It is quite extraordinary how much history this reading contained so far. Having taken multiple history classes, we have learned about immigration numerous times, such as the various waves of distinguished immigrants including the Germans, Jews, Slavs, Irish, etc. However, this reading clearly elaborated immigration from the Caribbean, while being meticulous with every aspect involved in the immigration process. This reading so far has been very interesting, due to the fact that this immigration wave was not really emphasized in our previous classes of history.
The beginning three chapters followed a very comprehensive and logical method to depict the immigration of the Caribbean islanders, following a chronological method. However, the reading set the premise by the introductory first chapter, which gave a general overview of the background before the immigration that occurred during the early 20th century. In the beginning, there is a brief history of Harlem before the emigration of black individuals, which allows the reader to compare the two scenarios, especially during the crucial shift that occurred when Harlem gradually changed from white residents to black residents. Before this time period, the northern part of Manhattan including Harlem was mostly comprised of white individuals, and the location during that time was very homogeneous. A pivotal and very intriguing occurrence during this time was that, due to over-building, there was an abundant of housing space available, which with the help of real state figure Phillip Payton, was being gradually filled with black individuals. Payton revolutionized history by persuading the white homeowners to allow black tenants to rent in Harlem. This gradual progression eventually led to the formation of Harlem as we know it today, while the white moved to various other locations of Manhattan. During this time, there was a large shift of both native blacks and Caribbean into Harlem, from poor areas of lower Manhattan, which was mostly comprised of native blacks.
Another very interesting point that the reading mentioned was the hostility between the native blacks and Caribbean immigrants. Previously when studying history many of us have learned about the struggle between African Americans and white individuals along with the Irish. However, the fact that these two groups of people, who shared an important characteristic of being the same skin color, (during that time it was considered important) loathed each other was quite ironic in my opinion. Also, during these times of segregation and racism, the immigrants were actually treated more favorably compared to the native blacks. This unequal demeanor might have set the the two sides in conflicting opposition along with other reasons such as different cultures, tradition, beliefs, and work ethics. The fact that influential writers suggested to African Americans during this time to learn different languages such as Spanish or French, imposing as an immigrant in order to be treated more fairly, astonished me quite a bit. However, both the individuals gradually become accustomed to each other, due to the fact that they both lived in the same community of Harlem. Despite their differences, many shared the same home, and eventually they assimilated into unique relationships, with cultural diffusion playing a pivotal role.
Another interesting occurrence that was revealed in the reading was the building of the Panama Canal, but in a much more meticulous manner. In history class, we have all learned about the significance of the Panama Canal, but we never truly discussed the actual events that occurred during the building of this revolutionizing pathway. An interesting aspect that was revealed in the reading was that, once the U.S. took over the building of the Panama Canal, they actually integrated the Jim Crow laws. During this time, numerous Caribbean individuals worked extreme amounts to build the canal, in hopes of raising enough money to pay for their family to move to the “Land of Opportunity.” The Caribbean islanders, following the end of colonization, moved to various islands in hopes of increasing their social status the only way they knew how: by acquiring land. The major concern for these individuals was financial security, but during these times it was extremely tough, especially in their home country. These individuals moved from island to island, but to no avail. Many sought to work under the U.S. to build the Panama Canal, in hopes of reaching America, but this method was not efficient neither, considering the segregation and meager pay the black individuals were given. Along with this time period of injustice, other atrocious activities that disgusted me was tricking innocent Caribbean women into thinking they were going to U.S. to work, while they were actually made into prostitutes. Other more fortunate women were benevolent in their actions which consisted of inducing immigration of its family back home to the U.S. by working hard domestic jobs, and while doing altruistic actions such as inviting recent immigrants into their homes, giving them a temporary safe haven, during their time of perpetual struggles.
Being just in the introductory part of this elaborate reading, many hardships of the long Caribbean odyssey have been depicted in great detail. This reading serves as a window into the past history, that has been, on the most part, overlooked in our history classes, thus allowing it to be even more intriguing. The Caribbean odyssey consists of numerous events that shaped the country, and New York more specifically, as we know it today.
