Ethnic-Neighborhood-paper
will require you do some planning ahead of time. You will be visiting a local ethnic neighborhood and writing a paper about it. You will likely need to spend a few hours at the location of your choice so don’t think it is something you can just stop by for a few minutes.
World Geography Term Paper
Ethnicity is the identity with a group of people who share the cultural traditions of a particular homeland. Our own ethnicity (culture and experience) shapes our beliefs and also influences our perceptions of differing people and places encountered throughout our lives. Therefore, it is important to reflect on and understand our own opinions. Furthermore, we need to increase our awareness of the diversity of people and places not only in the world at large, but also in our own fascinating, multicultural Southern California environment. You must, however, get out and about to experience and taste the richness for yourself.
This assignment (fieldwork) is intended to be enjoyable. You choose the time and the place. Many students have combined this assignment with a family outing, a date, time with your friends or even have formed informal groups with classmates to venture out together. It is your choice.
Procedure
- Choose one of the locations from the attached list. No passports are required to explore Southern California’s many ethnic neighborhoods. You must pick a neighborhood that is not of your ethnicity. (((((((( am arab please don’t chose a arabic place ))))))))
- You need to thoughtfully answer the questions below using as much detail as possible in your descriptions. Be observant to the sights, sounds and smells that create this unique sense of place. Your responses to the questions below need to be type (using twelve point font) and double spaced, normal margins. Your responses need to be numbered and you should not write out the question. You will be required to turn in at least two full pages, but most students usually need more than two pages to adequately respond to all the questions
- You need to write an essay discussing your visit from a geographic perspective. Your essay must be typed (using twelve point font) and double spaced. Some possible topics in your essay could be: 1) how the landscape is arranged, 2) the creation of cultural landscape (architecture), 3) characteristics of the homeland country (political, economic, environmental, cultural) that creates push factors for migration, etc. Be sure to connect the attributes of the homeland your ethnic enclave represents. Include your internal reactions and feelings about this place in your conclusion.
NOTE: I am looking for a minimum of 4 pages. However you approach writing the paper and including the above requirements, make sure it is at least 4 pages in length.
Questions
1. Where did you go? Which ethnic, cultural group is dominant here?
2. Why do you think most of the people in this area migrate to the United States? What do you think are the push/pull factors?
3. What landscape elements do you think give this area a distinctive appearance from surrounding areas? Be specific – describe buildings, architecture, spatial arrangement, clothing, types of stores and music that you encounter.
4. Try a new ethnic food (it doesn’t have to be expensive, just a little exotic to you and typical of what is common in the homeland). What did you try? Did you like or dislike it? What ingredients were in it?
5. Do you see outward symbols of religious systems that are associated with the homeland? Look closely and describe. Does it help or hinder your cultural understanding of this ethnic group?
6. Do you see evidence of the convergence of traditional and modern worlds, if so describe them- look for impacts of communications and technological systems? What kind of connections are going on between the homeland and this region?
7. Look at products sold in stores and businesses. Do you see references to specific locations in the homeland? What cities are on the labels of products? Where are the goods made?
8. What types of economic activities and businesses do you find here? Are there any surprises? Are there any specific businesses that reflect social customs from the homeland? Describe.
9. Any interesting (or perhaps strange to you) items for sale in these stores? People and cultures perceive and utilize resources differently, what is your cultural response to the unique items you see?
10. New immigrant groups have always tried to recreate their homelands when they migrated to the United States. Why do you think it is helpful for new arrivals to the United States to live in or near an ethnic enclave? Do you think you would be attracted to an American enclave if you moved to a foreign country?
Possible locations:
Alpine Village in Torrance: http://www.alpinevillage.net
833 West Torrance Blvd at Harbor (110) Freeway
Features: This Bavarian-style marketplace, started by German speaking shopkeepers is laced with stores, eateries, nightly entertainment, a market and a wedding chapel. An outdoor Oktoberfest is held September-October.
Hours: Shops generally open from 11am – 6pm daily with extended hours for restaurants
Parking: Free
Chinatown in Los Angeles: http://lachinesechamber.org
Bounded by Cesar Chavez blvd and Bernard, Figueroa and Alameda
Features: Central Plaza, guarded by its Filial Piety, is flanked with narrow walkways and tiny shops. Nearby are herb shops, fresh fish stores and eateries.
Hours: shops generally open 10am – 6pm daily with extended hours for restaurants
Parking: Lots and metered parking along city streets
El Pueblo de Los Angeles (Olvera Street) in Los Angeles
Intersection of Main and Alameda Streets
Features: Considered to be the birthplace of Los Angeles, this historic enclave consists of twenty-seven landmark buildings, as well as a strip of colorful shops and taquerias lining Olvera Street.
Hours: 10am – 9pm daily. Docent-led walking tours are offered at 10am, 11 am and noon Wednesday through Sunday
Parking: Various lots and metered parking along city streets
Fairfax District in Los Angeles
Fairfax Blvd between Beverly Blvd and Melrose Ave
Features: Home to a large Jewish population. This district remains an intricate part of the city’s Jewish community. Lining the pavement are storefronts containing mostly delicatessens and kosher markets.
Hours: Stores generally open from 10am – 6pm daily with extended hours for restaurants
Parking: Various lots and metered parking along city streets
Koreatown in Los Angeles
Between 4th street and Olympic Blvd, and Western and Vermont Avenue
Features: Colorful storefronts and restored bungalows can be found in this area that is home to the Korean Cultural Center (offering art exhibits and a resource library); Korean grocery, music and clothing stores; and Korean restaurants.
Hours: Vary by establishment
Leimert Park in Los Angeles
Bounded by Crenshaw blvd, 43rd street, Leimert Blvd and 43rd Place
Features: Consisting of nearly a dozen pedestrian friendly blocks, this urban village offers a wealth of Afro-centric themed shops and services. Also a popular area for African-American artists, poets and musicians.
Hours: Stores generally open from 10am – 6pm daily with extended hours for restaurants
Parking: Various lots and metered parking along city streets
Little India in Artesia
Pioneer Blvd between 183rd and 187th streets
Features: Among the four-block stretch of mini-malls and Indian eateries are shops laden with silk saris, jewelry, home accessories, and other exotic imports.
Hours: 11am – 8pm Tuesday through Sunday
Parking: Two hour street parking is available along Pioneer from 7am – 6pm
Little Saigon in Westminster
9200 block of Bolsa Avenue
Features: The Asian Garden and New Saigon Mall is the gateway to Orange County’s most exotic community. A Variety of shops and restaurants which number over 200, contain healing herbs, imported wares, jewelry, and a variety of other items. A visit to the Cultural Court reveals a display of artwork and statues depicting Asian history
Hours: Vary by establishment
Parking: Free
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles
Bounded by Los Angeles Street, Central Avenue and 1st and 3rd streets
Features: This historic neighborhood is home to a cultural center, theater, museum, Buddhist temple, plaza-style shopping center, boutiques and restaurants
Hours: Stores generally open from 10am – 6pm daily with extended hours for restaurants
Parking: Various lots and metered parking along city streets
Thai Town in Hollywood
Along Hollywood Blvd (between Western and Normandie Avenues)
Features: Shops, marketplaces, bookstores and cafes
Hours: Most businesses operate from 8am – 10pm
Parking: Free parking at Thailand Plaza, as well as metered parking along Hollywood Blvd and neighboring streets
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