Overview Of Cosmopolitan Canopy By William Penn

When William Penn founded his city in 1681 he intended for the city to be a place where no one would be persecuted; a place where people would live at peace with their neighbors. Penn named his city, Philadelphia, a word created by a combination of two Greek words; one being phileo, which translates to love, and the other being adelphos, which translates to brother. The name would serve as a reminder that Penn’s city was a city for all people, a city where diversity would not only be accepted but also embraced. William Penn wanted to create a city of brotherly love. William Penn wanted his city to be a cosmopolitan canopy. In The Cosmopolitan Canopy: Race and Diversity of Everyday Life Elijah Anderson defines cosmopolitan canopies as “settings that offer a respite from the lingering tensions of urban life and an opportunity for diverse people to come together” (Anderson xiv). He goes on to say that in these areas, some of

While observing the Reading Terminal Market it was clear to me that diversity was not limited to the small businesses and their products, as the visitors are also very diverse. People of all races, religions, ages, and professions are welcome. Walking through I encountered families, students, small groups of friends, couples, as well as businessmen and women. The atmosphere is very energetic; employees were constantly serving customers as visitors slowed down—some even stopped—to observe their surroundings. Visitors openly observed one another, not in a cautious way, but rather in a curious way; everyone wanted to see what others were buying, eating, or discussing. People walked, stood, and sat close to one another. Some strangers were even willing to chat with whoever was beside them. Overall the Market seemed to be a very welcoming and friendly