DIVERSITY IN UNITY

THE SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITY IN THE US HAS SEVERAL THINGS IN COMMON, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS, THERE ARE WIDELY DIFFERING OPINIONS AND FEELINGS

- LAVINA MELWANI

How can one understand what motivates South Asian Americans to vote, or not to vote? I tracked the species in their natural habitat—the temples, storefronts, and the chai and dosa eateries of Queens, in New York City.

Jackson Heights, called Jaikishan Heights affectionately by desis, is the mother of all South Asian neighbourhoods, a melting pot of many different cultures. They may be cultures which often bicker in Asia, but on these streets, you find signposts which tout Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi groceries all in one store; you have Bangladeshi, Chinese and Thai cuisine, all in one restaurant. Another ambitious eatery promotes Nepali, Bangla and Indo-Chinese food on its signboard.

The worshipers who stream into the Satyanarayan Hindu Temple on Woodside Avenue are from many diverse towns and communities in India, Nepal, Bhutan and the Caribbean islands. They share the same gods and gather together on the temple’s carpeted floor to chant the holy bhajans. They also share many of the same foods—the spicy samosa and the sugary sweet gulab jamun are loved by all these communities.

Yet, when it comes to politics and the upcoming elections, they have widely differing opinions and feelings. Having come from countries where politics is often regarded as a dirty game, many are indifferent to it or just plain apathetic, believing their participation will have no real impact on the outcome. Others, who have lived here longer, know that there is strength in numbers and their vote can make a difference.