The article by Crowder discussed the distribution of West Indian Blacks in New York. It clearly shows the difference between ethnicity and race. While African Americans and West Indian Blacks may be of the same race, their ethnicities are completely different, which explains why West Indians have developed distinct enclaves within the black areas. African Americans and West Indians are both discriminated against and denied access to stable white communities, yet the differences in their ethnicities make them two distinct groups.
Although the cultures of African Americans and West Indians are different, one may argue that it would be advantageous for them to unite because it would give them more political power. In Sanjek’s article, he asserts that “the more divided the power of numbers, the more likely the worst will prevail.” The reasons why West Indians choose to live in their own enclaves are because they want to preserve their cultural identity and because it has proven to be economically beneficial for them to do so. The enclaves where West Indians settle tend to be better neighborhoods than the surrounding areas occupied by African Americans and West Indians tend to be viewed in a “more favorable light light. “ This reminds me of how both the Mexicans and the Chinese used stereotypes to their advantage. The West Indians in a similar manner are able to use this stereotype to obtain jobs. By maintaining their ethnic diversity the West Indians are attempting to lessen racism and avoiding being associated with America’s lowest social position, according to Crowler. However, although the position of West Indians in American society is somewhat better than that of African Americans, they would still have something to gain from uniting with African Americans to assert political power. I think it would be possible for these groups to unite politically yet still maintain their own distinct cultures. Unification does not have to come by the sacrifice of ethnic identity.
