Going back to my roots

I’m a Chinese American born in Hawaii. I’m a third-generation Chinese whose great grandfather came from Dongguan in Guangdong province. He was one of the first Chinese immigrants who came to Hawaii to work in the sugarcane plantations.

Growing up American, I stood for the “Pledge of Allegiance” every day in school. Learned American history and how great a country of “freedom and democracy” we were. We learned to demonize China and its people for their ideals and government.

This left me conflicted between my country of birth, and my Chinese heritage. My parents would make us take part in some Chinese traditions, such as Tomb-sweeping Day festival and Chinese New Year. Other than that, it was pretty much American. These two worlds could have never been so different, and I’m a part of both.

As I got older, I started to examine American history in a different light. Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, etc,. the list goes on and on. Were we fighting for the ideals my government led us to believe? How many wars was China involved with, during the same period of time?

At this moment, I started to embrace more of my Chinese blood and ancestry. Started to learn more of Chinese history and geography. The marvels of inventions and landmarks throughout the country.

Where would the world be, without the innovations that came out of China?

The Chinese people have given and shared with the world many things taken for granted today.

Imagine a world…

Without gunpowder, construction and infrastructure would be at a standstill. Industries would be still primitive and backward.

Without a compass, navigation and shipping would be confined to the coast, making world exploration just a dream.

Chinese culture via its cuisine has spread throughout the corners of the planet. What person in the world has not tasted Chinese food?

You can find a Chinese restaurant in practically every country.

What also inspires me, is the sacrifices, hardship and endurance the Chinese people have overcome. The domestic and international struggles that have largely gone unnoticed. The hundred years of humiliation, was shameful for the country and people. To be forced by western countries to give up lands, resources and wealth, to feed the greed of the western colonizers.

The scores of lives lost in WWII, was second only to Russia. This sacrifice of lives was lost in history and generally overlooked.

They have taken part in significant events in American history, such as the building of the “Trans-Continental Railroad”.

They risked their lives to perform the most dangerous jobs on this American project. Then left out of the joining ceremony and rewarded with the “Chinese Exclusion Act” of 1882, banning more Chinese to America.

Many have said, “This is China’s Century”. The past century was given to US with the advances in technological and military power.

Now, China is making its own history, by social and economic growth unprecedented in the history of mankind. Not by military force, but by utilizing its people to ignite industries and improving infrastructure. Making the labor of the population more efficient and productive. This difference is why China will become a sustainable leader in the world. Not by might, but through commerce, cooperation and global trade. Building international relationships without war.

Being responsible for the care and wellbeing of 20 percent of the World population is not an easy task. What China has done, no other country or civilization has ever achieved.

This includes…

Lifting most people from poverty in the world! (even beating US)

An economy that has grown consistently over the decades. Becoming the second-largest economy, in a very short period of time.

At the top of tourism, inbound and outbound.

Second-largest entertainment industry in the World.

All this was done, in spite the resistance from the west throughout history. To obtain such strength and prominence within 70 years is nothing short of amazing. This shows not only fortitude, but also a strong commitment for success.

I spent 7 years living in China, and experienced the cultures and people. My travels took me too many parts of the country, from Chengdu to Harbin. This left me with fond memories that will be with me for the rest of my life.

I’m proud to be Chinese!

The author is a Chinese American born and raised in Hawaii. He lived in China from 2008 to 2015.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.