BY NESAULY
Puerto Ricans were constantly struggling for a place to belong when they migrated to New York City. Not only did they have to adapt to a new culture and environment they also had to find a place to live where they felt comfortable. It was not that easy for them, there were various factors they had to consider before they could find an accommodating space. Some of these factors were the cost of living, the surrounding environment, and the risk of continual relocation. Even if some could pay for larger housing in residential neighborhoods, suburbs were not always welcoming environments for minorities. Low income Puerto Ricans also had to take into consideration that they were not included in the new economy (Aponte-Pares 10). Not being included in the new economy caused a lot of Puerto Ricans to lose their jobs. What is the Puerto Rican cultural response to displacement during 20th century?
During the late 20th century the living situation in New York City’s minority areas was very unstable. The effects of displacement was loss of culture, poverty, “detachment of …their memories” and uncomfortable living conditions (Aponte-Pares 12). The new economy made it nearly impossible for minorities to succeed. When they were displaced from their jobs and living spaces they had to relocate to an area in which they were able to be themselves. This caused more concentration of Puerto Ricans in certain areas like East Harlem (El Barrio). They had to be wise about the location they chose to build on, because if it were a location that might attract the wealthy sooner or later they would be asked to relocate again. Building a community where you can be yourself was essential to Puerto Ricans because they already had to deal with the transition from Puerto Rico to New York.
Puerto Ricans wanted a place where they could celebrate, build community bonds, and express their Puerto Rican identity. They built the casita and these casitas provided them with a place to have their festivities. As Luis Aponte-Pares states, “Like the many memorable events, their casita itself is a source of pride and memory it articulates and validates their Puerto Rican identity in space (Aponte-Pares 1).” Puerto Ricans built these casitas so they can have something of their own and a place to build new memories. Even to this day the casita gets attention from the media. I agree with what Mr. Gonzalez said in “In Bronx, Little Houses that Evoke Puerto Rico” in 2009 the New York Times, “ It brings a light to what culture is to a community, why people came together and why they stayed where they were.” These casitas were the product of Puerto Ricans being displaced and now they have something to go back to, call their own and defend if any one ever attempts to take it away from them.
Puerto Ricans were constantly struggling for a place to belong when they migrated to New York City. Not only did they have to adapt to a new culture and environment they also had to find a place to live where they felt comfortable. It was not that easy for them, there were various factors they had to consider before they could find an accommodating space. Some of these factors were the cost of living, the surrounding environment, and the risk of continual relocation. Even if some could pay for larger housing in residential neighborhoods, suburbs were not always welcoming environments for minorities. Low income Puerto Ricans also had to take into consideration that they were not included in the new economy (Aponte-Pares 10). Not being included in the new economy caused a lot of Puerto Ricans to lose their jobs. What is the Puerto Rican cultural response to displacement during 20th century?
During the late 20th century the living situation in New York City’s minority areas was very unstable. The effects of displacement was loss of culture, poverty, “detachment of …their memories” and uncomfortable living conditions (Aponte-Pares 12). The new economy made it nearly impossible for minorities to succeed. When they were displaced from their jobs and living spaces they had to relocate to an area in which they were able to be themselves. This caused more concentration of Puerto Ricans in certain areas like East Harlem (El Barrio). They had to be wise about the location they chose to build on, because if it were a location that might attract the wealthy sooner or later they would be asked to relocate again. Building a community where you can be yourself was essential to Puerto Ricans because they already had to deal with the transition from Puerto Rico to New York.
Puerto Ricans wanted a place where they could celebrate, build community bonds, and express their Puerto Rican identity. They built the casita and these casitas provided them with a place to have their festivities. As Luis Aponte-Pares states, “Like the many memorable events, their casita itself is a source of pride and memory it articulates and validates their Puerto Rican identity in space (Aponte-Pares 1).” Puerto Ricans built these casitas so they can have something of their own and a place to build new memories. Even to this day the casita gets attention from the media. I agree with what Mr. Gonzalez said in “In Bronx, Little Houses that Evoke Puerto Rico” in 2009 the New York Times, “ It brings a light to what culture is to a community, why people came together and why they stayed where they were.” These casitas were the product of Puerto Ricans being displaced and now they have something to go back to, call their own and defend if any one ever attempts to take it away from them.
I like the account of the Puerto Rican struggle for space. I feel like it as struggle that is far from over. You spoke on the importance of space, of a place to freely express yourself. I think this is the root of cultural development. I appreciate the reference to the text and using the Casitas to illustrate your point as well.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is very well written. It is so true that the Puerto Ricans went through hardships during this time, because New York City was not on their side. They were a true minority which no one cared about or wanted them. Casitas are a fascinating living space because the Puerto Ricans used what they could to make the space that they could attain be most homey to them. It's sad in a way how you mention that the Puerto Ricans had to choose a place that no one else wanted. Do you think it would still be like that today? If a new wave of Puerto Ricans came to NYC today, would they have to find a space that no one wanted? Or would they have more choice, now that it is many years later since that happened?
ReplyDeleteThis was an interesting blog post. I like the way you described the casitas to help us get a visual of what you were trying to say. In addition to casitas Puerto Ricans also have cafe's where they sing and recite their poetry and eat their cultural food. That is another method they used to be able to feel comfortable in the little space that they had. In response to Anna Talarico I do not think Puerto Ricans would have the same problem today taking the space that no one wanted because Puerto Ricans already have a settled space so the new influx would just migrate to where the rest of their people are.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you're post and it's most definitely difficult for Puerto Ricans to find spaces for themselves. For Latino people in general carving out an existence in NYC takes a determination that comes from a collective knowledge of how much worse things could be if they didn't struggle. However, I do feel like as time goes on it will get slightly better. It's my hope that with peoples attitudes changing as they get more exposure to different cultures perhaps finding space can be less of a space. Moreover, with many people here: Puerto Rican families, Dominicans, and other immigrants they can form networks that would allow for easier inroads to finding a home for people. So in response to Anna's post, I do believe it'd be better now for Puerto Ricans if they came in a new wave
ReplyDeleteI feel all people that weren't born in America and come here should be able to have a place where they can relate to. Many people come to America and lose their culture so having these casitas helps people to be able to adapt to American culture but still have their culture with them.
ReplyDelete"Do you think it would still be like that today? If a new wave of Puerto Ricans came to NYC today, would they have to find a space that no one wanted? Or would they have more choice, now that it is many years later since that happened?"
ReplyDeleteWell if this was today I feel like it still would be the same because people have a already choose where to live so they would give the new incoming immigrants the low end of living conditions. But like Melissa stated if more Puerto Ricans came now I just feel like they would settle where the rest of the Puerto RIcans are located.