Expressing gratitude and concerns about Celebration article

Thanks for the wonderful article in the recent issue about the Asians’ volunteering at the Celebration event. I have participated a little bit for the last four years, and always feel honored to be a tiny piece of it (and to follow so many passionate people, not just Asians, who contributed so much to the success of the event). Thanks to Mr. Chris Jones’ reporting. I am glad now to know that some people love the “rolling donkeys,” which initially I was quite uncertain whether kids would like or not.

I do have a few concerns about the article, too, and would appreciate it if the Press can kindly take consideration.

First, not all the food is Chinese. Some food originated from other Asian countries, and there are volunteers from other Asian countries’ origin, too, so Asian community and Asian food might have been a better phrase here.

Second, there was a quote by Dr. Chenwu Yang in the article that “Chinese people are pretty shy and pretty traditional, and we want to stay true to our culture.” Unfortunately, this is a stereotyping statement. I personally do not agree with such a generalized statement, and do not want to be represented by such statements (and I understand I am not the only one feeling this way). There are so many Chinese Americans who are outspoken, and are open to other cultures while loving their own.

Again, thank you for all your hard work and efforts for making our local newspaper such an enjoyable read in general (my sixth-grader son reads each issue every week.)

Ally Zhu
Littleton County Road