It is difficult to pass through Richmond without noticing the abundance of Chinese characters strewn across storefront signs, restaurant awnings, real estate listings and numerous advertisements. According to this article in the weekend edition of The Province, two women have taken it upon themselves to create a petition, now 1000-strong, against the supposedly disproportionate amount of Chinese signage in Richmond.
Kerry Starchuk and Ann Merdinyan claim that this predominance of Chinese signage does not fit with the Canadian ‘identity’ in its lack of inclusivity towards those who are not able to comprehend the language. While I do understand their viewpoint, I find the opposing measures they are taking to be much more of an affront to Canadian ‘identity’ and the democratic ideal of equality and inclusiveness. My conception of tolerance and inclusivity includes a general acceptance of diversity and cultural differences; businesses, and the individuals they represent, should have the autonomy to display signage in whichever language they see fit. I agree with Professor Baron here at UBC,who regards this petition as having “more negative ramifications than positive” and aiding in the establishment of a “status hierarchy [of languages].” What do you think about this petition? Have those of you who do not speak Chinese (I think everyone else in this class) been bothered by the prevalence of Chinese signage in Richmond?
I have seen the abundance of Chinese signage and figures decorating the streets of Richmond. I do not necessarily align this debate with democracy, but more so with the hierarchy. These are people who for a plethora of reasons chose to leave Canada for China, and instead of issuing iconic Canadian figurines that represent the land that took them in, they choose to establish Chinese figurines. Secondly, by issuing language signage in their native tongue they are discriminating against other ethnic minorities and English-speaking Canadian residents who do not speak the language or have the opportunity to supplant their own traditional icons on the street of Richmond.