A Cultural Tour with the
"Diverse Universe" of PS 8 Parents
Have you ever marveled at how diverse PS 8's community is? Well, "Diverse Universe," the parent-led monthly forum coordinated by Blake Amos, our parent coordinator, can take you on an armchair tour to explore it. To illustrate, one wintry evening in December I joined a cozy crew in the PS 8 library, to learn about two vastly different cultures: southeast France and New Jersey! (Or, as those who like to stereotype would have it, the sublime and the ridiculous... but luckily, we cut past stereotypes here.**)
First, Laurence Moulin, PS 8 parent born in the province of Rhone-Alps, France, told us about growing up in the town of St. Etienne. All the while, we feasted on the cuisine native to the region: beverages, cheeses and a home-made pissaladiere (a small, white pizza with onions and anchovies).
Then, New Jersey native Nick Balaban regaled us with an ironic look at growing up in small-town northern NJ. His was a sobering story, poignant and even disturbing at times as he relayed anecdotes of ignorance, racism and anti-Semitism. Lightened up by his display of New Jersey's "cuisine typique" -- Budweiser beer, TV dinners and chips! -- he ended on a note of revelation, manifested through the unifying experience of attending a Bruce Springsteen concert.
The raw and the refined, all in one evening: how much more diverse can one get? If you are at all curious, please come to the Diverse Universe forums and join your fellow parents in learning about how and where we all grew up. Previous evenings have featured Brazil, New Orleans, Egypt, Grenada, and China. All have been peppered with laughter and discussion.
Better yet, volunteer to share your own heritage, from wherever it comes. "Culture" doesn't just happen in some exotic place, but can be found right here in our own back yards.
The next Diverse Universe will be on January 27th, and will feature Costa Rica and London. Childcare will be provided. Come and join us!
** The author is a native New Jerseyan, and fights these stereotypes every day...
Posted on: January 27, 2010
