Why is diversity good?

College Confidential Community
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<p>...wow. I am at a loss for words.</p>

<p>xxxxxxx - I wrote a whole new thing here, but I quit this fruitless debate. You guys can go hold hands and sing and plant trees and frollock among the diverse population. I'm going to go club some baby seals and exploit some third world farmers.</p>

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<p>madville,</p>

<p><a href="http://www.campusreportonline.net/main/articles.php?id=792%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.campusreportonline.net/main/articles.php?id=792&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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“It is unclear just what a ‘black’ opinion is. Even the most doctrinaire radical shies away from supposing that in the real world, pigment and politics walk in anything approaching a lockstep. After all, if there really are ‘black views,’ then couldn’t professors just learn them from a gathering of black students over a summer and then recite them from their own notes during the school year? Besides this, the entire notion applies logically only to a mere sliver of any curriculum. What is the ‘black view’ on systolic pressure? Le Chanson de Roland? Contract law? Musical counterpoint? And what, pray tell, are the distinct Latino views on these subjects?”

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<p>You say that "people of common ancestry share common experiences, common cultures, and sometimes common perspectives." I agree.</p>

<p>With my fellow Chinese Americans, I share a lineage that dates back thousands of years as well as two languages, to name just a few. But, you could ask all of us how we feel about our President, and you would not get just one feeling; you would get many.</p>

<p>There is no "Asian viewpoint." Asia is a vast continent that includes hundreds, maybe even thousands, of ethnicities, each with their distinct culture and customs. It is simply impossible to have one unique "Asian viewpoint."</p>

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<p>separate but equal is the same as equal but separate</p>

<p>just like 1+2 is the same as 2+1. they both = 3.</p>

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<p>Tyler,</p>

<p>What if the topic was about sociology, racism, the Iraq War, politics, welfare, race relations, philosophy, ethnic literature, non-science topics, affirmative action, or the education system?</p>

<p>Do you think that there is one Black perspective on all of those issues, and that this perspective can only be elucidated by Blacks?</p>

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<p>"Do you think that there is one Black perspective on all of those issues"
-nope, not at all.</p>

<p>", and that this perspective can only be elucidated by Blacks?"
-I do believe that there IS a perspective that you can only get from african americans, koreans, chinese, hispanics. yes.</p>

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<p>Its easier to say he just wants an all white school. He'll defend his point until people believe an all white school can and does work better than a racially diverse school, you'll never get him to believe anything other than his own view.</p>

<p>He's a racist.</p>

<p>End of Conversation.</p>

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<p>Tyler09:
"I do believe that there IS a perspective that you can only get from african americans, koreans, chinese, hispanics. yes."
I think what you mean to say is you can only -experience- something like 'second-gen Asian-American indentity crisis' if you are one. It wouldn't be hard to develop the same perspective on the matter if you had Asian-American friends. Same goes for any issue.</p>

<p>"I said in my opinion, and it's a very valid opinion because America is all about celebrating diversity. except backwards southern areas. THAT was generalization."
America is clearly not "all about celebrating diversity." Sure, it's a common trend to champion ethnic diversity as a necesary component of more or less everything, but your claim that people who don't buy into the trend are not true Americans is just ludicrous.</p>

<p>Kenshinsan:
"Its easier to say he just wants an all white school. He'll defend his point until people believe an all white school can and does work better than a racially diverse school, you'll never get him to believe anything other than his own view."
And clearly you are open to other views, as evidenced by your refusal to even respond to any points anyone's trying to make and simply sitting around saying "Oh don't mind him, he's blatantly wrong."</p>

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What if the topic was about sociology, racism, the Iraq War, politics, welfare, race relations, philosophy, ethnic literature, non-science topics, affirmative action, or the education system?</p>

<p>Do you think that there is one Black perspective on all of those issues, and that this perspective can only be elucidated by Blacks?

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<p>OK ... I'll bite. Do I think there is <em>one</em> african-american experience? Of course not. </p>

<p>Now let me ask a question. If we're talking about a topic about which african-american voices would add to the discussion (racism in the US, for example) and we can not have every african-american viewpoint represented which is a better learning environment? Having a few african-americans involved in the conversation to bring some voices from that group or to have none?</p>

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<p>Tyler,</p>

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I do believe that there IS a perspective that you can only get from african americans, koreans, chinese, hispanics. yes.

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<p>You previously said that "there are certain viewpoints that you can only get from certain races." Black is a race. Korean and Chinese are nationalities. Within the Chinese nationality, there are over fifty ethnicities. Hispanic is a culture. There are White, Black, and Mixed Hispanics.</p>

<p>If you believe that there exist some perspectives that are unique to certain races, then a continued push for diversity is not necessary. As Dr. McWhorter points out, a professor can just take notes when these "certain races" give their "certain viewpoints." After a few semesters, he'll have all the "certain viewpoints" he needs to enhance his lectures.</p>

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<p>3togo,</p>

<p>I believe that we shouldn't treat people as if they are "representatives of their group." They do not represent their group's opinion; they represent their own.</p>

<p>To answer your question, it would be good to have Black students involved in the discussion. We just need to remember that they are not there as "ambassadors" of their race. They are there to discuss their personal experiences and thoughts.</p>

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<p>Kenshinsan,</p>

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Its easier to say he just wants an all white school. He'll defend his point until people believe an all white school can and does work better than a racially diverse school, you'll never get him to believe anything other than his own view.</p>

<p>He's a racist.</p>

<p>End of Conversation.

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<p>For someone who preaches the gospel of "racial diversity," you don't seem to care much for diversity of thought, opinion, or ideology. If someone doesn't agree with you, he's either pro-segregation or a racist.</p>

<p>Like I said, diversity is great. But, "diversity" the way you define it is a sham.</p>

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<p>Two things I've noticed here:</p>

<p>To some people, the definition of a "stupid jerk" is "someone who disagrees with me."</p>

<p>Nobody has successfully explained why the vast majority of diversity that is mandated is the usual racial/ethnic type. Occasionally you get some geographic diversity. But why are these so much more important than diversity of political beliefs? Or height (i'm sure some people under 4'5" and over 6'8" would have different experiences than the "normal-sized" people)? How about age? Wouldn't every classroom in just about every subject benefit from having a few people who are 40 or 50 or 60? I think what the OP is getting at is that out of all the characteristics that make us different, why is it that ethnic/racial characteristics are presumed to be the only ones that count?</p>

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<p>Listen, if truly necessary I'm sure any decent person could bring the hammer of truth down upon anyone of you racists. But I would venture to say that many are so bewildered by the magnitude of the stupidity of the OP and his supporters that the visceral reaction renders us incapable of doing so. </p>

<p>This is not something that requires numbers, it is what is called a "self-evident truth". As true as human beings are human beings, as true as we breathe oxygen, we need diversity on all levels.</p>

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<p>In my personal experience diversity if forced never works. Also diversity is a gimmick that politician uses.</p>

<p>The human instinct is always to group with similar kind, whether it is racial, mental or cultural. It is also true for animals.</p>

<p>During research at different campuses around UC, you will always find majority of Asians hangs with Asians ( With different groups of different eithinicity within the larger Asian groups), whites with whites, similarly latinos and blacks.</p>

<p>So I don't think you can force people to mix up by bringing one type into the group of another.</p>

<p>It applies equally to religion based groups or sexual orientation based groups.</p>

<p>The only way to bring diversity is by natural selection. If a university policies are fair and everyone has a fair chance. Automatically students going there won't have grudges against one another and will eventual mix up but over a long time as process of natural selction is slow.</p>

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<p>I must say that it disturbs me, ParentofIvyHope, that a mature adult such as yourself would believe in such nonsense.</p>

<p>** In my personal experience diversity if forced never works. Also diversity is a gimmick that politician uses. **</p>

<p>In any process, there will be considerable toil and hardship, but the end results justify the hardship. Consider the forced integration of schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. This was the first desegregation in American schools, and was such a controversial and harrowing experience that it required federal troops to ensure the safety of blacks. But look at America now. Now interracial marriage is not a social stigma, now black students can mingle with white students in the classroom, now I myself, a black student, can talk with my white friends as easily as I can with my black friends.</p>

<p>But consider the implications of not having forced integration. Segregation might still exist, and as we all know, unfamiliarity often breeds contempt. Sure, at first there were problems. Any revolutionary movement comes with it's own duress. But what is important is that the goal of racial toleration and integration is met to create a more healthy and tolerant society.</p>

<p>Just remember, if we hadn't had forced integration, it would be likely that the integration would not have happened on its own. Time does not mend all wounds. If we hadn't taken sure, effectual steps, then the statements of people like Don Imus would be the norm, as opposed to taboo.</p>

<p>** "The human instinct is always to group with similar kind, whether it is racial, mental or cultural. It is also true for animals." **</p>

<p>It is human instinct to indulge in a hedonistic lifestyle. It is human instinct to fight, kill, and hurt for food. It is human instinct to indulge in impulsive sexual desires. But do we not work to help others through charity and organizations like the World Health organization, do we kill others for a piece of bread where there is much bread to be had? Do the majority of us rape and abuse others to satisfy our desires?</p>

<p>We are not mere animals, and to endeavor that we are simply beasts of instinct would be disingenuous and pretentious. When was the last time you saw an animal leave Earth's orbit? When's the last time you saw an animal form institutions of higher learning. You may be my senior, but sadly in this statement you display little of the wisdom associated with age. I have no doubt that you are intelligent, but alas, you are delusional.</p>

<p>During research at different campuses around UC, you will always find majority of Asians hangs with Asians ( With different groups of different ethnicity within the larger Asian groups), whites with whites, similarly latinos and blacks.</p>

<p>This is exactly the problem that we seek to undo. The status quo is not the correct state of affairs. But if we only wanted like to be with like, then consider what society would be like. Should we allow the aristocracy to ignore the masses? Should the poor unite in some kind of proletarian rule to subdue all those who are not poor? Should whites eradicate others so that they will not intrude on their sameness? Should we dig up Hitler's grave, and ensure a world where sameness is valued and diversity is punished? </p>

<p>** "So I don't think you can force people to mix up by bringing one type into the group of another." **</p>

<p>Of course we can, it's called Brown v. Board of Education</p>

<p>** It applies equally to religion based groups or sexual orientation based groups. **</p>

<p>Indeed, because we have Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and Protestants striking each other down in the grocery stores of America. The Straight militia of America currently does battle with the Gay militia on the beaches of San Francisco. Every Sunday, the Catholic Church checks it's arsenal to make sure it is fully prepared for the war on heathens.</p>

<p>"The only way to bring diversity is by natural selection. If a university policies are fair and everyone has a fair chance. Automatically students going there won't have grudges against one another and will eventual mix up but over a long time as process of natural selction is slow."</p>

<p>I do not know when you last went to school, but natural selection does not work like that. Natural selection ELIMINATES the disadvantaged (poor minorities) and PROPOGATES the advantaged. The process of natural selection is slow, and it is against ideals of equality. </p>

<p>What if we applied natural selection everything? Microsoft would be the only computer company, Walmart the one stop shop for everything else. USA would be some sort of 1984-esque superpower. The poor would be laughed at and kicked aside. The middle class, of which you probably belong, would cease to exist. Social Security? Ha, secure yourself. The government would be naught but a police force, serving the express purpose of eliminating the weak and bolstering the strong.</p>

<p>I only hope that your child, if he or she attains an Ivy League education, learns more than you did when you attended school. I hope they do not become as deluded as their parents. You are my senior, but you are gravely mistaken.</p>

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<p>Derrick,</p>

<p>First off, who are "you racists?"</p>

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ParentofIvyHope: So I don't think you can force people to mix up by bringing one type into the group of another.</p>

<p>DerrickA: Of course we can, it's called Brown v. Board of Education

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<p>Are you familiar with the history (keyword) of some private K-12 schools? If you do some background reading, you'll find that a fair number of these academies were founded after Brown v. Board of Education. Care to guess why?</p>

<p>Ironically, your claim that "we need diversity on all levels" is contradicted by your apparent disinclination to tolerate diversity of opinion.</p>

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<p>"The only way to bring diversity is by natural selection."</p>

<p>Terrific. Let's hear it for a return to Darwinism and its offshoots, such as Social Darwinism. </p>

<p>No question. Survival of the fittest, too, there ya' go. Who needs a civilized society, anyway?</p>

<p>(Diversity is not about "forcing" anything, but one of its subsidiary ideas is to provide an <em>opportunity</em> for at least academic interaction among peoples of different backgrounds. The social relationships may or may not occur, nor is a University particulary sold on controlling that or "engineering" choice of association.) But one thing's for sure: no mixed interaction will occur in a homogeneous campus.</p>

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<p>fabizio,</p>

<p>As for your first point referring to the founding of scome schools after, I'm not sure which of the 7,882 private schools (nces.gov) that your referring to, but I'm sure that you will deign to enlighten me. </p>

<p>In reference to needing diversity on all levels, I apologize for not making the ** exact ** nature of my statement. Of course, diversity is a broad concept, and I wouldn't want you to mistake me for someone who believes that every minute amount of diversity is necessary. For example, the KKK brings a diverse element to America, but it is a pernicious, harmful organization with mal intent. Similarly one would not to have a murderer living among us spewing forth his poicies forged from his "diverse" experiences.</p>

<p>I do not seek to oppress the opinions of people like ParentofIvyHope, but I do seek to refute them. I will not acquiesce and simply concede that here we have a difference in opinions. There comes a point when in the very core of one's soul, one knows that there is something fundamentally wrong with a statement. No, I do not oppress, but sometimes the truth may eclipse lies.</p>

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<p>Derrick,</p>

<p>I believe you will find a certain paragraph from <a href="http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/1338.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/1338.html&lt;/a> enlightening. I have copied it as follows:</p>

<p>When Eckes, now an assistant professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Indiana University Bloomington, thinks back to those years, she has only to look to the mid-1990s, decades after the revolutionary Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court ruling that effectively set the country on the road to racial desegregation. During the course of this cultural journey, defiant white parents **established private "academies"* throughout the Mississippi Delta region to avoid desegregating their schools as called for by the country's highest court. As Eckes learned, many of these private schools still exist throughout the Mississippi Delta area.*</p>

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There comes a point when in the very core of one's soul, one knows that there is something fundamentally wrong with a statement...sometimes the truth may eclipse lies.

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<p>I agree.</p>

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<p>Hey Seersucker, I disagree with you on your stance on diversity, but I have to say that you have handled your argument very well on this thread. </p>

<p>I am an african american male, and I also happen to be a proponent of diversity. I turned down two full scholarships to Historically Black Colleges, simply because I do not flourish where this is just one type of being. I don't know why, but it just happens with me. I have also asked my friends... what would you do if everyone looked just like you? They gave me a variety of answers, but the general point was: I might go crazy =P. Diversity helps the enviroment where people learn... not just about school, but about life and other ethnicities.</p>

<p>Also, I pose a question: If you think diversity is bad, then what is good that can take it's place?</p>

<p>P.S. I tried watching the video, but after he started making references back to 30-40 years ago, I knew he was a bigot. I would have watched the rest, but I just ate =). I'll let you know if I end up finishing it.</p>