Multi-ethnic neighborhoods

In The Changing Latinization of New York City, Miyares asserts that the appearance of Latino identity depends on the time period, the borough, the neighborhood, and the country of origin ⎯contrary to the idea that they automatically assimilate toward a Caribbean culture. Miyares describes the three types of Latino streetscapes in New York City. The enclave streetscape is dominated by a single group whereas a multiethnic streetscape adapts consistently as a reflection of demographic changes, incorporating other groups. The last type Miyares mentions is a streetscape of invasion, in which new immigrants take advantage of the neighborhood and situations to establish an economic banner street. In El Bario the influx of Mexicans is seen as a threat to the Puerto Ricans who moved there before; this can be characterized as a streetscape of invasion. Mexicans have countered anti-immigrant attitudes by presenting themselves as “worthy and hard-working immigrants.” They have taken over ownership and operation of many local businesses. As the a Davila piece states, “ Mexicans were in fact seen as agents of gentrification.”
Hum’s article describes the demographics of Sunset Park, which is a multi-ethnic neighborhood made up of immigrants from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Asia. New immigrants coming into a neighborhood can actually help the community.The flow of Latino and Asian immigrants has revamped the declining neighborhood. Hum’s states that Sunset Park is considered an enclave but there are certain qualities in Sunset Park that may limit its ability to benefit from the assets of an enclave. One issue is whether the restructuring of the local neighborhood economies will leave room for new immigrants to be incorporated and to progress. Another issue is that studies on racially diverse neighborhoods show that they have conflict over political representation and neighborhood redevelopment.
While it is known that New York is very diverse, based on these neighborhoods the question presents itself as to whether or not we are truly integrated. People may inhabit the same area spatially, but they are far from being integrated.It is natural for people to associate with people of the same culture, but in order for a neighborhood to advance these groups need to set their differences aside and focus instead on what they have in common for the overall benefit of the community.