<p>Now, before I get into my response. Note that I am giving MY opinion based off of what I’ve experienced. </p>
<p>First, I completely agree with BryRai. </p>
<p>Michigan is a very diverse school, if you’re looking on paper; however, when you go into the social life and interactions between students…things are different. People tend to stick with their own kind. Whites with Whites (why not? are they the majority?) Blacks with Blacks…hell even Africans with Africans, Asians with Asians, etc.</p>
<p>This is my first year at Michigan and I’m a black student. You know, typical from Detroit. After a few weeks here, myself and other black students could tell what the impression was of us. We obviously came here simply because we’re black. Michigan needs diversity right? Never mind the fact that we had top ACT and SAT scores and could compete with others from suburban schools. I remember being in class one day and chatting with a few other students. We were talking about high school so when I told them I graduated with a 4.0 gpa, 32 ACT, and 2100 SAT, you can’t imagine the looks I got. Sure, I don’t doubt these scores are typical from a White or Asian or Middle Eastern student but a coming from a black student…it’s unheard of. That moment was kind of a “shrug my shoulders” and move on moment. Not that serious.</p>
<p>I only really first noticed things when I was the only black student in my class. When the instructor says look for a partner, it’s the most awkward thing in the world. People’s eyes look almost anywhere else before they land on the black student. Or being in a group, and contributing an answer. No one really wants to consider the answer and or accept it because the perception is that, a black student can’t possibly know the answer. I’ve had this happen numerous times. Give an answer (the correct one) and have group member behave as if they didn’t hear a word I said or look at me stupidly and say “well lets look at other options”. </p>
<p>Everyone knows it’s common courtesy ( at least by my standards) to say “hello” when you see a classmate outside of class. In my case, I was never really close with the group in my discussion class but I made it a point to say “hello” outside of class. Hell, I’ve been ignored!<br>
- At Bursley getting food and standing right across from me is a classmate. I’ve waved and spoke but got nothing back.
- Or standing right behind a GROUP member for a project in a line a freaking Taco Bell. Looked me dead in my face and not a “hello”. We’re freaking group members!
It’s almost as if people are scared to wave hello to the black person on campus. I guess it also sucks that I’m black and female. Doubly worthless, no?</p>
<p>The crap about Asians facing prejudice and experiencing more racism than blacks is stupid. The general perception of an Asian student, is that they got to the school based on Merit and not AA or some ****. That’s a million times better than the perception of a black student. Hell, in my discussion class there were about 5 Asians and all of them seemed pretty comfortable socializing. </p>
<p>I’m not trying to blame anyone; I’m just saying what I’ve experienced and felt thus far. </p>
<p>I know that there is a general perception of Blacks…esp those coming from Detroit. I get that there are some people who’ve never had to interact with a Black person. When I do talk to someone from another race, sometimes their facial expression just reads “I’m scared. They’re black. Don’t know what to say”. That’s makes me uncomfortable then the whole interaction becomes awkward. It’s like, “relax, black people are human you don’t have to act like that”. </p>
<p>The point about being “stared at” is kind of true. Not really condescending but more “curious”.</p>
<p>I think a lot of it comes from fear of the unknown. Generally blacks are isolated. In Michigan, most come from Detroit or Southfield. Whites and Asians usually live relatively close to one another, so the tension isn’t really there. </p>
<p>I know what I’m about to say might offend someone but…</p>
<p>I think that the majority of students (esp white students) feel that they don’t need to branch out. If you pick a school, you are more than likely to look at the demographics. Michigan is predominately white. So a white person coming a white school is more or less comfortable. Almost everyone freaking looks like them. Almost the same with the Asian community of campus. Not to offend anyone, but Ann Arbor is where most of the Asian community populates. They are tons of them on campus, so they also safe and comfortable. But imagine being black or hispanic and being the only one in your class that looks like you. It’s almost like you’re alone and have no one to have your back. It’s very uncomfortable. You come to a school to branch out but no every one feels the need to. Asians stick with their own. Same with Whites. They’re the majority. Why branch? I felt that the only time I could be myself and be comfortable is with other black students. Sad, but that’s who I’ve REALLY hung out with and enjoy myself with…</p>
<p>I do like Michigan. It’s just I’m unsure of how Michigan is a “diverse” school. I wish that people would integrate more. I find that sometimes you just have to force yourself to do so. Just before break, I went to a few club meetings where I was the only black one. I had fun. I think that people are generally cool, you just have branch out. </p>
<p>I will say that there is a certain evident perception of black students on campus. It does make myself and others (black friends) feel uncomfortable in certain situation that would seem easy to others from different backgrounds.</p>
<p>*I’m sure my grammar is terrible in this. Written at something AM in the morning. Sorry. ^.^</p>