Kinhship: Dorchester (Fields Corner) Edition

Asian American Studies 423L Boston's Asian American Communities Fall 2019

[kinhshipindorchester]

Artist Statement

The purpose of this photo-essay is to capture hangout spaces of the people living in Dorchester (Fields Corner). Populated with a high percentage of Vietnamese Americans, where do folks come to socialize and make acquaintances? Three years ago, situated in the middle of the intersection at the end of Dorchester Avenue lied a newly sprung local coffee shop (home.stead cafe & bakery). What are its impacts, perspectives, history, and contrasts in comparison to a well-known local family-run coffee shop (Dot Cafe) across the street? What are the interweaving connections between these two businesses?

The significance of these photos entail the stories, lives, and atmosphere of the residents in Fields Corner. Their rhythm, their interactions, and their accessibility to whom they interact with can be described in these photos. They illustrate the changing dynamic that is now overtaking Fields Corner. How much of this is intentional? How much of this is coincidental? Who has a right to belong and who doesn’t? Who gets to decide?

Themes

Space, Belonging, Routine, Coexistence, Sociological Niche, Gentrification, Different Perspectives

[kinhshipindorchester]

7 Eleven

This convenience store sits right on Dorchester Avenue, and serves as a space for primarily Vietnamese American men to hang out and scratch lotto tickets.

They blend into the space, not talking to each other, and yet are aware of each others’ presence. Customers come in and go, treating this scenery as a normal process of daily life.

Amazon Lockers - teens and young adults use this space for safe pickup and delivery

My dad frequents here often, sometimes a bit too much...

American Food

Slice of Pizza - 1$

Hot Dog - 1.5$

Beverages

Cup of Large Iced Coffee - 1.79$

[kinhshipindorchester]

Dot Cafe

A local Cafe owned by a Vietnamese American family, comprised of workers who are related family members.

A pivotal spot for Vietnamese adults and elders, especially the men, to gather and enjoy their cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

This is also marker for Vietnamese workers to wait for carpooling in the early morning, as it is safe and filled with familiar people and culture.

Who frequents this Cafe? Who has access to this space? Who can afford it?

American & Vietnamese Food

Banh Mi Cold Cut - 4$

Western Omelette - 6$

Beverages

Small Iced Coffee - 2.50$

Large Iced Coffee - 3$

Small Vietnamese Iced Coffee - 3$

Large Vietnamese Iced Coffee - 4$

Thai Tea - 3$

[kinhshipindorchester]

home.stead cafe & bakery

3 Owners - Vivian & Elisa (Caucasian couple) & Jack (Chinese American)

“Fields Corner was in desperate need of something like this” - Elisa

“There was no place just to meet a friend” - Vivian

Partnership started through a mutual encounter at a volunteering event for VietAID.

Who frequents this space? Who can afford it? Where are all these people coming? Gentrification or coincidence?

Personal Connection - I worked/am still working here...

American Food

Turkey Town - 8.50$

Malibu Melt - 8.50$

Beverages

Iced Coffee - 3$

Latte - 4$

Iced Vietnamese Coffee - 4$

[kinhshipindorchester]

Ronan Park

Breath-taking view, and yet, so little people know about this place...