From The Peopling of New York City
What country are you from?
My parents are Pakistani, but I was born in America, and have been living in New York for 13 years.
What language do you speak?
I speak Urdu but cannot write. I speak English Fluently.
What religion do you practice?
Islam
Besides Indians, what other kinds of people live in Jackson Heights?
Besides going to Jackson Heights to get halal meat, I feel like I have always visited other Pakistanis and even some Bangladeshis in the neighborhood, but most of the Muslims are spread across Queens and even in Flushing. The common misconception is that all Indians are Hindus, but fact of the matter is many of them are Muslim.
Which of these groups is the most dominant in population?
I am going to guess the most dominant groups are Indians and maybe Mexicans.
How well do these people get along with each other?
I honestly do not know. From what I have heard, Bangladeshis have begun owning many business and are slowly establishing a larger community. To tell you the truth I never experienced any tension directly, but I feel like in businesses, some people have difficulty getting jobs due to differences in religion and heritage.
Most of the shop windows display Hindu Statues, while most of the Muslim paintings are sold on the street. Do you know why this is?
I am not sure. I would guess that the Hindus got to Jackson Heights first.
What are the different religions practiced in Jackson Heights?
Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
What religion is the most common?
Do not know, first guess, Hinduism
How well do the people of different religions get along?
Well considering religion is one of the greatest dividers I suppose Muslims and Hindus don’t always get together, but I feel like in America these tensions have relaxed.
In the business world does anyone discriminate in the costumers they allow to shop or the people they do business with?
At the Subzi Mundi, or at the local stores there is definitely not any discrimination. I’m not sure in hiring employees or at doctor’s offices there may be favors if you are of one race.
--Mina Aziz 05:03, 20 April 2009 (UTC)