Such a warm and lovely night we had on Tuesday. It was one of those
weird summer days in Chicago when it
should feel like fall, but instead it’s a scorching
96 degrees + humidity. That night, however, was perfect. My landlord invited us to an impromptu cookout on our
rooftop, which I love because it’s anything but ordinary. While we were sitting there getting to know
his guest from Brazil and new tenant from Italy- it hit me how incredibly lucky
I am to live in true diversity. Yes, TRUE diversity – not the corporate America BS definition. You know, they employ an African American, Middle Eastern and
Latino and call it a day. Our view of diversity is so incredibly skewed it
blows my mind sometimes.
I grew up in a suburb where we had an equal mix of ethnicity:
White, Black, Middle Eastern and Latino. That was always normal to me. On my
first day of college, we had to share something about ourselves that was
interesting or unique – or something – you know the drill. When it came to the
girl sitting next to me, she quietly said “this is the first time I am in a
room with a person of color” – say whaaaaaaaaaat??
This isn't the 60’s, girl. I’ll never forget the look on her face or the expression on mine lol. I couldn't believe this poor girl, in her 18-or-so years of life
was so sheltered. But it’s not her fault. And I applaud her for leaving Bufu, IL
or wherever the hell she came from to experience the real world.
If you haven’t experienced TRUE diversity, you need to get on
it.
Back to my rooftop story: at one point of the night, there
was an Egyptian, Brazilian, Italian,
Guatemalan, Irish-Norwegian
and a couple of Mexicans listening to African music. We were learning about each
other in a way that could never be read in a text book; swapping travel stories, favorite foods, old traditions, learning phrases in Portuguese – I mean, it
was awesome. I don’t normally step back and take time to admire the amazing company that
surrounds me, but that night I did. (and it made me realize I should do it more often)
You have so much to gain and nothing to lose from having an open mind. I mean, really –
OPEN YOUR MIND. Learn something new, get lost, travel alone, travel with
someone, make friends with a stranger, ask someone about their goals and aspirations, do the things you’re not “supposed to do”- because
it isn’t “safe” or whatever the bullshit reason is. Use common sense, obviously - but you get my point. Let go of your fears and
get out there! Travel with your mind. There is sooooo much to learn! "The mind is like a parachute, it doesn't work unless it's open."
Here is a little inspiration
(my favorite short-videos
of all time)
Okay – where are you
really going with this, Daisy.
I am inspired. And I am starting a new project called
enséñame
(teach me). It’s a project
with a mission to learn things about cultures from all over the world, more specifically-
about their food, art and tradition. I will document and publish my findings
here. My mom will bless the
project as my first “teacher” this weekend.
I hope I inspire YOU to learn something new. Stay tuned!
