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

[TheEpitome1920]

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".

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.

[rho4life]

Originally posted by jubilance1922
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.

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.

[XOMichelle]

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.

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by TheEpitome1920
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.

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

[Tom Earp]

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!

[Rudey]

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

[Tom Earp]

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

[Rudey]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
That is because you are an idiot! Way to go dumwad, your colors fly high!

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

-Rudey

[Tom Earp]

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!

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

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

[Rudey]

Originally posted by Tom Earp
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!

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

-Rudey

[DeltaSigStan]

Originally posted by Rudey
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.

[ChaosDST]

Originally posted by Rudey
Again this man insults me. Again he can't refrain from harassing me.

-Rudey

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!

[Shortfuse]

Originally posted by XOMichelle
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. [/B]

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.

[Taualumna]

Originally posted by Shortfuse
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!

[starang21]

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