Changing Face of Iowa

Here’s an excerpt from First Read about the recent Obama rally in Des Moines: “The crowd, a campaign staffer joked, looked like a Bennetton ad, filled with diversity that one rarely sees in Iowa.”

I used to agree, but I’ve been attending the political rallies all summer and fall and the one thing I’ve noticed is the diversity in Iowa. For many years I wanted to leave this state and the Midwest - lack of diversity is the reason. So I’m thrilled to see the diversification of our communities.

Maybe we ought to take a lesson from the children, who don’t even seem to notice. I couldn’t help but snap photos of these children at recent events - the one above with his grandpa and below the three friends who stopped playing for just a moment in front of the flag.

A lot of people think it’s silly and naive to think we can all get along. I still have hope.

Writer: Sandy Renshaw is the host of AroundDesMoines. She is a self-employed communications professional. You’ll also find her blogging at Purple Wren.

[tags] Iowa, Des Moines, Des Moines News, Diversity[/tags]