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. Here's what some of our readers have to say... The voice of: Francie Murry Age: 40 Occupation: Professor Birthplace: Waukegan, IL Residence: Greeley, CO Mother’s birthplace: Oklahoma Maternal grandfather: Alabama Maternal grandmother: Alabama Father’s birthplace: Unknown Paternal grandfather: Unknown Paternal grandmother: Unknown Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream? As much as they feel they need to do or are comfortable doing. Some individuals come here to assimilate; while others come to escape oppression of some degree. The purpose is theirs. Isn't that what this country was supposedly built on - freedom of choice?! Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you? No, they did not. I married outside the tribe. Although there was discussion on whether the blood thinning was taking place as a result. They did not object. What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them? I find it pretty naive. Actually, in this day and age, that is simply a statement to allow prejudice to continue. Business folks are not naive, they are make decisions about their clientelle each day. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it. Yes, I have been called "squaw" and other racially based names. Although, typically the prejudice that would drive what I call discrimination is much more subdued. It is often delivered in terms of a joke (e.g., you won't go on the warpath if you have that alcoholic drink will you?) or in an educational setting it may be more like, "Because of your hertitage, you may consider doing qualitative rather than quantitative research." What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it? Squirrel soup. On the reservation at home. Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own? I live in Colorado and I travelled to mainland China to adopt a daughter. I guess it was the most different from my own; however, it was also the most similar. Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin? Yes, I am active in events, reading, teaching, and being part of my original beginnings. Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't? The United States is the homeland of my ancestors or do you mean the reservation where they were confined? Do you or did you ever wish that you were of another race? If so, why? Of course. In the most difficult of times I have passed as white because it was easier to do so. Do you feel uncomfortable if you are a minority in a room full of people who are all of one race? Usually; however, it depends whether it's a courtroom. The voice of: Jane D. Age: 22 Occupation: Finance/media Birthplace: Quezon City, Philippines Residence: New York, NY Mother’s birthplace: Philippines Maternal grandfather: Philippines Maternal grandmother: Philippines Father’s birthplace: Philippines Paternal grandfather: Philippines Paternal grandmother: Philippines Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream? I don't think it's a matter of obligatory assimilation, but more a matter of responsibility as a citizen of a country. You shouldn't live somewhere and isolate yourself from the surrounding culture; an existence as cultural purist is not a very fulfilling one. Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you? No. The men I've dated have been from cultures/ethnic backgrounds other than my own. I actually find it more interesting when I can learn from other people. What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace? A system based on good intentions but flawed. It could end up harming the minority groups it intended to help, like instilling lower standards for admittance. Diversity in the workplace is always a good thing and much more fun and interesting, but acquired at what cost? Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it? Yes, I've experienced racial slurs from people. It saddens me more than angers me, that people can still be that ignorant and stupid. It also just fortifies my ideal of a heteregenous world, where racists and prejudiced beliefs are extinct. I've also experienced subtle forms of racism, like "looks" from people when they see me holding hands or being affectionate with a man of a different ethnic background. I acknowledge that there may be a novelty to the situation, but I just hate it when people stare or pretend to not notice and yet still underhandedly gawk. Has anything, relating to race, happened lately that really bothered you? The whole backlash against Arab-Americans and Muslims in the U.S. really pisses me off...especially when it comes from a person of an ethnic group that itself has been discriminated against in the past. That hypocrisy is disgusting. What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it? Dog. In the Philippines. What is your favorite "ethnic" food? Varies. But right now, Indian. Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own? I presently live in New York City. I've lived in Japan, the Philippines, Guam, and California. The most radically different culture I've been exposed to was when I had lived in the States for a while and then returned to the Philippines, my birth country. That was a shock even though the culture was my "own". Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin? In a way, but not really. I'm very American (whatever that means) in my sensibilities and outlook on life. Exposure to Philippine culture is through osmosis from my parents, who both grew up and were raised in the Philippines. Have you ever traveled back to the homeland(s) of your ancestors? Why not, if you haven't? Yes. During summer vacations when I was in high school. My parents have close ties to the Philippines. In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world. Where multiculturalism thrives but where it is a diversity that does not try to hide or disquise differences under a facade of "equality" but rather sees the differences and celebrates them. Our differences are what make us who we are as individuals. Who wants a melting pot? Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are? Definitely. Because being with someone who looks exactly the same as you, who's shared your cultural experience is boring. Contrasts and differences are beautiful and make for a good dynamic relationship. The voice of: Richard Jimenez. Age: 34 Occupation: Guidance Counselor Birthplace: New york City Residence: Georgia Mother’s birthplace: Guayama, Puerto Rico Maternal grandfather: Puerto Rico Maternal grandmother: Puerto Rico Father’s birthplace: Manta, Ecuador Paternal grandfather: Ecuador Paternal grandmother: Ecuador Do you feel that new immigrants to North America should assimilate into the mainstream? In order for any person new to North America to succeed there must be some assimilation into the acceptable culture. I lived for a time in Panama and Japan and in both countries I tried very hard to do things the way the locals did things. Japan had an elaborate recycling schedule and I followed it. Some traditions that I learned about in Japan I was able to follow for example, when you move into a new neighborhood, you are expected to visit all the neighbors with a treat to introduce yourself. That is the opposite of North American tradition, but it was a change I could live with. And that is the bottom line. People can adapt to their new culture, but will only be able to change those things that are not ESSENTIAL to their culture. Things like religion, language, familial relations may be to endemic to the culture to change, but there are many other areas where assimilation can occur. Would your parents object to your dating or marrying a person who was a different race than you? No, I am married to a person of another race. What do you think of affirmative action and racial quotas in the workplace? ESSENTIAL! In the education field, we have a situation where all the administrators are of one race and it manages to stay that way. As a result, our mulitcultural society of students are being taught by one group of people and their world view. It leaves alot of students out of the playing field. It does not allow adults to join the playing field. I suspect that the same is happening in other areas of life. As an example, look at San Antonio,Texas - majority Hispanic population governed by Eurocentric leaders. What do you think of signs on businesses that don't have any English on them? God bless them. Have you ever been discriminated against because of your race or the color of your skin? Tell us about it? Many, Many times! Here is one instance however. I had applied to be the Dean of Students at a school in Oklahoma. I was interviewed by the principal. He liked what I had to offer and so had a second interview with the principal and a team of teachers. I must have impressed the teachers because I was called back for a THIRD interview with the principal, Superintendent and another district level person. I did well enough that I was recommended to the school board for the position. Could have had a happy ending here but it did not turn out that way. Unofficially, I heard that the school was not ready for a minority administrator. Officially, at the last hour of the school board meeting, the position was changed to an Assistant Principal position, and I was two courses from completing my certification thereby making me instantly disqualified. I never received anything in writing. Has anything, relating to race, happened lately that really bothered you? Yes, currently Liberty County, Georgia is still under the Federal mandate to desegregate. In an effort to end the Federal mandate, the county has presented to the courts that is no longer descriminatory. Unfortunately, the courts did not agree and the school district was found to still have problems in the area of faculty and staff. A school board subcommittee has been formed to look into the problem. Their first task was to look at the hiring practices of the past ten years. All but one of the white members of the committee quit leaving a minority filled subcommittee. Some members of the community see this as a problem. The whole situation is sad. I am interested in seeing the hiring practices, but I am afraid of what we will find! What is the most unusual thing you've ever eaten? And where were you when you ate it? Squid in my home in Japan. What is your favorite ethnic food? Pasteles! In brief, describe your idea of a perfect world. New York City Do you or did you ever wish that you were of another race? If so, why? There were times when I wished I was of another race to fit in more or to be more successful. Where do you live and where have you traveled where the culture was the most different from your own? Georgia's culture is pretty different from my own, but Japan had to be the most unusual for me. There was alot to like, though! Do you feel that you are in touch with your culture of origin? I am in touch with my own culture through my world view and feelings. Of course, food, religion, and morals. Are you physically attracted to people of a different race? If so, why do you think you are? Yes, I am married to a person of a different race. I don't look at race when I get to know people. Send us your answers! Submit your "voice" to us by filling out the questionnaire and we'll consider your answers for publication in Urban Mozaik Magazine. This website: Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002 Dream World Media, LLC./ 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.
Illustration by Myron Macklin Many who know Myron Macklin know him as an artist’s artist. He had a natural progression from Saturday morning cartoons to comic books to the insightful world a illustration. He left his home town of Rocky Mount, N.C. to study graphic design and illustration at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He says his most valuable lesson that he took home from college was ‘learning how to learn’. Myron is working on a book which he terms as an amalgam of interests he hopes to get published one day. More of his work can be found at www.dragonklan.com/macklin.
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