While reading these pieces, I cannot help but reminisce over Zohar’s comment during our class discussion a few weeks ago. Although I do not remember her words verbatim, she shared that a well-known figure once stated that racism would be less of a problem if we stopped talking about it. Upon reading these articles, I think that statement may hold quite true, at least partially.
It seems that the more the human race discusses certain topics, the more present they are in our minds as we go about our days (think back to the popular adage, “You are what you eat”). Generally, individuals spending some part of their day in New York City experience differences, whether in race, religion, culture, et cetera. As humans, we tend to become uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings, whether we acknowledge it or not. This, therefore, shapes our response to our daily encounters, and we begin to shape ideas of others based on hearsay and personal experience. Additionally, because New York is filled with different cultures, we probably have a difficult time grasping an understanding of another’s actions. For example, one might say that a certain minority group is “pushy” in their manner of dealing with others in business transactions. However, this could be attributed to a culture difference between the two countries represented in the transaction. That is one explanation, at least.
On the other hand, we are all human. While we are the same, we are different; we always have been and will continue to be. With this in mind, it seems that every New Yorker, irregardless of his race and ethnicity, is faced with two possible options: either cultivate an attitude of learning toward every other group (not implying that one must accept/agree with other cultural practices, but rather simply offer some effort to learn about why some individuals may act as they do) or remain hostile toward individuals who are different from the exemplified New Yorker. It seems that when the latter option is chosen, stereotypes are formed. The issue of racism, though, involves an intricate weaving of innate human tendencies practiced by every race. In a sense, it is an impossible task to eradicate such views toward others, but there is always room for change and improvement.
