Community leaders speak out on hospice controversy
Posted January 18, 2011 10:19 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Chinese community leaders are speaking out today to make sure everyone knows not every Chinese-Canadian feels the same way about a plan for a hospice near a predominately Asian condo building at UBC. The feeling is the Chinese culture is being misrepresented.
SFU Professor Jan Walls, a renowned expert in Chinese culture, says most Chinese-Canadians strive for a harmonious society. “Some might say ‘Don’t disrupt our harmony by building a hospice next to us… people are going to be dying every week or two.’ But others say ‘Don’t make such a big deal out of this because you are disrupting the social harmony in Vancouver.'”
He adds most don’t like reminders of death and dying but it is part of the culture to make an effort to relieve the suffering of others.
Walls explains the situation can be compared to the “not in my backyard” rallies over half-way homes or prisons turning up in residential neighbourhoods. “I think the planners can lessen tensions by showing how this is not going to be a big showcase for ambulances and hearses going out.”
Social activist Gabriel Yiu says some of the things said about the proposal need to be corrected. “I think the Chinese residents put the Chinese culture into a negative light.”
