BY FELIX
Washington Heights
NYC, a place often linked to the multitudes of people, the smell of fritura,
and the rhythmic melodies of merengue and bachata that fill the air. Here at
the heart of Manhattan we find a concentration of interesting Latino groups.
Here they created a cultural hub, shaped around the cultures and traditions of
their homelands. Once many arrived they found themselves living with their
relative who previously settled in Washington Heights. Once they gain the
financial stability, they remain in the Washington Heights area because they
become accustomed and familiarized with the representations of their vibrant
culture, their space. For the adults that make this journey, working becomes their concern, but for their children
education becomes the key. But a problem is present, while the barrio has its positives,
it also has its negatives. It holds these negative influences that pull our
youth down, and hinder them from obtaining their educational goals.
In Mike Davis’s “Magical Urbanism”
he makes reference to the Latino Influence on US big cities. He touches on the
Chicanos of the west coast, and the Puerto Ricans and Dominicans on the east
coast. In chapter thirteen his focus is on education. He brings about some
disturbing numbers on Latino retention rates in New York, indicating that “In
New York, for example, almost half of Latino and Black students (or a
staggering three-quarter of Puerto Ricans in CUNY) leave college within the
first two years.” (Davis 132). This is
an unfortunate reality, young Latinos aren’t making it to higher levels of
education. Why is this a recurring issue? The negative influences in our
barrios are outweighing the positives. Washington Heights is infamous for its
drug trafficking and has created negative stereotypes for the Dominican
community. As young people in these barrios there is a substantial lack of positive
role models and an abundance of negative ones.
High school and college dropout
rates are still absurdly high. The issue seems to elude most. They look at the
school systems, they look at the ethnic background, but what I feel they should
be looking for is societal influence. Barrios such as Washington heights are in
a constant struggle, while they create a cultural community; they are also
highly prone to crime. The successful figures in the neighborhoods, the wealthy
and prosperous are drug dealers. They live the flashy lifestyle young people
find attractive, and do it in a way that seems a lot easier than working hard
or going to school. Education is relevant, and we need to reinforce that in our
youth. Make them see true success stories and expose them to opportunities
outside of the limited boundaries of their barrios. We are not only struggling
for space but struggling for education, struggling to break societal standards
and statistics that bind our youth. To better ourselves and our communities we
need to be that driving force and motivation. We need to be that change.
BY CARLOS
ReplyDeletethis is a great piece and i agree about education being key, especially popular education. I also personally feel that sometimes when we DO have positive role models sometimes we overlook them, as well. Like you said alot of youth tend to place importance on material things and flashy clothes which doesn't really do anything for the advancement of our people.
Like Carlos said, education is very important for a person. Generally speaking, people who have more education have higher of a chance of getting a better job and making more income. I don't know if I can completely believe though that a lot of people are dropping out of schools because they are impressed by the drug dealers. That seems a little pessimistic towards people's morals and intelligence. While I agree that some young adults are like that, I still think that a larger majority of young adults than one would think are smart enough to realize that drugs are not the answer to being prosperous because of all the risks. But, it is an interesting aspect that you discussed.
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with the three of you placing an emphasis on education, like Anna said education gives people the tools and opportunities to find a job to become financially stable. I do also agree with Anna when she speaks about drugs not being the answer to high school drop put rates. I have never lived nor visited Washington Heights and would never be able to understand that area, but i hardly think drug dealers have that much influence on people, I have faith that our youth is much smarter than that. I guess what you have been surrounded by influences your thoughts on this, my parents grew up in urban areas and they have not fallen to that influence and their are several people who i know that have not as well. It is easy to see a few people be drawn to that influence but to infer that it is very prevalent is not something that i seem to understand.
ReplyDeleteFelix, I thought your explanation of Washington Heights was excellent. I love the Heights. Its the best place to go eat, to party with friends, go on lunch dates and interact with others. It's a very rich an exciting neighborhood. You will never bore yourself as long as your there. But like you all said, there are more important things in life than having a good time. Washington Heights is a growing community that contains many positives with negatives and we tend to just overlook the negative ones because were in our comfort zone. Creating that space is an amazing contribution for all Latinos, but we forget that we are part of the outside world as well. The world that has bigger and better opportunities with realistic and successful futures. That's filled with other artistic adventures, education, and different views on life. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is when life really becomes alive.
ReplyDeleteI do believe as well that education is key. But I do not agree 100% with Yisury's comment because the Washington Heights is not one of the best areas in New York city. Yes it has "the best place to go eat, to party with friends, go on lunch dates and interact with others" but it also has a lot of drug related issues, people are often getting busted for drugs. Some students don't even feel welcomed and comfortable in their schools because of the bad reputation and the fights. I am not 100% disagreeing with you either because it does have a lot of culture enrichment and thats one of the things I love about the heights.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said. Kids are not thinking about getting into higher education they think about what they can get without going to school and that's the wrong way to think. I think having the right role models can change the how children think.
ReplyDeleteI think this was extremely well written and the points that you made are 100% true. Kids in bad neighborhoods should have the idea that education and/or professional work experience is the foundation to a better lifestyle. Given a steady salary at a desk job isn't as flattering as making stacks throughout the year selling drugs with limited responsibilities but at least one will grow up to be a more functional part of society through hard work. That undoubtedly passes down as a message to one's peers as well as their children. Especially one's children as far as role model's are concerned.
ReplyDelete