Project Proposal – Einstein Leung

Title: How Can We Preserve Chinatown for Future Generations?

Category: Op-Ed

My Research Question: “How has COVID-19 affected New York City’s Chinatown?”

Message:
I want to explore the decline of Chinatown in New York City, focusing on the impact of gentrification, invasive city development, and negative stereotypes. My goal is to show that Chinatown is not just a neighborhood, but an integral part of New York’s cultural fabric. I plan to argue that urgent action is needed to protect Chinatown from further erasure and ensure its preservation for future generations.

The Audience:
My intended audience includes New York City locals, tourists, and particularly young people, especially NYC youth who may not fully understand the importance of Chinatown to the city’s identity. I want to raise awareness about the ongoing threats to Chinatown and encourage people to take action in support of its preservation.

The Genre: Op-Ed

Plan:
To get started, I plan to write a script outlining the key points I want to make, using a combination of facts, emotional appeal, and personal stories. I’ll address the cultural, economic, and historical significance of Chinatown, as well as how it’s being threatened by gentrification and negative public perceptions. My goal is to make the op-ed informative, visually appealing and thought provoking, ending with a call to action that encourages readers to support Chinatown through both advocacy and consumer choices.

Concern:
One concern I have is fully grasping what an op-ed truly is and how to strike the right tone. I want my piece to be persuasive but also sensitive to the issues affecting Chinatown, without sounding too one-sided or dismissive of the complexity of gentrification and city development. I also worry about balancing the urgency of the situation with a constructive message that offers real solutions, rather than just pointing out problems.

Mentor Text:
“We Are Not the Virus But We Are Part of the Cure” by Andrew Yang
I chose this op-ed because of its effective blend of personal storytelling and strong argumentation. Yang’s piece offers both empathy and urgency, using current events to appeal to a broad audience. His ability to inspire action while addressing difficult issues is something I hope to emulate in my own writing, especially as I call for a collective effort to protect Chinatown.