Racism at Trinity is a myth...

Colleges and Universities A-Z Trinity College (Connecticut)
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<p>The fact that you call me an elite Northeasterner only proves how little you know about me or where I live. Every single school my son applied to is need blind and meets full need. One of the reasons he chose schools that he did was so he would be more likely to enjoy a school representative of true diversity...race, socioeconomic, global, etc. </p>

<p>And while I would like to see every qualified student get the aid they might need, I do not apologize for sitting on the side of hoping the American student gets the opportunity if a choice has to be made between a US student and an international student. Sue me. </p>

<p>I also will not apologize for having had opportunity in my life. Nor will I apologize for having worked very hard to afford my children the same. And if any efforts at recognizing that other's may not have been as fortunate, whether that be via financial contribution or merely dressing down a store clerk, are spit upon by you means very little to me. In fact, your response only proves how very little you have experienced of life, which might be understandable given your age. However, your age is not excuse. Standing on a soapbox hurling insults and accusations shows very little intelligence. I can only hope that wherever you attend school, you might grow as a person and recognize that not everyone who hasn't had your life experience is the enemy.</p>

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<p>
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I see, so I should go to school with my own kind, huh?

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</p>

<p>Huh? I have no idea what race you are, and frankly I don't care. I was simply pointing out that you don't seem to have a problem applying to half a dozen lily while schools, yet you criticize Amherst as being a “pigpen for the spawn of elitist northeasterners” when it’s the most diverse school in the whole lot. </p>

<p>And I don’t live in Middlebury. I did once, but that was many moons ago. It’s true that Middlebury has a hard time attracting African American students, but IMHO that’s more a function of its location in rural Vermont than anything else. And the college is making strides in recruiting and retaining more minority students. As it is, Middlebury’s acceptance rate for African Americans is nearly 20% higher than for Caucasian students, so it’s not like the college isn’t trying.</p>

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<p>The tone on this thread has taken an interesting turn. I don't know how much the respondents here know of Trinity's environment. The truth as always needs to be experienced to be revealed.</p>

<p>A discussion on race is of course necessary. But there cannot be a constructive discussion unless people are willing to listen, and importantly be willing to have their own assumptions challenged and re-examine their own biases. It is easy to say that minorities self-segregate. Even if true, it begs the question, why? One person might say it is up to them to work harder to relate to others. But what if minorities are not made to feel welcome in that specific campus setting? Then, it becomes really everyone's job to make sure that minorities are not seen as welcome.</p>

<p>So, let's not jump to conclusion. Trinity's leaders are taking this issue seriously because it IS an issue. For example, Trinity's supplemental essay was on how incoming applicant's might contribute to the institutional mission of "freeing the mind from parochialism and prejudice". Now, that is a thoughtful way of sensitizing the incoming class on the issues they might face while attending Trinity.</p>

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<p>The tone on this thread has taken an interesting turn. I don't know how much the respondents here know of Trinity's environment. The truth as always needs to be experienced to be revealed.</p>

<p>A discussion on race is of course necessary. But there cannot be a constructive discussion unless people are willing to listen, and importantly be willing to have their own assumptions challenged and re-examine their own biases. It is easy to say that minorities self-segregate. Even if true, it begs the question, why? One person might say it is up to them to work harder to relate to others. But what if minorities are not made to feel welcome in that specific campus setting? Then, it becomes really everyone's job to make sure that minorities are not seen as unwelcome.</p>

<p>So, let's not jump to conclusion. Trinity's leaders are taking this issue seriously because it IS an issue. For example, Trinity's supplemental essay was on how incoming applicant's might contribute to the institutional mission of "freeing the mind from parochialism and prejudice". Now, that is a thoughtful way of sensitizing the incoming class on the issues they might face while attending Trinity.</p>

<p>Edit: In the last line of para 2, I meant to say "minorities are not seen as unwelcome". Since I don't know how to edit my submitted message, I am resubmitting my corrected message.</p>

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<p>I never knew Trincoll was ranked #1 "Least race class interaction" by the Princeton review.
I always thought we were pretty "okay" in that regard.</p>

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<p>As I posted in a previous thread, I went to Trinity (cough, cough) years ago. I don't know what's happening now, but back then it was difficult being ANY kind of "different"-- black, Latino, Jewish. Maybe groups "stick to themselves" because they've tried mixing it up and found it very uncomfortable. And maybe the majority just doesn't realize the ways in which they make people unwelcome because they have so little experience being around anyone different from themselves.</p>

<p>I am Jewish and remember classmates talking about getting deals by "jewing" people down or referring to another classmate as "a typical New York Jew. So loud and aggressive!" A professor who made the most outrageous antiSemitic remark (too long to repeat here) that I couldn't even react because I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Or frat pledges who were told to go sing "Shortnin' Bread" in front of the Black House--and they did. Joke Night for the entire campus where students got up and told "n" jokes and not one professor or student said a thing. (That one made Newsweek.)</p>

<p>When we protested such things, the majority just looked at us like we were so annoying. I would say, helllooooo, I am in the room with you, you know! Then they'd be sorry THAT I HEARD IT but not sorry that they said it because they didn't really see anything wrong with it.</p>

<p>So if the administration is jumping all over stuff (finally), then good for them. It's about time.</p>

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<p>...which is not to say I didn't make wonderful friends there. It just took me a while to find a group with whom I didn't have to be on my guard all the time.</p>

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<p>Gtelvis, your own presumptuous comments are probably the most racist statements on this thread. Don't assume someones intentions or motives without them overtly stating them first. That's just plain ignorant.</p>

<p>I go to a wealthy, public high school in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and I am one of 8 African American students in a class of 1,000. I spend my time buffeted between my white/Asian friends and black friends. I observe "racist" comments on both sides, but more often than not, they're something along the lines of this:</p>

<p>"Those white kids are racist. They're all afraid of us and think we're stupid."</p>

<p>or</p>

<p>"Those black kids hate us. They think we're all racist hicks."</p>

<p>So you see, both sides think the other is racist, when in reality, no one is racist - but everyone is paranoid.</p>

<p>Now, I'm not sure if the same parallel can be drawn at Trinity (or Amherst, Iowa, or what have you) but I think it is most definitely a common occurrence.</p>

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<p>It's sad to see what the New Trier environment will do to someone of color.</p>

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<p>New Trier didn't create the divide, decades of bilateral American racism did. My parents both came from severely underprivileged households, worked their butts off in the Chicago public schooling system (which is absolutely terrible) and both got full ride scholarships to top universities. As a result, I have the privilege of receiving a world class education, that many parents pay thousands of dollars for, for free. </p>

<p>The fact is, and this is undeniable, that in politically progressive areas (like Connecticut or New Trier Township) racism still exists, not out of maliciousness, but due to the large amount of misunderstanding between the groups in question. Blacks typically keep to blacks because we are afraid of white racism, and whites keep to whites because they are afraid of being labeled as "racist."</p>

<p>Oh, and Gtelvis - it's a shame to see what potential can be wasted by ignorance and presumption. I don't know what racial group you fall under, nor do I really care, but your statements are just as polarizing as traditional "elitist racism." I also see you failed to respond to Arcadia's observation that all of the schools you are applying to have smaller African-American populations than Amherst, which apparently is a "pigpen" for the breeding of elitist racists.</p>

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<p>I just have to say... 20090869. You have done your parents incredibly proud (and I say that because had my son said what you have, I would have been incredibly so.) I'd like to think we, as a people, are more aware than ever in our nation's history and are trying to see past stereotypes and, to be blunt, our fear - from both sides. Whether it's institutional racism, elite racism or reverse discrimination we all have miles to go, but you have to start and not stop moving forward. Truth is, tt is what we don't talk about that hurts us. And there has to come a point where even if you don't get all the words right, the intentions behind them are honorable and therefore, a good place to start.</p>

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<p>Nothing is sadder when you become the token minority for white suburbia. And nothing is more tragic when you willingly accept that role.</p>

<p>You should be embarrassed when you check African-American on your applications, because you paint yourself white each and every day.</p>

<p>I know your environment, and I think I actually know who you are. I'm black and go to a school that lies south of that stretch of Green Bay Road on the Gold Coast of Chicago. I've met many students from New Trier on the gridiron, the wrestling mat, and the lacrosse pitch, and know several of your classmates. </p>

<p>Each and every day I fight for my people, not your people for you have left us. When Rev. Meeks marched on your school, because it is the most clear example of the inequity the public schools system is providing to my people, I marched with him. I worked with Rev. Meeks for months to bring his vision to a reality, to send a strong, clear message to the community.</p>

<p>This experience was the focus of my essay for the University of Chicago, and was a major discussion point during my interview. I believe it may be the primary reason while I was admitted to the school. It is why I will now bring that fight to Chicago's South Side and then wherever my journey takes me.</p>

<p>Plymouth Rock may have fallen upon us, but we can pick it up and use it to break down the barriers that still exist, rather than accepting the role of display mannequin. Your parents may have fought the good fight, but they have let you abandon your heritage.</p>

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<p>all i can say is wow.</p>

<p>that was really closed minded.</p>

<p>i have nothing else to say.</p>

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<p>that whole militant, black person thing is so antiquated. unless you are a civil rights leader from the 1960s reincarnated, your values and assumptions hold little pertinence in today’s society. they are only perpetuated through the unfounded mindset that people like you harbor. the world isn’t out to get you. white people aren’t the devil. black people have opportunities now. furthermore, it is counterproductive to think that it is society that needs to change, while black culture in and of itself advocates dominant cultural narratives that present prohibitive ambitions for colored youth. you deeming other african-americans as unfit, based on their non-acquiescence to your misguided perceptions of “blackness” will also keep you and your “movement” very stagnant.</p>

<p>still, i hope you and your victimhood complex “accomplish” something in your lifetime. Asalaam alaikum.</p>

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<p>I am a freshman at Trinity this year, and yes, I am white. At a first glance, I probably wouldn’t stand out here; I can often be seen walking with friends, baseball cap donned, with a polo and some jeans. Certainly I’m no stranger to the Trinity crowd. However you would be surprised. I come from a very urban area, where the population is about 40% white, and so was my high school of about 4,000. I certainly had my group of middle-class friends, and at the same time had great friends who lived packed with their family in the projects, I’ve known people who were gunned down, I’ve dealt with all the stereotypical issues of “life in the ghetto”. I’m not bragging about this, I live in a quiet suburban area of town and have lived a blessed life. But I can proudly say that I’ve lived a life of diversity, and thus have experienced something a lot of students here at Trinity have not.</p>

<p>And so I can personally share my opinion on race here on campus, something that always seems to be the main issue: the fact of the matter is, yes, there is trouble with diversity here. Does it in any way detract from experience here? Not in the slightest. My first few days were a culture shock, I wasn’t used to a population in which I was the vast majority. However, meeting new people from different lives, such as boarding schools (of course), I learned what the issue is here. It is not ignorance or racism. It is just confusion with diversity. Many people I have met here come from schools or towns where they barely ever knew someone of a different race. They show clear signs of anxiety about the surrounding area, because to someone who never experienced it, rumors of urban areas can be frightening. But as someone who is very much white, but very much a fan of diversity, I can insist that Trinity is not suffering by any means.</p>

<p>When walking into the dining hall, you may point out that there is a table of only black students, or only Asian students over in the corner. You also could point out the table in the back full of the football players, or all of the crew boys sitting together. Groups are going to form, people are comfortable with who they feel connected with. Two of my first friends here were from very urban areas, just because I knew I could connect with them. </p>

<p>So no, students here are not more racist than any other college in the country. They just are unsure. Coming from a life of boarding school where there is never the issue of poverty or a lot of different races sitting together, befriending someone and getting used to someone from such a different lifestyle is hard, it takes time. So if people wish to believe that racism is thriving on campus, the only thing for them to do is live here, and experience it. I have been absolutely ecstatic about living here, each and every day. Never once do I come across someone mean-spirited or harsh, all I notice is the absolutely incredible level of politeness and respect. If the student population is slow in acquiring diverse students, it certainly is a sad occurrence. But as someone who knows a life completely different from the peace of Trinity, I can assure you that living here, no matter where you come from, can only be seen as rewarding.</p>

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<p>Trin90, I am a pre-frosh and reading your post has gotten me excited to attend Trinity in the fall. I am a minority from the Bronx and i have had the privilege of having an eclectic group of friends from all over the city including Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, Whites, Indians and much more. Although i know i wont be met with the same diversity at Trinity, i can be confident now that i will be able to get along with most of the students in the Trinity community.</p>

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<p>“the fact of the matter is, yes, there is trouble with diversity here. Does it in any way detract from experience here? Not in the slightest.”</p>

<p>I’m certain that is your experience, but it by no means a universal truth - - and I am sure black or other URM students would disagree.</p>

<p>imike2009, good luck to you (as I said in post #13, my black D who attended elite day school and boarding school, and who now attends top tier LAC, found the Trin atmosphere troubling).</p>

<p>“It is not ignorance or racism. It is just confusion with diversity. Many people I have met here come from schools or towns where they barely ever knew someone of a different race. They show clear signs of anxiety about the surrounding area, because to someone who never experienced it, rumors of urban areas can be frightening.”</p>

<p>Definitely ignorant, particularly if one continues to cling to the stereotype.</p>

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<p>I agree that universally, not every student here is happy. There will always be a few people in every school who feel it isn’t the place for them. However, though I will fully agree that Trinity needs to work on expanding the amount of minorities on campus, and thereby making it a more comfortable atmosphere, I feel that those of us who live here on campus and are actually a part of the Trinity community have a slight upper hand in our information. I entirely understand your daughter not enjoying the vibe here, I myself had that same sensation in numerous tours, for one reason or another; in fact, I’m sure many students have. However, what she experienced was merely a couple of hours, maybe even an afternoon walking through our campus. Though she is entitled to her opinion, of course, student’s who have lived here for months on end (including myself) always stand up for the way that Trinity’s community keeps itself respectful. By being a part of this community, and knowing so many different individuals who are here with me (all of whom fully enjoy their experiences here), I can assure you that despite the minor issues that all campuses deal with, Trinity does not have an atmosphere of ignorance or racism. Yes, we have a vast majority of white students. And yes, many of those students come from private schooling. However, this does not mean they bring racist beliefs with them. </p>

<p>As for their ignorance in holding a stereotype against the local area, that is also incorrect. No one here feels that Hartford is full of horrible people to avoid. In fact, there are often active discussions on how to keep our doors open to the community, while keeping the campus safe from those individuals who come with every major city (whether they be black, white, or any other race). There is no need to insult the community of Trinity, and insist that we are ignorant and even racist, when you have barely scratched the surface of our life here. Here we are a proud group, a respectful group, and population of students who hold their heads high against these remarks. Any individuals unsure about attending our school, know that regardless of what some may say, any one who is an actual student of this school will support the claim that there is no ignorance. So say what you must, and it is completely understandable to hold your doubts. But as a fellow Bantam, I again must stress the pride that we have in our school, and every individual who we live with.</p>

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<p>What I’m wondering is, if there is not the type of racism people claim there is, is their socio-economic diversity? Like black kids and white kids interact, but only RICH black kids, and RICH white kids interact</p>

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<p>Trin90, you are correct, a current student has far more info than a prospect. But isn’t the point of a campus visit is of the prospect to see and make a decision based on first-hand information?</p>