of its rich and diverse culture. By openly sharing our customs, we have the opportunity to create an environment that amalgamates the diverse facets of Chinese and American societies. Additionally, the public sharing of our culinary traditions can foster common ground among the various cultures throughout America and lead us to discover novel means of connection that have previously remained unexplored.
As citizens of the United States, it is crucial for us to improve our practice of acknowledging the evolutions within diverse cultures. When we venture into unfamiliar culinary experiences, it is essential to invest time in exploring their historical origins. This endeavor is both straightforward and time-efficient. By visiting a local restaurant, you can select dishes that pique your interest. However, if you encounter a cuisine that is unfamiliar to you, it is imperative to conduct a basic search on a platform like Google to trace the dish's roots. Taking the initiative to discover a dish's background enables us to honor its historical authenticity. Moreover, this process allows us to cultivate cultural empathy within ourselves. The beauty of fusion cuisine lies in the fact that, once we uncover the origins of a particular dish, we can begin to draw connections between our own culture and others. This practice serves to bridge the divide that often separates our perception of "my culture" from "their culture." However, this does not solely pertain to Chinese Americans; it encompasses every cultural tradition worldwide. Our inclination towards isolationism is not an anomaly but a recurring pattern among minority groups throughout the nation. As an individual who embodies both Chinese and American identities, I am witness to the shortcomings on both sides, and I recognize the potential benefits our solutions can bring to our lives today. I strongly urge all individuals present here today, who belong to our minority group or community, to voice their perspectives and advocate for their culture, traditions, and way of life. Your identity should transcend mere labels or stereotypes; it should encompass a genuine curiosity for the diverse world around you. We ought to seek connections that surpass biological ties and delve into deeper, more personal, and vulnerable realms. These connections are crucial, and the solutions we propose today mark a significant stride towards rectifying a mindset that burdens immigrants with discrimination while allowing Americans to remain oblivious to the diversity that envelops them. While the dietary preferences of sixth graders typically revolve around dino nuggets and chocolate milk, my present-day palate has evolved to appreciate a far more refined and sophisticated cuisine, namely Chinese American Cuisine. By embracing the culinary traditions of my cultural heritage, I have discovered a means to fully embrace both my Chinese and American identities, subsequently allowing me to share these aspects with the world. Although there exists a certain stigma surrounding culturally diverse foods, the path to normalizing the celebration of various cultures lies in our willingness to explore and experience different cuisines. Ultimately, this embodies the aspirations of immigrants: a desire to share their authentic selves and origins in a harmonious and collaborative manner. I express my gratitude for your attention, especially for your cultural awareness.
See also: https://mygodsentangels.com/