AURORA | Sentinel Colorado editor, Dave Perry, talked with Colorado Public Radio this week about what’s making top headlines in Aurora these days and some stories readers can expect for the next few weeks.
In Aurora, “you can learn from people from all over the world,” Perry told Colorado Matters host Chandra Thomas Whitfield on Thursday’s show.
Perry was talking about Aurora’s vast cultural, racial and even international diversity, which he said is a great strength for the community in the midst of a national wave of distrust of immigrants.
The interview was part of a CPR series on media across the state focused on ethnic voices and operated by ethnic journalists, the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange.
Perry said the Sentinel would continue focusing coverage of police reform in Aurora in light of a state mandated consent decree.
And among the city’s vibrant arts, cultural and education scene, it boasts one of the best and most diverse food and restaurant communities on the planet, he said.
Listen in for recommendations on the best bahn mi or Iraqi flatbreads.
Click here for the full Colorado Matters radio show segment.
Many take pride in Aurora’s diverse community, which is all fine and well. Many feel that our diversity is a reflection on the quality of character and open mindedness of our long-term residents. But it more likely related to the fact that Aurora is one of the lower costing housing markets on the front range and nothing more. As such, it is easier to get started here than in many other communities.
It is often said that diversity makes us stronger. I’m not sure I have found this to be true. I live in a neighborhood which is highly diverse including White, African-American, Vietnamese, Latino, Ethiopian and some Venezuelan immigrants. Many of these residents do not speak English and only their native tongue; which makes it very hard to communicate with one another. Communication is limited to simply smiling and waving hello. This makes it very difficult to establish a sense of community. In addition, many have different prioities and values, possibly a result of cultural differences. It is often seen that many seem either unconcerned or unaware of city ordinances in Aurora. This can be quite frustrating for those who regularly follow them. As such, and all things considered, my experience has been that diversity here seems to be more of an obstacle to overcome than a strength. We all work hard to get along and overcome these barriers, but a strength it is not.
“And among the city’s vibrant arts, cultural and education scene, it boasts one of the best and most diverse food and restaurant communities on the planet, he said.”
LOL–it’s always about food with these people.