Racism in College

<p>You're probably right, and that might explain why frats aren't as diverse, because sometimes there are more shared interests between the races than not.</p>

<p>As a general statement, I would agree that whites don't want in black frats/sororities and vice versa. However, whites are not complaining that they aren't being allowed in because of pervasive discrimination in society. It is strange to me when a group of people generally complains that they can't do something at the same time that they purposely don't do it, and then cite as evidence of discrimination the fact it hasn't happened. Greeks are not the best example in the world since brunettes have a harder time getting into sororities than blondes. (Anyone interested in sororities should read "Pledged: The Secret Life of Sororities" by Alexandra Robbins.) However, comments earlier in the thread seemed to indicate that blacks were sitting at cafeteria tables with other blacks because of discrimination. As a general comment, I think that immigrants to the US have always strived to integrate themselves into society. Of course, African Americans don't qualify as immigrants and the fact that blacks from Central and South America do not want to be called African Americans is interesting to me. Some African Americans seem intent on staying separate from the mainstream and maintaining their heritage at the same time they declare that institutionalized discrimination is rampant and demand special consideration.</p>

<p>I don't have a problem with affinity housing except where it involves issues from my first paragraph. I don't think that you can mix race and sex in the same argument. Certainly, there are similarities such as women/blacks getting the vote later than white males or white males owning property or the common people in general. However, the sexes are going to be separated to some degree, either by room or floor or building or college. That makes more sense in terms of being seen without makeup or naked. I don't think it is the same thing as race.</p>

<p>I keep have this same discussion with my friends, a majority of whom are white. They don't understand why blacks or rather minorities in general act so exclusively and then complain about racism, discrimination, etc. While I love my friends they have not had the same experiences many minorities have had. The reason minorities self-segregate is the need to be in a non-judgemental setting and it is simply easier. I hate having to always explain minority behavior to my friends but I do to promote understanding.<br>
I have noticed a trend at my school which is 70+% black among white students primarily. Many are of the mindset that black culture is inferior to their own. This is something not limited to the South. I am constantly find myself in situations where people make fun of almost anything relating to black culture. They usually see it as a way to break the ice when having a conversation with blacks.<br>
It's easier to be in a setting where you are not judged b/c of misconceptions about your ethnic group. One gets tired of being the token black guy in a group or defending your race in the classroom.<br>
In my head this post was more eloquent but somewhere between my brain and fingure-tips it lost its fluidity. The crux of the matter is until we better understand each other and respect each other these problems will persist at appreciable levels.<br>
One last question: Why am I responsible for educating people about my race? Why do we send children to school? I am tired of being the designated teacher to my friends god love 'em but can you pick up a book.</p>

<p>My experiences have been slightly different from berry986. I am an African American male, and the majority of my friends are Caucasian. Most of them are quite accepting of other cultures and appear to be condescending--we attended a rather diverse private school. </p>

<p>That being said, I suppose I shattered several of the perpetuated African American stereotypes. For example, I listen primarily to rock; My preferred fashion consists of Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger; I speak with what is described as many as "proper English".</p>

<p>I know many African-Americans who are resistant to embracing the "white" culture. Often times, they ridicule it out of ignorance. Often times, they are afraid of being labeled an "oreo". Of course, there are Caucasians who do not understand "black" culture and ridicule it out of ignorance. I suppose both races are afraid of rejection by the other; thus, they seek to alienate themselves to prevent such.</p>

<p>Example:
Many Blacks have the perception that rock is "a bunch of white boy Devil worshippers screaming into a microphone".</p>

<p>Many Whites have the perception that rap is "mysogynistic 'music' that promotes violence, sexual abuse and drug use."</p>

<p>However, it should be noted that rock and rap are genres that have several sub-genres. Thus, sweeping generalizations are inaccurate.</p>

<p>Also, perhaps the parents play an integral role. The parents--white and black--are most likely from the Civil Rights Era and may have a distrust one another. As a result, they pass on this distrust--which can be perpetuated in homogeneous environments--to their children.</p>

<p>My point is people don't have to like aspects of one another's culture, but it is upsetting to both races when one belittles the others.</p>

<p>what are the most racist schools so i can stay away frm them?</p>

<p>Majayi, you and I are very similar. My friends are accepting of others and have more black friends than just me but I still find my self defending my race more than I would like. I also don't fit the quitessential black musical stereotype although I prefer music of the Michael Tolcher, Shin, spectrum.
I think we were seperated at birth. Your last statement was what I was trying to say.</p>

<p>I don't mind black culture at all, I just cannot stand 50 cent. Here is a self admitted drug dealer who does nothing but go uh huh uh over some really good beats. Hopefully the tenth time he gets shot at its a head shot.</p>

<p>Hahahaaaaaaaaa</p>

<p>i can't stand 50 cent (the guy) either but his songs aren't that bad (the tunes/beats i mean).</p>

<p>why would you want him shot? you must hate him real bad.lol</p>

<p>How do people find these oooooooold posts.... :rolleyes:</p>

<p>
[quote]
Also, Asians can be targeted. A Princeton grad was harassing scores of female students-- going as far as soiling their drinks or cutting off locks of their hair-- because they were Asian. There was an awful incident at Tufts recently in which an Arab student was repeatedly beaten by frat boys-- because he was Arab.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>How do you know it was "because they were Asian" and "because they were Arab?" How are you so sure its not "because they were ******* Asians and Arabs?"</p>