P rejudice, ignorance, silence, self-segregation and racism - these words frequently were used over the past few weeks to describe the existing racial tension between black and white students on Grounds.
It is easier for many whites to relegate racial discrimination to an era that lasted up until half a century ago, when the legal system formally segregated the population. Racism, in this vein, seems a concept reserved for a time when overt laws, policies and practices openly subjugated a people based on color classifications.
But as many white students found out at this year's Reflections on Complexions forum, the truth is that racism still is very much alive. It may not be the same type of racism that our parents witnessed with the events and aftermath of the Civil Rights movement, but it exists in hidden ways that people often fail to recognize.
"Racism is kind of like a secret society," Dean of African-American Affairs M. Rick Turner said. "It's kind of like the smile on your face, then a stab in the back. Young people can't see it oftentimes because today's form of racism is tricky."
Today's racism roots itself in the denial of opportunities and jobs, the perpetuation of close-minded stereotypes and the unwillingness to address the fact that anything is wrong.
Throughout the nation, inclusive of the University, one must look at who makes decisions and who's in power, said Karen Holt, director of the office of equal opportunities.
The question must be asked, who are our buildings named after? Whose pictures are on the walls? What holidays do we commemorate? Who has formed the policies that guide us? Who played a role in deciding how the University should be structured?
"This doesn't necessarily mean that all of these things are racist, but they do affect the imprint of one particular race over others," Holt said. "Sometimes, the weight of those can become overwhelming."
That overwhelming weight of the white majority often has led black students to congregate in groups, which many outsiders have deemed "self-segregation."
Reflections, hosted by Brothers United Celebrating Knowledge and Success on April 7, addressed the issue of self-segregation. At the event, several black students said they often feel uncomfortable in situations where the scene is dominated by a white presence, such as in the Rugby Road area. Additionally, they said black organizations should not be seen as a threat to racial harmony, but as a congregation of friends with similar backgrounds.
In her opening speech at the forum, Dean of Students Penny Rue addressed such concerns.
"Often you hear a variation of the question, 'Why do they all sit together in the cafeteria? Why do they need special clubs and deans?'" Rue said. "The real question, of course, is, 'Why do we all sit together in the cafeteria?'"
She attributed such actions to the fact that people tend to seek out those most like themselves, most able to reflect and mirror them.
"Each of us needs a holding environment, a home base where we feel nurtured and supported," Rue explained that evening. "But anyone who enjoys a position of majority in a given environment has an easier time finding and using holding environments."
For black students, their skin color forces them to stand out, making their organizations subject to sharp criticism.
"I think the purpose of the founding of most black organizations at universities was to provide some sort of support group, some sort of network," said fourth-year Commerce student William Eaves, the chapter president of Omega Psi Phi, Fraternity, Inc. "Whether it be Asian, black, Christian or Muslim, people with similar ideas and characteristics come together."
Second-year College student Myra Franklin added that she believes black student groups have been "misinterpreted and misrepresented to be a problematic social phenomenon by far too many people."
The truth is that race-based student groups always have opened their doors to students of all color. Eaves said he wished more white students would join groups like the Black Student Alliance because the organization truly would then serve its purpose of creating a more diverse environment.
It's natural for students, both black and white, to associate and socialize with those students with whom they feel the most comfortable and secure. But Turner explained that it shouldn't be an excuse for students to refrain from broadening their perspectives and educating themselves about racial differences.
Turner encourages students to make themselves more informed by attending meetings and forums on race relations, such as Reflections.
"I think it's particularly important for white students because they come from backgrounds of silence or a forced belief that to talk about racism is to further it," he said. "But in order to really acknowledge and overcome past experiences of race, you have to talk about it."
Turner said the biggest problem is ignorance and the unwillingness of whites to deal correctly with racial issues. White students choose to "remain in denial of the fact that anything is wrong," he explained.
In connection with the "Medallion Party" that took place at the home of three Architecture students, Tuner said the party sends a message of sheer disrespect to black students. He also added that the students who hosted the party "can claim ignorance, but it won't go far."
The "Medallion Party" was held March 1 and featured an invitation e-mail and a general theme that some members of the University community found racially offensive.
Franklin said it disturbs her that students at this University felt comfortable throwing such a party.
"I am troubled that those students don't realize that the images they associate with the 'gangsta rappin thug life' are projected all over the world to represent the summation of black culture," Franklin said.
Franklin also took their actions personally.
"It proves how ignorant we are kept of the systematic degradation of black people in America," she said. "The message that was sent to me as a black woman is very clear. It reminds me of the insulting stereotypes that I fought so hard to distance myself from."
Everyone has a tendency to prejudge others, whether it be for racial, political, religious or stylistic differences. But the stereotype attached to the black community is directly linked to the urban ghetto.
Eaves said he is very much aware of the strong typecasts many whites hold.
"I know that some people may look at me as a stereotypical product of a black ghetto. I recognize that," he said. "I know that people can perceive me that way, and it doesn't surprise me if they do. But I don't expect them to. I don't expect everyone to think that."
Eaves said that although he doesn't believe racism will disappear in his lifetime, an open mind and a willingness to address the issue are steps in the right direction.
Franklin believes the best way to combat racism is to confront the issue earnestly when it presents itself, instead of shying away from it or minimizing its seriousness.
"We need to stop jumping on people's negative opinions, but see them as windows to dangerous, misinformed or warped ideologies and try to educate each other so that we might all end the cycle of racial ignorance," Franklin said.
In an interview, Rue responded with some practical solutions.
"We need to work for justice, for inner-city jobs, for equal opportunity," she said. "We need to equalize the disparities in the educational system and employment opportunities."
To a non-black student, it may appear as if all Americans have the same opportunities in this world, but Franklin explained that blacks often have to prove their intellect and capability before being taken seriously.
"I think the biggest difference between blacks and whites is that the whole world is centered around them and 'Europeanized' so that being white is the norm," Franklin said. "America has seen to it that the economic and political power systems are racially oriented with whites at the very top and minorities below it."
Whites are born into this world with everything "tweaked" in their favor, she explained. Although it's not impossible for blacks to do well under such conditions, it is disproportionately more difficult.
Although there is no way to control the color of one's skin, it's important to recognize the social, political and cultural differences that come along with differing races.
At this year's Reflections, Rue encouraged students of differing races to be allies, not adversaries.
"Allies recognize that they don't understand every aspect of another's experience, but they are eager to learn rather than to judge," Rue said at the forum. "Allies stay open to understanding others' experiences and how they differ, rather than assuming their own experience is the norm"
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