The Golden City:

Chinatown

Gayane KarapetianAnthropology 102

Leanna WolfeSpring 2015

• Chinatown is a fascinating place, and everywhere you go you are surrounded by hyper enthusiastic kids. These kids especially were a handful, causing ruckus in the streets. They would run in front of random tourists and throw fire poppers in front of them. The fake cigars and cigarettes were fooling everyone, especially tourists. It had me questioning where there parents were, and if these kids might have been a danger to tourists.

• Here is man Playing the Erhu, which is a chinese two stringed fiddle, a musical instrument. It’s history can be dated back to the Tang Dynasty, as this man informed me. It is very popular in many ethnic groups in China. All throughout Chinatown I was able to hear different solo artists play the Erhu. I even came across an entire group of men playing the Erhu.

• I walked into every shop in Chinatown expecting something that I wouldn’t find anywhere else. I wandered aimlessly ducking into every shop I came across. There was only one worker in this store and he was the most kind-hearted man I had ever met. I purchased different scarves and hand bags and the old man was very appreciative.

• This was a strike in Chinatown, declaring that the Chinese communist party is satanic. It shows extreme hatred towards the Chinese government. When I asked to take a picture of these women they said of course but they did not want their faces to show. It made me extremely happy that these women were standing up for what they truly believed in, even in such a traditional chinese impacted environment.

• This is a picture of one of Chinatown’s most famous restaurants. Unfortunately it closed in December of last year, but this place has been a tourist attraction for more than 45 years. I approached an owner of a clothing store and asked if he had ever been to the restaurant, and his american born son told me that there were only two words to describe the place “decaying opulence”.

• This is the Chinatown Kite Shop. The owners told me that it has been open since 1969., and yes it is a family-owned shop. From what I noticed hey specialized in many different kinds of kite designs, from traditional Chinese handmade silk butterfly kites to Winnie the Pooh diamond kites. One thing I learned was that they even made sports kites. Not only do they sell kites but they also sell lion dance costumes for Chinese New Year.

• As I was walking around I noticed all around me that there were lanterns, and of course I had to ask around because I was curious as to what they meant. I learned that Chinese lanterns are considered to be the earliest of all portable lighting devices and that they are used today for celebrations and holidays. They were believed to ward off evil spirits. Chinese lanterns uphold centuries old traditions. They are made of paper. One woman told me that their elaborate designs bring the past and the present together.

• This mural appealed to me and instantly grabbed my attention. I see Music, culture, history, and darkness. I see men wearing the same attire. Murals are a way of expression and someone specifically wanted to make a powerful point in my opinion, and achieved this by making beautiful artwork.

• When I saw the street sign say Sacramento, I immediately had to take a picture. In The Joy Luck Club one of the characters lives on this street. It struck me in the face when I realized how beautifully cultural everything around me was. The streets are very crowded, and the environment was so diverse and comforting.