A distinctively diverse banquet
Brittany Morehouse
Its All About Anthropology
If you have never been to Truman's, plan to go on your birthday. You just might end up in a house on Ivy Road, surrounded by a diverse group of people who sing you a birthday song in as many as 10 different languages. Such a celebration is a spectacular montage of harmonious sounds that simultaneously celebrates difference as well as commonality.
If you have never taken an Anthropology class, sign up for one on war and peace. Studying conflicts occurring in countries about which you have never heard, all the while hearing from classmates with exotic, unfamiliar accents, is the best course on open-mindedness you could ever have.
Diversity is the greatest.
Many members of the Notre Dame community have commented that diversity is something we are lacking. Others argue that diversity is here, but it is something that we overlook and underestimate. Either way, diversity is a feature about which we do not pay enough attention, do not discuss and certainly do not embrace.
"Christianity transcends national borders as does scholarship and learning. Indeed, the notion of a Catholic University argues powerfully for an education that is boldly international," wrote Father Scully and Father Malloy in a pamphlet regarding international programs. Our school sends more students abroad during the course of their Notre Dame education than any other university in the nation. Certainly, we advocate a worldly education in unique cultural settings. But, back on campus, are we aware of and tuned into the international faces in our midst? How many students have participated in a multi-cultural event on campus? How many caucasian students have attended a meeting of the Asian club or La Alianza?
Stereotypes based on race are so deeply ingrained in our minds, we are mostly unaware they exist. One African-American economics Ph.D. candidate says that he is automatically assumed to be an athlete whenever he first meets a new student. Another African-American sophomore who is a legacy admits that people find it hard to believe that she is not here as a result of an athletic or a minority scholarship. When meeting an African-American student who happens to be a varsity athlete, how often are his or her interests reaching beyond the scope of sports the focus of attention? The word from those who have traveled far to join the Notre Dame family: not often enough. The majority of us seem content to remain ensconced in our homogeneous existence, curious to a certain extent, but not really enthusiastically appreciative of diversity.
It has been a laudable feature of Notre Dame's past leadership that diversity is an asset to this University and, as such, is to be prized. With active campaigning to bring diversity to us, even as Notre Dame makes it possible for her students to experience diversity abroad, it seems the problem is not so much with the guiding leadership but with those to whom the message filters in a very diluted format — that is, us. We, the students, must do a better job of picking up the challenge and following through with the intent behind the many programs and people available to us.
This week provides a perfect opportunity to stretch in terms of our self-centeredness and to grow in terms of our appreciation for those different from us. The contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to our society are being noted by a week-long intellectual and prayerful celebration in his honor.
Last week, The Observer noted Northwestern's admirable activity list in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in its "Outside the Dome" page. If you search their Web site, you will get lost in a sea of information regarding Dr. King and such events. They include an exhibit on display until Feb. 2, two services, two forums, one panel, four lectures, two observances, two presentations and three meetings. It is not too much to ask students to participate in at least one of the three events the University of Notre Dame offers this week. In fact, it is not too much to ask students to be excited about attending all three events.
Or, stop by the Hamme's Bookstore. The staff there always celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by preparing a wide-ranging and inspirational display of works by or about people who have been different and whose perspective on the experience helps us grow in our own tolerance and compassion.
There are two kinds of eating. One is the consumption of food when hunger needs to be alleviated. The other way to eat incorporates all the five senses, not just taste. A small repast served in a beautiful display, consumed in a special atmosphere, incorporating a meaningful discussion with someone else, perhaps with strains of music as accompaniment — now, that's more than just a meal. That's sustenance for the mind, body, soul, personality — it's so much more than just food.
The same is true with education. We can complete a required course of study at just about any college or university throughout the land. Or, we can come to the Notre Dame table with the purpose of feasting upon its distinctively diverse banquet. The difference is one of degree: the degree of our educated-ness, learned-ness, open-minded-ness. What we help ourselves to while here is really up to each one of us.
Brittany Morehouse is a senior majoring in American studies and anthropology and minoring in African studies. She thinks her roommate needs to keep icing her ankle and she encourages all students to keep supporting women's basketball. Even though they beat UConn, they could still use as many fans as possible.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, January 23, 2001
