This week’s readings, specifically Tarry Hum’s article, presented a different perspective on immigrant settlements and their development. Up until now, we have been reading about and discussing these types of neighborhoods, including enclaves, with, I believe, more negative than positive connotations (as one might tend to do due to the nature of these communities).
The description of Sunset Park seems to be quite contrary to that of other enclaves we have discussed, and thus establishes a seemingly alternative path to how they can develop. Sunset Park is a transforming multiethnic neighborhood, mostly Asian and Latino, with vibrant market small-business economies, though the majority are low skill workers. As opposed to the theory that enclaves are primary used as transitionary “stepping-stones” to assimilation into “American society (whatever that actually means),” Sunset Park, and other communities like it, offer up more benefits of these types of enclaves, in that they facilitate economic mobility, cultural continuity, and a strong communal life; “it provides privileged access to ethnic resources and opportunities (34).” Not only that, but this satellite enclave, and others like it have allowed New York to hold on to certain manufacturing businesses that would dissipate without them, so the benefits reach farther than just within the walls of the community.
Sunset Park has become a neighborhood of interest because of it’s seemingly contradictory nature as an enclave. Instead of being isolated and uni-ethnic, it sustains, and brings in, more Asians and Latinos, while continuing to urbanize. It’s interesting to see how the population will change, specifically keeping an eye on new immigrant groups.
