<p>I’m still hesistant whether I should go early for TWTP or not.
What’s TWTP all about? I heard they tackle racial issues-debates,seminars,parties,games… BUT what else is there?
They don’t have a brochure either (like the orientation brochure) so we lack sufficient information about this program.
Did anyone attend TWTP last yr? Please tell us all about it.</p>
<p>I actually did get a brochure. It was blue and said "TWTP" on the front in gold letters. I think the letters were gold. But I actually started a thread like this in the Brown 2009 forum. The main point for going seems to be getting a heard start in settling in and meeting people. I think it will be worth it. Hope to see you there.</p>
<p>Oh, what did the brochure say? (I never get mailings on time....)
Yeah I just read your thread but there wasn't any descriptions about TWTP or feedbacks from those who actually went there.. and your thread was basically "who's going or not" kind of thread.. So I started a new one-sorry about that ;)
Well I'm guessing hundreds will be going to TWTP-since you can get in your dorms earlier. I personally think it's worth it too.</p>
<p>i was considering going, but then my family's not sure if they could handle my leaving like 6 days earlier than planned. but also, weren't we supposed to RSVP by the 2nd if we wanted to go?</p>
<p>i just sent it in and they are fine :)</p>
<p>yeah I still haven't done an rsvp....I should. but yeah osme info on it...you can find the site at brown. just go to the a-z index and find TWTP. It should be fun. I think you can register online too. I hope so...he he he, cause like I said I still need to register.</p>
<p>When you think about it..
"Third World" has an extremely negative connotation-often referring to those developing nation.
I have no idea how a prestigious school like Brown can call non-caucasians "people from the THIRD WORLD"!!!!!!
So, if you're from Europe then you're not considered a minority at Brown?!
goSH. Racism prevails already.</p>
<p>I really don't understand what you mean by "if you're from Europe then you're not considered a minority," are you an international student?
Even though minorities in the next few decades will no longer be the "minority" in this country, I define minorities as "people of color," i.e. of non-European descent, correct me if I'm wrong.
I also agree that "Third World" has a negative connotation but, if you recieved the blue information pamphlet, there is a whole section about the term "Third World" and how that orginated and why that term is still is used among people of color at Brown.</p>
<p>I meant that if you're from spain for example you should also be considered a minorty too (from Brown's own perspective)-unless you're an american who's a spanish descendant.
Yes I'm an int'l student, and in the United States where the boundary between the majority and the minorities are becoming increasingly vague nowadays, you shouldn't use the term third world when it contains a negative impression. (i still haven't received the information pamphlet by the way so there's no way I can pre-assume how the term is used among brown)
I do think that Brown has respect for every student who enrolls, and please don't think that I'm a minority who hates the fact that my country's a developing country-because I'm not. I just thought the issue's quite interesting and regardless of my racial status I just hate classifying/judging people by its race because environment does a lot in shaping a person too.</p>
<p>I see what your saying and you do make a good point, but on the other hand, I see that Brown seperates the identity of its students. International and minority students (TWW). If you are from spain, you would be considered a minority, but at Brown you more than likely would be considered a international students. I think after you recieve the information booklet a lot of your questions will be answered you can also check out the TWW site.
In addition, I didn't assume that your were a minority that was ashamed of your country as a developing nation. I have no idea where you are from and it really is besides the point.
I agree that enviroment, as well as class plays a very large part in shaping a person, but race can be another classification for a person without being negative.</p>
<p>TWP defends the terminology on their site. The main point for "Third World" was to not use another problematic blanket term "minority". They make a decent argument. But the main point is that Brown didn't name the program "Third World" out of ignorance. They put a lot of thought into it.</p>
<p>okay. that makes sense now..</p>
<p>You did not get a blue brochure because you are white. Simple.</p>
<p>TWTP is for people of color i.e. people of non-European decent. It is neither a program for tackling issues of race, sexism, or imperialism as they pertain to whiteness nor is it merely an oppurtunity of "getting a heard start in settling in and meeting people." TWTP is a place that is for people of color and by people of color. It give us the oppurtunity to empower ourselves in a majority white educational institution located in one of the world's most oppressive and racist socities. If you are white you DO NOT belong.</p>
<p>So now you feel sad, angry. You got amazing SAT scores/grades, got into Brown, and feel entitled to attend a program which caters to people of color. People who have been enslaved longer than they have had the right to vote. People who are stereotyped to the point of self immolation and abuse. People who are beaten by police officers on and off Brown's campus. People who are told they are ugly because they don't have thin noses, light skin, or blue eyes and internalize these messages. </p>
<p>So if your white there are other programs that catee to your needs of racial dialogue. Building Understanding Across Differences is what I would reccommend.</p>
<p>"If you are white you DO NOT belong."</p>
<p>Not to be contrary...I really don't want to spark an argument, so I'm trying to keep my tone even and nonconfrontational, so forgive me if I err...</p>
<p>but this is exactly why I decided to not go to TWTP last year, as a minority.
I don't think it's fair to say things such as "feel entitled to attend a program which caters to people of color", since it implies that all white individuals carry some form of 'entitlement' about them. It is not the white members of the Brown community who are "oppressing" the minority members. </p>
<p>I understand the value of TWTP, but is the exclusive nature of your post necessary? I know other people who helped organize the event, and they don't quite share your views of what TWTP is.</p>
<p>Brunonian2010: good lord did I register for the same TWTP you're describing? Sure I'm of non-european descent, but I'll be damned if I ever attend an event at Brown (or any other place) where a race, even whites, "DO NOT belong"...</p>
<p>Have you been part of the team that organizes this event, or are you speaking for just yourself here?</p>
<p>brunonian2010, when was a black person beaten simply for being black on campus? I do remember a black guy being tackled for resisting arrest and fleeing from an officer after being asked to show brown ID because someone called him in as a suspicious person (please do not attack this part, whether or not someone who called the police is racist has nothing to do with whether the police are racist), but I don't remember him being beaten for being black.</p>
<p>I do remember some white girl getting her arm broken by police officers during a protest. Unfortunately no one seemed to care about that.</p>
<p>My understanding is that if a Caucasian wants to attend TWTP, s/he can.</p>
<p>I know a couple of caucasians that are signed up for TWTP. I had to signup for TWTP today (I don't even have plane tickets to Brown yet) because the "spaces" may run out according to a MPC I talked to. ( I say "spaces" because deadlines can be used a psychological ploy to get someone to do something quicker (Cialdini - the psychology of persuasion, everyone should read this book ;)), but this may be true if the TWC does have a limited amount of funds and cannot afford to have 300 people running around until the real orientation begins) I am a black male and if I go to TWTP and I am surrounded by caucasians, I will be disappointed. Not that I don't enjoy being around Caucasians, but like Brunonian2010 said TWTP is a program mainly for meeting other minorities. My verdict: people of all colors (and of no color) should come to TWTP and engage in the discussions! I watched this intersting documentary video on PBS this week 9 frontline:</a> a class divided: watch the program | PBS if you are interested ) and I think having some Caucasians at events like TWTP is very important.</p>
<p>I think the syntax, structure, and general style of Brunonian2010's statement/post, the way he or she made it clear that "White people do NOT belong" was really powerful and could easily be interpreted as racist itself. But don't let this turn you off about going to TWTP. Through Facebook I have met a plethora of extremely interesting future classmates (and TWTP mates) so i am sure if you decide to come to TWTP you will have a great time and your views on certain societal functions will be challenged.</p>