What's Up with Madison?

Okay, seriously, have you ever been to Madison? I wrote about this in my last blog (the one that I ran into Zach Braff), but I had to emphasize it yet again- downtown Madison is one of the most suprisingly eclectic places I've ever been.

I'm fascinated by the fact that is bleeds multi-cultural. I know, I'm probably having isolated experiences and its not "really" fully multi-cultural, but I think there is something unique that is worth a deeper look. I went out for a beer with an InterVarasity guy on the UW- Madison campus- and the first thing I noticed (okay- aside from it is living up to its #1 binge drinking rating from USA Today this year) was the table next to me. The table had representation from male/female/african-american/muslim/white/asian. Everyone of them were deeply entrenched in conversation. I understand that it is not a huge thing to find conversations from multi-racial backgrounds going on- but this was definitely a scene that was multi-religious. Undoubtedly Catholic/Christian backgrounds and Muslim devotion. Barriers had been broken on this campus and in downtown Madison (where Campus resides).

What is the reason? I think it is largely due to the artistic nature of the community. I'm referring to "artistic" in the broad sense (local bands, art theaters, etc...) but also in the literal sense. Art plays a significant role on the street and as the "branding" of local shops. There is little doubt in my mind that art draws in people who are open-minded and welcoming- not to mention influence (and begin to change) people who aren't.


Bob