People interviewed in Northwest Washington, D.C. agreed on Wednesday that diversity is necessary in social groups in order for people to have a better understanding of different cultures.
Though some did not have diversity within their circle of friends, all believed that it presents an opportunity to learn and appreciate differences within other individuals.
“You can only improve yourself and your understanding by stepping out of your comfort zone,” said Andrew Griffin, 37.
Those in diverse groups say that their friends have given them a view of the world from a different perspective. People say they enjoy learning about different customs and traditions.
They are able to talk about experiences of their friends that they know they may never have. At times people agree that it can be harder to understand each other’s different viewpoints but encourages them to have an open mind to different perspectives.
Kaylee Hillard, 21, was shocked when she left her hometown of Dallas, Pennsylvania.
With a graduating class of approximately 100 students, Hillard described her small town as mostly white and conservative with a very “one way of thinking.”
She says coming to American University in Washington D.C. with students from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds made her think her town was “close-minded.” Hillard now has a diverse friend group and believes diversity has taught her about the way others think.
Those in more homogeneous groups say that having friends with similar cultural backgrounds makes it easier to relate to each other. They also share similar past experiences. Many said it was also based on comfort and finding a support system that fits their needs.
Dani Derosario, 18, a Filipino student at American University, was born in the Philippines and later immigrated to the United States.
“Coming to the United States and finding a community that I really fit in and felt like home was important to me,” Derosario said.