Hot Dog Vendors and Cultural Solidarity
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Shah highlights the critical role of South Asian Muslim hot dog vendors in establishing a greater network of South Asian immigrants outside ethnic neighbourhoods and enclaves in New York and Harlem. They further served to bridge a gap between African American Muslims, Americans, and other racialized and marginalized ethnic groups present in New York at that time.
South Asian hot dog vendors “were also key in maintaining a fabric of community amongst different Indian men and the families in the area” (Shah 173). They became a stop on one's way to work, a place to celebrate cultural behaviours and practices, including conversing in one's native language or discussing upcoming religious traditions or celebrations. Most notably, they emphasized the cultural solidarity rooted in shared experiences, norms, and values that eased the transitions and lives of Indian immigrants in New York and Harlem. It emphasized mutual respect, understanding and support amongst different individuals and families, contributing to a greater supportive network rooted in cultural solidarity.
As Shah mentions, some hot dog vendors “were a guarantee of safe passage through the neighbourhood” (Shah 173), establishing a sense of cultural solidarity and support amongst ‘strangers’ within the same culture. It reinforced notions of safety, aiding minorities in navigating and integrating into Western society through the continuous presence of cultural solidarity that extended beyond ethnic enclaves and neighbourhoods. It reinforces the notion that you were never alone, strengthening the cultural network and community of South Asian Muslims.
The idea of cultural solidarity is one that I have observed numerous times in my life. It subconsciously has shaped my practices and behaviours, which are influenced by those of my parents and grandparents and are rooted in cultural solidarity. As a child of immigrant parents and grandparents, I noticed that they would always say hi to the Muslims and South Asians they passed on the street, sometimes even sparking spontaneous conversation. This would largely contrast to other people to whom they would just smile. whenever they would encounter someone speaking Gujarati, Hindi or Kutchi, they would join the conversation even if they were a stranger. For them, it was a way to re-affirm their obvious cultural identity and emphasized its validity in a majority white space. I think it fostered a sense of comfort and safety rooted in shared experiences, values and beliefs.