The place had an open kitchen, where you could watch the chef and staff prepare your meal as you listened to the requisite “old Italy” music on the ceiling speakers and soaked up the faux-Tuscan atmosphere. Any resemblence to la bella Italia stopped at the kitchen entrance, however.


For there wasn’t an Italian to be found at the stove. This restaurant had a big staff, comprised of almost every ethnic group you could think of. Except, as mentioned, Italians.


The head chef was African-American. The rest of the kitchen staff was Hispanic, Asian and Caucasian. My waiter had an Irish first name. And it crossed my mind: this is when the term “melting pot” comes in handy.


There’s been a lot of news lately about the role of immigrants, legal and illegal, in American society. And there has — and always will be — news about race and racism. Emotions raised while discussing these subjects have ranged from reasonable to ugly (in a radio report on the immigration controversey, one woman, in this day and age, actually complained about foreigners bringing “all their diseases” into this country).


Lost in all the clamor is that, like it or not, most of us are here because of immigrants, and what we call “American culture” is because of people coming from Over There to Over Here, where races and cultures intermingle and co-exist, if sometimes uneasily.


Now I can certainly understand where people get riled about “outsiders” being here without the proper paperwork, and whether they are a blessing or a burden to the American job scene. I can understand those who have grown up comfortable in their own culture and look with worry as other cultures and races inject themselves into the familiar. And as far as “outsiders” are concerned, well, just ask any American Indian ...


It’s when folks start using terms such as “those people” and turn a healthy debate into a xenophobic rant that causes me to shake my head. Fear of the foreign has always been with us — “No Irish Need Apply” were four of the most well-known words in 1800s America. And we all know what black Americans — decendants of slaves, the most reluctant of immigrants — went through as recently as the late 1900s.


But are we going to go back down that route in the 21st century? I like to think not.


No, I’m not one of those “let’s tolerate everything about everyone” people. I, for one, cannot stand rap music. And I’m sure there are rap fans out there, of all colors, who can’t fathom what I see in jazz. That’s OK.


As for illegal immigrants, my feelings are mixed — I see their point of view but also find myself thinking that my ancestors came here legally, learned the language and ... You get the picture.


Quite a lot of thought during a short meal. But that’s what happens when a black chef, his Asian assistant, his Hispanic kitchen staff and a white waiter all work together to bring you an Italian lunch.


Keep stirring that melting pot.


Stephen Kopfinger is a Sunday News staff writer. Contact him at skopfinger@lnpnews or at 291-8799. blog comments powered by Disqus