Something that’s pretty noticeable when traveling around is the difference in diversity between first and third world countries. Here in Sydney, there are many different ethnicities present when you walk down the street. “White” people are definitely the most common, but you see lots of other nonwhite people when walking around.

Back in Arusha, it was extremely homogeneous. You pretty much only saw black people. If you saw someone of a different ethnicity, usually on the main strip in town, you immediately knew (s)he wasn’t a local, and most likely a tourist.

This lack of diversity goes beyond mere street observations. It affects the openness of a culture. As I noted in my post about the harbour, you can just feel the openness in Sydney. There’s simply less judgement in peoples’ dispositions. People are used to different, in a way. It’s almost the opposite in Arusha. People categorize people, and indeed ways of doing things, as “native” or “other," “normal” or “different.” People aren’t exposed to new ideas and there's much less innovation.

Of course this diversity issue is directly related to a complex puzzle of economics, poverty, and education. People want to immigrate to first world countries because it enables them to improve their lives; they don’t equate emigrating to third world countries as an opportunity. I’m saying diversity is a significant contributing factor to the perspectives and attitudes of a community, in addition to the socioeconomic conditions. I never realized how important a factor it is to one’s environment.

The reality is people in third world countries fall further and further behind, in large part because of this lack of diversity. There’s fewer ideas or modes of operation, innovation isn’t valued, and progress isn’t prioritized. It’s not fair. Are Australians more important than Tanzanians? Do we let our global economy be dominated by a few key areas?

We can affect these circumstances and make a difference. Insisting every human has the ability to internet access will help spread information and education. And for the fortunate ones who are able to travel, have real conversations with locals. Represent your culture and values the best you can. Because transcontinental friendships formed can have a permanent impact—I’ve experienced it firsthand. We are a global community. If we view it that way, we can make it a more welcoming one.