<p>I think people have continued to make good and valid points.</p>
<p>I certainly recognize my eagerness to jump into things, but while many people think the status here is fine or “ok” I want more. I don’t want people to just talk about self segregation or what it is or what it isn’t all day. Like wahoomb was insinuating (I think), if you’re not gonna do something about it’s almost a waste of time just talking.</p>
<p>The way that I perceive race here is that it is much more of a ‘recognizable’ (i.e. visual, elephant in the room) factor than what I knew in my DC suburbs High School that was in a lower income latino neighborhood, right next to the interstate, with 36 nationalities represented and ~30% students on free or reduced lunch. Different races (and social standings) were EVERYWHERE in my life growing up but I never once would have to stop and think about it like I do when I’m here. That is what leaves a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to race at UVa.</p>
<p>Edit: And this is getting more to your last point I think Deirdre, I never really thought about it, had to ask, question. Since I’ve been here though it’s become much more of a factor in my life. I certainly attribute a lot of it to just being in academia in general and taking great classes that have got me to challenge the status quo, but I will never forget the shock/feelings of that first week, first year.</p>
<p>Wazhoom–what makes you think about race so much more at UVA than at your high school? Did everyone in your high school easily integrate (this is to a certain point hard to believe especially if you’re coming from Fairfax County where whole high schools can be “white” schools and others can be “ghetto” schools (e.g. J.E.B. Stuart vs. Robinson/Woodson)</p>
<p>shoebox, my son raised these concerns after a 5 day campus visit, not before. I think even 5 days is too short to get an accurate feel for the culture of a place-- especially as his activities were limited to a couple of frat parties, one Jeff scholar party and all of the “official” Jeff events. </p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your thoughts, it has given me insight into the situation there, although it has not provided me with the sort of reassuring information I had been hoping for.</p>
<p>A couple of frat parties is the worst way to get a “feel” for UVA. With the way some frat “brothers” act during a party, you almost forget that they’re UVA students, or heck, with the way everyone acts at a frat party, that you’re at UVA.</p>
<p>In fact, I’m pretty sure that a lot of people go to frat parties to forget that they’re UVA students for a brief moment.</p>
<p>Yes, I know I’m stereotyping a bit. I know there are some incredibly gracious and respectable brotherhoods out there. but still.</p>
<p>Sorry to hear that. To be honest I’m beyond sick of listening to ppl call UVa segregated in any way shape or form. I came from an extremely diverse HS in NoVa and would be well aware of any racial disharmony.</p>