Elgin Quan’s “A Walk of Remembrance for the Chinese Community in Monterey, CA” is an informative, interesting piece of writing. Its flowing style makes readers read it from beginning to end without stop.
After reading this article, I cannot help but admire the perseverance and resilience of Chinese settlers “whose homes were destroyed, voices silenced, and history obscured”. It was not just at Monterey Bay but everywhere in North America. Nonetheless, they were able to survive and make contributions, culturally and economically. At Monterey Bay, “culturally” was the Chinese fishing and food processing culture they brought.
Racial minorities, not just Chinese, often suffer from low self-esteem. They grew up in poverty. Their parents engaged in lowly jobs. They heard disparaging remarks. Articles like Ms. Quan’s can be a form of bibliotherapy for minorities. However, I am disappointed not to see a photo of “fire baskets” mentioned in the article.
Very insightful review. Many immigrants can identify with the plight of early Chinese in America. However, not many have exhibited the resourcefulness, grit, and perseverance of the Chinese in these early struggles. The pioneering of the squid industry as a result of laws prohibiting Chinese from fishing during the day only helped commercial fishing flourish. This industry is a work of art, as seen in this video - the explosion of light when squids are caught.
Thank you Jun for encouraging comment. God’s timing is quite remarkable. The Methodists w their reformed theology were the first to embrace the marginalized Chinese. Other missionaries excluded them. The butterfly grove which symbolizes new growth, inspired the Methodist mission. I believe it was God’s design to reach the Chinese and reform their understanding of the world and His Kingdom. What are your thoughts about butterfly mission ?
From Peter T. Lam (Toronto, Canada):
Elgin Quan’s “A Walk of Remembrance for the Chinese Community in Monterey, CA” is an informative, interesting piece of writing. Its flowing style makes readers read it from beginning to end without stop.
After reading this article, I cannot help but admire the perseverance and resilience of Chinese settlers “whose homes were destroyed, voices silenced, and history obscured”. It was not just at Monterey Bay but everywhere in North America. Nonetheless, they were able to survive and make contributions, culturally and economically. At Monterey Bay, “culturally” was the Chinese fishing and food processing culture they brought.
Racial minorities, not just Chinese, often suffer from low self-esteem. They grew up in poverty. Their parents engaged in lowly jobs. They heard disparaging remarks. Articles like Ms. Quan’s can be a form of bibliotherapy for minorities. However, I am disappointed not to see a photo of “fire baskets” mentioned in the article.
Peter T. LAM, M.A. (Johns Hopkins)
Toronto, Canada
the art of squid fishing developed from original chinese fire baskets technique
https://www.biographic.com/flashes-of-brilliance/
Hi Peter:
Very insightful review. Many immigrants can identify with the plight of early Chinese in America. However, not many have exhibited the resourcefulness, grit, and perseverance of the Chinese in these early struggles. The pioneering of the squid industry as a result of laws prohibiting Chinese from fishing during the day only helped commercial fishing flourish. This industry is a work of art, as seen in this video - the explosion of light when squids are caught.
Hope you enjoy watching the art of squid fishing.
https://www.biographic.com/flashes-of-brilliance/.
Informative, easy reading especially about Chinese in relation to the Methodist Church
In-depth, well documented research.
Thank you Jun for encouraging comment. God’s timing is quite remarkable. The Methodists w their reformed theology were the first to embrace the marginalized Chinese. Other missionaries excluded them. The butterfly grove which symbolizes new growth, inspired the Methodist mission. I believe it was God’s design to reach the Chinese and reform their understanding of the world and His Kingdom. What are your thoughts about butterfly mission ?