As a result of advances in transportation and technology, the United States is increasingly becoming a diverse and multicultural society. Estimates reveal that over half of the population of the United States is currently comprised of ethnic groups.

Multiculturalism is a growing trend which impacts the products we develop and the services we provide. Visually, ad agencies are striving to find the looks which represents us all. Ethnic origins aren’t being left behind, as they once were when the picture of America was a ‘melting pot.’ Today, the uniqueness of varying cultures and traditions are welcomed and encouraged.

From Hispanic-market.com, here are a few statistics that should start you on your way as you research the potential needs of all the cultures you serve.

• By some estimates the Hispanic population in the United States already equals the African American population and is poised to soon make up the largest single ethnic group.
• The number of Hispanics in the United States is greater than the entire population of Canada.
• According to Census 2000, Hispanics currently comprise 12.5% (35.3 million) of the nation’s population (283.8 million) growing at a faster rate than the general market population, more than 60 percent in the last decade.
• Hispanic buying power is growing triple the rate of inflation, a faster rate than that of the general market. Hispanics are younger than the overall US population.

Transforming Tomorrow

Here is an excerpt from a little book I have recently enjoyed reading, The Only Necessary Thing by Henri Nouwen. Perhaps it will help you realize, for just a moment, how important you are in the world:

"Community is like a large mosaic. Each little piece seems so insignificant. One piece is bright red, another cold blue or dull green, another warm purple, another sharp yellow, another shining gold. Some look precious, others ordinary. Some look valuable, others worthless. Some look gaudy, others delicate. As individual stones, we can do little with them except compare them and judge their beauty and value. When, however, all these little stones are brought together in one big mosaic, who would ever question the importance of any one of them? If one of them, even the least spectacular one is missing, the image is incomplete. Together in the one mosaic, each little stone is indispensable and makes a unique contribution."

Let’s enjoy and celebrate our differences, since we are all part of the mosaic of life, and the picture wouldn’t be complete without you.

Published: July 24, 2001

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Kathy Lamancusa is a trend strategis, professional speaker and author who tracks the forces that impact our lives. Over 1.6 million copies of Kathy's books are in print, and she has appeared on numerous television and radio shows including Oprah! She is a public speaker who can offer organizations entertaining and enlightening peeks into what is coming and what is shaping change so that they can better reach their own customer bases.