Do non-NTs in diverse environments have it better?

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Tyri0n
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14 Apr 2013, 9:39 pm

I can think of a few very tolerant non-diverse places, like Scandinavia. But, in general, I am referring to, in the context of Europe, North America, and Asia, a hypothetical regional, parochial city that is monocultural or bicultural like Austin, TX, Orleans, France, Glasgow England, or Dalian China vs. a large international city like Tokyo, Vancouver, New York, Toronto, and London.

Do aspies/other high-functioning non-NT's in large, diverse cities actually have it better? I can think of a few advantages, such as public transportation (so not being able to drive is not a disadvantage) and more access to nerdy jobs. But how about socially and in the work culture context?

I remember striking out at all the bro-ish Texas law firms at my school's on-campus interviews and then getting an offer from Pricewaterhouse Coopers' International Tax practice in New York City where I was one of only two white Americans out of a dozen being interviewed.



Skilpadde
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17 Apr 2013, 12:18 am

First of all, Scandinavia isn’t a non-diverse place anymore. Over the last decades, and in particular the last 10-20 years, we’ve seen a huge increase in immigrants. In Norway 13% of the population are foreign born or born in Norway by foreign born parents. In my city there are 23% immigrants.

Anyway… Yes, it must be easier to be an aspie in a place with great diversity (not limited to ethnicity or culture). Cities draw people who are different. Smaller places tend to be more traditional and it’s harder to be different there (not limited to ASDs). People who differ in any way will be likely to go to larger places where gays, artistic types, spectrumites, gender-benders, whatever differ less and are less visible. Another good thing about cities is that if you mess up beyond what can be repaired, people will usually only be staying in one place for so long anyway, as opposed to small places where there is less moving and harder to get away from people who will remind you of old mistakes. Therefore your mistakes won’t be as easily remembered by everyone around you. In addition there is a tendency in cities that people don’t interfere with each other, so you’re more likely to be left alone with your weirdness.


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