Introduction
Growing up I was never so immersed in cultural diversity. My community was a white community. Until I made my first of many moves, to a townhouse when I was 8, there I saw my first members of color. Still though that was limited; it wasn’t until I moved to Arlington when I was 18 did I truly appreciate that there were many peoples of different race, skin color, culture, religion, language, and ethnicity. All my experiences and opinions on cultural diversity are derived from my time living in Arlington. For me it was like moving to another country. The culture shock was great. I knew that not everyone was the same but I had never lived among people who did not share my customs, culture, religion, skin color, or race.
In the United States the majority may be White Americans; however, in my community I feel we are in the minority. My estimates for Arlington County’s population are 80% illegal Hispanic immigrants, 15% African Americans, and 5% Whites. According to the US Census bureau’s 2004 poll, though, the percentages do not match up. They show Whites are 63.5%, Hispanics 17.1%, and African Americans 9.1%. (US Census Bureau 2004) I find these numbers hard to believe being a member in the community. The census bureau would not be able to get an accurate account do to the illegal population of Hispanics that enter our community every day. By asking myself and others in the community these key questions I offer a more personal and accurate view of race in my community.
Do members of your community look like you? In what ways do they look the same or different? There are some members of my community who look like me share my race, religion and culture; however there are those who do not. Some are different races and different skin tones. Many do not speak the same language as me. Still others do not have the same religious beliefs. I would say the majority of them do not share my race, color, religion, or culture. Even still there are basic...