<p>This seems like the right place to post this link from another poster: </p>
<p><a href=“http://216.247.220.66/archives/bk/bk01-13-99.htm[/url]”>http://216.247.220.66/archives/bk/bk01-13-99.htm</a></p>
<p>It’s a bit dated, but does anyone here actually think university sponsored RACISM is a good thing? </p>
<p>As a minority college student, I think these policies are outrageous. Any thoughts?</p>
<p>When my Hispanic nephew got to Williams, he was approached by the Hispanic cultural group there and was invited to join. He declined. What he said to us was, " I didn’t come to Williams to hang around with people exactly like myself".</p>
<p>Huh, nice deceptive title, btw</p>
<p>how about the dark side of Frats, the dark side of sports, the dark side of clubs- all of which encourage seperateness to a degree</p>
<p>do not sports groups have their own orientations, and Frats? dont’ get me started</p>
<p>I don’t really see how this relates to “liberalism.” The article isn’t about segregating people according to political philosophies.</p>
<p>You might pick up “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together In the Cafeteria.” It’s a thought-provoking book about racial identity, race politics in education, and so on. And it also talks about why young people, especially those on a minority ethnic or racial group, may or may not want to seek out companions of their own kind.</p>
<p>I think institutions are sometimes in a tough bind–some research suggests that a “posse” system aids the success of certain minority students. Also, many students (not just minorities) make college more manageable by finding a niche of similar people (for example, the theatre crowd, a greek organization, etc.). So it’s normal and natural for students to WANT to form a Black Student Association or live on a multicultural dorm floor, or to have a separate orientation where they can ask questions and form bonds. </p>
<p>But at the same time, there is considerable value to the mixing that can happen on a diverse campus. </p>
<p>How do you facilitate integration and cross-cultural, cross-ethnic communication and socializing, while still letting students find their niche, develop successful support groups, and choose their own friends?</p>
<p>Frankly, I think the things cited in that article are a lot less harmful than the author suggests. I think it’s worthwhile to think about how honoring the wishes of students who want separate ceremonies may, in fact, negate important institutional values. That’s worth examining. But do these things really turn different races into “isolated and suspicious groups?”</p>
<p>Citygirlmom, I get the feeling we have a meeting of the minds on more than a few topics, and I am still a brand new member!</p>
<p>WELCOME!!! And be careful, I get yelled at a lot on this site, but I never back down.</p>
<p>Not a chance! I have been nearly chased off another site too, by people who are afraid of different ideas and non-mainstream politics! I haven’t backed down there either. Thanks for the welcome!</p>
<p>My understanding is that students of all backgrounds dislike the segregated campuses. Some universities are ending segregated housing, because it really puts up a barrier between students. My alma mater started off freshmen by deliberately mixing up the students - everyone was from a different background and often of different races. Your roommate would be from the most dissimilar possible background - and it was great. I went to college to meet people from different backgrounds. It’s complete b.s. to advertise as having a high percentage of minorities, students from South Dakota, and ESL people if you don’t get to mingle with them.</p>
<p>aries and greatestyen – your posts are so refreshing! </p>
<p>Reminds me of why I had kids!</p>
<p>Just in case there isn’t enough self-segregation we have institutional assisstance and approbation. True genius. </p>
<p>If the point is diversity–there is no point.</p>
<p>
– C. S. Lewis</p>
<p>You <em>must</em> be a true genius; I couldn’t understand what the heck your post was even about. :)</p>
<p>well, hoedown, so sorry you are unable to understand the quote from Lewis. In that regard, We will need to re-educate you,… for your own good, of course. We will not abandon this effort to bring you into a proper frame of mind until certain that our program has transformed you into a serious and productive young man incapable of such ignorant statements. This is our mission.</p>
<p>
Hope this helps:
</p>
<p>…hoedown, as I recall, you are at UMich…administration? hmmm.
oh well. :(</p>
<p>fs, you are so refreshingly feisty!</p>
<p>
RR,
I’ll take that as FS, as the big-fella, FF, is AWOL in this thread.</p>
<p>acronyms…I try.</p>
<p>I wonder how this reasoning would be applied to womens colleges or HBCU?</p>
<p>Great, I think if people want special graduations or groups or whatever and it helps in anyway, go for it! But, my hispanic boy probably would find it ridiculous. He doesn’t relate to race. He relates to politics, music and computer stuff. Honestly, because of his background, his growing up and his family he can’t relate to racism of any color. He has cousins who are black, white, yellow, red, purple and green. My faith in the future comes from him and others of his ilk. God bless em.</p>
<p>As far as equating this to liberalism…well, that is a bit off topic.</p>
<p>I too would like to have friendships with purple and green people.</p>
<p>Look for the transnationals who have just gotten off a boat or a long plane ride.</p>
<p>Haven’t heard of purple or green people- they have Picts at Reed college ( nekkid & blue) though ( I was going to give a link to a picture but I think I recognized my daughter!)</p>