Chinese Canadians
Immigration
Discrimination
Cultural Identity
many children longed for life outside Chinatown and the Chinese culture
children were often fluent in two languages. they lived two cultures, usually fluidly
"astronaut families" - someone - usually the father, would work away from the women and children, earning money for the family
technology helps make it easier to travel and stay in touch
they resented anything that was Chinese
for some, it was hard being torn between two cultures
some even felt they didn't belong in either culture
Chinatown was the only place some Chinese Canadians felt accepted
older Chinese Canadians found modern changes hard, as they felt they were losing their culture and traditions
in the early 1900s, Chinese Canadians were refused memberships in unions
this led to them receiving low wages, which angered the white labourers
many, if not all, Chinese Canadians found racism and discrimination very hard to bear
the first Chinese immigrants that arrived weren't welcome
Chinese Canadians didn't really feel welcome until the 1970s and 80s
Canadian Multiculturalism Act passed in 1988
some felt more Chinese than Canadian due to discrimination
after Pearl Harbour, the discrimination against Chinese lessened
in the 60s and 70s, "there was a lot of anger towards the Chinese"
there was subtle racism
for the construction of the CPR, over 15'000 Chinese were brought in
around 10% died from various causes
a head tax was soon required for immigration - $50, which was soon raised to $500
no one wanted the Chinese around after construction was complete
Chinese Exclusion Act passed in 1923 - Chinese were no longer allowed to immigrate to Canada
benevolent associations
helped Chinese immigrants by lending money, providing board, finding jobs