Chinese Americans
Where Did They Come From:
Ever since its founding in 1776, and even before then, the United States has attracted immigrants from around the world. For well over two centuries, people have flocked under this nation's protective wings as opportunists, sojourners, missionaries, refugees, and even illegal aliens.
When:
The Chinese, with a population of 435,062 in the 1970 U.S. Census, were the second larger Asian-American ethnic group in the United States.
The number includes Chinese both on the U.S. mainland and in Hawaii. A slight majority 229,237 –are American-born. However, the number of foreign-born has increased dramatically since 1965.
What region of the US did they settle:
With the Statue of Liberty greeting Europeans entering Ellis Island, and The Golden Gate Bridge greeting Chinese and other Asians into San Francisco, the U.S. has long since been a refuge of the world, with opportunities abounding and freedom for all. Over time, millions around the world have found emigrating to the U.S. as the only alternative to starvation, death, or a life full of hardship and suffering. With thousands from nations spanning the globe, America has become a mosaic of people, culture, and hope.
Most Chinese settled on the west coast.
What occupations did they take part in:
Chinese immigrants were often wealthy, successful merchants, along with skilled artisans, fishermen, and hotel and restaurant owners. For the first few years they were greatly received by the public, government officials, and especially by employers, for they were renowned for their hard work and dependability. The Chinese did not only mine for gold, but took on jobs such as cooks, peddlers, and storekeepers. In the first decade after the discovery of gold, many had taken jobs nobody else wanted or that were considered too dirty. However, in 1870, hasty exploitation of gold mines and a lack of well-paying jobs for non-Asians spurred sentiment that the "rice-eaters" were to blame. By 1880, a fifth were engaged in mining, another fifth in agriculture, a seventh in manufacturing. Others were domestic servants, and laundry workers. Approximately 30,000 Chinese worked outside of California in such trades as railroad work, mining, common laborers, and in many of the service trades. During the 1860's, 10,000 Chinese were said to be involved in the building of the western leg of the Central Pacific Railroad. The average railroad payroll for the Chinese was $35 per month. The cost of food was approximately $15 to $18 per month.
What are the family patterns:
The small size, simple structure and diversified patterns of family have become the main features of modern Chinese families.
Experts point out that a traditional Chinese family generally consists of at least two generations of people including husband and wife and children and there universally exists the phenomenon of three generations, four generations and even five generations living under the same roof. That is to suggest, a big family is often held in great esteem.
Are they a group that appreciates schooling:
As decades passed, the situation between the Chinese and the Americans improved. Such events as the Chinatowns turning from crime and drug ridden places to quiet, colorful tourist attractions, well-behaved and school conscientious Chinese children being welcomed by public school teachers. China became allies with the U.S. after World War II, all of which began to pave the way for the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act. As immigration from China resumed and increased many Chinese female immigrants came to the US and many couples were reunited after decades apart.
What are the basic demographics today?
China has a lot of people. As of July 2008, the population of China is 1.3 billion, according to About.com's Geography Guide. That phenomenal number is matched by enormous early population figures. In "Relocation of Civilization Centers in Ancient China: Environmental Factors," by Duan Chang-Qun, Gan Xue-Chun, Jeanny Wang, and Paul K. Chien, population figures are given as 13.55 million, in 2200 B.C., during the Xia Dynasty; 20 million in 221 B.C. during the Qin Dynasty; and 59.59 in A.D. 2 under the Western Han Dynasty. After that, the population falls, and then, a millennium later, surpasses the 60 million figure under the Southern Song Dynasty, in 1193, when it hits 76.81 million.
In the US there are approximately 2.9million Chinese Americans OR, 1% of the US population. This is the largest single Asian ethnic group in the US. OR, 1 of 4 Asians in the Us are Chinese.
Fun facts:
The Chinese Lunar Calendar is 2,640 years older than our own and never begins on January 1st, nor does it begin on the same date each year. It can begin any time between January 21st and February 18th, depending on the date of the New Moon in Aquarius. Each year is named for an animal. Every 12 years this cycle begins again. The Chinese say that the animal ruling the year you were born will influence your life. In 2009, Chinese New Year begins January 26th and will be the year of the Ox.
Want to know what animal rules the upcoming years? Here's a chart that tells when Chinese New Year begins and the animal sign that belongs to it.
Chinese New Year Activities and Games
For Further Reading: http://www.c-c-c.org/aboutus.htm