<p>Dy’er Maker, thanks for the update. It’s a shame this was done by someone who fits both groups and was either a cry for attention or some form of self-hatred. At least we now know the offender was not an “other” (aka “straight white person”). </p>
<p>In my opinion, sometimes minorities cry racism way too quickly. One problem my Obie D has noted is the same phenomenon she saw in high school: a lot of racial self-segregation, which can breed paranoia about other groups. My D socializes with everyone. She doesn’t see the point of students from racial minorities (or sexual minorities) deliberately segregating themselves, and she refuses to do it. Self-Balkanized, you begin to feed on each other’s negativity, and the collective mentality becomes “they” (the majority) dislike/hate/disrespect us, etc. There are obvious benefits from associating with other people with whom you share a similar cultural background, but taken to an extreme it can be a negative. Unfortunately, in this regard, Oberlin is like every high school, college or university. </p>
<p>Multicultural organizations are great. Language theme houses are a terrific idea. But single race theme houses in 2010? Sometimes I wonder if this country has progressed at all since I graduated in 1975.</p>
<p>Sorry for rambling. I’m just not hearing about “daily infractions” (race and/or sexual orientation-based) from my Obie kid, and we have the kind of close relationship where we talk every day about everything.g And are the “daily infractions” committed by the administration, faculty, staff, or other students? And what constitutes an “infraction at Oberlin?” A failure to say hello or extend an invitation to lunch, or does it have to reach the level of spray-painted racist graffiti, even though only a gay minority student has done such a thing in at least the last 38 years?</p>
<p>As a so-called minority, I think sometimes people get carried away by the most minor faux pas. I’m from a generation that experienced real, vitriolic, cross-burning, gun-pointing, brick throwing, racial hatred and we didn’t let that stop us. I’m curious to know more about what constitutes “daily infractions.”</p>