Racism against Minorities (Asians) in Midwest?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I teach at a school with many minorities. The majority of the prejudice is accent-based, so if you are US-born, you probably have an advantage in that regard. Kids who say “ax” instead of “ask” are made fun of. If you can’t say an “L” right, you’re made fun of.</p>

<p>Anyone who is insular is likely to have a problem in college. I know people of various ethnicities who set their kids up with a local contact, where they would go to dinner on weekends. To keep them out of trouble and connected with their culture. This tended to backfire.</p>

<p>What is more prevalent now is student associations based on race, ethnicity, or religion. Asian student associations, Jewish student associations, these are common. These on-campus groups keep connection with one’s culture but also integrate completely into the campus environment. </p>

<p>Check out where you are planning to apply to, and see what they have in terms of campus groups. The more campus groups, the better. I can see situations where a small campus might not be as diverse.</p>

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<p>Racism is one issue. Racial isolation is another. The former can be found everywhere to some degree, but the second is only an issue at some campuses, especially rural LACs. Whether you find it troubling is entirely personal. Visiting is a good way to get a sense of how a school feels. Even if Asians are well represented on campus, it can be uncomfortable if the town or region are all white.</p>