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

[DeltaSigStan]

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) :

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

By Kinsee Morlan, Staff Writer

Even with the recent budget cuts that have caused a drop in numerical enrollment, San Diego State University President Stephen Weber promises to maintain the university's diversity enrollment in order to achieve its shared vision of creating a community that can be proud of its diversity. As far as sheer numbers go, the school has actualized this vision and Weber, along with the multicolored, multicultural student body, should scramble to the top of a mountain and proudly announce to the world that we have achieved what the civil rights movement set out to accomplish.

But wait - perhaps from the top of the mountain, Weber and the students will have a better view of what really goes on here at SDSU. From an aerial view, I'm afraid San Diego State would look more like a southern segregation state from back in the day than an integrated, highly diverse college campus. Just take a look for yourself if you haven't already noticed. Take a walk around campus to see just how "integrated" our campus really is.

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

[TheEpitome1920]

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.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920
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.

[TheEpitome1920]

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.

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920
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.

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.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920
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.

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....."

[deuika]

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?

[Clockwork08]

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.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by ChaosDST
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....."

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!

[deuika]

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.

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

[XOMichelle]

Originally posted by deuika

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.

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.

[deuika]

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.

[jubilance1922]

Originally posted by XOMichelle
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.

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.

[Taualumna]

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".

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by Taualumna
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.