Month: July 2024

Jessica Szczepaniak Gillece (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Art can be a balm for the soul. It can uplift and speak to people in vivid, brilliant ways. Art is glorious, full of beauty and new ideas; however, art has often been used to gatekeep and exclude. Many of the dominant artists, especially those at work from the 18th to 20th centuries, are white, male, cis-gendered and occupy a privileged place in society. This has the effect of cutting out BIPOC artists, queer artists and other artists who may not have the resources to pursue traditional artistic paths. The art world needs diversity. It can often be found in surprising places, especially in those spaces reserved for artists marginalized by society.

This type of art is called outsider art. It is developed in places where traditional artists might not go. Instead of learning about art from a Western-focused canon or art school, outsider artists may come from a variety of backgrounds. Not all have formal training in art techniques and many of them make art using only what they have. All of them, however, are united by a desire to create and to document their experiences. Including outsider artists is a fresh and diverse way to examine creativity and bring diversity to the art world.

Outsider art was first discussed as art brut or “raw art” in the 1940s. French artist Jean Dubuffet focused on art created by nontraditional artists including hermits, spiritualists and other outsiders. Dubuffet admired the surprising approaches of outsider artwork. In the 1970’s it was rebranded as “outsider art” by writer and critic Roger Cardinal. Outsider art incorporates a world outside the mainstream art world and is a space where many BIPOC, LGBTQ2s+and other different artists can present their visions.

This type of diversity also includes artists who have mental health issues. One of the first areas of focus in outsider art was art made by patients in psychiatric hospitals. Dubuffet was inspired by the work of people in the mental health system and built on the work of a group of artists called Der Blau Reiter active in the early years of the twentieth century. They were intrigued by the unusual compositions and artistic variations displayed in art done by psychiatric patients and thought it had a certain raw power. While this was useful for getting this type of art closer to the mainstream, it unfortunately othered these artists and obscured a great deal of their talent, focusing only on their diagnoses.

However, today, there are diverse places to go to see outsider art with full credit and admiration for the artists. The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD, has a permanent collection that includes work from mental health patients and honours their talents. It reframes the mental health pathologies and looks on each artist with respect. Objects in the collection include a crocheted dress in the form of a horse’s head, forms encrusted with buttons and yarn, and a wooden statue with a hollow chest, which was the only piece of art its artist ever created. 

AVAM also includes BIPOC artists like Mary L. Proctor, who makes mixed media art about her life using broken pieces of china and other objects that she collages together. The museum also incorporates an LGBTQ2s+ view with works by LGBTQ2s+ artists and a large rotating sculpture of the famous Baltimore drag queen Divine.

Including outsider artists improves diversity in the art world. It provides both inspiration and representation, giving a voice to those who might not otherwise have one. Diversity in art is important because it shows how art can heal, uplift and amaze. Diversity in art also means expanding the definition of what or who an artist is. Best of all, it makes room for all kinds of visions. It might even inspire you to get that pencil or paint and let your creativity flow.

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Nei (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

There is a saying in my language, Setswana, “motho ke motho ka batho ba bangwe.” It is the Setswana version of the well-known saying “no man is an island,” but directly translated, it means “a person is a person because of other people.” To me, this saying speaks to the fact that we are relational beings. We thrive when in proximity to one another not only because of the feeling of comfort from having shared experiences, values and beliefs in our communities, but also from the lessons and stimulation we get from interacting with people with differences. As the world becomes more interconnected, there is greater need for us to have more nuanced understandings of how to approach our differences, whether they be cultural, religious, national, etc . . . Open-mindedness and respect for others with differences has not been a strong suit of human beings historically, but there is a lot to be gained from embracing the world for its diverse people, sights, sounds, tastes and experiences.

I am a believer in immersion. Before visiting a place, I will read as much as possible about its history and learn as many local phrases as possible to try to tap into as many experiences as possible. I might have been blessed with a flexible mind and adaptable personality, but I believe it is also a conscious choice to be open to possibility when it comes to new cultures. 

One of my fondest memories was a trip I took to Brazil as a teenager. I visited the city of Belo Horizonte, where I stayed for six weeks and lived with an amazing family who generously housed and adopted me as their own for the duration of my stay. I spent most of my time with their daughter, whom I fondly called my “exchange sister,” accompanying her pretty much everywhere. I got to experience major events like Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, as well as “mundane” things like going to the grocery store and taking out the trash. I often joke that I will find a way of bringing up my trip to Brazil at some point in any conversation, but my time in Brazil was truly a great lesson in being open-minded, and it taught me a lot about the importance of keeping a loving heart and an open mind in the face of diversity. Whether visiting a place or being in the place you permanently live, it can be challenging and exhausting to confront differences regularly. That is important to acknowledge, but it can certainly be overcome. 

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable 

In Brazil, I struggled with getting to know people in-depth due to the language barrier, but I remained committed. This is how I learnt enough Portuguese to get around the city, get directions and learn little pieces about the country’s rich history, though some days were exhausting because I was either being misunderstood or misunderstanding what was being said. I often felt extra tired at the end of day from constantly translating phrases in my mind and learning new words. Halfway into my stay, I called my mother in tears because I missed home and the woes of being away were getting to me. After some healthy venting, I decided to take a different approach to my trip. I would get comfortable with being a novice and looking stupid from time to time. When it comes to learning a new culture, ignorance is not bliss; it is a comfort zone and it is best to move from ignorance into immersion.

Learn Without Generalizing

It is a privilege to be allowed into a space and to be educated about a people’s history and culture. It can be easy to use your limited knowledge as a visitor to paint an image of individuals that you come across. However, it is important to remember that peoples’ experiences are not homogenous. While in Brazil, when learning about historical events or socio-economic challenges, I tried to consider that I was learning through the eyes of the person I was speaking to at that moment. Recognize that culture is less about the general elements of a person, like their nationality, race or gender, and more about their specific experience of the world within the context of their culture and identity. We should create space for people to share their experiences without turning them into spokespeople for their nationality or whatever group they may belong to.

Eat, Drink and Dance! 

Food and music are the highlight of any experience for me. They are a great way of tapping into the history of a culture. It was through food that I learnt about the influence of African culture in modern-day Brazil. More so, while most Brazilian music is sung in Portuguese, the rhythms and melodies can tell you a lot about the mark left by the millions of enslaved people, immigrants, traders and settlers to the South American country over time. Learning does not always have to be intentional and structured; it can be done by sharing a meal or dancing at a party. Throwing yourself into the more fun elements of a place is always a great way to learn and have fun while doing it.

Like the saying from back home goes, we are people because of other people, so if we wish to thrive within ourselves, we should ensure that the love, kindness and respect we hope to receive, we also give to the world tenfold.

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Nei is an aspiring writer who finds solace in music, meditation and long walks. With a belief in the power of difficult conversations to challenge the status quo, she’s on a journey to make her mark and hopes to share her insights through the pages of her own books one day.

Rowan Sanan (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

No two minds can be understood in the same way. While we as a society are making a lot of good improvements in the field of mental health, there is still so much stigma and misunderstanding. Often, it prevents us from fully understanding each other. The internet and media often tend to romanticize mental illness, portraying it in a very one-sided, simple way. In reality, mental health issues are vast, multi-faceted, and complex. It is not uncommon to see people advocating for mental health awareness and care until the mental health condition presents itself in a severe way, or in some way that is deemed “disturbing” by society. This only increases harmful stigma and stereotypes. We as a society need to follow several steps to help ourselves and each other understand just how mental health issues work, and how to help each other through them. 

One thing some tend to misinterpret is how mental health issues present themselves in others. I suffer from anxiety, and when I’m having a harder time, I am often reclusive and silent. However, I know others with anxiety who are labelled rash or paranoid. Some are even accused of being lazy or irresponsible, but it isn’t always something they can control. A huge part of understanding these behaviours and issues is simply to educate yourself on the mental health issues, as well as their differences, overlapping similarities and varying conditions. Find reputable sources and the experiences of real people who live with these mental health issues to understand how they impact others. Advocate for education covering mental health to be more widely accessible—a lot of children and youth often find themselves suffering from mental health issues they simply cannot explain. Helping everyone become familiar with these conditions through books, movies, documentaries or textbooks can expose us to diverse perspectives and broaden our understanding. We can also learn about the subtler signs and symptoms of these issues to watch out for them in the people around us, being present and ready to lend a helping hand where needed. Early intervention and support can work wonders for people suffering from mental health issues. 

That effort to educate ourselves and others can also help us break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues. Personal bias, stigmas and stereotypes are big barriers to understanding and helping others. These things perpetuate the idea that mental health issues are weaknesses or failures. This can cause struggling people to shy away from seeking help or confiding in others, worsening the issue. This is especially apparent in men, where the idea of masculinity often coincides with strength and silence through suffering. By dismantling these stereotypes, we can create a more supportive environment for everyone by creating safe spaces for all to seek help. Encouraging the people around us to be patient and understanding towards people suffering from mental health issues can be immensely beneficial. 

Similarly, we must approach and understand these issues without judgement. It is easy to make assumptions or be judgemental due to our personal biases, but we have to unlearn these behaviours to help others. Just like how people can hesitate to share their struggles because of stigmatization, they can also hesitate if they feel unsafe or judged. When engaging in these conversations, we can simply lend a listening ear. Sometimes, advice and suggestions simply aren’t needed. As I mentioned, I know a lot of people in my life who suffer from mental health issues, including myself. Sometimes it seems easier for me to offer them a solution or try to fix their problems, but in reality, that often won’t help at all. It can make them feel stifled, unheard or rushed into getting better. What I find works best is lending an ear first and letting them lead the way. Having someone listen to and understand their issue can be even more helpful than trying to solve it. It helps them feel more comfortable and seen, and helps me feel helpful and supportive.

Caring for our own well-being is just as important when trying to help others. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. I often find myself bending over backwards to help others. I’m often praised for this, even though it sometimes comes at the detriment of my own mental health. Learning to take a step back and take care of myself as much as I try to take care of others has been a hurdle I’ve had to start overcoming, because of the idea that self-care is sometimes considered selfishness. In reality, self-care is just as important as caring for others. Advocating for ourselves helps us set an example for others for us to help each other create a cycle of understanding, validation and health. 

By taking the time and effort to educate ourselves on mental health issues, we can learn to help others through their struggles. It also helps us break down our stigmas and stereotypes and make space to listen to others who are suffering without judgement or assumption. Lastly, taking care of ourselves and understanding our own minds can help us work toward a better understanding of mental health issues and how they present in ourselves and others. 

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Rowan is a university student who loves to write books and poetry, read all kinds of books and spend time with his family and pets.

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.” – Ola Joseph

Imagine living in a neighborhood where everyone looks, thinks and acts just like you. While it might sound comforting at first, it quickly becomes clear that something essential is missing. Diversity, the vibrant mixture of different backgrounds, ideas and perspectives, is often hailed as a fundamental asset for communities. But is it always better? In this article, we’ll explore the multiple natures of diversity in communities, weighing its countless benefits against potential challenges.

The Benefits of Diversity

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation

Diverse communities tend to spark creativity and innovation. When individuals from varied backgrounds collaborate, their unique perspectives can lead to ground-breaking ideas and solutions.

Diverse teams in the workplace have been shown to be more innovative. Communities benefit from diverse problem-solving approaches, resulting in healthy solutions.

Broadening Horizons and Promoting Understanding

Living in a diverse community exposes individuals to different cultures, beliefs and ways of life, promoting empathy and understanding.

Exposure to different lifestyles and traditions can break down stereotypes and prejudices. Educational institutions benefit tremendously from diverse student bodies, promoting global awareness and cultural sensitivity.

Strengthening Economic Growth

Economic advantages are another significant benefit of diversity in communities. Diverse communities can attract a range of businesses and entrepreneurs, boosting local economies. Studies have shown that diversity in the workforce is correlated with higher financial performance.

The Challenges of Diversity

Potential for Conflict

While diversity can bring about positive change, it can also lead to conflicts if not managed properly. Cultural misunderstandings can create tension among community members. Differences in values and beliefs may lead to disagreements and conflicts.

Integration and Inclusivity

Ensuring that all community members feel included and valued is crucial, but it can be challenging in diverse settings. Newcomers might feel excluded if there is a lack of inclusive practices. Language barriers can hinder effective communication and integration.

Balancing Tradition and Change

In communities with deep-rooted traditions, integrating new cultures and ideas can sometimes be met with resistance. Longstanding community practices may clash with new perspectives introduced by diverse populations. Finding a balance between preserving heritage and embracing change is essential for harmonious coexistence.

Striking the Right Balance

Building Inclusive Practices

Creating a truly inclusive community requires effort and commitment. Community leaders can organize cultural exchange events to foster understanding and appreciation. Institutions can provide language support and other resources to help newcomers integrate better.

Encouraging Open Dialogue

Open and respectful communication is key to managing diversity’s challenges. Establishing forums for dialogue can help address concerns and resolve conflicts. Encouraging community members to share their experiences and perspectives promotes mutual understanding.

Educating and Raising Awareness

Education plays a crucial role in making diversity a strength, rather than a source of division. Schools can incorporate multicultural curricula to teach the value of diversity from an early age. Community workshops can provide insights into different cultures and practices, reducing ignorance and prejudice.

Conclusion 

Diversity in a community, much like a double-edged sword, offers both opportunities and challenges. While it undoubtedly enhances creativity, understanding and economic growth, it also demands careful management to prevent conflicts and ensure inclusivity. By embracing diversity with thoughtful strategies and fostering a welcoming environment, we can create communities that truly thrive on the richness of their differences.

By fostering open dialogue, building inclusive practices and prioritizing education, communities can harness the true potential of diversity. So, is diversity always better in a community? Not necessarily, but with conscious effort and commitment, it certainly can be a powerful force for positive change.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.

Eri Ikezawa (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

As with anything, the adaptability and malleability of children cannot be trumped, which is why, as someone who immigrated here when I was extremely young, I don’t know that I can claim that I am the number one advocate for how easily one can learn a culture. But all the same, being an adult with strong memories of the immigrant experiences I endured as a child, it was still a tough, hardy trough that fed and nourished me to become who I am today. As well, I can still completely acknowledge the difficulties one faces as an adult expat, immigrant or foreign tourist to a new country. 

The best way to describe how I feel about everything is that as an adult, I am grateful for the colourful ribbons of cultural imbibement braiding my internal constitution. My belief system, morals, ethics and opinions are a coordinating system made up of all the cogs and bolts of each culture I was exposed to. 

At first, it wasn’t easy to make sense of everything. Why was it that, when I went to school, everyone else and their parents all seemed to be on the same page—except mine? Why did it feel like both my family and I were always one step behind? Why couldn’t my parents see that their way wasn’t working for me? In my naïve and young eyes, it wasn’t conducive to my single-minded mission just to fit in. 

Short-sighted as we can sometimes be in the pinnacle of youth, I already saw myself as a sore thumb, a clumsy and gangly elephant calf in a small room full of confident, beautiful lion cubs. I looked different, my food was different, my family’s ideologies on child rearing were different. All I wanted was to feel equal—I just wanted sameness. I wanted oneness. A deep chasm of yearning, a fiery flicker of desperation, angsty with lofty aspirations of fitting in, I would’ve done anything. 

I wouldn’t eat my lunch in front of people in elementary school after I was shamed one too many times for the pungent odour it emitted. I was determined to master English and scoffed at the notion of knowing any Japanese. I would wistfully stare at teen magazines, at their Eurocentric totems of beauty, wishing somehow I could change my Asian features to resemble Western aesthetic standards. 

But looking back, I think I would consider this survivalism rather than genuinely learning a culture. It was intentional assimilation on my part. And granted, it was a great tactic in enabling me to absorb the culture I was predominantly surrounded by. But there was no real attempt on my part to leave the culture of my parents intact. At the time, I didn’t see the value in adopting a new culture along with ones that I was lucky enough to be surrounded by through family. 

But now, I think the way I approach learning a new culture as an adult probably makes more sense. I think being educated and well-read on diverse cultures and languages is incredibly important, especially when one travels, or when your community is filled with small pockets of various populations. It helps minimize misunderstandings and miscommunication whilst reducing harmful, unproductive stereotypes. I believe if people disarm themselves, decrease defensiveness, we can learn to truly understand and learn from each other. 

I also believe we could work as a civilization to let go of our egos and stop thinking in polarity. The reality is that the human experience primarily exists somewhere in between, and life is a grayscale film. I will always advocate for human compassion, empathy and consideration, and I believe if we all put our best foot forward to understand each other better, the world will slowly heal. 

While admittedly there are certainly cons to social media and the prominence of the internet, I do think that the globalization of the world wide web has helped people open their eyes to the concept that not everyone lives the same way they do. And in the same vein, with people travelling more often, there is a greater interest in trying new foods, novel ways of life and expanding their worldview. 

But to relate my point of view to my own personal experiences, I travelled to multiple new destinations last year, all with very rich and varying cultures, and each of those experiences are what really helped me cement the idea that the key is quite simple: just be open-minded. 

As someone who had never travelled within Canada (hardly even within the province I hold residency in), it was exciting for me to go to Saskatchewan. Here, of course, not too much changed, as I was still within Canada itself, but even so, it was a change in pace to go from Vancouver’s hustle and bustle to the sluggish, lax ways of Saskatoon. I found myself keener to enjoy small talk—a huge deviation from normal for an introvert—and I could truly appreciate the amicable nature of the people there. I had numerous Vancouverites condescendingly ask why I was going there, but I kept my mind open and I’m glad I did! 

In contrast to the mild differences between Saskatoon and Vancouver, I also visited Sri Lanka for the first time last year. This was a huge culture shock, as I went from an extremely diverse community here in Vancouver to a relatively homogenous population over there. I was lucky in the regard that people do use English quite often and well, so I didn’t have to entirely grasp at straws, not to mention the fact I was accompanied with native Sri Lankans the entire time. But there are factual differences in quality of life—for example, taking drinking/tap water for granted here in Canada or the blatantly high levels of poverty in Sri Lanka. I left there with an immense sense of gratitude for what I am afforded in my life, feeling I should count all my blessings—however minute or trivial they may seem to me. 

All in all, throughout all my personal experiences, the main conclusion I have come to still remains this: it is absolutely necessary to hold an objective, unprejudiced view of the world. This will help you navigate and learn new cultures—the center, the core and the nucleus of any population.

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My name is Eri Ikezawa and I have an extended minor in psychology and a major in linguistics. I’m still on the path to quelling questions about myself and the direction I want to head in, but in the meantime, I have always wanted to find a way to help others and contribute to a community dedicated to personal development and self-love.    

Chahbani (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Giving people or groups additional power, confidence and the ability to make their own decisions about their lives is empowerment. Diversity is the existence of a wide range of unique individuals or objects within a community or organization. This includes diversity in racial or ethnic backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, views and more. When these two come together, they enable people to be more confident, take control of their lives and be proud of their own diversity to build a better future. 

Celebrating our differences, supporting each other and being curious will make us stronger and more successful. As a whole, we are a magnificent mosaic; each piece has its own distinct shape, color and cut, but still fits perfectly into the overall picture. Our unity, like a puzzle, is captivating. Although we are each uniquely beautiful, we still need each other to finish the artwork.

As Kofi Annan once said, “We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.” It is my belief that each human being has their own way of tackling a problem, deconstructing it and developing a solution. Being in situations that others in our group did not face may have made us more effective. Our strengths come from our diverse perspectives and viewpoints, regardless of any other problem or situation. They help us approach challenges more effectively. 

This article in Harvard Business Review presents a collection of studies showing that companies with diverse teams perform better. This demonstrates the clear benefits of diversification in decision-making to enhance overall performance. Teams with a varied membership base are more inventive and creative, which gives them a competitive advantage. 

A diversified skill set, including both hard and soft skills, can result from a rich and diverse professional past. People have unique and diverse ways of thinking, and I’ve always used this as a way to evaluate tough issues from multiple angles and offer fresh and creative solutions. 

I have just had the most incredible time studying and working closely with a wide variety of people in scrum groups, particularly when they come from different professional backgrounds and countries. We are able to have more in-depth conversations and gain a deeper level of insight, which increases our collaboration and efficiency. It also enables us to come up with creative solutions to problems. 

From my own experience, I can say that being fluent in multiple languages has enabled me to communicate effectively across cultural barriers. I can have smooth conversations, pick up on people’s histories and cultures, and communicate with them easily. Getting to know a new country is never easy, because you must take your own path, adapt to pronunciation and comprehend habits. Language comprehension enables others to better understand your culture, perspective and ideas, expanding your reach. 

Before, everything was either black or white to me. I never thought I could see or experience things differently. This mindset gave me a judgmental personality, which I had to constantly readjust. But diversity gave me a larger perspective and allowed me to learn a lot and see through a wider spectrum. We are like a rainbow—each color is bright on its own, but together, they create a beautiful harmony. 

Accepting diversity also requires constant effort. It involves learning about different cultures, being open to new experiences and challenging our own biases. In doing so, we create an environment where each person is valued and feels meaningful. It’s important to create a safe space where people can be themselves and thrive. Our lives are improved and organizations flourish when diversity and inclusion are actively embraced. Diversity-based empowerment is not only an attractive goal, it’s also an excellent strategy to get there. 

If we acknowledge and embrace our own differences, we will all prosper in a multicultural environment. As a consequence, a powerful, skilled community will grow. Together, let’s commit to valuing our individuality and supporting each other. By combining our strengths, we can build a better future for everyone. 

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S Chahbani has pursued several career paths over the past decade. Her purpose in writing is to share her thoughts and experiences with others in her own words. Sharing is caring.

Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

I love food. I like discovering new recipes, exploring international cuisine and enjoying diverse dishes. I’m eating chicken with tzatziki sauce as I write this, and maybe later on I’ll end up eating a Thai inspired dish, who knows . . . but I digress . . .

There are so many beautiful things about food in general. Food is known and enjoyed worldwide. The different colours and the vibrancy of fresh fruits and vegetables. The aromas of the different herbs and spices. The satisfaction and fullness that food gives us. The joy that it brings us. The versatility overall. 

The thing about food is that there are endless possibilities regardless of the type of dish you’re trying to prepare. One thing that all cultures have in common is the fact that we’re all using a mix of ingredients or an infusion of sorts, such as spices and herbs, citrus fruits, nuts and so on, in order to achieve a specific flavour profile. Whether that be garlic and onion, cinnamon and clove, lemon and lime, etc . . . Of course, some recipes call for a laundry list of ingredients, whereas other recipes are super simple, with a very short list of ingredients. That doesn’t mean that you need to follow the recipe to a T, however. Some people prefer to eyeball it or just go in with whatever they have in the pantry and hope for the best. If you already have the foundation/base of the dish ready to go, then anything else that you add from that point onwards is your creation, since you’ve put a bit of a twist on a traditional dish.

I mean, I guess there’s really no “standard” when it comes to meal prepping or cooking; however, in some cultures, tradition is very important and it is sacred. Food as a whole in some cultures is truly believed to be the best medicine, so maybe there’s a reason why some cultures have diligently followed what their ancestors did through the years. Or maybe in some cultures, food is a consistent way of bringing families together. 

Do you know what else I really appreciate about multicultural food and international dishes? It’s the fact that you’re not only discovering and eating a new kind of cuisine, but you’re learning about someone’s culture and tradition by sampling their dishes. Maybe you’re even learning about their beliefs, like why and how certain ingredients are used, the health benefits, etc . . .

I also noticed that when the topic of conversation is food-related, people get excited . . . it’s like they immerse themselves wholeheartedly in the experience, which is awesome! I’m the same way, eating food and learning about the food at the same time is “chef’s kiss” as they call it. Why? Because if I’m learning about something new, it’s exciting for my brain to know about all of this, retain the information, then retrieve it all at some point when the topic comes up again. It’s great and it’s so fascinating, and at the same time, you can see the happiness on the person’s face when they’re telling you all about their culture. It’s amazing to see their pride and joy, and it’s even more refreshing to see how humble they are when talking about it.

There’s a sense of togetherness that food brings, whether it’s at a special event or a day-to-day meal.  Honestly, food is always a guest of honour, no matter where you go or where you end up. We should be thankful and grateful that the world offers such an array of delicacies. Remember, we each have different taste buds, so having a variety of foods to choose from is perfect for both the picky and not-so-picky eaters.

I’ll finish this off by saying that food in different cultures are comparable to a thumbprint—they’re all unique, and not one single cuisine is the same as the other. We may use some of the same ingredients or perhaps the same cooking methods, but at the end of the day, we all put a pinch of shimmer and shine in our dishes to bring out even more flavour and fun!

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

Lauren Long (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“How do you know you don’t like it if you don’t try it?” “You have to finish what’s on your plate.” 

From a young age, we’re taught that it’s impolite to decline food or state outright that we don’t like it. But what about when food doesn’t like us? Are we going to put something into our bodies that we know is just going to cause us a lot of discomfort later on?

Just as it’s important to set boundaries for our mental health and well-being, it’s vital to do the same for what we consume, even if it does put a limit on what we can eat, which is something I have first-hand experience with. 

I’m lactose intolerant and I don’t eat gluten either, so it does make going out to eat a little more difficult than it did when I still ate both of those things. But with how much better my body feels now that I don’t eat wheat or dairy, I know it was the right choice. I don’t miss going out to eat, having a hamburger, and then coming home and feeling bloated and uncomfortable after. My mom and my sister don’t consume those either, and they both encouraged me to give gluten-free a try. 

With that in mind, it’s okay to decline food when you know it’s going to make you sick, and while it takes time for everyone, including you, to adjust, it becomes easier the longer you do it. 

Food sensitivities are a pain in the neck, there’s no question about that, and it’s important to let other people know if there are certain foods you can’t eat. I had an experience like this several years ago. 

My parents had gone on holidays and I was at home alone. One evening, a friend and her now-husband invited me to their house for dinner. After accepting, I offered to bring dessert because my parents taught me and my sister that it was impolite to show up to someone’s house for a meal empty-handed. 

I can’t remember what the dish we had for dinner that night was called, but I do remember that it was elk meat and cheese cooked in spaghetti squash. My friend knew that I didn’t eat cheese, but I assured her that a little bit was fine. The elk meat, on the other hand, opened up its own can of worms. I’ve only eaten wild meat on a few occasions, but it’s given me a horrible stomach ache every time. 

I didn’t know that we would be having that for dinner, and once I knew, it didn’t seem right to say I couldn’t eat it when they had everything ready. We had dinner and enjoyed each other’s company before I went home. I went to bed that night thinking that the elk meat wouldn’t bother my stomach, that maybe it was something that would have faded over the years as I got older. 

How very wrong I was. I spent half the night in the bathroom and had to cancel plans the next day because I felt so lousy. My friend and I were texting a few days later and she asked what I’d thought of the recipe. I told her I thought it was delicious, but sadly the meat had made me feel unwell. She was mortified and I told her not to worry about it, that I had forgotten my stomach didn’t do well with wild meat, or red meat for that matter. 

Since then, we’ve gotten into the habit of checking with each other about different foods so we don’t have a repeat of that incident. 

In conclusion, it’s always better to be upfront with your family and friends about everything, including food. Our bodies take care of us, we need to take care of them. 

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Born and raised in Quesnel, BC, Lauren Long is a strong advocate for mental health and overall well-being, as well as being a role model for positive body image. When she’s not writing, you can find her on the pole, the training mats or curled up with a good book.

Nelson Aguilera (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Cuisine reflects the diversity and cultural richness that surrounds us. I was born in Venezuela, where home-cooked meals are a cornerstone of our society. Later, I lived in Colombia, where I discovered unique variations on the shared flavors. Currently, I find myself in Canada, a melting pot of cultures that has given me a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a world of unimaginable culinary experiences. My name is Nelson, and a passion for cooking and experimenting with new flavors has been a constant in my life. This journey has led me to discover the wonder of multicultural food and how it can transform experiences and broaden our horizons.

Discovering Arepas and the Joy of Fusion

Venezuela is known for its rich and varied gastronomy. One of my favorite dishes is the arepa, a traditional food shared with Colombia. Arepas, made from pre-cooked cornmeal dough shaped into a flat disc and grilled, are a perfect blank canvas for creativity. This versatile dish can be filled with a variety of ingredients, from cheese and ham to shredded chicken with avocado. The crispy exterior and soft interior make them perfect for any meal.

I love creating my own recipes by combining influences from different cultures. For example, I fill arepas with spicy Korean-style chicken. This spicy flavor, infused with garlic, chives and sesame seeds, makes for a delicious mix and a homage to diverse cultures. The fusion of flavors is a celebration of diversity and a demonstration of respect for culinary traditions from around the world.

Exploring Canada’s Culinary Diversity

Upon arriving in Canada, I encountered an explosion of flavors that further enriched my love for cooking. This country’s culinary scene reflects its diverse population, offering a rich tapestry of cuisines. Here are a few that have particularly inspired me:

• Indian Food: The fragrant blend of spices has been a revelation. Dishes like chicken tikka masala and lentil curry showcase the depth and complexity of Indian cuisine.
• Middle Eastern Flavors: The aromatic spices and fresh ingredients in dishes like falafel and shawarma have inspired me with their unique combinations.
• Korean Cuisine: Known for its characteristic spiciness and perfect balance of sweet and salty, dishes like bulgogi and kimchi have captured my palate.
• Japanese Cuisine: The freshness and elegance of dishes like sushi and ramen showcase a complex simplicity that is admirable.
• Vietnamese Cuisine: The complexity of flavors in pho and fresh spring rolls has found a place in my heart.
• Mexican Cuisine: The comforting familiarity of tacos and pozole reminds me of festive family gatherings and celebrations.
• Colombian Cuisine: The heartiness of sancocho brings back memories of home and family gatherings.

The Importance of Culinary Openness

In the kitchen, it is essential to be open and willing to try new flavors. Every ingredient has its own story and place in culinary tradition. We should not be afraid to experiment, ask about new spices and try unfamiliar recipes. This openness not only allows us to discover new flavors, but also connects us with people and cultures in a deep and meaningful way.

Food as a Tool for Inclusion

Sharing and enjoying food from different cultures can be a powerful tool for inclusion and cultural understanding. It allows us to learn more about the history, customs and values of other communities. Moreover, by enjoying food from other countries, we foster an environment of respect and appreciation for diversity.

Celebrating Cultures Through Cooking

Cooking is a way to honor and celebrate the cultures of the world. By trying recipes from different countries, we not only enjoy a delicious meal, but also show respect and admiration for culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. It is an act of love and connection that transcends borders.

Multicultural food is incredible because it allows us to explore and celebrate the world’s diversity in every bite. Personally, I have learned that cooking is an open door and a beautiful way to connect with others. So, the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, don’t be afraid to experiment and blend flavors. The magic is in being brave and enjoying the delicious culinary journey that awaits us. Let me know if you have a special dish or something you want to share—maybe I can learn new ones, or we can exchange recipes.

Bon appétit!

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Nelson Aguilera loves to cook and celebrate the diversity of culinary traditions. Some of his recipes are available on Instagram @SinManteles.