<p>I know it is a bit early to ask this but I think there might be a chance that I want to change my roommate. The guy seems very friendly and was brought up from a wealthy family. I don't really care if he is a Republican or if he is religious. What really caught me off-guard was the amount of homophobic jokes on his Facebook. Most of them involve some of the most cruel usage of words to describe gay people. He and his rich friends also posted up some pretty stereotypical pictures. I was so disgusted and shocked because I am very sensitive to this topic. I am personally extremely offended. I think this should be common sense, especially for an intelligent Berkeley scholar. It might be very paranoid of me to ask this, but how do I switch my roommate? Is it even possible?</p>
<p>I don’t think you can this early just because of what you saw on FB, but this is just me speculating. If he does bother you a few days/weeks in (like 1 or 2 or 3, but probably don’t wait longer than a month), then go to housing/ra and try for a request. hopefully you have a cool ra. some are complete tools (had a kick ass one last year though haha).</p>
<p>Just tell him you feel uncomfortable about that and if he respects you then he will stop. Otherwise just go to the RA and explain the issue to him/her.</p>
<p>I’ll take him hahaha</p>
<p>It could simply be immaturity and lack of awareness. Give him a chance, explain about the impact of his terminology if you hear him use any of the hateful phrases. College is a time for learning and the reason for assuring a diverse student body is to open peoples eyes to other viewpoints and types of people. He has the chance to grow and move beyond his unthinking attitudes. Both of you are experiencing diversity, and there is the potential to develop mutual respect and understanding - not claiming that his approach right now is equally valid and deserving of respect. </p>
<p>One of the key issues will be whether he deliberately uses these phrases or seems to apply judgements to people he meets. It might only be ignorant posturing among his friends who as a collective have a homophobic attitude. You will know in a few weeks, but don’t stereotype him or prejudge him simply because of the moral lapses and bad judgement you see on FB. The clock starts over in college and he does have the chance to really learn how wrong those ideas and behaviors are.</p>
<p>Now I slip up a bit too and sometimes call things “■■■■■■■■” or “gay.” Now, that being said, I was worse off before and did try to fix and correct myself.</p>
<p>Give him a chance. See if he says anything in the real world, perhaps it’s just something he does on fb. If he does, be up front about it. Don’t push it, be nice but also make sure to be firm on the point. If he agrees and tries better to not do it in front of you, good. If not, it doesn’t matter how much wealth he has or whatever, if it ticks you off, find a new roommate.</p>
<p>@strikemaster, do you want to live with him because you like homophobia?</p>
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<p>I was thinking the same thing.</p>
<p>Regarding the roommate: like others said, give him an in-person chance. At a place like Berkeley, it’s nearly impossible to carry that type of homophobic attitude without becoming very unpopular, so he’ll most like either realize the immaturity of what he does (let’s be real, about 90% of guys say “gay” or “■■■■■■■■”, and many say worse things, without trying to be explicitly homophobic or malicious to gay people… it’s just an unfortunate part of our culture). Once he moves in with ACTUAL gay people he’ll cut it down (I know I make a concerted effort to do so). Or, he’ll just repress it because he’ll get tons of flak every time he says something obscene and he’ll know to keep his mouth shut. </p>
<p>If he really does have personality conflicts with you, however, it might be difficult to switch rooms. I know a few people who tried to throughout the year and none of them were successful. Just a warning.</p>
<p>Ask him if he’s curious, then show him your little Cal bear.</p>
<p>Jeez…strikemaster was probably kidding. As is CaseyD, if you guys can’t detect sarcasm.</p>
<p>Just wait a couple weeks, and if you still can’t stand your roomie, then ask for a transfer.</p>
<p>He could learn a lot from you! Give him a chance and see what happens.</p>
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<p>When I first read that, I thought he was saying that he’ll take him in a fight. >_></p>
<p>Maybe you guys can talk it out, I mean, you’re both college students so I’m sure you guys can come to an understanding. If not, then take the steps to maybe request a new roommate etc etc.</p>
<p>Bigotry is disgusting. Maybe you should hold some sensitivity trainings in your dorm room.</p>
<p>Good idea Loche, I think the whole world needs some training on that, especially with our future leaders.</p>