Champas Socialist wrote a piece recently about the diversity of CULTURE (he didn't say diversity of RACE) in Australia. Having never been to Australia, I really can't say much about whether he is right or wrong, but must respond to what has been a running topic on JU; the tendency to compare diversity of culture.

I was born in Marion, Indiana. For those in the know, Marion is a hotbed of Klan activity in a STATE that is equally a hotbed of Klan activity. The rural areas of the state are predominantly white, and there's a strong desire among many to KEEP it that way.

I was raised in Enid, Oklahoma, a community that, like many communities, is still rather segregated. This is the reality of life for many in the American South.

I have lived in Tacoma Washington, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and in Chicago, Illinois. In each of these communities I have seen a racial diversity that was a virtual culture shock to my rural roots.

And yet we are, on paper, one of the most racially diverse countries on earth, if not THE most racially diverse country. While it is self evident in the larger cities, it is a fact that doesn't trickle down to certain communities. Racial diversity in this country, then, is largely dependent on where you live. I suspect the same is true of Australia, Canada, and many other sizable countries.