Chinese Culture In America

It is said that history repeats itself. To a variety of cultures sport has held similar meanings, during different historical periods. Today, sport is often referred to as just a game, but not many of us have dealt with obstacles of being an immigrant in America. Yep (2009) described how a playground in Chinatown San Francisco affected the Chinese immigrant community. The playground provided recognition, a sense of community and a sense of cultural pride to the Chinese immigrants. With the doubling of the Chinese population in San Francisco from the 1930s to the 1940s there was little room for the children to be recognized for their accomplishments. The Chinese youth were able to cash in their game winnings for a moment of recognition. When it came to athletic competition the rich white boys and girls were given more attention by those in their communities. They would show up to games wearing matching uniforms provided by supporters, while the Chinese would play in their street clothes (Yep, 2009). Many of the Chinese adults enjoyed watching the youth play sports, but they were not equally supported by those of an upper class. In 1929 the chinese boys team won the championship and had their photo placed in the local recreation yearly newsletter (Yep, 2009). This was not only important because …show more content…
During their dance parties they often performed dances that had strong African influences (Wiggins, 1980). Similar to the Chinese youth, the African slaves used sport to be the dominant ones over their white competitors. Occasionally the slave masters would come to the dances and try to join in. Many of them would not be able to create the same movements as their slaves allowing them to prove that they too are capable of being superior. Although both the Chinese youth and the African slaves experienced discrimination because of their culture, but sport allowed them both to gain strength through their sense of