<p>Is this a dumb question...what kind of student would not enjoy him/herself at Dartmouth? Or is this the kind of thing you can only find out on a campus visit?</p>
<p>people who like warm weather, big schools or living in or near a city.</p>
<p>Dartmouth has been (historically) a harsh environment for URM's. Also, the social atmosphere (peer pong, outdoorsy people, etc.) leaves much to be desired for some.</p>
<p>Actually most URMs I know love it. That is a ridiculous statement. I have a ton of URM friends who had the time of their lives. Also Dartmouth is much more than pong and outdoorsy people. Its full of fun loving people who enjoy barbeques, random fun, etc. </p>
<p>I think people who would be better off elsewhere are usually internationals looking for a club-like urban scene. Its not really there.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Dartmouth has been (historically) a harsh environment for URM's.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>What consititutes a harsh environment? In what content are you framing this question. Please elaborate.</p>
<p>it is EXTREMELY true that dartmouth is somewhat racist in the student body and administration. several personal anecdotes could be cited but will not be due to legal issues. dartmouth is very much a "old boys club" that often discriminates against all kinds of ethnic and sexual minorities. and the social scene is ALL frats...and for those of you who say it isnt, it is.</p>
<p>Perhaps, SANGEL, you are not looking hard enough. I've just finished my first year, and, despite being a minority student who doesn't party much, I had a wonderful time. I have minority friends, but I also have many white friends who treat me exactly as they do each other, and who also were not very into the frat scene. We found other ways to entertain ourselves, and every one of us came out of the year in love with Dartmouth.</p>
<p>edit: If this came off as unpleasant, I did not mean that at all - I'm not trying to deny what you've said, and it is possible that I was just very very lucky. However, it certainly is POSSIBLE for students who are not interested in frats or who are URMs to have a good time.</p>
<p>is it just me or is this a harsh day on CC for Dartmouth? First this and then that thread on the College Admissions board by some bimbo...</p>
<p>people who hate fraternities/sororities....</p>
<p>
[quote]
dartmouth is very much a "old boys club" that often discriminates against all kinds of ethnic and sexual minorities.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>If I remember correctly the current student body president is an openly gay man who won by a large margin including write in votes.</p>
<p>I am not here to marginalize your experience at Dartmouth and I am sorry if you feel that you have been discriminated against because you are an ethnic or sexual minority. </p>
<p>AS the parent of a student of color at Dartmouth I can say that what you have written has definitely not been her experience at Dartmouth. I know for a fact that she has a large group of friends across the board who are greek (including some who are ethnic and sexual minorities that are in frats), non-greeks, jocks, campers, straight, gay and are all different ethnicities.</p>
<p>i apologize if this sounds rude but i am speaking from the viewpoint of a NONminority
so maybe it seems to be different than it is from a minority's perspective</p>
<p>Basically those who don't like the cold, or from what I understand a very healthy party/social environment. Oh and btw, I'm the bimbo 8P</p>
<p>hey slutbag</p>
<p>
[quote]
it is EXTREMELY true that dartmouth is somewhat racist in the student body and administration.
[/quote]
I am a minority and I can say that the above statement is absurd and clearly uninformed; however well intentioned, I am amazed at by it. Neither I, nor any of my friends (about half of which are minorities) have ever experienced any racism or discrimination based on race or ethnicity.</p>
<p>I believe it is a disservice to all, particularly minorities, to suggest that Dartmouth is anyhting but accepting of all, no matter their origin or skin color.</p>
<p>I too am a minority. There are certain "jocky" places where being different from the norm might be uncomfortable, for example Theta Delt. But remember these places are intimidating to almost everyone. I have found being a minority to in fact be a plus in many ways, and the administration is going to the ultimate level to encourage diversity (look at the Trustee battles). Sangel, I think you need to look a little deeper.</p>
<p>um you are missing my point entirely
im saying that it may appear not to be racist from a minority's perspective, but speaking from a non-minority, "inside" point of view, it is. and even if people seem not to be racist (to your face), they are indeed.</p>
<p>sorry if this is really mean...i discourage racism in general :)</p>
<p>Sangel,</p>
<p>Your statements come off as condescending and facile even if you do not intend them to. Are we to assume from your insiders point of view that any of our non-minority friends or faculty are just tricking us into believing they are not racist in fact (by this we mean, treating people of a different race worse that people of a similar race--because of race, not personality or character) and therefore not real friends, whereas you are an insider as you say, keeping it real? Are we minorities just too gullible, simple and impressionable to get it? Do you believe it to be your obligation as a sensitive white-guy to set us uninformed, though loveable, dark-skinned "outsiders" straight about the real world?</p>
<p>If you yourself are a racist, which I doubt, speak for yourself; but allow those who know something about racism, having seen it practiced on them at one time or another in their own lives and the lives of their families--experts as it were--to speak for themselves without anyone here wringing-out their white-liberal-guilt to feel above it all and, of course, above the rest of us. Even if it is just to be part of our imagined pain. </p>
<p>Dartmouth is virtually utopian in this regard when compared to the real world. Right now, Im doing an internship at Stanford and it is no different, as far as I can see.</p>
<p>Paternalism, though not racism, is functionally just as bad as racism--even worse--believe me; because it is a belittling and cheep way to prove you care.
Id loose it before you hurt somebody. </p>
<p>FWIW, I am confident you have no mal-intent here and that you are a deeply committed liberal who caresjust dont confuse the subject with the object of your compassion, as is so often the case.</p>
<p>
[quote]
but speaking from a non-minority, "inside" point of view, it is. and even if people seem not to be racist (to your face), they are indeed.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Don't you think that this statement is a little disingenuous and a bit insulting to your fellow non-minority students (unless you are indeed the appointed voice that speaks for them)? It's painting with very broad strokes a picture that all non-minority students (your self included) are basically walking around the campus with a mask showing one face to students at large and another face (a racist one at that) when they are around their friends.</p>
<p>I agree with FS that I am confident that you have no-mal intent, but
some one could think that by your statements you are projecting your own feelings about race (which may not be socially acceptable in the Dartmouth environment) and attibuting them to others and justifying it by gracing others with your insider's pov (which I really hope is not the case).</p>
<p>I would like to address this as well, I just totally disagree with Sangel. I think Dartmouth is utopian in a way, and some of his comments are totally off base. For example, Sangel cites the administration as racist. In fact, I feel it could not be even more opposite. President Wright and company have gone to extreme ends to support diversity at Dartmouth and have changed the place dramatically in the last 15 or so years. They are literally willing to sacrifice their jobs to promote a welcoming environment. In fact president wright was recently attacked for saying something along the lines of "but what is free speech is the rights of some alienate the rights of others," and was attacked by the right wing 80s alums. Whether you agree with him or not, Karl Fustenberg, the admissions dean, got in hot water for questioning letting in football players over equally qualified URMs and other candidates. Having worked with the administration over the years I can honestly say I have only encountered the most wonderful worldly perspective. Dartmouth might have one of the best most open minded administrations in the country.</p>
<p>I am in fact of the same minority group as Sangel (Indian). I am afraid people will get the wrong impression readind his comments however, so I totally want to address all of them in depth particularly those directed at the student body. Unfortunately I am literally getting worked at my job this morning, lol! But I'll be back soon!</p>