The heightened identity issues in NY in my everyday examination of it through academia and walking down those sidewalks forces me to rethink my own identity in the city I grew up for the largest share of my life, Amman. They make me think how Amman, this young city, is emerging....and blending identities; Bedouins, Palestinians, Jordanian non-Ammanites, Iraqis, Circassians, Armenians, Egyptians, and Syrians. Moreover, micro minority groups also exist; Greeks, Romanians, and Russians. A lot is inscribed on and perceived of these identities, many types being stereotypical such as the construction worker, the prostitute, and the good house cook (you can play the game of matching whom to which, it's not fun so I am not playing it). The way in which these identities were formed, most of whom fled from war, makes this city a place of immigrants with a history and many stories to tell. The presence of these identities is political, whether we choose to deny it or not. The setting of this city correlates to NY more than they claim Dubai does. Let's think deep, not posh. Think social networks rather than gleaming skyscrapers.
(In response to Amman and me)
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4 comments:
By melting pots you refer to Amman alone? if so... it is another interesting notion... multiplicity within one defined entity.
not really...I mean't the 3 cities mentioned. But yeah, it could be interpreted as what you are suggesting too
Interesting reflection ! I think it manifests clearly in the urban forms and disorder of amman and makes it less resistant to all these mixtures. European cities are more resistant, I don’t know about ny.
And we don't celebrate Amman's incredible diversity enough! Actually Jordan is growing into a fascinating sociological weave - but our system is still so fearful of embracing this! I like ur POV.
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