This chapter is basically a review of all the immigrant groups who came to New York and their impact on the city; economically, socially, and politically. The relationship that immigrants have had with this city is give and take. They contribute their skills to the labor force while gaining a better life than the one they left behind in their home country. They arrived waves and tend to stick together. This created a city that I extremely diverse. Immigrants inevitably bring their cultures and traditions with them when they come a new place.
Reitano begins with the Asian immigrants and their experiences. Each groups role in the ever changing society of the city changes along with the current condition of the city. In the case of the Asians, they were initially extremely isolated from the rest of the city. Chinatown was its own separate entity. They were even “prohibited from becoming citizens” and for a long time were unable to participate in politics at all. There were also stereotypes that developed regarding the Asians. These were not necessarily negative stereotypes in their eyes though. They were seen as very smart hard workers. They embraced this a put much pressure on their children. Many were entrepreneurs and small business owners. The two main Asian immigrant groups were Chinese and Korean. Although they did not share national ties they still grouped themselves together somewhat in Chinatown.
Next are the Latinos. One of the main groups that initially came were the Puerto Ricans. They contributed a lot culture through music and language. Other characteristic of their culture was strong family traditions. One thing that set he Latinos apart from other immigrant groups was that they maintained strong ties with their homeland. Because of the US’ proximity to South America they were actually able to travel back and forth. Soon after the wave of immigrants to Puerto Rico the Dominicans followed. They were also very traditional and were strongly tied to their country. This actually tended to cause internal conflict for many. Their identity was complicated and they did not know where to place their loyalty. Many Latinos work in industrial jobs after WWII. Even though they generally took more low paying job there was still the possibility of upward social mobility.
Lastly, is The Social Contract. This part discusses the political environment of the city and how it has adjusted to the needs of the city as a whole as well as the individuals. These include policies for working conditions, taxes, and the pubic school system. Reitano discusses the policies of the various mayors that have lead the city, including Giuliani, LaGuardia and Badillo. Another component of the social contract is the First Amendment. People right of assembly as been an integral part of New York City’s social and political environment. The section finished with 9/11 and Giuliani’s admirable leadership in handling the situation. I think what Reitano is trying to convey is how strong and resilient this city is even with its immensely diverse patchwork of a population.
