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Speak Your Mind About Issues Concerning Life In A Modern Multicultural Society. Submit your "voice" to us by filling out the questionnaire and we'll consider your answers for publication in Urban Mozaik Magazine.
Those of us who live or work in a multicultural environment, are constantly being challenged about our thoughts and feelings on numerous subjects concerning race and multiculturalism. At Urban Mozaik, we're interested in what you have to say in response to a number of provocative questions regarding life in a modern multicultural society.
The voice of: Patricia
Age: 27
Birthplace: Denver, CO
Residence: Edison, NJ
Mother’s birthplace: Tulsa, OK
Maternal grandfather: unknown, probably Texas, New Mexico or Oklahoma
Maternal grandmother: Tulsa, OK
Father’s birthplace: Easton, PA
Paternal grandfather: Phillipsburg, NJ
Paternal grandmother: Easton, PA
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
There really is no "mainstream" anymore, at least not in the U.S., with alternative lifestyles and blended families. Should immigrants learn English? Yes. But I don't feel that they should have to abandon their culture, religion, customs, dress, etc. to "fit in" with our Euro-based society. Irish-American children go to step dancing classes, Italian Americans belong to ethnic societies, as do those of Polish and German descent. Why should it be different now that the majority of immigrants are from Asia and South/Central America?
Would your parents object to you dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you?
My mother, who's a mestiza (part white/ part Choctaw and Mexican Indian), would have objected at one time. I have a daughter whose father is a black Latino of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, and my parents love her to pieces. How could they object now? It's wrong to try and dictate the direction of your child's affections.
Do you think that children of racially mixed parents have an advantage or disadvantage growing up in today's society?
In today's society, advantages and disadvantages seem to be based more on how rich or poor your family is. Poor children are at a major disadvantage, regardless of race. I feel lucky to be both Irish and AmerIndian, and I feel lucky that my child will have the opportunity to draw inspiration from so many rich and diverse cultures.
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
White women have benefited more from affirmative action than black people, especially black men, but you'll never hear the media spouting this fact. I think that many employers use the excuse of affirmative action or racial quotas when they don't want to hire a white male, but don't want to tell him that he's not qualified. The American media uses this as one more issue to divide the American people.
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
In Williamsburg, Brooklyn there are businesses and street signs in Hebrew. In Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, it's Russian and Hebrew. In Jersey City, there are signs in Arabic and Spanish. There are bakeries and restaurants with signs in Italian and Polish. Even the town where I live, which has a large Indian and Chinese population, has restaurants with signs in other languages. I don't think it's a big deal. The government can't force business owners to put English on their signs. People only make a big deal about it when the signs are in Spanish or Chinese.
Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it?
Yes. A University here wouldn't tell me whether or not I was "eligible" for this non-race-based special financial aid/tutoring program, even though I met all the requirements. Finally, a few weeks before school, I went to the director of the program, who took one look at me, and said, "You're not eligible." 95% of the students in the program were black, as was he. Later, when he found out my mother is Native American, he said, "Oh I wish I'd known, I would have helped you." But most discrimination or racial remarks I've "suffered" at the hands/mouths of white people.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
Probably lemon curried chicken, which I had once in L.A., and once here in my town, which has a large Indian population.
What is your favorite "ethnic" food?
Rice and beans with chicken, or "ropa vieja", which is shredded beef.
Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own?
I live in New Jersey, one of the most culturally diverse states in the Union. Actually, I went to California, which is a culture unto itself (ha ha). Visting the American-Mexican border was a little different, because even though I'd experienced American poverty, I wasn't prepared to see five year olds begging in the streets.
Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin?
My family is really into the "Irish thing", and having lived in Arizona and Colorado for eleven years, I have experienced Mexican culture, but unfortunately, I feel that I've not had ample opportunity to learn about AmerIndian culture, although I'm trying. I teach my daughter about Puerto Rican and Domican culture through music, cultural events, food, children's books, and television shows. As a Latina in this society, she'll need to know her roots to navigate the rather hostile situations she'll encounter at school and in the work place.
Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't?
I've never been to the ancestral homeland of the Choctaw people, but I've been to Oklahoma, where a lot of Choctaws live. I've been to Mexico three times. I've never been to Ireland, but my parents have. I will go to Ireland when I have enough money.
What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other
than English?
Most of my friends speak Spanish. Some don't speak any English.
In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world.
Everyone would have equal opportunity. Poor people wouldn't be thrown to the wolves. No child would suffer abuse. We wouldn't solve the crime problem by building prisons. Public education would be of the best quality. Our private lives would be private.
Do you ever wish that you were of another race?
Since I was a child I wished I was 100% Indian or Latin, because looking white, I have to "prove" myself more to black and spanish friends of mine. I'm also "privy" to hear the sort of nasty things that white folks say when they think "they" (minorities) aren't listening. My mother and brother are brown skinned, and I was always jealous.
Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race?
Maybe if they were speaking another language.
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
AmerIndian guys are beautiful to me, as are Puerto Rican guys. I don't really like white guys. I think that I prefer being with a guy who's Puerto Rican or Native American because they represent the culture. I don't want my daughter being raised by someone who's never experienced racism, because they'll never understand her.
The voice of: Idali Feliciano
Age: 50
Occupation: Educator, higher education
Birthplace: Puerto Rico
Residence: Michigan
Mother’s birthplace: Puerto Rico
Maternal grandfather: Puerto Rico
Maternal grandmother: Puerto Rico
Father’s birthplace: Puerto Rico
Paternal grandfather: Puerto Rico
Paternal grandmother: Puerto Rico
Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream?
New immigrants should be able to "function" in the American society, which includes, being contributing members to the society.
Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you?
They would not.
What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace?
Historically speaking, the "other" was excluded from opportunities in the workplace, affirmative action, is one method for "leveling the playing", however, the playing field is still not leveled for all.
What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them?
I wish I could understand them...but we have done away with language requirements.
What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it?
Liver soup! A co-worker brought it to the office.
What is your favorite "ethnic food"?
Puerto Rican pasteles and arroz con gandules.
Where do you live and where have you travelled where the culture was the most different from your own?
Live and work in Michigan. Grand Cayman was where I experienced a different culture.
Have you every travelled back to your homeland(s) of your ancestors?
Yes, many times I have returned home because of the need to be with my own people and not having to explain my culture.
What percentage of your friends are able to speak a language other than English?
At least 50 percent speak a language other than English.
In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world.
My perfect world would be one where all people are able to interact with one other, where the playing field is leveled and where we all seek to know about each other, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
Do you ever wish that you were of another race?
No, I know my roots, and am quite pleased with the outcome.
Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race?
Most of the time I am the minority and that hasn't stopped me from interacting with the majority population, or from being a content, and quite functioning intelligent human being.
Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are?
I admire nature's beauty, as such I admire diversity.
Submit your "voice" to us by filling out the questionnaire and we'll consider your answers for publication in the Member's Edition of Urban Mozaik Magazine.
This website: Copyright © 2000 Studio Q Int'l Inc / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher or the previous publisher of republished articles. |
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