9 July, 1992 Op-Ed Editor ‘The New York Times 229 West 43rd Street New York, NY 10036 Dear Op-Ed Editor, ‘As we reflect upon the meaning of the riots here in Washington Heights it might be useful to cast our experience in a more global context. New York is a "city of the world" and what happens here, though in some sense extreme, is an example of sorts for the rest of the world. ‘The Middle East, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, etc. are all drearily familiar examples of how different peoples would rather kill each other than live together. It is essential that we keep in mind the uniqueness and importance of our dynamic, cosmopolitan and generally harmonious diversity. The fact of our diversity means that those who are truly immersed in this New York ethic and can fruitfully coexist with those who are different are -- in the deepest sense of the word ~ civilized. ‘There may be examples of one's New York experience -- beyond just the dirt and grime —- where one may doubt this concept of civilization, We certainly have our daily despairing doses of racism, hatred, prejudice and violence. Unfortunately, these are emotions and responses that have characterized human evolution since its most primitive beginnings. Human beings, of course, are still evolving, and New York is poised on the edge of that evolution. Here in New York we are constantly, some would say relentlessly, being confronted with differing cultures and ideals. Some of the responses to this are regressive in nature; while others are progressive. Thus, of all the places in the world where progress may be achieved, where we can learn to live together, New York ironically stands best situated. In other words, if we fail to coexist peacefully here, how can we expect the dream of peace to be possible elsewhere? For New Yorkers, the phrase: "think globally and act locally" seems ‘most apropos. ‘Yours sincerely, Bie ah Ogan Gurel 50 Haven Avenue, #210 New York, NY 10032 Tel/Fax: (212) 694-5690 S. Lam an MD/PHD student at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, a graduate of Harvard College, author of Prospectus Practico-Philosophicus: A Philosophical Guide to New York City and a resident of Washington Heights.