Dear Editor,
Re: “Richmond’s broken, not racist,” Letters,July 31.
I refer to the letter of N. MacDonald. I agree with most of her opinions. The graffiti is certainly an expression of frustration, which I can fully understand and share (but not the the act itself).
I also worry about the fact that this frustration is accumulating.
However, I don’t think it is fair to make a sweeping conclusion on a culture or group of people based on the behaviour of a few.
To claim that all new immigrants are not willing to integrate is an overstatement.
Most of the Chinese immigrants, myself as an example, have made their best efforts to integrate into the community.
Many of them are living a life similar to yours and mine. Many of them, like me, live in a moderate home and pay monthly mortgages with hard-earned money.
Yes, some new immigrants may still carry a mindset they have developed in the past.
But one cannot expect them to change overnight. They need some time and guidance to adapt to the new culture.
To blame the new immigrants alone will not help to improve the situation. I suspect that it will be counterproductive.
I have been trying very hard since I was a school trustee, and now as a councillor, to promote intercultural understanding and harmony. I have spent countless hours talking to individuals, holding workshops, speaking on the radio and television, and writing newspaper articles to educate new immigrants.
My frustration is that new immigrants come in waves and the need to educate the new comers seems endless.
I believe interaction will increase mutual understanding which will lead to integration.
I hope that all of us who share a concern about the current situation will take a step to bridge the cultural gap.
Chak Au
Richmond City Councillor
