Research Proposal
Background and Significance:
As China’s influence over various cultures and the global economy grow, so have worldwide sentiments about this expansion. While the United States still holds claim to being the most powerful nation in the world, many fear that China’s military and economy will surpass that of the U.S.’s in the forthcoming decades. Over the last century, China has moved in a very definitive direction, making advances in technology and establishing itself as an essential provider of various services and products. Putting itself on the “grid” so to speak, China has developed substantial ties to its internationally affiliated countries. Specifically, China and the United States share a relationship that has evolved into a very unique and complicated give and take.
Although few can deny China’s impending influence on American society, many argue that the consequences of China’s uncontrolled influence far outweigh the benefits. Unethical business ethics, stealing jobs from native citizens, and an undesired mixing of cultures are a few topics addressed in this controversy of a growing Chinese influence.
Review of Research:
Many articles that I have read and reviewed discuss China’s perpetual influence all around the world from telecommunication to textile and clothing. People are concerned about the implications this gradual progress will have on the United States holding its title as the strongest nation in the world. In the article titled: U.S. Lawmakers Wary of Chinese Telecom Firm”, the author discusses the consequences of China’s bidding on global telecommunication contracts as a risk to national security and wealth (Minnick, 22). While at a similar time, somewhere completely different in the world, others are facing very different problems with Chinese expansion. As a Chinese population grows in Prato, Italy, the notorious textile industry of China is destroying the image of Italian made brands. This article, “Stitched in Italy, by Chinese; Newcomers Redefine a Label”, is a clear-cut example of poor Chinese business ethics and monopolization. There are ample studies conducted on current and past Chinese business models; however, rarely has a study been done that observes these models as an adverse consequence on culture.
One of the biggest aspects of this paper will be to study the processes and tolls of immigration on American society. I will look at case studies like that of Joseph and Mary Tape from “Melting Pot” and account for the psychological tolls immigrating can have on refugees. The physical and emotional tolls that immigrating into a foreign country can have are directly observable as a detriment to health. The study done by Irene Chung, titled "Changes in the Sociocultural Reality of Chinese Immigrants: Challenges and Opportunities in Help-Seeking Behavior” is an amazing resource into this study. She collects data and gives input on the strains many Chinese immigrants are still facing today. Cultural shock and the overwhelming guilt of failure prove to push many Chinese immigrants towards suicide. On the other side of the coin, many are taking interest into the Chinese psyche as a means to understanding their business methods. “Managing in ethnic Chinese communities: Culture, institutions, and context” looks into various factors that shape Chinese culture in America and how local business owners can learn from these immigrants. A huge portion of this paper focuses on the desire of various countries to keep Chinese immigrants out of their countries. The U.S. is no stranger to these sentiments, and the paper “The Great Immigration Debate” by Patricia Smith provides legitimate arguments and examples of legislation aimed at accomplishing this. Finally as a means to provide an argument contrary to that of recognizing China’s growing influence on the rest of the world and its seemingly unhindered expansion, “The China Dream; Why the Middle Kingdom isn't really taking over the world.” Is an argument designed to calm these fears of apparent imperialism and unmatched greed.
Statement of Purpose:
Aside from addressing the political implications of Chinese expansion and history, I aim to account for a more personal study on Chinese immigrants. Being a second generation Chinese-American I find it hard to relate to all the first generation immigrants that came here a century ago and who continue to come into America. I’m curious to see how sentiments towards a Chinese presence in America and globally has changed over the past few decades. Have ethnocentric sentiments towards a Chinese presence been completely eradicated or merely masked?
Questions and Expectation:
How have Americans changed their views on local Chinese influence both culturally and economically? When presented with case studies such as the example in “Stitched in Italy, by Chinese: Newcomers Redefine a Label” how will people view the global influence via cheap Chinese labor? How have things changed for Chinese immigrants in America compared to the boom in the early 1900s? I anticipate mixed responses as long as my survey group is large enough and spread out. Some will view Chinese expansion with resentment and disdain while others will deem it completely fair and understandable. As for the question concerning a change in the journey from China to America, I think most sources will point to the journey as becoming easier both physically and psychologically. More resources are available to current immigrants, especially with a well established Chinese community in most major cities on the west coast.
Methodology:
Previously written books and journals will paint a picture of the past; however, I will aim to research current thoughts and emotions on this subject. I could create a web-based survey with short answer questions or questions with qualitative response options such as: “strongly agree” “mildly agree” “no opinion” “disagree” and “strongly disagree”.
Annotations:
1. Tepper, Anderson. "Melting Pot." New York Times. 18 Sept. 2010. Web. 27 Sept. 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/books/review/Tepper-t.html>.
“Melting Pot” is a recount and case study on two Chinese immigrants, one boy and one girl, who separately immigrated into San Francisco and marry. Each of their stories is very different from one another, but still characteristic of the hardships Chinese immigrants endured during the late 19th century. The boy, Joseph Tape, flees China to start a new life in America where he works his way up the economic ladder. The girl, later to be known as Mary Tape, is transported into San Francisco via a steamship along with packets of tea and silk. She begins her life of “freedom” in a brothel at age eleven but is later rescued by Protestant missionaries. The article is dramatic and paints a vivid image of life for Chinese immigrants. “Anti-coolie” and “yellow peril” were terms and sentiments widespread during that era. Americans were fearful that Chinese immigrants were stealing jobs away from them. This provoked violence and disdain. The paper is an excellent resource into giving insight on how some successful Chinese immigrants came to help others like them immigrate into the United States.
2. Donadio, Rachel. "Stitched in Italy, by Chinese: Newcomers Redefine a Label." The New York Times [New York] 13 Sept. 2010: 1. Print.
A recent boom of the Chinese population in Prato, Italy has sparked serious concern in both Prato and surrounding Italian cities. Since the 1980s, there has been a definite decline in the “made in Italy” quality claim. Chinese industry workers, notorious for a “fast fashion” economy, are marring the Italian brand name. The Chinese have proven to be adept in dodging tax laws and abiding to the same rules other Italian businesses adhere to. However, even local police authority Domenico Savi admits that the Chinese are simply better at “playing the game” than the local Italian businesses owners are. Chinese immigrants both legal and illegal, are leaving a formidable footprint on the local culture. Prato locals fear that the Italian culture with soon be diluted with Chinese influence as already represented by Chinese signs and Chinatowns. This article is an excellent examination of the Chinese influence on a global scale.
3. Chung, Irene. "Changes in the Sociocultural Reality of Chinese Immigrants: Challenges and Opportunities in Help-Seeking Behavior." International Journal of Social Psychiatry 56 (2010): 436-47. Print.
This was a psychological survey conducted in 2010 by Irene Chung who proceeded to interview 31 Chinese immigrants who had attempted suicide. She was interested in finding the factors that instigated these suicide attempts and how they were connected to the lifestyles of these immigrants. She found various similarities that stood out such as: language barrier, social isolation, spousal abuse, lack of community resources, sense of personal failure and lack of financial resources for medical treatment. This study gives insight into the psychological difficulties immigrating into the U.S. poses for foreigners with no family, friends, or clue as to what they are doing.
4. Smith, Patricia. "The Great Immigration Debate." The New York Times [New York] 6 Sept. 2010: 12-18. Print.
America has been a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world since its secession in 1776. Characterized by its “melting pot” population, the very thing that has made the U.S. what it is, now presents itself as a major issue. This article talks about the adverse consequences uncontrolled immigration has on our nation. The U.S. has been blamed for having lax immigration laws and weak border patrol. Unauthorized immigration poses societal problems from alleged increased crime to illegal employment. Patricia Smith provides a legitimate argument against rampant immigration while still staying rational and understanding of its contribution to American society. This resource can be helpful in my paper concerning past and present legislation, as well as providing another opinion on immigration.
5. Lowell, Waverly B. Chinese Immigration and Chinese in the United States: Records in the Regional Archives of the National Archives and Records Administration. Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration, 1996. Print.
This is an in depth account of Chinese immigration into the United States from 1882 to 1943; the most controversial period of time for Chinese-Americans. This book is an excellent resource if one is concerned with chronology and legislation on Chinese immigration. One section deals specifically with previous district court records that deal with peculiar cases. For example, in a district court in Michigan, 20 Chinese immigrants were allowed citizenship pending their renouncement of “allegiance and fidelity” to the Emperor of China. What is noteworthy and contradictory, is the fact that this was allowed during a time where Chinese exclusion laws were enforced. For a paper that aims to research all the factors influencing Chinese immigration both past and present, this book should prove to be invaluable. The book provides many parallels between reasons for immigrating over the span of a century. Modern immigrants are faced with many of the same obstacles and feelings of resentment as they did during the early to mid nineteen hundreds.
6. Managing in ethnic Chinese communities: Culture, institutions, and context
7. Shambaugh, David. A New China Requires a New US Strategy. Vol. 109. Philadelphia, 2010. Print. Current History.
8. U.S. Lawmakers Wary of Chinese Telecom Firm
9. The China Dream; Why the Middle Kingdom isn't really taking over the world.
10. America's Experts: Race and the Fictions of Sociology
Stephanie Li. MELUS. Los Angeles: Fall 2010. Vol. 35, Iss. 3; p. 237
Stephanie Li. MELUS. Los Angeles: Fall 2010. Vol. 35, Iss. 3; p. 237
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