A Jew, A Catholic, A Protestant, A Russian Orthodox, A Muslim, A Hindu, A Sikh and a Buddhist walk into a building. No, it’s not the beginning of a joke. They are all residents in Calloway Château. (And these are only their different religions, wait until you read the list of their different ethnicities)
One reason why it sounds so much like a joke or an opening of a tale is because we apparently still aren’t used to the concept that one building could consist of such a diverse group of people. The idea of bringing together different people from such distinct backgrounds usually implies (in our minds, at least) a comedy of circumstances, where every individual provides his own experience, or shares his unique ideology and the elements of his culture. The differences rather than the similarities is what usually brings to a conflict, an awkwardness or an insightful moment that are typically the punchline or the climax of the story.
However, this is reality for the residents of Calloway Château, for the families in Jackson Heights and for a growing number of inhabitants in the different boroughs of New York City. Whether people were seeking the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives or to live the American Dream, to aid their families, whom they left behind in their countries of origin, or to experience life in the city, as “new Americans” they all have to accept and live with this diversity (which they are part of).
“Ground-breaking” observations, referring to an harmonious trend among individuals form different backgrounds, or to racial conflicts, to isolation and to the formation of enclaves are actually absolutely natural (and not at all surprising or unexpected; What else could have happened?)
And yet the dynamics between the different groups are indeed very fascinating, and possibly insightful.
What could this melting pot of cultures and ethnicities tell us about human nature? what is the value and the role of our backgrounds in our attempt to live our lives, especially with people who, allegedly, have so little in common with us? Could people who seem to be so different from each other form relationships based on this common experience of distinctiveness? what would become of the next generation of such diverse society? would it lead to more racism? would it eliminate it?
These and million other questions regarding the future of the city, and even the future of the world, could be investigated based on this ”greatest social experiment in history.” (Joseph Salvo, director of the population division at the City Planning Office, referring to what’s happening in Queens).
The conclusions of such social experiment may be significantly important in understanding of bigger racial conflicts around the world, and could assist in acquiring achievable, sustainable solutions.
