Chinatown Flushing: What's Real
From Decoding New York
| Introduction |
| Manhattan |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Flushing |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Brooklyn 8th Avenue |
| * Evolution |
| * What's Real |
| * Here v. There |
| * Economy |
| Comparison |
| * Photo Gallery |
| * Sources
|
Flushing has, in many ways, better maintained its authenticity than Chinatown. Flushing has been more easily able to keep its unique character because it began as a different, non-Cantonese speaking community. Sprawling Chinatown, with many different Cantonese-speaking residents situated in Manhattan, found itself in the tourist industry due to its proximity to the rest of Manhattan. Flushing, a ride away on the 7 train, managed to keep itself separate from the exploitative nature of tourism due to its location. Unlike in Chinatown, a non-Chinese person walking in Flushing is more likely to live near Flushing. The neighborhood is predominately Asian (Korean and Chinese), although there is a large Hispanic population as well. A contributing factor to the authentic air of Flushing's Main Street is the juxtaposition of a Chinese community with a Korean community. Chinese and Korean stores are side by side, and there are several "fusion" restaurants featuring both Chinese and Korean cuisine. Because the area is shared by two ethnic groups looking for a home base, this shared goal strengthens both communities.
