Blog 5. New York

New York is definitely a unique place. The fast pace, the flashing lights, the crowds of people from all over. It really is a lot to take in in such a short time. Aside from the wonders that we were able to see and experience, it was interesting to see the history that has molded not only New York but the rest of the United States. We went on a walking tour after the first day of the seminar which was focused on immigration. For me, this walking tour really had a great impact on my understanding of our country. I’ve taken so many U.S. history classes, read the books, and heard stories but being in those places really allowed me to see the tragedy that so many faced as they came into this country. To make it even more realistic, it was raining the whole time. I personally don’t enjoy being stuck in the rain, but I think I’m glad that I was able to experience that discomfort so that I could feel even a fraction of how difficult some people's journeys were instead of just viewing it as a sight-seeing, touristy, photo-opp situation. One moment that really struck a chord with me was the four sculptures located in front of the main entrance to the former United States Custom House at One Bowling Green. Each statue is different and from afar it’s hard to tell what the different interpretations of each statue are. I first noticed the one to the far right because I saw the head of a sphinx and seemed to represent Egypt. At first, I was so excited and happy to see a piece of me in a statue of such a beautiful historic building. Even a few other interns pointed to the statue and were excited with me. This mood quickly changed as our tour guide walked us through each statue and the interpretation that the artist intended to convey. She started by telling us that these were commissioned to portray what America was and hoped to be in the context of the other world powers. Of the four statues, one represented America which was alert, leaning forward, and represented a progressive and powerful country that is leading the world. One represented Europe and represented an alert woman leaning back with one hand over a mapped globe, symbolizing the work that Europe has done in the past to colonize the globe. One represented Asia and consisted of different symbols pertaining to religion, slavery, and power around a woman who was alert but had her eyes closed. The last statue represented Africa and depicted a half-naked woman asleep resting her arm on a withering sphinx, with a lion beside her, and a covered figure behind her with only eyes visible looking towards the other statues. This statue was unique from the other three in that it was intentionally worn. This was to symbolize that Africa was not progressing, or asleep, and had lost control of its power. The Americans at the time viewed Africa as the “Dark continent” full of untapped resources. The woman was sitting on a throne surrounded by ruins symbolizing a failing nation with a once-powerful past. After hearing these things, about how my culture was portrayed I am sad to admit that I was a little embarrassed at first. I felt personally offended that a statue made over a century ago could portray such a false narrative of my people and the people of 53 other countries that were so easily grouped into one degrading message. What made me even sadder was that statue is still standing, meaning that that message is still being conveyed and projected to the American people. No wonder racism still exists. No wonder the color of your skin still determines so much in this time and age. Our country still sees the world from that same lense of white supremacy and manipulation. It made me wonder why anyone would want to come to a place like this. It made me wonder why my own parents chose to come to a place like this. 

We continued on the walking tour and saw how so many people risked their lives to enter this country only to be met with corruption and suffering. We saw the Statue of Liberty or as Jaylon calls it the Statute of Limitation. I think he’s right. In this country, we are forced to limit ourselves and others. I wish this wasn’t our history but it is and it’s not something that will ever go away. The roots of oppression in our country are so deep and secure that we are still feeling their effects today. 

Maybe it’s a good thing that statues like those still exist. I’d rather be reminded of that pain than live in ignorant bliss. I’d rather feel empowered to fight for our rights than feel comfortable sitting back and watching injustice occur. I hope our country can be reminded that there is work to be done to make sure that we are really making progress, but more authentic progress that includes all people. I will always remember the feeling that I had that day and I hope that I will never forget that I have a role in correcting those that choose to degrade my culture and culture of so many others. 

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by a group of people that share this passion. They inspire me to think deeper and ask the hard questions of myself and others. I feel lucky to be apart of a community that is a true representation of our future as a nation.  

Being in New York really was such a beautiful experience because we were all able to be together. This was really the last weekend that we will all be together since some people have to leave for conferences. It made me really cherish the moments that we shared together knowing that they would be some of the last. We had so much fun just being together. I will never forget running around Old Navy in Times Square trying not to get tagged, trying so hard not to laugh at the wrong times, the endless vlog footage that's filling up my phone storage, playing Heads Up on the floor of Shannon and my HUGE room(lol), getting yelled at by security guards, and just being surrounded by people I feel like I've known a lot longer than six weeks. I really had a taste of how much I'm going to miss everyone because both Shannon and Jared had to leave the group to go to their conferences. It was genuinely so sad to lose a piece of us even though it's only for a few days, but I think that just shows me how much I value each person here. This week has just reiterated for me how incredibly grateful I am for this experience and how thankful I am to have met such beautiful people.

Mariam Zaki

7.15.19