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