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How diverse places build trust and support democracy: Ryan Muldoon, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Buffalo, writes for Medium’s Reimagining the Civic Commons on diversity and how public spaces can support connection and acceptance of our differences. In his white paper, ‘Diversity Isn’t What Divides Us, Division is What Divides Us,’ Muldoon says segregation of groups isn’t good for acceptance of diversity: “When people are not exposed to others that are different from themselves, it becomes easier for them to rely on stereotypes, which are then reinforced by politicians or the media. People are only able to see evidence that supports the stereotype.” Muldoon says public spaces are critical infrastructure in reaching our goals of accepting diversity. When people come together and connect in public spaces, what …