16 different cultures. One home. Differences in restrictions, culture, dress, and foods do not tear these cultures asunder. On the contrary, everyone is determined to contribute something from his or her own. Suketu Mehta’s “The Meltingest Pot,” which speaks about the converging ethnicities in Queen’s Calloway Chateau building, spoke to me the most in this very way. Metka captures the family and community ties within this multicultural center, setting an example to the rest of the world.
One of the most profound ideas in America is the opportunity it gives to everyone. No matter where people come from, they have the ability to start new and make a life for themselves. For many people, this is the first time they have freedom to be individuals and make choice that is true to them, and not based on their nationality, culture, or religion. Ignoring the tensions of world politics, these NYC inhabitants attempt to bring society together in peace. Whether a skill, a food, a film, or a dance, the American New Yorker wants to share and spread his or her culture. Although people are naturally judged by the stereotype of their native country, Queens, especially Calloway Chateau, has given people this unbelievable chance to unite with other ethnicities. It is especially meaningful to me when Metka speaks about the exchange of food culture. As a Jewish woman who celebrates holidays around a table of traditional feast with symbolic foods, I can understand the significance of food to one’s culture. Food is a community item, and is a substance of warmth and welcoming. In Calloway’s Chateau, people welcome others with their culinary traditions. On the Muslim high holidays, the Muslims bring goat meat to the Indians; on the Dewali holiday, the Hindus give boiled milk candies to the Muslims. This simple and caring interaction is one of community and unity.
What I find most incredible is that people know about the conflicts in their native countries, yet in Queens they do not judge by one’s race. Rather, everyone is treated as an individual and judged by his or her own actions. This melting pot of cultures should be an example to the rest of the world for peace and togetherness. It is important to put away the nerves and hold back the grudges, and just respect ne another. That is what family is about.
