World Citizens

In this day and age, with everyone around the world just a click away being a "world citizen" is vital. Many jobs are becoming international and understanding cultures around the world is important. Diversity and multiculturalism has been an american staple far before my generation. When I identify myself as an American, I know there are thousands of others nothing like me who also share that identity. But are we really that diverse? After my recent trip to South Africa I have started to question that. Though we all may look different, we share the same language, music, food, and style. It seems that in America our diversity is only skin deep. On the other hand, South Africa is completely different. There is the obvious black and white differences, but within those races there are so many different types of people. Nkonko M. Kamwangamalu even points out that english, the most widely used language, has many layers that South Africans identify themselves with. There is a world of cultures in one tiny country. Its a strange situation that I am not used to, but filled with opportunity. With 11 different languages, cultures, and identities, accepting and understanding the rest of the worlds' differences would become almost second nature. To quote a new friend from Johannesburg (see photo), "Everyone is different in South Africa, if you want to experience a new culture all you have to do is walk down the street." That is such an easy way to begin to understand the different cultures in world and to really become a world citizen. Well, a lot easier than a 16.5 hour plane ride.

~Kiara