The Transformation of the San Gabriel Valley and the Case of Monterey Park

Theoretical Framework: The Melting Pot and Inter-group Conflict

• Concept of the "Melting Pot": The presentation questions what the term "melting pot" implies regarding the assimilation and integration of diverse groups in America.

• Definition of Inter-group Conflict: James Davis (1978) defines conflict as occurring when "groups become conscious that they are directly affecting each other’s success in getting job, housing or other scarce objectives."

• The Process of Competition: According to Davis, the process of conflict is a form of "conscious competition, or rivalry."

• Intensity of Conflict: Davis notes that inter-group conflicts vary significantly in intensity, ranging from "mild verbal exchanges" to "total mobilization to eliminate the other group from competition."

Dual Perceptions of Asian Americans in the 1980s

• The Model Minority: One prevailing image of Asians during this era was that of the "Model Minority," often associated with academic success and professional achievement (e.g., UCLA students).

• The Asian Invasion / Yellow Peril: A contrasting and negative image was the "Asian Invasion," rooted in historic "Yellow Peril" fears. This is characterized as an archive of anti-Asian fear.

• Media Archetypes: Time magazine featured prominent stories on Asian-Americans, including a 1983 cover titled "America's Uneasy New Melting Pot" and another story on "Those Asian-American Whiz Kids."

Economic Context and Japan-Bashing

• Favorable Views of Japan: A 1985 poll indicated a sharp decline in American public opinion toward Japan. The percentage of Americans with favorable views dropped from $84\%$ to $63\%$.

• The Automotive Industry Influence: During the 1980s, American auto workers blamed Toyota for the loss of domestic jobs, leading to widespread "Japan bashing." The presentation notes a modern parallel in the 2010s where China is blamed for job losses.

• Political and Business Rhetoric: Leaders used aggressive, militaristic language to describe economic competition with Japan, such as:     - Describing Japan's economic rise as "An economic Pearl Harbor."     - Suggesting the U.S. should "Charter the Enola Gay" (the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima).

Displacement and Hostility Toward Other Asian Groups

• Southeast Asian Refugees: Hostility was not limited to Japanese or Chinese immigrants; it extended to refugees from Southeast Asia.

• Specific Conflicts and Locations:     - Denver: Tensions in public housing projects.     - Texas and California: Attacks on Southeast Asian fishermen.     - Pacific Northwest: Conflicts involving Cambodian mushroom gatherers.     - Inner-City Neighborhoods: Tensions involving Asian merchants in impoverished areas.

Case Study: The Demographic Transformation of Monterey Park

• Historical Demographics: In the 1960s, Monterey Park was $85\%$ white.

• Mid-1980s Shift: By the middle of the 1980s, the population composition had shifted to:     - $40\%$ Asian     - $37\%$ Latino     - $22\%$ white     - $1\%$ black

• Profile of Newcomers: The Asian newcomers were largely middle-class professionals originating from Taiwan.

• Reasons for Choosing Monterey Park:     - Proximity to Chinatown and Downtown Los Angeles.     - Availability of newer suburban homes.     - Perception of a "good" education system via the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD).     - Presence of other Chinese Americans.     - Establishment of the Diho Supermarket (the first "modern" Chinese market) by 1978.

Community Changes and Rising Resentment

• Signs of Cultural Change: The community saw a spread of Chinese language media, movie theaters screening Chinese films, rapid growth of new businesses, and business signage appearing exclusively in Chinese.

• Social Backlash: The transformation led to racial "jokes" and hostile imagery, such as "Warning: Asian Driver!" bumper stickers.

• Commercial Atmosphere: Long-time residents associated immigrants with rapid growth and the loss of the "small town" atmosphere of Monterey Park.

• Anti-Growth Efforts: Residents pressured the city for laws to slow residential and business development.

The Three "Shots" in the Battle over Language and Governance

• First Shot (Signage): Demand for no more signs that appeared only in Chinese.

• Second Shot (Language Policy): Efforts to declare English the official language of the city.

• Third Shot (Political Control): Long-time residents sought to take control of the City Council.

• The 1986 City Council: Following the election, the council was composed of four white men and one Filipino. This new majority passed a resolution declaring English the official language of Monterey Park.

Academic Research: Sources of Resentment and Tolerance

• Thesis Research Questions:     - What are the sources of resentment among Monterey Park residents toward newly arrived Asian Pacific immigrants?     - Is there a relationship between the intensity of these feelings and variables like sex, ethnicity, age, education, income, and length of residence?

• Top Five Sources of Resentment:     1. Usage of business signs appearing mainly or only in Asian languages.     2. Perception of hiring discrimination (hiring exclusively Asian employees).     3. Belief that the Asian commercial district caused major traffic and parking problems.     4. Perception that Asian development drove away established businesses.     5. Concern that local government might become dominated by Asians.

• Ethnicity and Tolerance Findings: Long-time Asian residents (defined as $80\%$ having lived there more than $10$ years) were significantly more tolerant of newcomers than white or Latino subjects in $15$ out of $20$ survey items.

• Universal Resentments: Respondents of all backgrounds shared negative views toward Chinese signage and perceived "offensive cultural habits" of newcomers.

• Predictors of Higher Tolerance: Higher income levels and higher levels of education.

• Predictors of Lower Tolerance:     - Belonging to the youngest or oldest age categories.     - Longer length of residence in the city.     - Females were found to be slightly more intolerant than males.     - American-born subjects were slightly more intolerant than immigrants.

Monterey Park and the San Gabriel Valley Today

• 2020 Census Data for Monterey Park:     - $66\%$ Asian     - $29\%$ Latino     - $14\%$ White     - $0.7\%$ African American

• Contemporary Governance: Four out of five Monterey Park City Council members are Asian American (one is Latino). Noted members include Congresswoman Judy Chu.

• Asian Majority Cities/Census Areas: $12$ out of the $13$ Asian majority areas in the region are in the San Gabriel Valley, including:     - El Monte, Temple City, San Marino, Alhambra, Monterey Park, Arcadia, Rosemead, Diamond Bar, East San Gabriel, South San Gabriel, Rowland Heights, Walnut, and Cerritos.

• Cultural and Recent Events:     - Hsi Lai Temple was established in 1988 in Hacienda Heights.     - The city contains modern amenities like the multi-plex at Atlantic Times Square which screens both U.S. and Chinese movies.     - Issues like "Birth Hotels" and the 2023 mass shooting are noted in the modern context.

Questions & Discussion

• Recap Questions Provided for Study:     - How did perceptions of Asian Americans as the "model minority" versus "Asian invasion" set the stage for resentment in Monterey Park and the wider San Gabriel Valley?     - How did negative views of Japan influence attitudes toward Asian Americans?     - How did the newcomers of the 1980s differ from other immigrant groups of the same period?     - What specific community changes made long-time residents uncomfortable?     - What were the meanings behind "slow-growth" and "English-only" movements?     - What happened to the composition of the City Council in 1986?     - Which group among whites, Latinos, and long-term Asians showed the greatest tolerance toward 1980s newcomers?