Experiences of a Chinese Immigrant Laborer in Vancouver (Essay Sample)

Experiences of a Chinese Immigrant Laborer in Vancouver in 1880s-1920s
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Experiences of a Chinese Immigrant Laborer in Vancouver in 1880s-1920s
Presently, the Canadian population consists of diverse ethnic communities including the Chinese people. In fact, the Chinese language has become the third largest language in the Canadian State. With the first group of immigrants arriving in the Canada State in the 1850s in search for gold, the government has endeavored to curb the issue though it has been severally unsuccessful. For instance, the Canadian government has strived to raise the entrance tax as a way of regulating the immigrants’ flow, but the tax system has proved not to yield positive fruits. The aim of this research paper is the reflection of the historical conditions and experiences of a Chinese immigrant laborer in 1925 for the last forty years. In his work, the researcher supports his arguments with vivid and relevant literature while showing how his character has changed through highlighting of unique challenges and successes.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, many Chinese moved to Canada in search for jobs and employment following the discovery of gold. The main region they occupied in Canada is the British Columbia (B.C.). In reality, most people associate Canada with freedom and allowance of people to exercise their constitutional rights. Although a considerable population claims that job opportunities are a challenge while living at Vancouver, the Chinese people have proved to be innovative entrepreneurs. Having started their family at Canada, many Chinese are ready to seek for permanent stay in the country.
With the increasing number of Chinese in Canada, the government officials term the issue as a threat to the domestic residents. Clearly, there is a well-cut division between the Chinese and the Canadians, which cannot have a remedy. Thus, the officials suggest that they have to regulate the Chinese immigration into Canada. This is evident in the national assembly where the members enact acts that prohibit entrance of more Chinese laborers. For example, in 1885, the government enacts a law that states that every Chinese entering Canada usually for entrepreneurship, investment or self-employment has to pay per head tax toll of $50. Unfortunately, the tax system does not control the rate of Chinese immigrant laborers, which forces the government to raise the fee to $100 per head in 1900. Additionally, the strategy is ineffective. In 1903, the government authority adjusts the fee to $500 per head. Unluckily, the government authorities cannot regulate the Chinese laborer movements regardless of the tax they charge. Apparently, the Canadian federal government feels to have lost into the Chinese laborer. It is not until 1923 when the Canadian government enacts the Chinese Immigrant Act that prohibits almost every Chinese from entering the Canadian State. In 1946, the government reviews the Immigrant Act.
Another challenge that a Chinese Immigrant encounters in this period is the limited exercise of the constitutional rights. Nationally, besides the discriminative and oppressive tax system, the Chinese laborers have no legal rights to participate in elections. Hence, the Chinese do not have fair representation neither can they enjoy the services of leaders of their own choice. Probably, the Canadian government uses this method to ensure that it controls the Chinese activities as well as it does not lose power to foreigners. In addition, apart from the denial to vote, the Chinese cannot vie or take active positions in the national politics. The consequences of this are that the Chinese cannot develop nor progress in their careers as attorneys, accountants or physicians. Alternatively, it leads to demonstrations and unnecessary riots. It follows that the Chinese cannot take part in the white-collar jobs though they may possess the desirable competencies. In other instances, the Chinese people have to fill jobs that the Canadians reject, which does not reflect a good image or opinion relating to human dignity and integrity. It is worth mentioning that the Chinese laborer works in unhealthy conditions, and does not get a fair pay. Besides, the Chinese workers carry out manual jobs under pressure because the laborers get no appreciation. For instance, the Chinese laborers who work in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) do not receive a cordial welcome after the completion of the construction. Honestly, the Canadians are disgraceful, which contradicts the international values and philosophies.
In 1887, a group of rioters fiercely attacks the Chinese laborers’ camps leaving them helpless; hence, most flee to Vancouver for peace and safety. Thus, the concentration of the Chinese population at Vancouver rises. Logically, a rise in the number of people or equivalently an increase in population density has a close relationship with anti-social challenges such as thefts and rape cases. For example, in the Vancouver where the Chinese population is dense, morality rarely takes place because the Chinese term themselves as money gamblers. The female gender is at risk since she is a slave of the sexual act and commercializes in prostitution acts. On the other hand, drug traffickers are merciless because they sell illegal drugs such as opium to the little wage Chinese earners. Sadly, the Chinese laborers lack values and virtues because they hold no Christian faith that can help them in defining their character.
A Chinese laborer, however, can identify some successful ...