I love culture.
I love diversity.
Living in the South, as you might imagine, presents a few difficulties.
Not that the South lacks culture (it's definitely unique), but it's just not a Petri dish full of diversity.
I mean, the only Asian student at my high school had a George Bush drawl. He probably liked his politics, too.
That's why I love living in a university town.
I have close friends from Korea, Kenya, Nigeria, India, China and Italy.
I've tasted authentic Thai food, shopped at an Indian mall in Atlanta and I've even gotten married Korean style.
International students spice up my life. And I'm not just talking about the food.
Hanging out with people from other countries may be one of my favorite things about going to Auburn. That's right, it's up there with hugging Aubie and beating Bama.
I won't lie, becoming friends with international students was definitely awkward at first. Try using pop culture references to break the ice with someone who has never heard of Michael Scott or Jon and Kate. Fail.
Not to mention the language barrier. Trying to understand my valley girl like ramblings must be like my 10-year-old self trying to understand what the heck the Spice Girls were talking about in the fast part of "If You Wanna Be My Lover."
I often wonder why more people don't get to know them.
Fear? Arrogance? Ignorance? Whatever the reason, they are missing out.
My friend Rawee from Thailand could show everyone in Auburn a thing or two about dancing, and my friend Lynn from South Korea could suggest some fashionable alternatives for the Uggs and leggings crowd (and... I digress. I don't want to beat a dead horse with that subject). Matteo from Italy can make any woman feel beautiful with a warm embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
My point is--diversity is a good thing.
As the world gets smaller and smaller, people have got to leave the ethnocentrism, fear and misconceptions back in the 20th century. Let our parents be the last generation to hold onto those things.
Racism doesn't end with black and white, and ignoring people is just as hurtful as deliberately discriminating against them.
America is great and all, and I am so glad I have freedom, democracy and football, but I think we get caught up in our greatness. There's so much more of the world to see.
Seeing life from someone from another country's perspective is humbling, eye-opening and utterly life changing.
People who can provide that perspective are all around us--sitting in class, teaching our classes, studying at the table next to us at the library.
Let's get out of our perfect friend bubbles and be adventurous.
Want world peace?
Well, Miss America, let's show some hospitality.
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