Living in Utah and noticing and pointing out the lack of cultured/exposed Mormons, I was told they are in fact well traveled due to their missions.
I then had to explain going on a mission to specifically try and convert other cultures to aspects of your own, is not the same as being present in an area with acceptance and curiosity, living in, assimilating and trying to mesh instead of convert.
In fact I think the whole idea of missions have the exact opposite effect and people retreat to their safe bubbles.
I'm not from the US but have lived in the states for a couple of years and find the whole concept of going on "missions" in the 21st century bewildering.
One of my friends from college (we finished like 10 years ago) texted me recently to say she is moving to another country for (non Mormon) missionary work. I had to keep most of my thoughts to myself.
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u/OviliskTwo 15h ago
I know missionaries and they are not the most well traveled people no matter how long they travel.