RAB Source Entry 2 – Einstein Leung

Citation:

Young, Grace. “Chinatown Needs Your Love More Than Ever Right Now.” Food & Wine, 5 March. 2020, https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/restaurants/chinatown-needs-your-love-more-than-ever-right-now.

RQ: How has COVID-19 impacted New York City’s Chinatown

Summary:

In the Food & Wine article titled “Chinatown Needs Your Love More Than Ever Right Now”, Young expresses a deep concern for the future of New York City’s Chinatown. A historic and vibrant community that faces challenges from gentrification and the aftershocks of COVID-19. The author warns the reader of the fading charm Chinatown has with the rise of modern, trendy establishments, and worries that the changing tastes of the city might spell the end of traditional businesses. Young argues that the city’s focus on big businesses and lack of support for small businesses further harms the neighborhood. The coronavirus outbreak has dealt a devastating blow to Chinatown’s economy, with businesses experiencing a sharp decline in revenue. The author emphasizes that Chinatown’s economy heavily relies on small businesses with thin profit margins, making them particularly vulnerable to economic hardship. Young calls for a renewed commitment to supporting Chinatown’s businesses and cultural pillars. She believes that Chinatown, a place that represents the American immigrant story, is worth fighting for and needs our collective effort to survive.

Rhetorical Analysis:

“Chinatown Needs Your Love More Than Ever Right Now.”, is an opinion piece by Grace Young an award winning food writer highly regarded for her expertise in Chinese cooking and as a culinary historian and Chinatown activist. Young writes with a persuasive and reflective tone that creates a deep connection with the readers, while urging readers to take action and support Chinatown, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and local businesses. The intended audience is local residents of NYC as well as general food enthusiasts. The author evokes strong emotions by sharing personal observations, such as the closure of Hoy Wong, a beloved restaurant. As well as descriptive language which captures the nostalgia and sense of loss felt by the community, making readers empathize with the struggles of local businesses and the cultural heritage at stake. The quotes from residents about their connections to the neighborhood also enhance the emotional impact. Moreover, the author uses logical reasoning to highlight the economic challenges faced by Chinatown businesses. Statistics about the drop in patronage (40 to 80 percent) and the reliance on small businesses with thin profit margins provide a rational basis for understanding the gravity of the situation. The comparison of prices at local produce stores versus supermarkets further illustrates the economic dynamics at play.

Notable Quotes:

“Hoy Wong was the real thing: a throwback to old Chinatown, part of the bedrock of restaurants and shops on which the Chinese community depends.” – Grace Young

“You can find just about everything in Chinatown… We are a neighborhood cradle to grave. It’s a delicate balance, a unique experience.” — Jan Lee

“If we don’t come to the rescue right now, it could slip away. What we are saving is one of the most important centers for Chinese cuisine and culture in this country.” — Grace Young

“Since the epidemic in far-off Hubei province hit the headlines, business in Chinatown has dropped between 40 and 80 percent.” — Grace Young