Diversity is all around us – in our communities, our schools, our workplaces. But sometimes it can be challenging to find and experience true diversity. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best places to see, experience, and appreciate diversity in its many forms.
Major metropolitan areas
One of the best places to experience diversity is in major cities. Urban areas tend to have people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. For example, New York City has sizable populations of immigrants from countries all over the world – China, India, Russia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and more. Over 800 languages are spoken in NYC! Similarly, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and other large cities are global melting pots. There are ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown and more where you can immerse yourself in food, culture, and language. The diversity also extends beyond ethnicity – cities have diversity of sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, and more.
Experiencing diversity in cities
There are plenty of ways to experience urban diversity:
- Attend a cultural festival or event. Many cities have annual events celebrating various cultures.
- Eat at an ethnic restaurant. Big cities have cuisine from all corners of the world.
- Visit diverse neighborhoods. Take a walking tour or just wander and take in the sights and sounds.
- People watch in a busy urban area. You’ll see people of all ages, races, styles, and backgrounds.
- Talk to people! Strike up friendly conversations to hear personal stories.
- Check out places of worship. Visit churches, temples, mosques and more.
- See diverse art and performances. Cities have art exhibits, music, theater representing various cultures.
Keep an open mind, explore with curiosity, appreciation and respect, and you’ll gain wonderful perspectives from urban diversity.
Public transportation
Buses, trains, subways and other public transit provide another great opportunity for diversity exposure. When commuting for work or exploring a city, you’ll be surrounded by people from all walks of life. Of course, be respectful and keep to yourself, but observing and even briefly interacting with other riders can expand your horizons.
Some cities like New York have very high rates of public transportation use. Over 5 million people ride the NYC subway every day! This brings together people of any race, nationality, age, socioeconomic status, and disability. Rushing to work, running errands, heading to school, or sightseeing – anyone can ride. You may share space with CEOs and celebrities or homeless individuals, foreign tourists, and life-long city dwellers. This mix of humanity in motion makes public transportation endlessly fascinating.
Tips for appreciating diversity on transit
- Ride different train and bus lines. Some may have more commuters, others more tourists, others particular demographics.
- Chat with a neighbor if they seem receptive. Avoid sensitive topics and don’t pry.
- Notice the diversity of languages you hear.
- Observe how people interact and coexist in shared space.
- See how accessibility needs are accommodated.
- Watch for acts of kindness among strangers.
Public transportation also reflects the economic and racial diversity of cities, as lower income individuals and minorities tend to rely more on transit. Be thoughtful to understand people’s circumstances.
Places of worship
Attending religious services provides a look at spiritual diversity you may not otherwise experience. Here are some great ways to respectfully observe:
Visit different types of worship spaces
There are endless varieties of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and meeting houses. Even within a single religion, rites and customs can be very different. For example, a traditional ornate Orthodox service is vastly different from an evangelical megachurch. Services can range from very solemn to joyfully exuberant.
Attend open services
Many congregations have occasional open services where visitors are welcome. Some even provide observer guides explaining the proceedings. You’ll see firsthand how their worship is conducted.
Experience cultural traditions
Religious services integrate rich cultural heritage. You may witness unique music, dress, holidays and rituals. For instance, experience the passion of gospel choirs or the festivity of Diwali celebrations.
Learn from followers
Talking to regular attendees and clergy gives insight into their beliefs. You may find more common ground than expected!
While participating, be thoughtful not to interrupt practices or overstep. The goal is to quietly learn, not pass judgement.
Community centers
Community and recreation centers provide activities, services, and more. They serve diverse groups based on location, mission and services offered. For example, centers focused on immigration services, LGBTQ support, disabilities, job training, youth, seniors, arts, and more. Staff are usually welcoming to those interested in learning more.
Get involved
You can gain exposure to diversity by:
- Volunteering for a center’s programs.
- Donating supplies needed by the community.
- Attendingspecial events like fundraisers or holiday events.
- Taking classes on topics like English as a second language, cultural cooking, arts & crafts.
Through immersive experiences, you’ll understand the community more deeply and form meaningful relationships.
College campuses
Colleges aim to attract students from diverse backgrounds, creating vibrant multicultural environments. While improving access for minorities and international students, there is still progress to be made. But campus life does provide amazing opportunities for exposure.
You can experience the diversity by:
- Walking around campus and taking in the student body.
- Visiting cultural centers and museums.
- Attending public lectures, performances, and events.
- Eating at dining halls and food courts.
- Joining campus tours customized for prospective students.
College also shape students’ attitudes toward inclusion and equity. So you may notice campus culture embracing diversity even amid some ongoing challenges.
Forming community
To foster community, colleges promote:
- Cross-cultural dialogues and lectures
- Multicultural Greek life and student unions
- Festivals like Black History Month and Pride
- Inclusive housing, sports, and activities
There are always opportunities to become more welcoming. But college campuses reveal a lot about diversity’s present and future.
The workplace
Workplaces play an important role in exposing people to diversity. Interacting with colleagues of different backgrounds can challenge stereotypes and unconscious biases. Some ways companies promote diversity and inclusion:
- Recruiting employees of all identities and cultures
- Offering diversity training workshops
- Creating employee resource groups
- Celebrating multicultural holidays
- Encouraging open dialogues on diversity issues
While progress still needs to be made, many workplaces reflect diversity as well as efforts to foster inclusivity.
Tips for appreciating workplace diversity
- Attend social events to interact with all coworkers
- Learn about different cultural traditions from coworkers
- Participate in workshops and dialogues when offered
- Treat all colleagues with equal respect
- Speak up if you observe unfair treatment
An inclusive environment starts with each employee’s mindset and actions. We can all play a role in workplace diversity.
The arts
Artistic spaces like museums, theaters, concert halls, galleries, festivals and more all provide opportunities for exposure to diversity. Different forms of artistic expression convey cultural perspectives and experiences. And the arts community strives to promote inclusion and representation both on stage and behind the scenes.
Where to experience diversity in the arts
- Culturally specific museums (e.g. National Museum of African American History and Culture)
- Local galleries exhibiting works by minority artists
- Theater productions written by and starring diverse performers
- Dance performances of styles from around the world (e.g. Indian classical, Afro-Brazilian)
- Concerts by international musicians and those championing their cultural heritage
- Public artworks Created by minority and immigrant artists
- Inclusive community arts centers and classes
Engage thoughtfully, knowing diverse artists still face challenges having their voices fully heard. But the arts unlock powerful perspectives.
Through travel
Traveling domestically and abroad provides tremendous opportunities for exposure. But it requires effort to authentically experience the local culture vs. staying in your comfort zone.
Tips for appreciating diversity while traveling
- Stay in local neighborhoods vs. heavily tourist areas
- Use public transportation to experience how locals live
- Shop and dine at local businesses instead of chains
- Visit schools, community centers, places of worship
- Talk to locals you meet – hear their stories
- Read up beforehand on customs, etiquette, history
- Join a cultural tour – food, art, music, etc.
Immersing yourself while traveling takes some courage but opens your mind. You gain empathy and context for cultures different than your own.
Festivals and cultural events
Cities worldwide host festivals and events celebrating specific cultures. They offer fun, meaningful ways to experience diversity.
Types of cultural festivals
- Ethnic heritage festivals (Irish, Turkish, Indian, etc.)
- Pride parades and LGBTQ events
- Indigenous peoples’ events
- Refugee and immigrant festivals
- Religious and spiritual festivals
- Folk festivals with traditional music, dance, crafts
- Cultural neighborhood fairs
- Film festivals featuring diverse artists
These vibrant events let you sample food, music, dance, crafts and more! You also gain insight into the community’s experience.
Tips for attending
- Research event history and significance
- Dress and behave respectfully
- Ask before photographing participants
- Support vendors/artists at booths
- Introduce yourself and ask questions
- Soak up the atmosphere with an open mind
Festivals enable celebratory, immersive cultural learning. Support them to foster community diversity.
Places of education
Schools, libraries, museums – anywhere people learn – provide diversity exposure. We grow by encountering and understanding new information and perspectives. Some great educational sources of diversity:
Libraries
Libraries offer books, media, storytimes, events and classes on diverse topics. Their programming spotlights cultural heritage months. Multilingual collections serve immigrant communities.
Museums
Museums have exhibits conveying many cultural narratives. Natural history museums highlight indigenous knowledge. Art museums broaden artistic exposure. Culturally specific museums celebrate heritage.
Schools
Visiting schools, you may see their diversity in racial demographics, languages spoken, accommodations for disabilities, etc. Multicultural school events let families share traditions.
Lectures and presentations
Community centers, religious institutions, colleges, organizations and libraries host speakers on diversity topics – free and open to the public.
Wherever you can expand your knowledge, you come closer to understanding diverse perspectives.
Conclusion
While not exhaustive, we’ve covered some of the top places to encounter diversity in meaningful ways. The key is being open-minded, curious and respectful. Immerse yourself among the people, foods, languages, traditions and activities of cultures different than your own. Keep a learner’s mindset – ask questions, listen, reflect. By seeking out diversity, we expand our awareness and circle of compassion.