Dear Editor,
I was sad to see that the letter of the week “See Benefits,” Letters, Aug. 14 has attempted to break complex and sensitive issues down to the ever so easy race debate and, thus, help fuel that ugly beast.
The writer has written a paragraph that describes this as a “Chinese” vs. “probably middle aged white people” issue.
Truthfully, I find that sad and ignorant.
When you use that breakdown and simple formula (race) as the basis of any argument, you only serve to perpetuate it.
“Everybody knows” is a generalization that was made in that letter — but who can speak for everybody?
No one knows the basis for other people’s thoughts or ideas... and it’s best to try to understand them rather than categorize and attack them. The day we stop using “racism” to validate our points and disregard others is the day we help to overcome it.
The city is going through rapid and painful (to some, and that counts) growing pains and that isn’t an “us vs. them” problem. It’s a “we” problem.
It’s handy and convenient to apply a racism theme to it... but race just happens to be a description, nothing more. The sort of stereotyping and generalizing shown in that letter in order to make a (positive?) point seems more damaging than helpful.
I feel that Ms Henderson’s intention may have been good, but her delivery was very poor, offensive and misguided. As that “long-time white” (not sure why it should matter — does it? Sorry? Nothing I can do to change that?) resident, I assure her that I have two (new to the area) lovely Chinese families living on either side of me. We share common property and, most importantly, common goals and visions. The children call me “Auntie,” we share cakes and gifts over our shared balcony, and we are living a harmonious, respectful life.
Suggesting that white longtimers are upset because Chinese are here is so far off the mark, but it highlights what is wrong with discussing issues at that level.
In fairness, let me now be that “everybody” Ms. Henderson has spoken for by putting my spin on this. I feel the concern being expressed is based on something much different than where someone comes from or how long they’ve been here. Rather, it’s more the changing pace of things... the ripping down of buildings and replacement with sprawling castles that our pennies will never buy.
I don’t see this as a “white people” vs. “Chinese” people issue and, strangely enough, my Chinese friends tend to agree with me.
I see the issue more as stemming from putting dollars ahead of community when determining value(s). And the first step in resolving issues is discussing them together (hence, letters and ideas). Some who are looking more to reap the benefits of their investment here rather than investing in the community are changing the face of this city. That’s a problem. I have never had a shred of racism in my bones — ever. And I am offended someone’s short-sighted and misguided interpretation of recent expressed concerns is that they’re somehow race-based.
D. Wilde
Richmond
