My exhilarating journey into one of Manhattan’s most vibrant communities

This past weekend in New York I saw a production of In The Heights with my family and discovered many parallels to some recent topics of class discussion- immigration, the American dream, and social identity. The musical focuses on a tight-knit community in Washington Heights and the hopes and dreams of three generations as they struggle to forge an identity in a neighborhood on the brink of transition. It is a community characterized by its predominantly Hispanic population and lively mix of cultural traditions.  More than any other city in America, Manhattan and New York’s other four boroughs are defined by a varied immigrant population; thirty-six percent of the city’s population is foreign born. Although the “old immigrant” neighborhoods retain some of their original character and culture, much has been subverted over time by assimilation, new immigrant groups moving in and economic change.  Many immigrants, both old and new, come to America to escape oppression- be it political, economic or religious- and to pursue the American dream.  However, their new life comes with many struggles.  Many immigrants experience a tension between the need to assimilate and the equally powerful need to preserve cultural identity, an issue we discussed in class. For the many Hispanic communities in New York City, cultural identity resides, more than anywhere else, in their language. It is a crucial link to the past, and more importantly, a means of preserving their culture for future generations. This brings us back to the debate over whether or not immigrants should be forced to speak English in America. When we encourage assimilation, do we mean obliteration of cultural identity? Though it is important to learn English to prosper in America, In the Heights demonstrates the beauty of holding onto traditions while, at the same time, embracing an additional identity. The multi-cultural identity of immigrants with a strong attachment to cultural roots is what makes the diverse and unique America we have today, an aspect of our country I greatly value.