2008 Woodie Awards
Emersonians wrong about race
Martin Meccouri
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Opinion
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At the beginning of the school year, I sat uncomfortably in my classes when the subjects of race and diversity at Emerson came up. This wasn't because I was angry at the statistical lack of racial diversity here or because I felt like no one was accounting for the "variety" that our school does feature.
Rather, I was uncomfortable because I have never been surrounded by so many people with defensive rhetorical views on the subject of race.
"Diversity is not only race," an opinion article that ran in The Beacon two weeks ago, is unfortunately a prime example of the insensitive, self-appointed authority that is so prevalent in environments of privilege.
"[The author's] type of opinion about diversity is a very common opinion at Emerson, but the problem is that it's always stated by people who don't do anything about it," said Anna Sumilat, a senior music production and social marketing double major.
In her piece, the writer criticizes the very idea of Campus Conversations on Race. She implies that they are not necessary.
As someone who has participated in the program, I can say they are. Emerson students talk international politics all day long, they're ironic about gender construction and they love to examine little idiosyncrasies that distinguish them from the next kid with green hair. They have not been taught, however, to contextualize themselves in a socio-political situation.
Some of our peers still do not realize our own perceptions and privileges are contributing to a larger scenario that, were we to be made aware of it, might make us shudder.
That's the luxury of true indifference. It is easy to analyze from the safety of periphery.
College should not simply be about the intellectual consumerist value of sharing ideas.
I don't pay tuition to share ideas. I came here for professional training and to closely investigate what I have to offer through working with others.
In order to do that, I need to understand my own perceptions and beliefs and how they contribute or detract from a dynamic learning community. I also need a variety of other people doing the same thing.
Rather, I was uncomfortable because I have never been surrounded by so many people with defensive rhetorical views on the subject of race.
"Diversity is not only race," an opinion article that ran in The Beacon two weeks ago, is unfortunately a prime example of the insensitive, self-appointed authority that is so prevalent in environments of privilege.
"[The author's] type of opinion about diversity is a very common opinion at Emerson, but the problem is that it's always stated by people who don't do anything about it," said Anna Sumilat, a senior music production and social marketing double major.
In her piece, the writer criticizes the very idea of Campus Conversations on Race. She implies that they are not necessary.
As someone who has participated in the program, I can say they are. Emerson students talk international politics all day long, they're ironic about gender construction and they love to examine little idiosyncrasies that distinguish them from the next kid with green hair. They have not been taught, however, to contextualize themselves in a socio-political situation.
Some of our peers still do not realize our own perceptions and privileges are contributing to a larger scenario that, were we to be made aware of it, might make us shudder.
That's the luxury of true indifference. It is easy to analyze from the safety of periphery.
College should not simply be about the intellectual consumerist value of sharing ideas.
I don't pay tuition to share ideas. I came here for professional training and to closely investigate what I have to offer through working with others.
In order to do that, I need to understand my own perceptions and beliefs and how they contribute or detract from a dynamic learning community. I also need a variety of other people doing the same thing.
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