Asian Americans in Enclaves Essays - Ethnic Enclaves,

Asian Americans in Enclaves The dictionary definition of enclave is ?1. a country, or especially, an outlying portion of a country, entirely or mostly surrounded by the territory of another country; or 2. any small, distinct area or group enclosed or isolated within a larger one (e.g., a Chinese-speaking enclave in London)? (dictionary.com). The reading by Chung talks about ?ethnic enclaves? and its three types: the one-step-up, the new immigrant, and the suburban enclaves. One-step-up enclaves are located in areas with easy access to Chinatown. Presence of emerging middle class is the strongest in this type of enclave (Chung 101). Most of them are not new immigrants, but arrivals from other areas (i.e., immigrants who already have resided in the U.S. for several years). The first and largest of this kind of enclave is Quincy, Massachusetts. Most Asian American households in Quincy are complete family units, who are able to purchase home when family members pool their resources together. Dissimilarly, new immigrant enclaves ?are situated in municipalities with the lowest median household income? (Chung 105). Generally, new immigrant enclave members are poor, and contain more single persons or incomplete families. They live in areas where the median household income is far below the state median (Chung 106). Thus, new immigrants face problems like poor housing facilities, high crime rate, and poor school systems. On the other hand, suburban enclaves are the exact opposite of new immigrant enclaves. Suburban enclaves are known for having a quality life, excellent school system, and a progressive atmosphere (Chung 106). An example of this enclave is Lexington city, where in residents are mostly professionals, entrepreneurs, or business owners. Asian Americans are often referred to as ?the Asian American community? (Chung 99). Chung is challenging that by bringing up this concept of enclaves. Chung is pointing out that ?ethnic enclaves? are different from ?community?. The term ethnic enclave is inclusive, fluid and dynamic, while the term community is static and structured, and assumes homogeneity and coherence. Moreover, ethnic enclaves intearact more often amongst themselves, other enclaves, or the society, while the ?community? concept doesn?t. This reading also shows that as more Asian Americans immigrate to the U.S., traditional communities not only grow but also evolve as they absorb the new arrivals and adapt to the non-Asian environment around them.