Open-minded and progressive...?

[suncat]

Originally Posted by aalverson

my definition of a diverse location is one that includes musical/theatrical performances of varying types, universities that offer an array of educational focus... variation in job/professional opportunities

It's interesting how our definitions of diversity are different. Portland is the most homogeneous city of its size that I've ever been to, and I'm not talking just about race. Where is the variety of musical/theatrical performances you mention? There are lots of offerings, but most of them are mediocre.

The city has several small and expensive colleges with fine reputations (such as Lewis & Clark or Reed), but you can't call that a diverse offering by any means. OHSU's medical school is one of the nation's best, but Portland State is the only other public university this city has. Students wanting to attend an above-average public university have to go out of town or out of state. The city doesn't even have a public law school.

And don't get me started on the job/professional opportunities, unless you define diversity by what is available to a 25-year-old member of the "creative class."

[aalverson]

suncat-
This could go on forever, and frankly I'm over it. I've stated my beliefs as best I can and included the disclaimer that no one needs to agree with me. Clearly you and I don't think alike and that is fine with me. Believe what you feel is right, but don't consider me ignorant to the realities of this city simply because I don't agree with you. People see what they want to see, and sometimes it is beneficial to look outside your box and at least attempt to comprehend the views of others.

[suncat]

Originally Posted by aalverson

suncat-
This could go on forever, and frankly I'm over it. I've stated my beliefs as best I can and included the disclaimer that no one needs to agree with me. Clearly you and I don't think alike and that is fine with me. Believe what you feel is right, but don't consider me ignorant to the realities of this city simply because I don't agree with you. People see what they want to see, and sometimes it is beneficial to look outside your box and at least attempt to comprehend the views of others.

I think you over-reacted to my post. I merely stated my point of view, as someone who has lived here for 20 years.

As you said yourself, everyone has a different lens. All I did was point out some areas in which Portland is not diverse. Did I consider you ignorant of the realities of this city? I don't recall saying that in any way or shape.

[GB1]

Perhaps both sides can console themselves with the knowledge that Portlanders seem to have some diverse opinions on the city's diversity, or lack thereof.

[aalverson]

Originally Posted by GB1

Perhaps both sides can console themselves with the knowledge that Portlanders seem to have some diverse opinions on the city's diversity, or lack thereof.

Irony at its finest. I'll leave it at that. Sometimes the best thing a person can do is know when to shut up.