The assignment was to take pictures of different ethnic groups at work. We went into a Chinese restaurant on 116th Street and Second Avenue. I ordered chicken wings and fried rice. When the cook started to flip the food around the wok, I took his picture. I think the picture captures a cultural moment.
Many Chinese people work in Chinese restaurants throughout the city.
They work in all neighborhoods, with all different ethnic groups. I think the people in my neighborhood respect the workers in the Chinese restaurants because they're dealing with our food. I think the workers in the Chinese restaurants respect us because we give them our money. The people in the Chinese restaurant near my house know me, and know what I like when I come into the restaurant. It makes me feel respected.