Ah, Phoenix Culture...
I have been recently lamenting about how Phoenix, for lack of a better word, blows. Culturally it is just so sad. Perhaps my cultural needs are different from most, but I am really pining for something legitimate.
I live right across the street from the "Chinese Cultural Center". Being this weekend is close to Chinese New Year (if not on the actual date, which I do not know) there is stuff going on. The Chinese Cultural Center consists of 3 chinese restaurants, one Asian video outlet, an Asian grocery store which is really big, and an Asian bridal shop. There is a coffee shop and a luggage store and a few offices in the second level, but none of those are Chinese-affiliated on any level.
This weekend there are a lot of tents, with some shopping of Chinese art and plants and foods. There will be some performances. In years past, I have wandered over, and eaten some food, watched some dances. Looked at koi. But the sad thing is, the turn out is low, organized events are slim, and there's no marketing. (maybe I'm not looking in the right areas, but I read both papers today and looked up "things to do this weekend"). Anyway, that's it for Chinese culture that non-Chinese can experience here.
Last weekend, I was walking around Scottsdale. There was a street fair thing. It was a country themed event, with cowboy types all around, booths with fake tattoos and kettle corn. A stage of country western singers, and a mechanical bull. Some restaurants were cooking out. Ok, it's Arizona.... I guess this is "culture". Scary to me, but I'm an urban Indian, and have always had an irrational fear of anything cowboy. Sorry.
Now that I work on the reservation, there is culture, but it's limited to Indian. Last weekend, there was a National Hoop Dance Competition that I wanted to catch, but laid in bed instead.
The main cultural event last weekend was the Open and Superbowl parties. I'm down with hanging with friends and drinking a fair share, but sports I can live without.
I guess I have to concede that there are "Cultural" things around, they just aren't what I am used to. No celebrations of diversity, learning opportunities for the masses, no quirky or unique things... just jumbo-sized street fairs, without music or character. I know I am asking for a lot, but in Portland that stuff is a given. I'm spoiled with that.
I think the answer is I just need to get better at seeking it out, and accept that integration in Phoenix just is not going to happen. Sad but true.
I live right across the street from the "Chinese Cultural Center". Being this weekend is close to Chinese New Year (if not on the actual date, which I do not know) there is stuff going on. The Chinese Cultural Center consists of 3 chinese restaurants, one Asian video outlet, an Asian grocery store which is really big, and an Asian bridal shop. There is a coffee shop and a luggage store and a few offices in the second level, but none of those are Chinese-affiliated on any level.
This weekend there are a lot of tents, with some shopping of Chinese art and plants and foods. There will be some performances. In years past, I have wandered over, and eaten some food, watched some dances. Looked at koi. But the sad thing is, the turn out is low, organized events are slim, and there's no marketing. (maybe I'm not looking in the right areas, but I read both papers today and looked up "things to do this weekend"). Anyway, that's it for Chinese culture that non-Chinese can experience here.
Last weekend, I was walking around Scottsdale. There was a street fair thing. It was a country themed event, with cowboy types all around, booths with fake tattoos and kettle corn. A stage of country western singers, and a mechanical bull. Some restaurants were cooking out. Ok, it's Arizona.... I guess this is "culture". Scary to me, but I'm an urban Indian, and have always had an irrational fear of anything cowboy. Sorry.
Now that I work on the reservation, there is culture, but it's limited to Indian. Last weekend, there was a National Hoop Dance Competition that I wanted to catch, but laid in bed instead.
The main cultural event last weekend was the Open and Superbowl parties. I'm down with hanging with friends and drinking a fair share, but sports I can live without.
I guess I have to concede that there are "Cultural" things around, they just aren't what I am used to. No celebrations of diversity, learning opportunities for the masses, no quirky or unique things... just jumbo-sized street fairs, without music or character. I know I am asking for a lot, but in Portland that stuff is a given. I'm spoiled with that.
I think the answer is I just need to get better at seeking it out, and accept that integration in Phoenix just is not going to happen. Sad but true.
posted by Knows It All @ 5:09 PM
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