It’s a mixed bag. There are some complaints that seem reasonable
The example cited may or may not be tokenism, but I suspect we’ve all seen similar attempts to showcase an institution’s supposed diversity.
Then, there are ideas that seem wrong-headed
Braids are cultural appropriation? Really?
Overall, there are some perspectives on the issue that may not habitually enter the conversation. I’m still thankful my college is not a fan of safe spaces, trigger warnings, and so forth, but there’s value in understanding the thinking behind some recent demands, however strongly we may disagree with them.
I guess it depends on the style. Indian girls and women have always worn one or two braids and have little more fashionable styles with multiple braids (more like 5-10) for special occasions. Polynesians are depicted in movies with braids. Bo Derek was wearing cornrows in the movie 10 and it seemed to be to emulate the local island culture but it can be considered cultural appropriation back 37 years ago. However, I suspect there were much bigger battles to fight back then as opposed to cultural appropriation.
It was interesting to see a few people gathered in our home before their prom and the discussion was about an Asian Chinese wearing a Vietnamese style dress which could be considered cultural appropriation for prom. If I had hair, I would have pulled it out.
Over the past year or so as my DS has started his college search process I have tried to become aware of many/all of the things mentioned in the Washington Post article so that I can educate myself and have meaningful discussions on these topics with DS & broader family. My initial reaction to what I read about the topics was to think that college students and administrators had lost their minds. From that point I have attempted to see the problems from many angles. My evolution on these topics (placed in groupings) is now as follows:
A. Valid concern, no qualifiers
Starting the Conversation
B. Valid concerns though I think the attempts to address are wrong headed or naive
Microaggression
Safe Space
C. Still seem crazy to me - but I’m willing to be converted if a logical case can be made
Cultural appropriation - I do not understand the view that someone is entitled to own a culture or decide how a culture should be “used”
Trigger warnings - The world is full of ideas that could offend or cause personal pain. Develop a thick skin (you will need it)
I expect most everyone will to some degree disagree with my views and that is perfectly okay. As Obama recently said at Rutgers:
"If you disagree with somebody, bring them in and ask them tough questions. Hold their feet to the fire. Make them defend their positions. If somebody has got a bad or offensive idea, prove it wrong. Engage it. Debate it. Stand up for what you believe in. Don’t be scared to take somebody on. Don’t feel like you got to shut your ears off because you’re too fragile and somebody might offend your sensibilities. Go at them if they’re not making any sense. Use your logic and reason and words. And by doing so, you’ll strengthen your own position, and you’ll hone your arguments. And maybe you’ll learn something and realize you don’t know everything. And you may have a new understanding not only about what your opponents believe but maybe what you believe. Either way, you win. And more importantly, our democracy wins.