prosperegal
Senior Member
Not directly related to ethno-cultural "segregation" per se, but this article seems to be arguing that ethnic malls geared towards the population of "ethnoburbs" have already been saturated and many, including younger generations often shop at more mainstream shopping centres.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news...l-of-the-ethnic-mall/article4277988/?page=all
Could this be a sign that we'd expect to see some de-segregation of some ethnic enclaves as their Canadian-born generations grow up (perhaps 20-30 years) and feel that they no longer have to live near those who are "like them" based on roots alone? Or we would still continue to see fresher "new" ethnic enclaves continue as long as the GTA attracts newer immigrants at a steady pace -- time will tell.
It's both a "cultural" and language thing (speaking from experience). The Canadian born/raised generation (I'm including those who came as teens) all attended school here, and thus, speak English and are fully integrated into so-called "mainstream" Canadian culture - even if they preferred pop music (to varying degrees) from their ancestral homeland as teens. Therefore, they're more likely to use services not directly targeting their ethnicity. Their parents, on the other hand, were adults, and probably set in their ways to varying degrees. Many, even if white collar professionals, worked within their community (those in the medical and real estate fields, especially). Therefore, they're not as exposed, and thus, not as comfortable with the mainstream (though I DO see a lot of Chinese baby boomers at very high end shopping districts!). I think I was lucky growing up - my neighbourhoods weren't so Chinese-concentrated and my parents worked outside of the ethnic community. While there was a bit of My Big Fat Greek Wedding/Gilmore Girls (think Lane and Mrs. Kim) conflict like any other immigrant/first gen family, I think there was more understanding than many of my friends' experiences. I DO think that Toronto's white collar/solidly middle class neighbourhoods were MORE segregated than working class back in the 80s and 90s...and probably into the early 2000s.