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Turkish VIllage

We travel the world in search of cultural experiences yet rarely take advantage of the opportunities we have in our backyards. The United States is a nation of people who, except for Native Americans, came here from other lands. But now we hear people cry for a monoculture that will make our country culturally poor. Why don't people want to get better acquainted with the diversity of customs practiced throughout the States? Is it the embarrassment of not knowing how to respond to foreign ways? What makes us afraid to ask questions of neighbors so we can better understand them?

  In the 1980s, I was invited to Magic Johnson's birthday party in Michigan. The invitation told guests to dress in black or white and that doors would open at 6 pm and close at 7 pm without exception. Such stern directives seemed strange to me. On the day of the party, several hundred young people piled into the reception area dressed as if attending the Academy Awards. Though everyone wore black and white, the men had on colorful suspenders and spats that stuck out from under the cuffs of their pants.

  It wasn't until I attended a black-tie Urban League event that the basketball hero's restriction of entrance times made sense. When my husband and I arrived at the specified time we were among the few people there. The Director kept us entertained until dinner was announced at seven. We sat at our assigned table for eight along with a man who told us that his wife was still dressing and would be along later. Most of the tables in the hall were empty.

table host enjoyable, I wondered if the food that had been ordered and not served would be thrown away. By the time we finished eating, a few more people were milling around. But, it wasn't until ten that the majority of guests arrived and the hall was full. My husband and I stayed until midnight, but I was told l that the dancing continued until 2.

  Several weeks later, on a plane to D.C. I mentioned the incident to a man sitting next to me.. He happened to be a professor of Black Studies at George Washington University and laughed when I told him my story. His response was that the custom started in Africa, when people walked for hours, sometimes days to get to a wedding or funeral. Since no one was certain what time guests would arrive, the hosts planned for events to start late and last into the morning, often for several days. In the states practice that evolved called for people to hours after the stated time. This custom has since spread well beyond Black Americans and is a prevalent practice among young adults.

  We are fortunate to have diversity among our neighbors, why not celebrate them? Though we recognize Black History Month, Juneteenth, St. Paddy's Day, Fat Tuesday's Mardi Gras, Christmas, Chanukah, Ramadan, Mexican Independence Day, and more, we rarely get to the people to whom these events have the most meaning. We may listen to lectures, enroll in courses, and even attend celebrations, yet we remain foreigners looking on and distance ourselves from their daily lives.

  If I hadn't gone to Magic Johnson's party or the Urban League dinner, I wouldn't have learned that it was not unusual for Black people to arrive late at events in Michigan. Once I realized that late arrivals were commonplace and not a sign of disrespect, I felt more comfortable with people arriving late if I didn't give specific directions in advance.

  I like getting to know Americans from different walks of life. I am comfortable eating with my fingers with my Ethiopian friends and using chopsticks with Chinese acquaintances, and salsa dancing with South Americans. Being close to people who are unlike me has made my life richer and more fulfilled.

  Please share your experiences on my blog at www.eichingerfineart.com/blog

  Art is always for sale. For information contact me at [email protected]

  Turkish Village is a framed acrylic painting inspired by Greg Hawthorn, 2' by 6'. $799.