The Chinese Diaspora – Torn Between Identities V

Case 4: Canadian born Chinese

“I’d definitely cheer for Canada. But if Canada were not playing, I’d cheer for China against any other nation,” said David Wong, a Canadian born Chinese whose ancestors were Chinese pioneers who came to Canada 100 years ago.

Unlike the newer immigrants, Wong has less an identity crisis. “I am and will always be loyal to Canada, as I see myself as a pure Canadian with proud Chinese roots… and am proud of my family’s contributions in helping build this young nation: Canada.”

Being a multi-generational “banana”, Wong and his family have witnessed the dramatic change Chinese Canadians are treated, and he attributes much of that to the rise of China.

He’s both excited and cautiously concerned about China’s rising. “Excited because I am living this moment in time that many of my ancestors had wanted to experience during their lives… and concerned because the path to which China rises to will depend on the abilities and quality of her leaders.”

One of the interesting observations Wong has with China’s rise is the dissolution of the glass ceiling in its old form, and now being re-installed in a new, but ironic form.

“In its old form, the Chinese here in Canada had historically never occupied real business leadership roles – as can be gleaned from historic evidence in the make up professional firm names (eg. Chinese names were rarely seen in partnership titles).”

Wong said that has changed after Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing bought the entire old Expo 86 lands which then many saw as with minimum value, although they were located by the water and close to the downtown core. The area called “False Creek” has been molded into one of the most expensive residential and commercial properties in Vancouver.

“Since then, we saw an explosion of Chinese names onto the titles of law firms, accounting firms etc. Now we see businesses and political parties trying to figure out how to appease to the Chinese – by inviting persons with Chinese names onto their boards – whether or not the person is qualified, and printing their swag in English and Chinese (not French, supposedly is one of Canada’s official languages).”

“Now comes the new form of glass ceiling. The new inherent barriers are now imposed by the local (Canadian) Chinese themselves upon each other,” he was referring to the self-discrimination and tension among groups of Chinese Canadians such as mainlanders vs Hong Kongers, mainlanders vs Taiwanese, new immigrants vs old immigrants, and immigrants vs CBCs.

While Wong hopes to see more Chinese Canadians entering politics, but unfortunately it looks like that the good ones don’t bother. Wong has been active participating politics from “behind the scene”, such as nurturing Chinese politicians and help them run in offices.

“Many of the better and smarter Chinese Canadians do not view political office as a job of high integrity,” he said. “Unfortunately, that opens the door to a lot of opportunistic Chinese Canadian candidates – who attempt office for one very obvious reason – self importance.”

Wong thinks the Chinese Canadian community has “suffered the terrible indignity of having had far too many unqualified Chinese Canadians elected into office.”

“only to prove time and time again, that Chinese Canadians are inarticulate, have no real grasp of the issues, and unfortunately, surround themselves with sycophants and with unqualified advisors.”

But Wong is optimistic towards the future, while he vows to continue working hard on his behind-the-scene work. “There are a number of us who are getting together to help nurture and mentor a new generation of real Chinese Canadian leaders. Eventually, some of these will make it into public office… and will become the role models that the Chinese Canadian community so desperately desires.”

Let us all hope so. [END]

READ:
The Chinese Diaspora – Torn between identities I
The Chinese Diaspora – Torn between identities II
The Chinese Diaspora – Torn between identities III
The Chinese Diaspora – Torn between identities IV
The Chinese Diaspora – Torn between identities V

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