Ellick fails to penetrate the cultural underground in the neighborhood of Jackson Heights because of the ethnic differences. Jackson Heights itself is a melting pot and home for a diverse group of people, coming from various backgrounds. One person from outside the community that does not fit into any of the ethnicities already present in the community will have a difficult time fitting in and being accepted by the residents and immigrants that have settled there for a longer time being. It doesn’t matter if you’re white coming from the Upper East Side, or black coming from an underprivileged neighborhood. Humans have a psychological and physical tendency to be around other human beings that are similar in origin. Hispanics will form tight knit communities with hispanics and the Irish will do so with the Irish. It comes down to the idea of being understood by other people, and it may be rooted by the mutual feeling of cultural repression in history. That is why Ellick continues to feel like an outsider, even after making an effort to melt into the pot.
Ditmas Park is actually the neighborhood I grew up in, so it was comforting to read about it in Berger’s article. I am familiar with all the business mentioned. Unfortunately Vox Pop has closed down a few years ago (not sure if it was because of financial reasons or whatever else). Walking through Ditmas Park is beautiful because there are Victorian style grand houses, residents walking in the community are always friendly to each other, and they have neighborhood events such as yard sales, the Farmer’s market, and Halloween parties where they come and support each other. There is definitely a prominent presence of diversity in the community, as I know residents of different nationalities that live here. Unfortunately I fear that this diversity will start to diminish if certain groups start moving out. The price tags on these houses are significantly high and not something a middle class immigrant can exactly afford. But as of right now, Ditmas Park is definitely a mosaic or harmony of colors and a tight knit community with a rich history.
