I am a member of the Tufts community, as well as a member of the African-American community. Tufts is no different from the outside world; it is, in fact, a microcosm of the "real world," and a place where, if you choose, you can expose yourself to the "content" of the real world.
The "content" of the real world, in part, is the interaction of people from different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual preferences. Positive interaction is often hindered by the misperception that differences between people are "bad." I reject the notion that anything that goes against the "norm" carries with it a negative connotation. Unfortunately, the differences are often mirrored in the type of education one receives or a person's social class.
However, when talking about differences, the world should place the biggest emphasis on individuals' perception of their similarities. I cannot even begin to discuss why people in dining halls eat with others that are like them, or why events dealing with things associated to black culture are usually poorly attended by non-black individuals, or why the presence of African-American professors as well as other minority professors is "lacking" on this campus. I should not have to further highlight these issues because people know the answers, but are unwilling to verbalize them in the fear that resolution of these issues is impossible.
In my opinion, the campus community lacks the ability to embrace differences. It is important to state that I do not believe that everyone should love everyone else, which is a distasteful misconception of race relations. However, instead of taking a peripheral view to dining room situation, more students should avoid the passive approach and sit down at tables in unfamiliar territory. The students that attend this school are fortunate to be able to examine the numbers associated with minority employment and the steps that have been taken to rectify centuries of discrimination. Some of these methods have failed and others have succeeded.
Black History Month should be a time for African Americans and students from a variety of backgrounds to celebrate the fact that they can appreciate those individuals that have contributed to making the world a better place. It is also a time to understand how difference can be honored and made timeless through a cultural exchange. If more of the student body actively decided to interact with other races, then trivial issues such as dining hall seating, and bigger issues such as a lack in minority teachers, wouldn't seem so monumental or irresolvable.
There will always be individuals who will criticize the cultural adventurer or intentionally misconstrue a person's interest in other cultures as akin to a crime against society. But, that is a risk in everything that you do. Rise above the mediocrity and selfishness that abounds in society. Though it may be comfortable for us to all stay inside our confined space and never venture out, we are losing a grand opportunity to see how far education, human interaction, and learning can truly take us. You may consider yourself an intelligent person with good book knowledge and an extensive vocabulary. Perhaps you think you are laid-back with common sense, or maybe you have a temper, but an equally sensitive heart. Whatever niche you belong to or whatever is your most dominant characteristic, you should know those differences exist without color, religion, race, and sexual orientation. I do not condemn an individual by presuming he or she is a certain way.
Generalizations don't allow the campus to integrate to its full capability. Race should never play a factor. Since, in our society it still does, it is up to our generation to strive to overcome our differences in order to join in the celebration of Black History Month. It is key to remember that the month is not only recognizing African-American achievements, but also recognizing the principles of progress, fairness, equality, and the beauty of differences throughout history. On a final note, it is interesting how some individuals disagree with the concept behind Black History Month because they believe it is divisive. However, upon closer examination, it is obvious that Black History Month is really a celebration of American History.
Rebecca McCormick is a sophomore who has not yet declared a major.
