Asian Influx in Suburbia

As an American-Chinese who came to this country in the 1960s, I was troubled by the lack of positive tone in your two lengthy front-page articles (April 5-6) on “San Gabriel Valley--Asian Influx Alters Life in Suburbia.”

While appreciating the articles’ in-depth reporting on the current conditions in Monterey Park and the West San Gabriel Valley as a result of the rapid inflow of new immigrants from the Far East, I fail to see any constructive purpose served.

It must be pointed out that like the early Americans who came to America in pursuit of a dream in the days of the Pilgrims, most of the Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian newcomers ventured to this great country not by choice, but rather by the force of circumstances. Many of them were either exiles or refugees, having lost their homes or dear ones in their motherland. They trekked to this country because America is a land of the free. They are here for a new beginning, with a new vision for new opportunities.

Like their Italian, Polish, German, Hispanic or Jewish cousins who migrated to this country before them, these new arrivals from Asia naturally would like to stick to themselves once on arrival here, much in the same clannish fashion as in the other ethnic communities in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the United States.

They are law-abiding, peace-loving, hard-working and industrious people. Very few among them are millionaires who have profited from real estate or other business deals. As a matter of fact, most of them are victims of excessive property values in the Monterey Park area just like everyone else. All they want is to live in peace under the same protection of law and with fairness to all.

The United States takes great pride in being a melting pot of different racial groups and philosophies. We are proud of our diversity in culture and ethnic and religious backgrounds. By and large, Chinese and other Asian immigrants have been making notable contributions to the development of science, art, engineering and even national defense in this country, not to speak of helping enrich American life by their cultural heritage, strong family ties and ethical values.

In life style, the Chinese and other Asians, like everybody else, like to keep their own identity. Being constantly anxious to improve their lot and being successful is no crime, especially in the United States. Living in a new environment, the newcomers should definitely be encouraged to be more public-spirited and civic-conscious. On the other hand, the city councils and the neighborhoods in which they reside should also extend welcome mats to them, instead of appearing to be “resentful.”

A case in point--my family and I live in the Fairfax district where the concentration of the Jewish population is said to be 90% to 95%. But we are perfectly happy here. We communicate with our neighbors beautifully. An American-Chinese businesswoman was elected president of the Fairfax-Beverly Chamber of Commerce for a second time this year. Recently some Korean families have moved into the Fairfax neighborhood, doing a brisk business selling fresh produce.

The question is perhaps one of open-mindedness and reaching out. The Chinese and the other Asian population of Monterey Park will, I am sure, be happy to meet halfway what the city or what the other population elements of the city want. So the key is communications, not confrontation, rationale, not resentment. It will go a long way toward bringing racial harmony and cooperation, and the overall development and modernization of the City of Monterey Park, which indeed can be the toast of All-America.

STANWAY CHENG

Los Angeles