"Even though I grew up as a Sephardic Jew in Brooklyn where we ate Syrian food and went to temple, it was still America"

In this quote, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi reviews his training as a Sephardic Jew in Brooklyn. He acknowledges the cultural and religious impacts of his neighborhood, such as eating Syrian food and attending temple. Nevertheless, he also stresses that regardless of these unique aspects of his childhood, he still recognizes as an American. This declaration highlights the idea of the melting pot that is America, where individuals from varied backgrounds can come together and still share a typical identity. It likewise speaks with the idea of welcoming one's cultural heritage while also belonging of a bigger, inclusive society.