Wandering the streets of New York, one cannot help but be struck by the incredible diversity of the people of the city. The number of languages spoken and the number of cultures represented give life to the term “melting pot.” Experiencing the term in action, seeing such unique people and lifestyles come together without merging, is gratifying. It makes me proud of what was once uniquely American, but is now a much more global phenomenon. How anyone could fail to appreciate this chaotic mix of cultures is beyond me.
Granted, there is the potential for clashes and in today’s volatile international climate there is understandable apprehension about cultures unknown, but the good that can come from embracing diversity is so much greater than any that might come from isolation and intolerance.
