It has been noted in the movie “Julie & Julia” that Queens is treated with Manhattanite disdain as a punch line and punching bag.
This is nothing new, of course. For many people whose contact with Queens is limited to our airports, the Mets and the U.S. Open, their image of Queens is the home of bigots and rappers: Archie Bunker, 50 Cent and LL Cool J.
But we know better. Queens is the most diverse county in the country, where 170 languages are spoken, and home to the most foreign-born residents living in the United States. This diversity is reflected in our rich cultural offerings, the unique character of our communities, new arrivals and longtime residents and a melting pot of all of the above.
Regardless of how Queens is portrayed in popular culture, those of us lucky enough to live here are proud to call it home.
Daniel Egers
Whitestone
