Exploration Of A Local Cultural Research Essay Examples

In the third part of the poster project, I visited a local cultural resource where I gained many insights into various aspects of my cultural background based on the materials kept at the resource. In particular, I explored three main ideas: the history of Chinese in Monterey Park, acupuncture, and the abacus. Various writings and materials kept at the cultural resource provide many insights into the Chinese history in Monterey Park. For instance, according to one of the writings maintained at the resource, immigrants including those from China and other Asian countries were first allowed to come to the United States in 1965 following the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Concerning acupuncture, one of the materials at the resource shows that the technique was first accepted officially as a medical practice in California in 1976. Some materials kept at the resource also give many historical insights into various aspects of the abacus. In general, the resource has many materials that give interesting historical perspectives of acupuncture, abacus, and the Chinese-American people living in Monterey Park.
Presently, Monterey Park is one of the cities in the United States that accommodates the largest population of Chinese Americans. Various materials kept at the resource give interesting insights into the history of Chinese in Monterey Park. For instance, one of the materials shows that the migration of Chinese to the United States, and specifically to Monterey Park started in 1965 following the passage of Immigration and Nationality Act. The act allowed Asians especially those with skills to come to the United States. As a result, many Chinese migrated to the United States with the majority settling in Monterey Park. As their population increased, their influence increased too. In fact, in 1983, Lily Lee Chen became the first Chinese American woman to become mayor in the continental United States of America. In general, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 defined the current demographic profile of Monterey Park.
Another interesting idea explored at the resource is the abacus. Abacus is the oldest calculator. It is stated in one of the materials at the resource that abacus was invented in China around AD 1200. It was used widely around the world by various cultures. The versions of the tool varied from one culture to another. This tool is said to be in use even in the contemporary world especially in the Asian countries. However, it has widely been replaced by the modern day calculators. Abacus has proven to be efficient in conducting various calculations. For example, a material I found at the resource states that in 1946, a contest was held in Tokyo to determine the tool between the US Army’s fastest calculating machine and the Japanese abacus that is more effective in carrying out calculations. Abacus was found to be more effective in doing division, addition, and subtraction. Abacus was widely used in trade during the past civilizations. However, its use has declined worldwide. In general, though used in many countries in the past civilizations, abacus originated in China during AD 1200.
The materials at the resource also provided many insights into certain aspects of acupuncture. The use of acupuncture has expanded over the years. According to one of the materials found in the resource, more than 6500 acupuncturists are practicing in the United States presently. The same material states that the technique was first recognized as a medical practice in California in 1976. Acupuncture relies on the stimulation of the circulation of primary energy, also known as Qi, to encourage the flow of energy from areas with excessive Qi to areas without Qi. Though the concept of acupuncture was mainly considered a Chinese method of treatment, the concept has been embraced widely in many countries. It has been accepted as a medical practice in the United States.
In conclusion, the visit to the resource gave me many insights into my cultural background. In particular, I gained many insights into the historical aspects of the Chinese people and culture about abacus, acupuncture, and Chinese population in Monterey Park. Concerning the Chinese population in Monterey Park, I learned that immigration of Chinese into Monterey Park started in 1965 as a result of the passage of Immigration and Nationality Act. I also learned that abacus originated from China many years ago. Lastly, I learned that the concept of acupuncture is widely embraced presently. Based on the new insight gained, I consider Chinese culture very rich.