Ellick views himself as a person in search of melting into the “discreet ethnic underworlds.” He’s lived in developing countries for years and that experience fostered a desire to once again be immersed in those “exotic” cultures. He only once described himself as a white American.
The discreet ethnic underworlds view him as… a white American. Perhaps he’s exotic. Why is he here? Immigration? Let’s not talk to this gringo. Maybe he’s a white who thinks trying new ethnic food makes him more open and understanding of other cultures. Please. Ah, maybe we’ll indulge him- let him try this dal… but will it be too spicy? Who cares! We don’t want his type here! Only Korea! No outsiders.
While I somewhat based the previous paragraph on the article, it was also based on personal experience. I’ve seen how people from my own (Indian) culture view everyone else as outsiders. White? You’re tolerated but not associated with too closely since you’re too liberal (dating and/or sex before marriage *gasp*). Black or hispanic? You’re not liked because you belong to gangs, do drugs and will corrupt our perfectly traditional children. That’s what we heard at least. We wouldn’t know since we stay far (very far) away. Asians? You’re the closest to us in values but you’re sneaky and look out for yourselves. On the outside, we’ll be nice to all of you. Of course we’re not racist- not even in the slightest! It’s just that we’re conservative, don’t cause trouble and never cheat. We stick together.
I can confidently say that any person who shares similar sentiments to those above about their own corresponding culture and outside cultures is incredibly close-minded and not looking to see the truth, or more importantly, the individuals in front of them. They are also very frightened to see something they don’t want or expect to. In the defense of those who immigrated to this country- it’s easy to stay within your comfort zone. To create a makeshift family with those at the place of worship or cultural grocery is wonderful, especially when you dealt with racist remarks or were passed over for a job. My mom, though, said three words that succinctly highlight the problem with grouping up like this: choosing not to “adopt and adapt.” Instead of coming here and sharing cultures (melting maybe?), as is not only the true American, but New York, way, your myopic vision idealizes your culture and devalues others.
The Calloway Chateau, though, impressed me. I realized my original view had cynicism mixed with truth. I was reminded of days at the playground and how whenever you saw someone else, you asked, “You wanna play?” Who cared if they were brown, black, white, yellow, blue, or purple? I was reminded of the times my Indian dad, the Hispanic father across the street, the white guy next door and the Jew from Uzbekistan who lives a few houses down would all work together on parking their cars on our crowded block for everyone’s driving convenience. Who knows. Maybe it’s not blurry, myopic vision; maybe it’s the lines of division that are starting to blur.
-Christina John
