Race, religion, biology, neurological, physical, gender. But what is Diversity, really? Diversity is an important part of the Woodstock experience, but sometimes we’re so caught up in the superficial factors that we forget to consider all of the other parts of diversity. 

In videos or articles published, one of the main things that comes up – nay, one of the only things that comes up – is diversity in terms of color, or race. This can include the partnership with Korea, which  was celebrated with Indian Independence Day, or the fact that Woodstock, in general, attracts an international audience.

Diversity is incredibly multifaceted, so why is color or race the main focus? The range of characteristics that this concept could cover is incredible- it can be anything from the typical ways we look at it, that can be as simple as the way you like your ramen. 

Do you like it overcooked, or undercooked, or cooked just right? Do you like it with rice, do you add milk, do you add cheese or egg or vegetables or do you just enjoy it plain? As simple and straightforward as that five-minute packet of noodles can sound, it can be compared to the wide array of ideas at Woodstock. There’s always that plain ramen- the base- but it’s not complete, without all of us and the likes and dislikes and compatibility and flaws and strengths. All of those types of ramen, they define us in a way, and the diversity among them, can be compared to the diversity among us. 

All of this diversity, all of these weird ways to show it, and somehow these aren’t the things that are shown to the world. Woodstock is its diversity but without it shown in this depth, especially in the media that it advertises with, a question arises: What even is Woodstock?

At the end of the day, diversity is everywhere. Whether we’re savoring a bowl of comfort food or taking a look at the voices and traditions that make up this world, it’s a way to showcase the various elements that make our life- our life at Woodstock. It’s only by valuing that uniqueness, that we can aspire to make this world as fulfilling as Buldak. Let’s celebrate this diversity, like we celebrate the flavors that ramen can bring to us. 

Tisya is a staff reporter.

Edited by Asha.