PEOPLE always question why black students have Peer Advisors. Why are there separate organizations and events for minorities despite our pursuit for a race-neutral society? These are the opinions voiced in a column written by Brandon Possin titled "Self-Segregation: envy and exclusion." Due to these opinions, I have decided to enlighten some of my classmates.
Can you identify with the following: Are you followed when you enter a store? Do you fear police violence because of DWB, "driving while black"? Did your parents have to sit you down in first grade and explain why kids will not play with you because your hair is not straight or blonde? Does the good ol' boy network exclude or include you? Are you constantly the only person of your race in the classroom? When race is mentioned in class do, people expect you to be the spokesperson of your race?
Several of my friends cannot relate to these questions because they cannot see through my eyes. They cannot begin to imagine what it means to bear my skin color and live with the daily repercussions of what it means to be black in a predominantly white campus -- dealing with constant attacks on my ability to excel academically, being constantly on the defense and alert of ignorant comments and handling a consistent amount of pressure because you are assumed to be speaking for all black people.
My presence here means constantly putting up with self-segregation remarks, although self-segregation does not exist (segregation is the forced grouping of a racial group against their will: Jim Crow). Or consistently asked why the black students sit together when people cannot look past their own lunch tray and realize all of their friends are of the same race. Why doesn't anyone object to the white students together, which blatantly dominates the cafeterias? It does not become an issue of self-segregation until minority students are gathering. Minorities do not self-segregate, because every time I enter a classroom at the University, I am integrating that classroom. Integration is a two-way street. I pose this question to the people with opposing views: When is the last time you were the only person of your race in the classroom? For those who oppose the separate programs, I ask, when is the last time you attended a Black Student Alliance meeting? They are open to everyone! These organizations assure inclusion, not the exclusion, isolation or alienation which have been the historical pattern of the "majority organizations."
It means listening to comments like, "We can all tell by looking around Grounds that this is no longer a white male institution," despite the statistics; U.Va. is 68.2 percent "White-American" (http://www.virginia.edu/Facts/Glance_Enrollment.htm). Or other comments such as "Race, after all, is merely a social construction." Just because race is a social construction does not mean that race is not real. Yes, racism is real and alive in America. America's foundations remain rooted in slavery and systems of inequality economically, politically and socially. Every time I read an article that advocates a color-blind society I know America still has a long way to go. America has never been and will never be a color-blind society. The object is not to be a color-blind society or a melting pot, but a mixed salad where ethnic groups can preserve their cultural values and traditions. Instead of overlooking the racial problems that clearly exist and perpetuate by pursuing a color-blind society, we need to critically engage the racial differences and ignorance that thrive in today's society.
Many agree that the University is "exacerbating" divisions as if they do not exist outside of the University. Charlottesville is a great example of current segregation whether it is residential, economical or social. The same day of Possin's column, there was an article published about the racial tensions and use of epithets in the University's hospital faculty.
But the most common mistake people make in trying to understand the necessity for these organizations is comparing two races. Each race is unique in their history and experience (i.e. "purple race"). Last time I checked there was no "purple race" in America enslaved for over 400 years, dehumanized, lynched, killed, segregated, tarred and feathered, castrated, raped, kidnapped, bastardized and deprived of their culture. I am willing to learn about this "purple race."
Many people do not understand the necessity for these minority-centered organizations because of miseducation and ignorance. If one has a comprehensive knowledge of race in America, there is no question as to why we still need programs that uplift, support and encourage minorities. Until a person can step out of their comfort zone and put themselves in my shoes or become racially conscious in this continuously racist world, there will always need to be an OAAA, a Peer Advisor and a BSA!
(Cassidy Fludd is a second year in the College. She is also the Programming Chair of the Griot Society and a mentor and facilitator of "A Day in the Life" Mentoring Program.)
Read More
CASTAGNO: Closing the Federal Executive Institute fails local residents
By Conall Costagno | 21 hours agoThe unwilling departure of the FEI from Charlottesville represents the severing of a constructive accord between the government and the University.
COHEN: Facing federal cuts, U.Va. must defend affordability
By Ryan Cohen | 2 days agoIn this uncertain environment, the University must act creatively and strategically to ensure it can maintain its commitment to affordability.
EDITORIAL: Commit to protecting noncitizens on Grounds
By Editorial Board | 3 days agoThis has grown into a pattern of failing the rights of noncitizens to due process and overstepping judicial checks and balances on the executive branch.
