Richmond a vibrant success story

Re: Global centre of a demographic explosion, Column, June 12

Douglas Todd’s article on Richmond made me feel like my community was being analyzed by a foreign anthropologist! As a resident who remembers the sleepy suburb of 20 years ago, the article did not capture my experience of this now vibrant, international city.

Did Todd mean to relive lamenting the end of the supposed “good old days” and stereotypes of so-called “Chinese” and “whites”? The Chinese community is incredibly diverse and what does “white” mean?

My Richmond consists of speakers of various languages, followers of various faiths and a livable community whose examples of inclusion and kindness should be followed elsewhere.

Where are the stories of “Latin Funk” dance classes with a mix of Russian speakers from Moldova, Montreal Jews, and Canadians of Chinese, European and a variety of other ancestries having fun together on a Saturday morning? Please come visit and let us show you around! GISèLE YASMEEN Richmond

I would like to commend The Vancouver Sun and columnist Douglas Todd for his excellent articles about Richmond. Todd captures this community’s changing dynamics in a balanced manner. The increasing number of mega homes replacing older homes, Chinese language signs, and growing trend toward ethnic enclaves are some of the major challenges that need to be addressed collaboratively.

Despite this, Richmond continues to be one of the most peaceful, healthy, harmonious and desirable communities. BALWANT SANGHERA Richmond