Our Chinese Neighbors

If one desires to view Chinese culture in its fullest expression here in America, Chinatown is the natural place to go.  Most Chinatowns in major US cities are specifically designed and maintained like a Chinese community.  There is great food to enjoy, many sovenir shops, and even museums to introduce Chinese culture to the public.  Of course, another very noteworthy influence of the Chinese is their art.  The reputation of the Chinese demonstrates that their artists spend enormous precision with great skill and innovation in creating art.  In fact, Chinese calligraphy and character tatoos have been extremely popular in America.  These too are a significant part of the "Chinese American" culture.

In addition, the Chinese have demonstrated a liberal amount of influence on the fashion scene in recent years.  There exists a new sense of style, particularly in the area of women's clothing, that incorporates traditional Chinese themes through modern American mediums.  Chinese designers sell clothing and fashionable items not only in China, but they deliberately market their products to the American consumer every day.  Americans are usually not aware of the Chinese contribution to society.  The trend of "Chinese Americanism" is often presumed to be of limited influence.  However, the closer a person looks at the reality of the market today the more one sees the delicate touch of the Chinese in some form or another.  Perhaps China is closer to our lives than we ever imagined possible?

Best regards from your friend,

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.