The Editor,
Re: Chinese-only signs too few to count, Letters, Feb. 8.
With reference to the comments by Lawrence Lims letter, he is quite right about the subject being, as he calls it, "a mole hill". But when mole hills mess up your lawn, however few, it's expedient to attempt to resolve the problem before more appear.
Personally, I have seen many such signs, which will prove my point. Challenge accepted.
The changes in Richmond are "happening too fast, as Mr. Lim says, but for sure I am not "clinging on" to a culture that "mainstream" Canadians have been accustomed to for the last few generations.
I am attempting to protect the Canadian culture and heritage established by many generations of different cultures and races.
Maybe the demographics of Richmond are changing, but Mr. Lim, as a member of the Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee was involved in creating Newcomers Guide Helps Orientate Residents in September 2009, which advocates, Richmond will become the most welcoming, inclusive and harmonious community in Canada."
Sadly something has gone awry. Whilst I admire and respect Mr. Lims' Chinese ancestry and what it "brings to this land, I do not think Canadian culture needs changing, just a little add-on maybe or even "dynamic evolvement" because maybe we were a little stuck in our perceptions, but Canadian culture is too embracing to change.
Surely, it is not out of order to question or make reference to subjects that are so-called politically incorrect". We all wish to live in harmony. An expression like long-time residents have difficulty in adjusting to the changing demographics does stir up emotions as we see our communities altered beyond recognition. We need to be heard, too.
Ann Merdinyan, Richmond
