Out of My Element

Chinese New Year Festival 2010
Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix
February 12th, 2010

This semester, when asked to attend an event that would allow us to be taken out of our element and interact with a more diverse setting, I choose to go to the Chinese New Year Festival at the Chinese Cultural Center in Phoenix. This three day festival was to mark the Chinese New Year that was taking place, and I choose to go on the first day, which was Friday the 12th. For the event, as well as the experience, I wanted to bring someone with me to get another perspective on what it felt like to be a minority (something I have never really had to face). For this event I took my mom with me and she helped to add to my own understandings, as well as provide different takes on the overall experience. The people of difference that we were interacting with were those of Chinese descent. They were all taking place in a commemoration of the New Year and celebrating in their own ways. I have heard of certain Chinese traditions and fashions, but had never been able to see them first hand.

First, upon arriving, there was a welcome tent where patrons could learn some of the various Chinese art forms, such as writing and origami. There were several people dressed up in traditional Chinese attire walking around and greeting people as well. Also, there was the traditional Chinese dragon being danced around to help mark the New Year. Finally, there were a lot of booths set up that allowed people to try more traditional Chinese delicacies, which some were much different than what I am use to seeing in “traditional” Chinese food restaurants.

The event was having guest speaker’s talk about what was going on with the event as well as a recent election of Chinese Officers. This was the first time I felt completely out of place when everything being said was in their native language. It was hard to maintain focus on what was being said, when I was attempting to drown out the initial speaker and focus on the translator. I have been around people who speak Chinese, however I had never been in a public presentation setting (especially in Arizona) when I was the one being translated to.

The event was set up like a typical festival, with booths and entertainment taking place, but the Chinese cultural center itself was its own experience. After listening to the presentation, we decided to venture off into the Chinese grocery store. At first I just figured it would be like a regular store, however I was in for a surprise. The store was set apart by the different products offered and the aisles were stocked to the brim with items I had never seen before. I felt that this helped me to branch further out of my element and try some things that I never knew existed. Walking back by the meat department I saw all sorts of products (still alive) that I have only seen in aquariums. I learned that something as simple as going to the grocery store can be a completely different experience from one culture to another. It is things like this that helped me to realize that like everyone, not everything, idea, and lifestyle is the same.

Before going to this event I never really thought much about the Chinese population in Arizona. I have always grown up with a diverse group of friends, however when discussing the topic of diversity in Arizona, Caucasians and Hispanics are usually the groups mentioned. Therefore, before attending this event I had a generic understanding of the population, but never really got to experience some of the things that make them unique. As I participated, I realize that the group is very intricate. Most everything done was precise, for example when learning how to write. I feel that it would take me years to write something as simple as a letter due to the perfection they place on the writing style, it is like an art. I also learned that their idea in cuisine is much different and not limited at all to the variations that can arise from various cooking products. This experience and information has helped me to see just a glimpse into more traditional ways of the Chinese culture. As I stated before in Arizona there is a lot of emphasis made on other cultures within out community, so it was fun to see and learn about new traditions and other members of the community I am seeking to serve. I know a lot of what was going on had to do with presenting a community festival, but most of the aspects were designed to educate and raise awareness for a special time of year, and I felt that from a personal perspective that was done.