De facto segregation at SDSU a result of cultural, racial division
 

Despite what I said about our greek system, those who actually hang out on campus during the day (instead of going to the beach like a normal person) comprised the "inspiration" for this article, which I wanted to see if your school had the same kind of effect. I think this girl is really ignorant; if she ever took a look on a regular basis, these so called spots aren't ALWAYS dominated by one ethnic group (Or maybe it's cause I hang out at ALL these spots at various times) :

[Edited by admin. See the entire article at http://thedailyaztec.com/Archive/Spr...opinion02.html ]

While I was at Denison University students, White students in particular, would complain about the fact that the Black Student Union was the only group on campus that had a lounge. Other than NPC/IFC organizations (who had houses) we were the only group that had a meeting space. Instead of seeing it as we needed a space to deal with being Black in a hostile environment, we were just segregating ourselves from the campus. Did they ever come to our meetings? NO. Did they ever attend our numerous events? NO. So as far as I'm concerned until you try to interact and engage in meaningful conversation, everything you say is null and void.

When people say things like "being black in a hostile environment," it makes others think of voluntary segregation. It warmed my heart when nonBlack students (including many white students) came to minority student union meetings (hint: MSU was not for just blacks, it's just that other minority groups never showed up). We supported programs held by the Native American and Asian American Associations, as well as some programs sponsored by the NPC/IFC.

Well I use hostile because there were several racially motivated incidents the 2 years I was there. Students been attacked and harrassed late at night, etc. My freshman year I was the only Black student on my floor in my dorm. I would come home to find the decorations on my door had been torn and written on. I complained from the R.A. to director of Res Life and the only solution I was given was to move to another dorm. :eek:

I was just about to say something like this.
Has the author ever tried to "hang out" at these locations. Sit down and have a conversation with any of these students? Probably not. So she bitches about it, yet she's part of the problem.

It's hard to know (and you may never know) if that was racially motivated. I know it seems coincidental, but still.

When I was a head resident, one of the residents had antiSematic things written on her dorm door. Her mother is Jewish, so her last name isn't a "Jewish last name." In other words, whoever did this, knew she was involved in a "Jewish student organization" and that she was Jewish. They didn't just find her name in the University phone book and say "ah ha! Jewish last name...let's get her."

This may or may not be along the same lines, but: I recall in '96 when some black students were moving into their dorms. There were some white students (which doesn't represent the actions of all) sitting in the window of the dorms saying "come on in N*ggers...come in in....."

SMH...
I have a problem with people considering it self-SEGREGATION.
That term peeves me. There is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with those like you. Everyone does it. As members of Greek Life, I'm sure you all do. You are more comfortable with those who relate to you.

Now, I think it's very important to interact with other people, as most of these students probably do. But eating lunch, who on Earth eats lunch with a bunch of people from class? I go back to my dorm, pick up my best friend, and we eat together. It isn't segregation, it's who you know, who you're comfortable with. Especially when you're at a very diverse institution, you break off into groups, which is perfectly fine.

It kills me that it is OK for the jocks to hang out together, the Greeks to hang out together, the drama students...etc., but if it's the white students or the Latino students, THEN it's a problem?

I just was a little offended when she thought cultural clubs should be eliminated if anything else they can provide a greater understanding of other people. In our BSA ( Black student alliance) I would say they are members who are not black, and we have countless people who are not black attend our events. I myself have attend several event sposored by ASIA, and I know I have learned something I would not normally. Obviously she believes its a problem on her campus since she felt compelled to write about it, I hope she takes a first step attend one of these clubs meetings. Yeah, the first step is scary, but usually once you take that step some people will be willing to meet you half way.

A bit of a hijack...At my Alma Mater, an NPHC sorority was introducing its neos to the campus. They happened to be near one of the dorms. From windows high up in that dorm, things were thrown at them and they were called the N-word. It's sick!

It's sad that people still do that.
Dang, is it 1905?
Only an idiot would still call anyone a N*gger. But then again, people who say that are indeed N*ggers themselves. It's rather pathetic, we have more important things going on, that word stopped bothering us a long time ago. This of course doesn't mean you won't get "btht" over it; not me of course....NonViolent NonViolent....but it happens.
That's all they have, a word. I'm shaking, really.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

*I try to pray for 'em talk to the lord"

have you seen the Chris Rock sketch? Funny, and not funny all at the same time.

Anyway, I understand the self segregation thing. I lived in an enthnic theme dorm my freshman year and everyone would go off to their own cultural lounges and hangouts, and I'd stay in the dorm. No one ever invited me, and I didn't feel welcome (maybe it was the girl who told the whole dorm she didn't talk to white people before a year ago... who knows). Then when sorority rush came around they all publically bashed it. I was told the entire year how I wasn't open or understanding of their cultural situation (how could I, I'm white!), and had to make an effort, but they were allowed to all bash a cultural institution that wasn't theirs. No one had an open mind for that! All in all I found it hypocritical. Now, I think that integration is good, and an effort should be made. I do make one, just not with the people in my freshman dorm (I'll go for someone I have something in common with, like a passion for fashion or pre med or what have you). Not only that, I am committed to raising my future children in a diverse community, as I see that to be the best way to solve these problems.

There is plenty of hypocrisy around. Definitely in the minority community. Something I'd rather not get into here; but it exists, and it's rampant. If you have a desire for a better, diverse, and culturally acceptable world, all you can do is your part. It only takes one, to lead many.

I understand what you're saying...but at the same time, I don't think integration is the answer. Why? Because I'm proud of my history and culture. Being a Black woman is part of who I am, and I will never forget that and turn my back on it. I think a lot of times people use "integration" when they are really referring to "assimilation".(and I'm not saying that's what you meant, I'm just throwing it out there) I think a better idea is cultural pluralism.

The problem is that some cultural clubs only post notices in their own language, thereby ignoring the majority of the student body who can only read English! When I was an undergraduate, all of the Chinese Students' Association posters were in Chinese only, anyone who may possibly be interested in anything out of going. Sometimes, I think they do that to "weed people out".

I'm sure that happens in some places. I've never seen that at any institution I've attended.

This isn't directed to you: I guess if THAT is the issue, then THAT is what people need to say, as opposed to beating around the bush and trying to do away with these organizations, completely.

That is VERY interesting. I'm surprised that the university would allow that considering that membership should be open to all students regardless of their ethnicity. At my university all fliers have to be approved by our Student Life office.

I couldn't agree with you more Soror! Part of what makes America wonderful is that so many cultures co-exist. While it would be nice for everyone to just "get along", we should not ignore our history [or herstory for that matter!]. We can not pretend that slavery or the Japanese internment didn't happen. Some people have great intentions, but are trying to move too quickly. Abolishing special interest student groups is just a step backwards. People need a place to feel comfortable, and for many, it is the culturally affiliated group. Any group that supports people and keeps them in school until they get their degree is a group I can support.

jubilance-
Yes, a lot of people do seem to think that integration and assimilation are the same thing. In fact, there were a few girls in my dorm who weren't really ever in the club becaue they weren't Mexican enough (which is funny becasue the kids from Mexico never actually went to to the cultural center... they were different from the Mexican Americans, becuase the cultural center kids were American, and they were "real Mexicans").

I don't think they are the same thing at all. Holding onto your cultural roots and becoming a responsible citizen are not mutually exclusive. My entire family is Polish, and I'm aware of that. I've looked up the history on Polish immigrants and am proud of their perseverence to give me a better life. I'm sure they would be happy with where I am (my great great grandaughter does what? In California! Wow!), even though I don't speak Polish, I can't cook their food, and I've decided not to be Catholic (ok, now they can roll in their graves). But I don't see how getting along and finding similarities between groups mean that you no longer have ancestors, or a cultural history. Every culture changes. As long as you think you are changing for the better, then why not? You aren't turning your back on your haritage if you are making changes so your kids can lead a better life. In fact, I would argue that anyone would be continuing their heritage if they acted to lessen racial tensions in their community, since everyone's heritage includes sacrifice for the next generation.

Also, why must everyone from a culture be the same? Just as I am not less a product of my heritage because I decide to triumph some cause that has nothing to do with Poles. You aren't less Indain or Black, or Chinese if you have white friends or if you are in an NPC sorority, you have simply chosen to be different.

I think the main idea is to get people in our generation and future generations to see that we have more in common with eachother than we have differences.

ETA- I guess I hsould say that I don't think there should be one culture, nor do I think cultural associations should be banned. No one's identity is in question, and I understand that a supportive, comfortable place is necessary to get by (thanks to a trying 4 months in Spain). My thought is that these self segregation groups are a symptom of an underlying problem. From personal experience I've been able to be friends with some people with a strong ethnic haritage, and unable with others.

They actually were approved! Probably, the club executives know people who know people and were able to get things "done".

True That!

That is what all people ate there for, to do the 4-5 year tours and graduate, then on towards the work place, marriage, kids,etc.

Get out and let the new group replace you and do the same thing all over again. Old out, new in. Let them have thier time at it!:)

I would have gone on a killing spree if I went to some of your messed up schools.

-Rudey
--I would have been in heaven if I'd gone to Stan's school

That is because you are an idiot! Way to go dumwad, your colors fly high!:rolleyes:

Again this man insults me. Again he can't refrain from harassing me.

-Rudey

Da, Rudey, maybe it is because your posts are inane and always flaming some one who does not beleve everything that you profess.

Oh dim wit, I have never cursed you or a said anything that is untrue!

Give it a rest yard bird!:(

You can post some very insightful things and then go down the drain.

You just dont get it do you!:confused:

Oh Dumb BOY posting things on Your Personell point to me was infantile as is your usual style! God, what and ijiot!:rolleyes:

Did not bother me, but did a lot of other People! How does it feel to step upon your self!:eek:

Please stop insulting me. I don't want you to talk to me.

-Rudey

Unfortunately, until he decides to hand over mod duties to JUST LXAalum, we're screwed.....

Unless.........................

Naw, I don't want to mess up my paypal account with a bunch of $1 payments.

LOL...you're so reserved, at times.

At least I can always understand Rudey's posts. I can never understand Tom Earp's posts.

:) End thread hijack!

Can you give some examples of these "self-segregation" groups? I haven't seen or heard of them and I've attended a HBCU (Howard) and a PWC (Illionis State).



I would like to co-sign with Epitome because most people who complain (talking about the author) about some of these groups never attempted to interact with these people. But then again, if the author of this article did this then he/she wouldn't have anything to complain about.

Self segregation groups tend to occur more often in large universities with many foreign students. These people, who probably speak English as a second language, tend to feel more comfortable with others who who speak their language. They therefore choose to hang out with students from their home country and only use English when they need to. Of course, it's slightly different for those who come specifically to learn English, since many have to sign a contract at the beginning of class, indicating that they will only speak English with their classmates!

i've never seen it, and i've been a member of several asian/pacific islander associations. but hey, if you say it happens...

Re: De facto segregation at SDSU a result of cultural, racial division
 

sounds eerily like the movie "Higher Learning"

I went to a school where many of the Chinese students were from abroad or immigrants who have received some of their education in Chinese. However, "many" is not "all" and every one of these students can read English. However, the posters are still in Chinese.

could it be that they are still adjusting to the new language?

If they can pass the TOEFL exam, they can read well enough to understand posters posted in English. It's heck of a lot easier than reading text books! If they want to speak Chinese in the clubs, then fine. Most CBCs know how to speak anyway. However, by not printing English or bilingual signs, they are leaving out a huge group of people who may be interested in joining.

passing the TOEFL exam and being completely comfortable with a new language are completely different things. i know engineers who speak in spanish because it's easier for them. if that was their purpose, then you're right..they are excluding. but do you truly know why they printed the posters in chinese?

I don't know why they were printed in Chinese only. I asked a girl who was a member of the organization, but she won't tell me. It does sound like "CBCs and Non Chinese Need Not Apply". The only way someone like me could have gone to these activities is if we knew people who can read the language. That's quite rare. It's sort of an exclusive club, I guess...

The TOEFL is a joke. That's not just because I've seen a copy--my friends who are international students talked about how easy it was...it is very very basic English.

And your posts AREN'T inane? I might not always agree with Rudey, but YOU are the intolerant one, DA! :rolleyes:

Is this the pot calling the kettle black? How can you, of anyone on GC, call someone an idiot?

It's clear that you are irrelevant, intolerant, and offer very little to the GC community at hand. Game over. You lose. Please leave.

Ditto on that one...I've tried reading them and I've just given up. I think I need a Tom to English dictionary.
/end hijack.

But really though, there must be some student there who is comfortable enough to put together a bilingual poster. In any case, it isn't hard to read something along the lines of:

"CSA Kareoke Party at the Student Centre"

Maybe you could approach the president of the organization or perhaps the person in charge of publicity and explain that you'd like to understand the organization better by attending an event, but you can't understand the flyers.

The flyers may be only in Chinese because:

1) They may simply be ignorant to the fact that they are offending people.

and

2) There might just be a reason that they haven't told everyone school wide.

I know you're an alumna, so it may not necessarily be feasible for you to do this, so try to find another student who would be interested. YOU could be the start of something fresh and new for the campus!!