<p>I know USC is a diverse school. I know that people aren't openly racist there. But I've heard that at USC there's little interaction between people of different races. A lot of this goes with the frat/sorority stereotypes of USC I've heard. So how true is it? Do people generally stick to their own race? Or is there little racial tension?</p>
<p>The latter.</p>
<p>There is a "little" racial tension everywhere. It's still a fact of modern times. It's gotten much better than it used to be, but there are still prejudices everywhere. I'm shocked to hear the racial jokes that are still being spewed at work, and even in my own family. </p>
<p>It doesn't mean it's good or bad, it just is. Doesn't mean it should be accepted.</p>
<p>Don't let that affect your consideration of USC, cause it's a great school.</p>
<p>I'm a freshman at USC, and I hear racist jokes every day. People think it's funny, when it's really not. But I guess you get that kind of stuff anywhere, unless it's a super liberal arts school. You just have to brush it off or tell them to shut up.</p>
<p>As for certain "racial grouping," I'd say it does exist, but not in a discriminatory way. There are lots of clubs for minorities, and I suppose that's why they tend to clump together. I'm not part of the greek scene, so I can't really speak for that. </p>
<p>And if you've never lived in Los Angeles before, you're likely to encounter some sort of racial culture shock. It is a very diverse city, and the location of USC is in one of the most diverse parts. Just be prepared to feel like you are "part" of some "group" at some point, whether it's intentional or not.</p>
<p>On my daughter's dorm floor alone there are girls representing about every ethnicity you could think of, and it's a very close-knit floor where she's made great friends. In her experience, race is simply not an issue.</p>
<p>My S hasn't mentioned any racial issues to date. He & his room mate are of different races and get along great. Many of his HS classmates who also attend USC are also of various races (including Caucasian, various asian races, and others) & all get along great with one another & the other folks they've met at USC. None of mentioned any racial issues when I've spoken with them or their families and all are comfortable and happy in LA.</p>
<p>I don't know much about the Greek scene, because it isn't my S's interrest. I do know that he has friends of various races that have joined frats & sororities & I assume they're happy (or can't see why they joined).</p>
<p>can you give an example of racist joke?</p>
<p>Yeah, I was approached by like 3-4 different FRAT recruiters for this Asian Frat. He said it wasnt exclusively for Asians only, but honestly, its an Asian Frat. I like more diversity, which is why USC is a good school for my preferences. I think Ive seen maybe one or two people who were intolerant of other races, but thats everywhere you know.</p>
<p>do they have groups or frats/sororities for for people who are mulitracial... i'm 5 different nationalities so it would be interesting for me to know</p>
<p>My son received a brochure in the mail about the different fraternities. I am sorry that I don't know where the brochure is. My point is if you search out the USC web site you should be able to find the brochure on line or learn more about the different fraternities/sororities at USC.</p>
<p>Umm, I guess its possible, but I've noticed none. I have friends here from everywhere. My roommate who's one of my closest friends is from australia, I know another dude on the floor from greece, a friend from england, three from new mexico, one from florida, one from massachusettes, one from the Carribean, etc etc. In fact, I don't believe any of my friends here have the same ethnicity. Oh and I'm black so thats another one. I think if yoiu go looking for it you could find it, but then again, don't go looking for the white whale if you aren't ready.</p>
<p>USC in general is not a racist school although racism can be found (like any other school). The main source of racism at USC is in CERTAIN fraternities. For example, SAE had their first black member in like 30 years or so just recently. They hate minorities and barely accepted that black member in the first place. They are truly the racist/elitist fraternity at SC (they also check to make sure your parents make a huge sum of money per year - not sure on specifics but probably like 500k/year or something, don’t quote me). Sigma Chi is also pretty much white only- but they are much better than SAE (they have some asians in the house at least). But other frats such as Phi Psi, Pike, Lambda Chi and pretty much all the other houses are more diverse (not racist). So if you find yourself wanting to partake in the greek system, just avoid Sigma Chi and SAE and you will experience no discrimination. </p>
<p>SAE and Sigma Chi are also pretty racist at UCLA too, so it seems like more of a chapter problem than school problem, but the school should really regulate.</p>
<p>people don’t understand humor. Irony = Humor. Racist jokes simply aren’t racist. They’re playing off of a common stereotype. If people believed that the jokes were true, they wouldn’t be funny, there response would just be “duh, where’s the punchline?” So for anyone to appreciate a racist joke they have to understand the irony, because they didn’t immediately think of a racist response, which the person telling the joke gives. </p>
<p>Beyond that, people just aren’t racist anymore. I live in Kentucky, which is like 95% white, and it’s true that there is that one table where almost all of the black kids sit, but everywhere else it’s integrated, there is no asian group, no mexican group, etc., and this is in a state close to the south, where racism is prevalent. Even still the black kids have white friends, and I have black, asian, mexican, and all sorts of other minority friends. It’s part of the modern era, and while it’s still by no means perfect, once you get to know someone their race is irrelevant, though it might influence some false preconceptions, we all still try to avoid those, whether it’s for the cause of not wanting to look racist (which is looked down upon everywhere) or just simply NOT being racist, the result is the same, and most people are open to meeting all sorts of people, which is part of why I would like to come to USC.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that all of these observations come from a public high school in Kentucky, where California is a MUCH MUCH more diverse place and interactions are forced between races, and USC is a very good school and all students are educated, and like most educated people, probably know that race is irrelevant. With that being said, however, there are racists out there, and it’s something you can’t avoid, so while I’ll say the vast, vast majority of USC will probably not be racist, I’m sure out of 30000 students, you will encounter a few.</p>
<p>If it’s a minority posing the question, know that most people aren’t racist towards you, you just might have to take the leap to get to know people and let them know that you don’t fall into your race’s stereotype.</p>
<p>(Pay attention to the dates of the posts.)</p>
<p>lol this thread was revived twice? And without any real reason from what i gather.</p>
<p>Wow, 2007…</p>
<p>Anyways, I’m an Asian living in Canada and although I have no idea about the intensity of racial issues in the US, I feel like I have something to say. Although in Canada, the country known for multiculturalism, people at my school say things like, “You’re being asianized” or “I asian failed” when it comes to marks and academics. My friends (of different races) sometimes make blonde and “the Middle East” jokes. </p>
<p>I admit that racial issues are harsher in the US and being an asian myself, I’m kind of anxious as well. However, such matter shouldn’t be your main concern if you’re planning to study in the US. If so, then I advise you to stay in your country where your race forms the majority.</p>
<p>Well your right, most of USC is NOT racist, especially since its becoming a far more academic school. Just don’t rush SAE because they are- its really the only house on the row (sigma chi too) that is racist. I was commenting on greek system racism not the school. the school is great and is projected to pass ivy league schools in the future</p>
<p>The University itself is amazing, but I have personally experienced racism here. Of course, it was from Greeks. It really bothered me the first time, and still bothers me to this day, but after my third encounter, I’ve become a little more complacent about it. I’m still angry, but there is no use in fighting it. I just hope that USC continues to excel academically and continues to elevate its admissions standards so as to phase out the uncultured minority that have left this terrible taste in my mouth.</p>
<p>I’ve noticed that there are very different vibes depending on where you are around campus, which is pretty weird. When I’m actually ON campus, I feel at-ease. Then as I get closer to my apartment (a block north of the Row) I feel that ease wither away. I’ve also felt that malaise in my classes. Imagine walking in as the only Mexican student in a class. The looks are deadly, haha. Racism is a reality, it’s just that I wasn’t used to it before coming to SC. I am not self-righteous, and I do not assign blame. I know how socialization works.</p>