New York City. Probably the most diverse city on the earth. One would think that deep, intellectual conversations with diverse thinking is something that happens regularly. I have found that not to be the case.
Where are the conversations amongst friends where voices raise and debating words increase in speed so quickly that on-lookers are confused as to whether a fight will break out or wine glasses will be raised in toast? Where are the conversations that have me going straight to amazon.com so I may further research points raised by those around the table and broaden my own thinking? Where are those individuals who can bring global thinking to the table and actually challenge my mind?
Where is the diversity of thought?
Oh yes, I've met several people here with whom I can get into debating conversations that make me think. But what are they making me think about? Most of the time I find myself wondering how someone their age can be stuck in such a parochial mentality, circular thinking, or such illogical and irrational thought processes. And, I'm meeting so many people who treat sound bites as data points. The strange thing is that these aren't uneducated individuals. They are highly schooled and work for some of the top companies. So what is causing the limitations?
From where I'm standing, it seems to be a combination of lacking a broad world view and living in New York City.
Sure, many work on Wall Street or a Fortune 100 company. Many have attended the best schools in the US. But have they traveled the world and experienced other cultures? Are their circle of friends diverse enough to challenge their thinking?
And living in New York City seems to automatically shift priorities. Fashion trends and the drama of celebrities' lives seem to trump what is happening to the people in third world countries and how our foreign policies play out in other parts of the world.
Or, to be fair (you all knew this was coming)...
Could it be that after working & being in the NYC rat race all day that we turn to mindless entertainment to lighten things up for ourselves?
I know I promised this wouldn't be a blog of whining, but I just returned from dinner at a friend's and it was only one of a few conversations I've had since moving to NYC two years ago that was actually thought-provoking and broadened my thinking. It was delightful!
Please don't get me wrong, I love New York! I love my friends! I love the diversity of the city! On this regard, I just expected something different from New York City.
So, blast Cincinnati all you want, but conversations which challenge your thinking with diverse views from various ends of the earth happen almost daily.
I miss that from my community.
So, come on NYC, let's step it up a bit!
