Above is my class list for my seminar (my discussion class). Now, look at the names. How many countries do we represent? (Don't look at the countries listed, those are our presentation topics... obviously, I am not from Kosovo.) With names like Angbazo, Seremwe, Thapa, Ahlblad, Ovcinnikovs, Lyubenov etc that is already 6 countries we represent (not even counting dual citizenship's people may have). It makes me laugh now that UMD boasts of being super diverse... nothing compared how diverse London Met is. The diversity in my class represents London as a city as well. Everyday, I hear people speaking an array of languages-- Eggon, French, Portuguese, Yoruba, Chinese, Urdu, Polish, Igbo, Greek, Cantonese, Farsi, etc etc etc. I absolutely love it.
I have considered myself a very cosmopolitan person. I love diversity. I love seeing people different from me and I am amazed by the differences. I just want to immerse myself in everyone's culture and speak every language in in the world (HAHA). It is really refreshing to see. Another plus is the fact that no one is expected to assimilate to any culture. London culture is being diverse. By being different, all of us in the class are part of London culture.
NYC and DC are also considered global cities but I cannot remember getting this vibe when I visit. Maybe because being here I am more open to seeing fascinating things. But next time I go to NYC or DC, I will try to look out for signs of openness to diversity.
What do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment