I think the parent meant "live down" in the American perception of Chinese cuisine as being just "chop suey" and other greasy dishes. The problem is that much

I think the parent meant "live down" in the American perception of Chinese cuisine as being just "chop suey" and other greasy dishes. The problem is that much of the early Chinese food cooked in America was by miners/railroad workers who had few other job opportunities. It was not until the late 1960s and 70s when actual chefs came to the States[0]. [0] http://time.com/4211871/chinese-food-history/ http://time.com/4211871/chinese-food-history/