Being a Latina born and raised in
New York City may sound like an average story, nothing spectacular. However it
is unusual when you do not know your own language and your community’s language
that you’re expected to speak. At heart I’m just an American, a New Yorker a
human. My background is undefined and my eyes do not know what my country even
looks like. Every encounter I have with a Latino/Latina is an awkward one. They
see my last name and my appearance; the first thought that appears in their
head is to speak Spanish. But when I tell them “sorry I don’t know what you’re
saying, I don’t speak Spanish”. They say “sorry I thought you were Spanish” and
I reply “Yeah, I am” it is awkward. I then have to explain that I was never
taught or spoken to in Spanish because my parents didn't want me knowing what
they were discussing. Even now after being raised, just living in a city where
many people speak Spanish, it is difficult.
It makes think about people who
come to New York City not knowing English. In matter of fact 52 million tourists
visited New York City in 2012 (CNN Travel staff, 1). I completely agree with
diversity and the variety of languages. However, it would be great if we all
just spoke one language, we would all connect so much easier. It would surely
save me out of the uncomfortable situations with the “YOU DON’T KNOW SPANISH?”
In New York City we are so used to
the melting pot, the diversity. But it would be so awesome if we were all from
the same place, same language. Nobody would judge each other because hey,
everyone is almost the same. I’m not saying I’m against diversity in New York
City, I’m just seeing things with a different perspective. Would our encounters
with one-another be boring or awesome that we understand another?
The world many never know.
WORK CITED
CNN Travel Staff. "New York sees record number of
tourists in 2012" CNN 1 January
2013, Cable News Network. Turner
Broadcasting System. INC. Web February 2, 2014
Very interesting Sabrina! It is intriguing to hear your perspective on such a sensitive issue. We often hear the struggles and encounters of those who come to America and don't know English. It is eye-opening to hear the opposite. I can see why, living in New York City, you feel the way you do. The City of New York is the grandest in the world. Don't feel awkward, you are right at home!
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