As everyone dons their masks or grabs their laptops to do their holiday shopping for the end of the year, my family spends more and more time heading to local-owned Chinese grocers.
There, we purchase Lunar New Year necessities, supplies and groceries for the family.
The warm and savory buns that draw memories of the Hong Kong night markets are a personal favorite of mine.
In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to be careful in the tight aisles, constantly checking across and around us to be sure the customary six-foot imaginary bubble isn’t popped.
Fishmongers and butchers are friendly and kind, speaking occasional broken English to Americans who cannot speak Chinese.
Growing up as an Asian-American in the United States, I have had many fond memories in these stores. Although there were plenty of grocery stores around the suburb center where I lived, my parents would drive half an hour to purchase from Chinese- and Asian-owned businesses.
But the Asian markets in the inner cities have always faced challenges that are largely unseen in the fight for racial justice.
Historical redlining has kept many of these markets confined to the inner cities. Many shops and stores are still located in “Chinatowns” across the United States as a direct result of this redlining.
Meanwhile, some Asian-Americans are making six-figure salaries as doctors, engineers, lawyers — stereotypical jobs that have Asian-Americans painted as the “model minority.” Economic reports have also stated that Asian-Americans on average make the highest amount compared to any other racial demographic.
On average is the keyword here.
There is significant wealth disparity within the Asian-American demographic in the United States, which is largely ignored due to the harmful stereotypes that are imposed on the Asian-American community.
But I believe that these stereotypes are not imposed with malicious intent. As racial justice has grown more prominent in recent years, young Americans have been spreading the message to be more cognizant of these issues which is an act to be praised.
Rather, these stereotypes have continued throughout the years due to the lack of direct experience with hole-in-the-wall Asian businesses.
Even as someone who has interacted with these businesses for the majority of my life, I understand that the businesses may seem off-putting.
Bitter cigarette smoke, broken signs, dirty buildings and hanging meat in windows aren’t the first things that come to mind for most Americans when locally-owned businesses are mentioned.
But these things are a direct result of racial oppression in US history.
Signs aren’t broken and buildings aren’t dirty because Asian-Americans don’t care about the appearance of their businesses; it’s because they can’t afford to.
They can’t afford to take the risk of investing in non-essentials of their businesses when their support base is too low. They can’t afford to take the risk when they have elders and children at home to take care of.
In the midst of COVID-19, ignorance surrounding the “Chinese virus” has led to a further decline of support towards family-owned businesses within the Asian community.
To recover from the pandemic fully, the Asian-American community—especially those living in the inner cities—need the support of all Americans.
Closing the wealth gap in America also starts with supporting these businesses. The wealth disparity within the Asian-American community is the greatest in comparison to all other ethnic groups.
So put on a mask and visit the aisles of the local Asian grocery store. Just remember to social-distance and not be racist.
