In regards to the Little Saigon naming initiative, I’ve spoken with several Vietnamese youths on the matter, because my ability to mobilize support for this initiative depends on the reasons for endorsing it. First, though, I’d like to know your reasons for supporting this initiative. Secondly, what has been done so far in regards to this initiative and in regards to other similar initiatives (e.g. naming the new library on Tully “Saigon Library”). — Bao Thien Ngo 2007/09/05 02:42
Here are the points of concerns regarding this initiative that I’ve compiled through informal surveys:
Those that support it feel having an area titled will create a sense of “home” that Vietnamese can return to every weekend. The counterposition believe that “home” is a state of mind, and that the large presence of Vietnamese in the area alreadymakes this a matter of fact.
There is a possibility of ethnic tension. Past attempts to my knowledge have involved Vietnamese leaders unilaterally supporting this without addressing the concerns of non-Vietnamese citizens. Some of these concerns are the idea of encroachment, or blatant disregard for other communities, such as the Hispanic community if we name the area Little Saigon. Supporters believe that the Hispanic community has benefitted from the construction of institutions such as community centers or La Biblioteca, for which the Vietnamese community have no equal. Both sides agree, that ethnic relations will play a factor in this.
Going along with #2, there is a concern for ethnic segregation. Designating an area has the potential to drive away other ethnic communities, and possibly leading to turf conflicts associated with gangs. “Little Mexico” is just down the street. While cultural pride is important, we don’t want it to become AzN PrYde and turn the area into an ethnic ghetto.
The senior Vietnamese seem to care more about this and benefit from this the most. Going along with #1, it might drive business up (which is debatable), and so it is no surprise that there are business interests driving this. What are the civic and cultural reasons for this (i.e. have we done any festivals in the area? rallied behind causes here?).
Some youths believe Little Saigon is a cliche. Why Saigon? If youths don’t understand why (and I happen to do), we have a pervasive cultural ignorance problem. This might be a minor issue, but it does affect our ability to mobilize youths. Just this year, 3 Mid-Autumn Festivals are not going to be organized. What message does this send to the youths about how important the Vietnamese identity is?
Some youths have told me that “yeah, the title seems appropriate in that area since Grand Century is there." A title is not going to change Grand Century; youths will still go there like they always do. If creating a home is important, some youths feel a title without a follow-up plan is hollow. What youths want are public spaces to express themselves. We go to Story Rd all the time, but it doesn’t mean we can do anything there except eat at the restaurants and solicit people for donations, and on occasion, Vietnamese Idol. This undermines the very notion of “Home” that the title is supposed to encourage.
The next steps on this initiative are:
Ascertain the long-term vision of the area. Sure, we call this area Little Saigon, but is that going to really improve our community’s sense of unity? We should, perhaps. integrate the naming as part of a larger initiative, one that addresses community needs. This requires the Civic Commission’s thinktank capabilities.
Establish dialogue with non-Vietnamese citizens to address concerns on both sides. This is in the area of UVSA’s Diversity Commission.
Educate youths on the importance of the name “Little Saigon”. This is in the domain of the (cultural) Education Commission.
Do an analysis of San Francisco’s Little Saigon before and after the name designation to see whether Vietnamese businesses improved substantially. This is in the area of the Resources Commission. I question the idea that a title can improve business; Japantown is dying. Milpitas Square isn’t called Chinatown, and yet it does very, very well.
