Interview Case

This paper is a result of an interview with someone who is different from the interviewer in race, age, culture and ethnic background. This paper will discuss the background of the individual as a child and will also discuss crucial issues on how the individual feels with regard to herself, society, her family and to the interviewer.

The individual being interviewed is my friend, Shelley. Shelley is a dynamic, Jewish woman who was born and raised in the Washington Heights section of New York City. She is married to a Jewish man and they have one daughter. Shelley lived in an enormous apartment building with several families from different backgrounds. Everyone was considered middle class income families and was financially stabled. As a child being different was never a factor, she did not believe that her neighbors were different, ethnic or otherwise. No one was ever labeled, just normal. She lived on the fourth floor with her parents, her older brother and older sister. The residents varied in ethnicity and diversity which included Spanish, Greek, Polish, French, Italians and Americans; no one was a minority. The different religions ranged from Greek Orthodox to Protestant. The superintendent of the building and his family lived there as well, they were African-American. The holidays there were enjoyed by all including Jewish and Christian holidays. Each New Year's Eve was hosted by the Greek family. The whole building community was invited for food and drink; no one was left out. It was a cultural experience that benefited everyone who participated.