Korean American 6 - Book Report/Review Example

Korean-Americans: Major Financial and Cultural Impact on Los Angeles Summary Korean-Americans: Major Financial and Cultural Impact on Los Angeles is an article written by Rosemary Jenkins and published by the Los Angeles’ City Watch on January 6th, 2015. Here, Jenkins presents an insightful story about the rich history of the Korean Americans and how it has influenced the socio-cultural and political climate of Los Angeles and the USA at large. As the author states, the immigration of Koreans to America is not a new phenomenon.

It began several years ago when the government allowed for people from various racial diversities to migrate into the country. Just like the rest of other immigrants like the blacks and Asians from Africa, Latin America and Asia, the Koreans relocated into the country to look for better employment opportunities. As time went by, intermarriages occurred that led to the rise of the Korean Americans. These are the new generation that has a blend of Korean and American origin and culture. There large number in Los Angeles has been evidenced in the recent past especially in Koreatown in which they constitute a third of the population.

Jenkins recount that the Koreans have got a set of Asian culture which is very much different from the American’s. Apart from getting assimilated into the US culture, these Koreans are still stuck on their native cultural traditions which they have even gone ahead to transmit to the Native Americans. Their cuisine, clothing, music, religion and ethical values are quite peculiar to the natives. Their food consists of oriental rice, noodles, red meat and barley. Besides, they use additional flavors and ingredients such as ginger, oil, red and black pepper.

Moreover, they still observe their Confucius values, wear their costumes, play court music and celebrate festivals including the Earth Day.ReflectionHaving known much about the Korean American culture, I would like to start the reflection by concurring with Jenkins’ opinion. Indeed, she has made the right observation about these people and given accurate accounts of their history, culture and its influences on the American cultural practices. The point made concerning the Korean culture is true.

Although a large section of the modern Korean Americans have been engulfed by the US culture, a large number of them still observe the Korean cultural traditions because it is their own. Whatever is happening in Koreatown is a clear indication that the Korean culture still remains significant to the Korea Americans. Since their culture really matters to them, they have built schools and cultural centers to educate their younger generations on the essence of their cultural traditions. As the writer recounts, the Korean Americans are guided by Confucian values which emphasize the role of benevolence to others and prioritization of the interests of the elders, family members and the entire society’s before one’s own interests.

So, even if modern Korean American artistes like Jin Hi Kim have been influenced by the western hip hop trends, the Korean Americans would never stop enjoying their favorite Buddhist chants and court music; wear their social impressive clothes; eat rice, potato soup, gusto, red meat and barley; strict observe Confucian rituals; and celebrate Car Free Day Festival, Korean Festival and Parade, Car Free Day Festival, Buddha’s birthday, Fathers’ Day and Korean Memorial Day because of their cultural significance to the past, present and future generations.

Article’s URLhttp://www.citywatchla.com/8box-left/8147-koreans-major-financial-and-cultural-impact-on-los-angeles