Stereotyping HBCU's

Nubian · #1 08-09-2000, 08:29 PM

I attend a Historically Black College in Texas, recently I caught up with some of my former high school classmates and we did the usual catching up, "Where do you go to school", "Are you seeing anyone" yadda, yadda.

Well, when I mentioned what school I attend one of the girls said, and I quote "oooh no I couldn't go there girl, too many Black people(yes she is African-American) I don't know how you put up with it" Needless to say I had a few choice words for her.
First of all I am very proud of my school and this young lady(and I use the term loosely)

made it seem like I am settling for less. I was recruited and offered scholarships by "Ivy League" schools but I chose the one I did because I felt I would be more than a number to the faculty. While I don't feel I should have to justify my decision to her or anyone else, it still angered me that she thought she was recieveing a higher quality education just because her school is predominantly white.

Has anyone else out there ever dealt with this type of ignorance?

Luv,
Me

AKA2D '91 · #2 08-09-2000, 09:31 PM

Hello Ladies of DST:

I would like to respond.

Nubian...I have been there and DONE THAT! It was not friends, but FAMILY. Anyway, I went to an HBCU and my cousin did not. Well, the family members thought that she was ALL that cause of the university she chose to attend. Anyway...I bothered me at first, but I just used it TO MY advantage.

IN 4 years I had become an AKA, and obtained my Bachelor's degree, finished my first year working on my Master's...AND where was she...still at "big league" university just trying to make it!

My thought is..it doesn't matter if you attend THE UNIVERSITY OF TIMBUCKTOO, the money you make in the end will still be GREEN! HELLO!

Press on Sister!

TX_AKAQT08 · #3 08-10-2000, 12:13 AM

I am proud to say that I have attended the Best HBCU in the Nation and it is also located in TEXAS. Remember this, when you graduate from an HBCU.. there is nothing the world can put before you that you can't handle! So to your friend who is so unaware of what the real world is going to be like. I take my hat off to you because I know you are a SURVIVOR, and trust me you may have to save and re-educate that sister one day.

Keep the Pride Alive!

dstbrat · #4 08-10-2000, 10:54 AM

i am on the other side of the coin, i attended a large state university. it should be noted that we endure trials as well regarding our choice in schools. constantly having your blackness questioned is unfair and wrong. being called a sell-out is wrong. many blacks who attend state schools do so because of finances. i know it was cheaper for my parent to send 3 kids to school at a state school than a more expensive hbcu. while, i did't have the 'hbcu experience' i value my undergraduate years dearly. i made great friends, had lots of fun and got a good education. i wouldn't change a thing! i suppose what i am saying is that we need to stop judging one another. people do what is best for them, as well they should.

[This message has been edited by dstbrat (edited August 10, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by dstbrat (edited August 10, 2000).]

Nubian · #5 08-10-2000, 11:30 AM

Just to clarify:
I wasn't judging the young lady in my first post based on the fact that that she attended a predominantly white school, I think each individual should make the choice thats right for them, as a matter of fact I STRONGLY considered attending Baylor(predominantly white) before reaching my final decision. However I was slightly (ok, a little more than slightly) upset when she felt the need to belittle my choice, and my people, to justify her own educational choice. I chose what was right for my individual needs, as everyone should, but we all owe it to each other to respect those decisions. I applaud anyone who seeks higher education, but its people like her who make me wonder if its actually working.

Luv,
Me

[This message has been edited by Nubian (edited August 10, 2000).]

AKA2D '91 · #6 08-10-2000, 05:44 PM

Soror TX:

THE BEST HBCUs are in your neighboring state, LOUISIANA! LOL

They play each other in the BAYOU CLASSIC

ageniuschild · #7 06-01-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nubian

I attend a Historically Black College in Texas, recently I caught up with some of my former high school classmates and we did the usual catching up, "Where do you go to school", "Are you seeing anyone" yadda, yadda.

Well, when I mentioned what school I attend one of the girls said, and I quote "oooh no I couldn't go there girl, too many Black people(yes she is African-American) I don't know how you put up with it" Needless to say I had a few choice words for her.
First of all I am very proud of my school and this young lady(and I use the term loosely)

made it seem like I am settling for less. I was recruited and offered scholarships by "Ivy League" schools but I chose the one I did because I felt I would be more than a number to the faculty. While I don't feel I should have to justify my decision to her or anyone else, it still angered me that she thought she was recieveing a higher quality education just because her school is predominantly white.

Has anyone else out there ever dealt with this type of ignorance?

Luv,
Me

yes ma'am i have....i ride hard for my HBCUs, I am a proud alum of one and come from a family that attended various fine HBCUs. I've received more flack and suprised stares from people (moreso Black people,...that either went to mid-tier universities or didn't go to college at all the White people are like "oh where is it located?"...the ones that went to school or resided in that state say "oh, ok..i've heard of that school and may ask questions".) when I tell them....yes, i matriculated from an HBCU, yes I did it in 4 years and yes I use my degree daily. I also did my graduate study at a PWI...would I trade that experience, nope...not in a heartbeat. I've also had to show and prove that i received a quality education from my wonderful HBCU and have thought circles around coworkers that snubbed their nose at my degree because i didn't attend a PWI.

I have nothing against PWI's, that just wasn't what I wanted when i was choosing a school. However, I will not let anyone insult or spread falsehoods about any HBCU. Sure some of our schools are in dire need of rehabilitation and that's another matter at hand, but some of the greatest Black minds ever to walk this planet matriculated from HBCUs....so obviously they aren't all that bad.

Wonderful1908 · #8 06-01-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Soror TX:

THE BEST HBCUs are in your neighboring state, LOUISIANA! LOL

They play each other in the BAYOU CLASSIC

So true!!!

ziasha07 · #9 06-01-2007, 10:59 PM

It's funny because as a senior I made my decisions this year. I still receive crap from classmates and friends for choosing an HBCU over a PWI. "You're such a smart girl... etc." Why is it that our schools are seen as substandard? I feel like I/we will receive a more well rounded education (Life experiences outside of the classroom) at an HBCU than I will at a PWI.

Little32 · #10 06-01-2007, 11:40 PM

When I was choosing my school, way back in the day, I had a guidance counselor tell me that HBCUs were for people who didn't know themselves or their heritage. She told me that I would do better at insert ivy league school here. Later I found out that our school had a relationship with that institution and received some sort of benefit for every student that went there.

HBCUs are wonderful schools were you can receive a wonderful education. They have their advantages and some disadvantages--just like every other school. Anyone who questions the quality of the education that you might receive at such an institution just by virtue of that designation merely demonstrates how they have internalized firmly engrained racist ideologies. Forget them.

Live_Wire17 · #11 06-01-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX_AKAQT08

I am proud to say that I have attended the Best HBCU in the Nation and it is also located in TEXAS. Remember this, when you graduate from an HBCU.. there is nothing the world can put before you that you can't handle! So to your friend who is so unaware of what the real world is going to be like. I take my hat off to you because I know you are a SURVIVOR, and trust me you may have to save and re-educate that sister one day.

Keep the Pride Alive!

That's right...if you can survive registration at a HBCU...you can survive ANYTHING! j/k (but serious)

I tell everyone who will listen to me (mostly my students) that I wouldn't replace my undergrad years at an HBCU for NOTHING IN THE WORLD. I went to both types and my HBCU kept me grounded. I hope my kids will have the same opportunity.

Plus...where are you going to find a HBCU football game experience??? You need that in your life.

Live_Wire17 · #12 06-01-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKA2D '91

Soror TX:

THE BEST HBCUs are in your neighboring state, LOUISIANA! LOL

They play each other in the BAYOU CLASSIC

YUP! Jags baby!!

AKA_Monet · #13 06-02-2007, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live_Wire17

That's right...if you can survive registration at a HBCU...you can survive ANYTHING! j/k (but serious).

No if you can survive Morehouse College's "Dr." Gore's Analysis II class where he teaches integrals and get a "passing grade" on his tests, then you can survive anything...

Wonderful1908 · #14 06-02-2007, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Live_Wire17

That's right...if you can survive registration at a HBCU...you can survive ANYTHING! j/k (but serious)

Amen! I am completing my masters at my 2nd SWAC school and about to enroll at a third SWAC school to begin my doctorate program! 3 schools all operating the same!

Lyoness · #15 06-02-2007, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ziasha07

I still receive crap from classmates and friends for choosing an HBCU over a PWI. "You're such a smart girl... etc." Why is it that our schools are seen as substandard? I feel like I/we will receive a more well rounded education (Life experiences outside of the classroom) at an HBCU than I will at a PWI.

I went thru this situation when I made the decision to go to an HBCU. My father's family to this day (this was back in '99) still makes comments. "You need to learn how to be around white ppl" Don't go to a N*$#^($ school.

I'm from Indiana... I don't think that's a problem. I got alot of support from my mother, and HS teachers (white). At the time at IU, white supremicists were posting flyers and shouting the n-word at ppl. Sorry, not interested in that game.

My dad is still angry that I decided to go to an HBCU instead of IU. Still makes snide remarks about my school, my friends and will just break out with "Do you think you would be doing non-pretigious job/grad program/have bad car if you had gone to Ivy League". I'm his only child with a college degree!!

My family thinks it was a second class education nevermind the fact that I'm one of 5/30 grandkids with a degree. 3/5 of us went to HBCUs. I, like the original poster, was offered admissions to Ivys and didn't go. I have 2 cousins at Univ. and they aren't doing anything significant.. no volunteering, no groups. I don't think they really have mentors or older students to really talk to and get advice. Otherwise someone would have told them that those wrist tattoos weren't a good idea.

Looking back, one good thing about HBCUs is that you have mentors and continuous encouragement about what black ppl CAN do. You see it everyday in class and those around you. Black ppl studying science, law, business. It's empowering.

But on the other hand, I totally understand not everyone being able to afford it. I know I wouldn't have been able to go w/o my scholarship. But in the end college is what you make of it. Seize every opportunity.