Our position: Central Florida's increasing diversity will add to its richness

A thoughtful editorial about Florida's diversity. There is also a list of the different countries that are represented in their population. Click on the website to see the list and the numbers. DP

Our position: Central Florida's increasing diversity will add to its richness

By Editorial Staff

orlandosentinel.com: There's no question that the Hispanic population in Central Florida is growing and, at the same time, becoming more diverse.

The latest statistics show that Puerto Ricans, U.S. citizens and always the largest Hispanic population in the area, are now being joined by Colombians, Dominicans and Mexicans, among others.

The Hispanic population ranges from 14 percent in Seminole County to 24 percent in Orange to 39 percent in Osceola.

So should Central Florida be concerned about a culture clash? Hardly. Instead the changes should increase the richness of the area.

There's every reason to believe that our diverse population will assimilate fairly quickly, without anyone having to abandon his or her cultural roots.

A recent think-tank study by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research found that people who arrived in this country in the past 25 years have assimilated faster than their counterparts of a century ago.

Hardly. Instead the changes should increase the richness of the area.

There's every reason to believe that our diverse population will assimilate fairly quickly, without anyone having to abandon his or her cultural roots.

A recent think-tank study by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research found that people who arrived in this country in the past 25 years have assimilated faster than their counterparts of a century ago.
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