Notre Dame still needs to diversify
OMSA
"Why do you talk so white?"
"Aren't you going to wash your hair?"
"If you are supposedly Latino, why is your skin so white?"
"Hey chink, why are you here? Go back to your lab!"
"Do you speak Mexican?"
"I refuse to live with a black girl; I demand to change roommates."
"That stuff you are eating smells so bad, get it out of here!"
"White people can't dance!"
Whoa! Pretty appalling comments, huh? Surprisingly, they are actual statements between students collected to catch your attention and interest you into reading this column.
While some of you have been at either the receiving or giving end of these comments, others might be shocked and wondering, "How can this be happening? Not at Notre Dame! Not at a Catholic school, an institution that stood by Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and a university that embraces all cultures and races without prejudice!"
Well, you better start believing because problems involving race relations are still rampant on this campus. At this point, you may be pondering your own views on diversity. You might personally believe that everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation should have equal treatment and opportunities. Since you are void of any prejudiced sentiments and have never experienced offensive comments (or been aware of them), race relations may not be a priority. Perhaps you think claims of racism on campus are outrageous and unfounded, especially since this has never affected you directly. Perhaps you think that this is nothing more than people making a storm over of cup of water. My question to you and to myself, however, is this: How have you actively promoted and enhanced diversity in your life?
For instance, let's analyze the issue of race relations. When was the last time you sat by someone with a different color of skin, dress-style or accent? And even if you have sat by people different from you, how often do you talk with them and make an effort to hear their stories? Minority students, in particular, represent a segment of the Notre Dame culture whose diversity is magnified within the mass of the majority. It is sometimes hard to imagine being the only person in an entire classroom, dining hall, dorm room or party that has certain physical characteristics — unless you have been in that situation.
Imagine walking into a classroom where everyone is Native American, and you are the only one who is not. Can you contemplate how strange and awkward it is to sound different and to look different from the majority, day in and day out? Minority students often react by clinging to one another and isolating themselves from the majority. Consequently, this creates distinctive groups that are isolated, and the communication between them is almost negligible.
There becomes an invisible barrier as people begin to lose their desire and willingness to reach out to each other. The dining hall offers many ways these barriers are exemplified. Whether it be students desperately seeking to be with those people with whom they identify or other students who feel intimidated and unwelcome at the "Black," "Asian," "Hispanic," "Athletic" or even the "Zahm" table; the invisible lines are drawn.
Many students face these lines over and over, but their stories often go unheard. Other students recognize these lines, but have no motivation to do anything about it. Either way, the fundamental idea is that people are scared to leave their comfort zones. They get trapped in a path of complacency, so secure in their apathy, that they never make the initiative to bridge the gap. Is failing to leave these comfort zones or making an effort to understand how diversity enriches life any different from being a racist?
It is easy to see why many people feel overwhelmed and disillusioned. But what can be done to revert this sad picture? It all begins with the little things. Instead of just passing by students that look different from you, go up to them and introduce yourself. If you hear offensive jokes or comments, do not let it just slip by — speak up! When you sit at a table filled with diverse people, make an effort to really get to know them.
Take the time to notice various cultural events on campus, and make an active effort to attend and participate in these events. (Note to self: Don't delete the OMSA messages, and if you don't know what OMSA stands for, find out!)
More than anything, remember to be persistent, be courageous and be willing to learn about the overlooked diversity of our "Notre Dame bubble." The path of complacency leads to a dead end. Each person has a responsibility to leave his or her comfort zones and embrace the spirit of reciprocity in which you receive and contribute to who we are today.
Anthony Sieh, Sharon Watson and Ken Seifert contributed to this column.
The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necesarily those of The Observer.
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, January 26, 2000
