New York is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in the world and the diversity represented in the city is unlike any other place. Manhattan is often used to represent New York’s economic status but the borough that best represents New York’s diversity is probably Brooklyn. Numerous neighborhoods in Brooklyn are more or less successful experiments in harmonious integration of different ethnic groups.
The neighborhoods are usually characterized by diverse nationalities such as Indians, Pakistanis, Polish, Russians, Chinese, and Germans. These ethnic groups embrace diversity at its core, often inviting each other to home events. Festivals and events popular in different countries around the world are celebrated with the original spirit, with special attention to details for authenticity. The excitement and joy on everyone’s face makes it difficult to distinguish between the hosts and the participants. Events like these promote cultural appreciation and display of culture is not limited to festivals but other things, too.

Walking through the neighborhoods, it is often impossible to escape the aroma of ethnic cuisine. Some announce themselves more loudly such as Indian cuisine that use strong spices. Others announce their love affair with meat through smoky, dry aroma. Cultural diversity also manifests itself in the different methods of greetings on display whether South Americans giving kiss on the cheeks, Indians holding their two hands together, or Pakistanis shaking hands and giving tight hugs. This cultural display teaches those with love of learning that the key to peace and unity among different countries is open communication and greater interaction. When different cultures interact with each other, they develop mutually-friendly attitudes towards each other.

Intellectual discussions can be heard taking place among some of the most unlikely groups such as middle and high school students gathered to participate in a sport activity. Young people are newly forming their worldview and are often troubled by the contradiction between lessons they were taught and what they observe. The discussions range on a wide variety of issues including politics, history, and cultures. The young New Yorkers can be heard reflecting upon their personal experiences in other places as well as those in New York. One could sense the contradictions on their faces as they struggle between their ethnic origins and their new identities as Americans. These young residents of the city often discover their conclusions differ quite a lot from those of their respective parents. In addition to the conversations, there are also several distractions that catch the attention of the passer bys such as the unique atmosphere of basketball courts, the sound of basketball hitting the board, the passionate conversations taking place during breaks, and the sound of automobiles randomly passing by on the street.

Cultural experience is often incomplete without music and Brooklyn neighborhoods can be a valuable introduction to music from all over the world. Even when one may not understand a foreign language, the beauty of bhangra or reggae or rap songs from other cultures remind one that music is truly universal. The popularity of cultural music using traditional instruments such as drums instead of modern instruments like guitars is a stark reminder that past always finds a way to get back in to the popular culture.

If Manhattan is the economic soul of New York City, Brooklyn is the cultural soul of New York City where one experiences culture through all sensory tools including sight, smell, and taste. Cultures comes alive in Brooklyn just as they are in their native homes.