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To me at least, cosmopolitan and sophisticated mean different things.
When I think sophistication, I think of appreciation for the beaux arts and access high-end shopping and dining.
While, to me, cosmopolitan means globally aware, diverse, and integrated. Cosmopolitan embraces high culture, low culture, pop culture, and immigrant cultures equally. Being cosmopolitan sees value in monster trucks as well as ballet. Being cosmopolitan means having an open mind, and not being afraid to be seen on the wrong side of the tracks. Cosmopolitanism is about inquiry, modesty, respect, and community.
Given this definition, are their any cities that you find to be cosmopolitan, but not necessary the most sophisticated?
I assume that Sacramento, Austin, or Raleigh might fit the bill, but have never been to any of those places.
I've never been to New Orleans, but I can see it being a celebration of so many different cultures.
It really isnt. I think New Orleans is more sophisticated than it is cosmopolitan.
New Orleans is a city that is world class on some levels (food, nightlife, culture) and lacks in others (diversity, global-ness). I suppose that could be said about a lot of places.
It really isnt. I think New Orleans is more sophisticated than it is cosmopolitan.
New Orleans is a city that is world class on some levels (food, nightlife, culture) and lacks in others (diversity, global-ness). I suppose that could be said about a lot of places.
New Orleans doesn't lack in diversity at all when compared to average cities. Globalness? Everyone know's what and where New Orleans is, but from an economic stand point falls far far behind. Shopping is also very lacking for such a tourism driven city. That's part of the sophistication.
Houston, too might have that global awareness, but still being relatively laid back.
Yet still having plenty of sophistication. The high arts and fashion exist here along with a very wealthy and well-traveled population to support them.
New Orleans is a good answer. Definitely very eclectic, but still a bit unrefined and rough around the edges. A lack of state of the art facilities and institutions and not much of a shopping destination. Don't get me wrong, there is a high end, worldly sect, but it makes up a much smaller percentage of the city's culture.
New Orleans is a good answer. Definitely very eclectic, but still a bit unrefined and rough around the edges. A lack of state of the art facilities and institutions and not much of a shopping destination. Don't get me wrong, there is a high end, worldly sect, but it makes up a much smaller percentage of the city's culture.
That wordly population, mostly well-traveled young professionals, is rising quickly. Lots of rough edges though, more like Rio than Sydney.
I think the sophistication can live in an unrefined city. It's what makes the city.
Savannah is less rowdy than New Orleans. It's slower, a bit more conservative, and more into the arts and fashion.
Seems a good candidate for this thread.
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