Diversity in NYC
Even though I grew up in NYC, moving back as an adult who has had a chance to live in a different city, reflect on a variety of issues and encounter new ideas, I cant help but look at NYC with a more critical lens especially when people make a big whoop over how diverse the city is. But diversity takes a peculiar look in NYC.
1. Just because people of different backgrounds are living together doesnt mean they are friends. The scene is all too familiar: a person visiting NYC for the first is all wide eyed about how on the train they hear so many different languages. You see diversity; I see people not communicating with each other because there is no common language. They arent talking to each other–they are talking to people who share their language and probably their background. I have no problem with this in and of itself, but Im not going to blow sunshine up NYC’s ass because of it.
2. People equate whether or not they like a group with whether or not that group deserves equal rights: I dont care if you dated a black guy and he was mean to you. I dont want to hear about the time a hispanic person robbed you. What the hell does this have to do with adequate housing and access to education? The fact that people’s success seems to depend on whether or not the group in power likes them simply highlights how deeply ingrained racism is.
3. Racial tensions are high in a city know for its competition: Want to test racial tolerance? Wait until the economy gets worse and see where people lay the blame. I have heard conversations about immigrants and affirmative action sprinkled with racial slurs indicating that when push comes to shove we care more about having our needs fulfilled than being buddy buddy with someone different from us.
4. The best diversity is in the cuisine: And most people wont admit that that’s the only kind of diversity they care about.
Nice post… I completely understand that diversity in NYC doesn’t equal racial harmony/tolerance (or less discrimination). Racism is still everywhere, and it’s sickening.
However, the fact that so many people migrate to NYC, from foreign countries and from various regions of the US, is unique. There are LOTS of cities in this nation that have zero, or very little, diversity. In my opinion, people living in these cities and towns aren’t as well-rounded as individuals who have met and interacted with people outside of their race and nationality.
The fact that you can come to a single city, NYC, and experience people (if you choose to) from all over the country and all over the world is pretty extraordinary. Whether it’s good or bad – that’s up for discussion.
By the way, I’m all about diversity with my food. Yum.