New York City’s outer boroughs, such as Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, are composed of ethnically diverse communities that impact each other greatly. These areas are thriving with people that practice and experience various traditions and cultures. Mehta, Berger, and Ellick described these communities by interacting with its inhabitants and by explaining their take on the melting pot metaphor in reference to the distinct areas.
Berger discusses Ditmas Park and explains why people thinks it functions as a neighborhood. The author presented us with data and history about the diversity of this part of Brooklyn and then proceeds to state these opinions. Some believe that Ditmas Park is successful because it is among larger ethnic areas such as Latino Sunset Park and Caribbean East Flatbush. Ellick moved to Jackson Heights, Queens in order to have “authentic experiences.” He explored the borough from the point of view of a camera, creating a barrier between himself and the residents. This is what I felt didn’t allow him to become part of the community. Having the camera between himself and the other residents didn’t allow these people to act confidently, as many “jumped out of sight” and mumbled “snitch” and “immigration” under their breaths. After many failed efforts, Ellick and a friend were able to penetrate a hidden Korean karaoke bar. Mehta describes the Calloway Chateau in great detail by providing stories of the building’s residents, describing the various interactions that occur in the building.
All of the authors are able to illustrate the immense diversity in these communities through the use of anecdotes. Ellick seems most convincing when describing the initial interaction and the final interaction with the karaoke club. He describes his surroundings as he was “gingerly twisting the doorknob,” only to find it locked. When he returned, after many failed attempts, Ellick found the door unlocked and described his interaction with the people in the bar. Mehta described the complexity of the Calloway Chateau by using anecdotal stories told by the building’s residents. He presented these stories in a way that had each connect and build upon the last, demonstrating the chain of help these people have established. The residents rely on an exchange of possessions and services. Many of the anecdotes presented allowed the reader to meet the people in these neighborhoods. We got to learn about their lives, culture, and traditions from the accounts. We learned, through metaphors, similes, anecdotes, and rhetorical questions, the traditions many people keep when they move to these areas to express their culture. When the authors wrote, they expressed the residents of the areas as people with important tales to tell, focusing on the individual’s story and personality.
Many of the communities described by the authors involved the interaction among the different ethnic groups. The residents of the communities interacted with each other to an extent. They would exchange food and services but retain their unique cultures and traditions.
