<p>That really sucks man. It's unfortunate that there is racism still even at a top institution of learning like Michigan. Personally, I think the majority of racism is directed towards the "beneficiaries" of affirmative action policies. This is due to ignorance and common stereotypes. I would love to work with others to make sure this is something that is openly and freely discussed between students of all backgrounds and ethnicities, no matter the college.</p>
<p>i haven't seen any racism here yet and I'm Muslim...I'm sure there are some cases of course...i think that whole thing with black people being placed on NC is bogus, no offense</p>
<p>There is definitely some racism at the University of Michigan. Let us get real people. Michigan has 39,000 students, 5,000 professors and 15,000 staff workers. Among the students, there are 5,000 underreprented minorities, 5,000 international students from 130 countries, 7,000 Asian students, 2,000 Muslim students, 3,000 Hindu or Budhist students, 6,000 Jewish students and the list goes on and on! And that's just the students. The faculty is probably even more diverse. </p>
<p>Given this sort of diversity, there are going to be instances where racism will emerge. The same can be said of every elite university. Harvard's president publically stated that women aren't as scientifically inclined as men for crying out loud. But like I said, in my 4 years as a student at the University and in my 6 years as a resident of Ann Arbor, I have never had a negative experience, and I Middle Eastern.</p>
<p>That incident with the drunk white male urinating on the Asian couple was well publicized among the Asian-American community, even in non Midwestern communities. According to AA's I've talked to from the UM community, they say that some consider the incident to be just the tip of the iceberg...it definitely seems like UM's got some racial issues that aren't being discussed openly, and just kind of seething underneath the surface. It could be a natural outcome of having so many Asian students at the U of M (the number's exploded in the past 10-20 years, I think).</p>
<p>Magu, I have lived in Ann Arbor for 6 years, I know the town inside and out. There is not "tip of the iceberg". Ann Arbor is one of the friendliest, safest, most liberal and welcoming communities you will find anywhere. Like I said, racism exists everywhere, but at Michigan, it is really not an issue.</p>
<p>Some of that publicity was really loosy-goosy with the facts. I got an email from an Asian-American organization stating that the perpetrators had been charged with a federal crime (a hate crime). That was absolutely not the case--who knows how many other things weren't verified or cleared up.</p>
<p>Liberal does not equal "welcoming." I live in one of the most conservative and friendly areas of the country... yes, even more friendly than Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>I don't care for Larry Summers, but that's not what he said. You should read his actual remarks. Here is the link from Slate:
<a href="http://www.president.harvard.edu/speeches/2005/nber.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.president.harvard.edu/speeches/2005/nber.html</a></p>
<p>I am no fan of Larry Summers, but you has misquoted him. Here is the Slate's link to his remarks at the academic conference: <a href="http://www.president.harvard.edu/speeches/2005/nber.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.president.harvard.edu/speeches/2005/nber.html</a></p>
<p>Anhydrosis, I never said that liberal meant welcoming. That is why I used both words. Michigan is liberal AND welcoming. I am sure there are some conservative towns that are also very welcoming, as long as you don't think or look different.</p>
<p>Conservatives by definition dislike change/differences from the "norm". While there are ultra liberals who are extremely PC and can be rude sometimes, most liberals/moderates I have met are open to new cultures and ideas and people. Very few conservatives are, but I know they're out there.</p>
<p>Alexandre, I sense a less than tolerant attitude for conservatives. Unfortunately, your statements regarding conservatives are dead wrong. I happen to look and think differently than others in my area. We are not clones. You all need to spend some time with some conservatives to see that they are real caring people. People in my area say hi to you in the streets and look you in the eye. They stop to help you if your car is broken. They bring a meal if you move into the neighborhood. They help people rebuild and remodel their homes. My family is involved with the international student group at a local college. As much as liberals claim to be so open minded, your comments indicate your disdain for conservatives. The message I take away from you, as Moderator of the Michigan site, is that UM does not want conservatives.</p>
<p>btw, your statement that Ann Arbor is a "liberal and welcoming community" certainly implies to the average reader a connection between the two.</p>
<p>Just as the "liberal" in liberal arts doesn't mean the same thing as a political liberal, the Webster's definition of conservative doesn't apply to most conservatives. I didn't come up with the following definition of conservative, but I think it comes closer to the mark:</p>
<p>Political conservatives in the United States usually support free-market economic principles and low taxes, and distrust federal, as opposed to state and local, government power. Cultural conservatives may be opposed to abortion or to the excesses of popular media.</p>
<p>Also, all conservatives don't share the same views. Just as you described the ultra PC liberals, there are some conservatives that fall into the same standard deviation on the right.</p>
<p>Anhydrosis, everybody is welcomed in Ann Arbor, which is why I said Ann Arbor is welcoming. Ann Arbor being welcoming has nothing to do with its being liberal. As a devout Catholic, I am personally conservative in many respects. Of course, my definition of conservative and the US definition of conservative differ widely. Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan certainly welcome conservatives as long as they are tolerant. In fact, the University's Republican party is strong and its student-run conservative newspaper (the Michigan Review) is one of the most respected in the nation. </p>
<p>I do need to make something very clear however. I have visted enough conservative and liberal areas in the US to know that liberal areas are significantly more tolerant and welcoming.</p>
<p>Anhydrosis, that is true. I can understand a conservative point of view as I do not always agree with every liberal perspective; it's impossible to be so radically left or right wing in my humble opinion. I think most people have mixed opinions, but on average tend to lean one direction or another. More of my views politically and culturally tend to sway left than those that sway right. Therefore, I am a moderate/liberal. </p>
<p>I've heard the same comments from a conservative friend of mine about Michigan not welcoming those who aren't liberal. I doubt its veracity but I know his decision not to attend U-M was based largely on that fact. He prefers a smaller, more conservative school like Hillsdale. I'm not too sure, but I think Michigan is pretty welcoming of any person regardless of political affiliation. Are there a ton of liberals on campus? Of course. Most college campuses are liberal. However I highly doubt conservatives wouldn't be able to find other conservatives or even befriend liberals. If you're a tolerant/not rabidly conservative person, I am sure you will be fine.</p>
<p>racism? no way, especially not in Michigan.</p>
<p>if you went to southern schools, then you might be faced with racism.</p>
<p>I would probably be considered a moderate/conservative, as I hold a fair number of liberal views but more conservative views. While at college, I look forward to engaging in a rational discourse with people whose views differ from my own. I would like to think I can be learn from, and possibly be persuaded by, these discussions. I thought Michigan was a place where I would be an integral part of a cultural and political melting pot; I certainly enjoyed my visit there last weekend. However, the "word on the street" is that Michigan is very left leaning and my discussion above with the moderator makes me uncomfortable about how conservatives will be treated on campus. I'm not rabid in my views, but I also want to feel free to express my opinions in a friendly environment. </p>
<p>The following Alexandre comments make me very nervous:
"I am sure there are some conservative towns that are also very welcoming, as long as you don't think or look different." [UNBELIEVABLE! and, imho, not very tolerant.]
"Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan certainly welcome conservatives as long as they are tolerant." [Tolerant of who or what? I'm getting an Orwellian vibe and am looking over my shoulder for the thought police.]
"I do need to make something very clear however. I have visted enough conservative and liberal areas in the US to know that liberal areas are significantly more tolerant and welcoming." [I'll form my own opinions, thank you very much.]
This person doesn't seem to tolerate conservatives, unless they keep their mouths shut.</p>
<p>Anhydrosis, you are too sensitive. I am not going to get into a personal discussion about my views but I think you and I got off on the wrrong foot. </p>
<p>Anyway, given what you write, I'd say you would love Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. Hopefully, you will make it your college for the next 4 years.</p>
<p>Yeah, I think you're reading a little too much into Alexandre's comments. Honestly, man (woman?), I think you would love Michigan. Please please don't let political bias guide the college you choose. I can guarantee you that you will find people like you! Perhaps even more conservative than you. Pick a college because you'll be happy there for more than just political atmosphere. It sounds like you do like Michigan despite that. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>I think a conservative student could find a wonderful niche here at Michigan. Conservatives do have a voice and a presence here (although I thought the Michigan Review went largely libertarian/objectivist a few years ago).</p>
<p>However, I also think it's the case that a conservative student might encounter some students who think "tolerance" is about being tolerant to anyone except a conservative. LOL I believe that's a problem (and not just at Michigan). However, such students are hypocritical and the sooner they realize that, the better. You can't let the naive form of warped "liberalism" of a few students keep you away--Michigan needs the diversity you'd bring (and you'd be in better company that you realize).</p>
<p>Some of the most gratifying "movements" I've seen at Michigan are where students have rejected the extremism of the vocal few and have come together to carve out really useful, rational stances on hot issues. It's students like you who make that happen.</p>