<p>I’m a Hispanic freshman at BC and have already dealt with 2 acts of racism. The first was during orientation. I was in an elevator with a caucasian guy who introduces himself to everyone in the elevator (who’re also caucasian) yet leaves me totally out. I experienced the exact same thing during one of my first days in the dorms. A guy came up to a group I was in and again introduced himself to everyone the group (there were only 4 of us) asking the two girls on the left of me and the one girl on the right of me what their names were, where they were from, etc. He just skipped right over me.
I’ve noticed that I’m discriminated against more by the guys as the girls (for the most part) have been really nice to me.
How should I retaliate when people act like this toward me? I’ve never experienced this sort of discrimination and am not sure what course of action should be taken. Am I overreacting? Has any else experienced the same thing?</p>
<p>BUMP… 104 views and no replies. :/</p>
<p>If I were you, in both cases, I would have simply introduced myself to the elevator guy and the dorm guy…these are just jerks who need someone to teach them some manners. And btw, this can happen anywhere so just learn to handle these situations the best way possible.</p>
<p>Dude you need to relax. You are WAY overreacting. Really, have you thought that maybe they just didnt see you? I’ve been here a week and everyone is AWESOME if you make any effort to reciprocate a welcome. </p>
<p>Racism? That is pretty funny. Good luck though. Lighten up and grow thicker skin. Just friendly advice</p>
<p>i think that your initial reaction is the right one, however you could be wrong so just see how things go. Everyone is on edge the first week, trying to make friends and all so just give it a little time. i am sure you will be ok.</p>
<p>I think you should consider joining some of the cultural groups they have on campus and some of the true catholic/service groups. Those will likely be two accepting ponds.
I suspect your initial reaction was correct. But I too agree that you can force the person to acknowledge you…that will make them think about their rudeness. If the act was unattended, then it will be a good introduction anyway.
Just because kids are at a Catholic University does not mean they will be without issues.</p>
<p>Don’t let this take away from your college experience. Meet other people and especially other Hispanics who can help engage you on the campus. There are always a few jerks around…but in a pond that big hopefully they are in the minority.</p>
<p>Just curious…did you visit before being accepted? What did you feel that the ‘vibe’ was then?</p>
<p>HSG</p>
<p>Retaliate? Oh, my. I agree with Anxiouskid. You have absolutely ZERO evidence that either situation was due to your race. Chill out and enjoy the college experience.</p>
<p>I know where you are coming from, and it really isn’t that bad. I went to a private boarding school and was really sensitive to any potential racism when I was the only hispanic in the grade. Now that I am at BC, I am use to it and know that most things really aren’t racist. Here is one example: My black female friend is from Connecticut, and when she said the town she was from, one white guy interrupted her and said “wait I thought you were from Harlem?” She didn’t say anything, but the kid was serious and she viewed it as racism. Call it maybe ignorance, but the kid confused her for someone else. My experience in prep school taught me to be more relaxed about potential racism.</p>
<p>Geez, guys, I am surprised by some of these responses. OP posts two experiences of racism she perceived. Some of the more thoughtful responses might actually be helpful but telling her that she is imagining it or overreacting kind of confirms the existence of racism, don’t you think? </p>
<p>I guess no saw the LA Times article which interviewed ed African American students at Berkeley – three percent of the student body – spoke of the constant attitudes and acts of aggression they deal with on a daily basis. </p>
<p>Yes there is a difference between ignorance and blatant racism and OP will have to deal with both. </p>
<p>OP hang in there and yes, seek out friends with whom you can share what you experience and figure out ways to handle it in the way that works best for YOU.</p>
<p>Introduce yourself to whomever you want to introduce yourself. Focus more on your own actions and less on the actions of others. If their parents didn’t raise them well, you cannot “fix” them. Just be yourself.</p>
<p>It is possible that something you perceive as racially motivated is not. Even so, there is racial bias in the world, we all have to find the best way for us to respond. Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>Racism does exist and questioning that is ignorance. But to over analyze a situation like this and post “BC Racism” as a thread is quite honestly childish. Because someone doesn’t introduce themselves to you is racism? Perhaps maybe you can take a step back, relax, and become more comfortable in your own skin. If I over analyzed what people said to me on a daily basis… Wow, I would be a very cynical person and probably not very happy either. </p>
<p>As someone who is personally ATTENDING BC I want to let potential freshman know that I live next to the multicultural hall. The people here love it. They are making their own friends, finding their own groups and it is overall an awesome place (hence the remarkable retention rate). Just because someone is self-conscience shouldn’t shy you away. BC is very welcoming to diversity and made it a clear focal point at orientation and throughout welcome week that we are all ONE BC and a diverse and accepting community. </p>
<p>Lastly to OP, I mean no disrespect to you, but this thread is just harmful & you should really consider the elements of the situation. You can message me anytime and we can meet up here. I promise you if you ever need someone to talk to I will be here. EVERY school will have racism but I tell you, if you look for it too close you might just find yourself making accusations that should never even cross the mind.</p>
<p>Edit: for those who want to argue BC statistically isn’t diverse, fine…Doesn’t take away the point I am making. It is welcoming and encouraging diversity and by no means should anyone of a diverse background feel that this JESUIT university would be anything other than that. There are so many resources here. Use them, make friends and relationships and be yourself! Be awesome.</p>