Quote:
Originally Posted by Senusret I
In addition to this....
I wonder if the young women (and at least once on GC, a young man) in this situation ever contemplate their blackness or brownness prior to pursuing membership in a GLO.
I was not raised as a minority, but was aware of my blackness because, well, I'm American, I watched the news, and I took history -- I knew DC was a majority black city and not to expect anyplace else in the world like it. One of the reasons I did not choose to attend an HBCU was because after 18 years, I felt it was time to be among the majority and expand my world view.
I also was aware that groups existed to ease the transition and to feel at home, even though I would be in the minority. Black Student Alliance, NAACP, the multicultural center, etc.
I guess I always wonder what's going on in the lives of people who grew up in a different class and/or different racial dynamic than I did, and whether this fear of not being accepted is the first time they've had to deal with race.
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Not everyone is conscious and cool like we are in both majority and minority settings.
Also, remember that being the minority often leads some to be treated as royalty. "You're not like the rest" and "teach me about...." is the same as "some of my bestfriends are...."
Being the only (insert race and ethnicity) among people who are your friends relieves some anxiety. However, going into a new environment where your (insert trendy cool thing that you do that the white folks think is awesome--it is often dancing and "Black speak" for Blacks in white settings) isn't met with celebration, you will now have to be "just one of the others" and wonder whether you will be accepted. I have heard minorities say "it wasn't like this back home" when they are met with whites who are neither amused nor impressed by the "token."