-When I read that in the 1990s an “anti-Asian bigot” had won two elections when she was running against Asian Americans on both occasions in Flushing, I was flabbergasted. How could that be when Asians made up almost one-third of the population? Why was only seven percent of the Asian population registered voters? Did political acts such as the Chinese Exclusion Act cause Asian Americans to distant themselves as far away from politics as they could get? If so, what made them regain their faith in the American government? Or, did the Chinese’s lack of faith convince them that they should finally vote and partake in the government by being officials and controlling their own affairs/destiny? As the article pointed out towards the end, “the [eventual] electoral success of the Chinese immigrant community reaffirms the democratic message that every vote counts, which in turn empowers Chinese immigrants, nurtures a greater sense of civic duty, and facilitates their incorporation into the American polity.” Despite feeling as though they may not have a voice, I believe the great thing about the US is that if an individual or group of people, native born or naturalized citizens, make an effort to be heard, they will.

-It was also very interesting how Old Chinatown paved the way for places like Monterey Park. Rather than being isolated, these newer communities are maintaining better economic, social and political ties. They are finally realizing the importance of active assimilation. Did the mold of Chinatown lay the foundation of what should and shouldn’t be done when a new ethnic enclave comes about in a community?

-What were the visual differences between Old Chinatown and Chinatown of the here and now as compared to communities like Monterey Park? Is the visual differences as apparent as the divisions between the economic makeup, social landscape and political ties?