REACTIONS TO READERS ON CHINATOWN WOMEN PART ONE

Readers who tuned in to this site yesterday expecting more of my neuroses will know that I guestposted on Crystal Tao's blog. My article dealt with the circumstances of women in Chinatown - you'll have to read the post to know what I said.

[THIS POST: 唐人街的女人 - 第一章. Don't worry, it's in English.]

There were a gratifying number of commenters.

I crosspost my responses here.


To Ziccawei: Just Cantonese women, particularly the ones in SF Chinatown – though it also applies to Cantonese women in most inner-city C’towns elsewhere. There are rather wide cultural and social variations between regions in China, and even in the next province over (Fujian), things are quite different.

To HongBaoNaLai: Yes, there are geeky boys there. Dysfunctionality strikes both genders. Not really my issue, nor particularly a concern of LLC. And as far as girls with BMW/Benz – which Chinatown? Certainly not in SF Chinatown - there’s no where to park that thing, and most families living packed in a two-room walk-up don’t have a garage (they'd put the kids or grandma there if they did). If Chinese girls have their own condos, they sure as heck ain’t living in this part of SF, probably not even the Sunset or Richmond districts. For a large number of people living in Chinatown / Northbeach, circumstances are tight - 欏朝唔得晚.
Perhaps you’re speaking of Philippino-Chinese or well-educated Taiwanese immigrants in Monterey Park.

To Casey O’Rourke: Often somewhere between ‘good riddance’ and ‘you never should have been born’. Though there are a few who are genuinely pleased as punch that A) she’s found someone she loves, and B) he’s an interesting person with a great sense of humour (he’ll need that when dealing with some of the relatives).

To Wandering American: You are a very lucky man. Mazel tov!

To HongBaoNaLai again: Travelled in Malaysia before I learned Cantonese – whenever I tried speaking Hokkienhwee or Bahasa Melayu, they looked at me funny. Turns out they all have aunties who talked just like that.
You might get a kick out of this post:
http://atthebackofthehill.blogspot.com/2010/11/i-know-beng.html

To Jay K.: 嘩, 你食咗啲葡萄好酸嘅咩!

To Ziccawei: 我真想知道, 你家庭嘅人係乜地方嘅咩?

To S.K.Y: What you described is not really unusual. Both SF Chinatown and Oakland Chinatown have mental health clinics and social workers who deal with high rates of suicidal tendencies and family issues. I hope your friend finds happiness and stability.

* * * * * *

You'll have to go over to the actual post on LoveLoveChina to read what the commenters wrote. My responses may not make much sense otherwise.
And of course I am keen to see your feedback there as well.

Especially when Part Two gets published.


NOTE: There was one reader to whom I really wanted to say "Not entirely sure you’re human. Please stay away from women".
But I chose to be diplomatic.
Brownie points if you can guess who it is.


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All correspondence will be kept in confidence.
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