As pointed out by another student in a previous op−ed article, by no means is Tufts a place of social diversity — instead it has vagrantly displayed elements of institutionalized racism. To be clear, my assumptions and claims are supported by my individual experiences, interactions and feelings. At first, Tufts is quite alluring in its attempted diversity, promises of opportunity and quite frankly, its very generous financial aid department. However, other than financial aid, for some, Tufts is an epic fail in terms of including and advancing its minority populace. From my perspective and various conversations with other people of color, we viewed our matriculation to Tufts to be an inspiring opportunity to network, to become socially mobile, and we thought we joined not only a home but a supportive community and family to increase our intellect; instead we have been rejected, berated and labeled as "self−segregating social misfits."
In order to challenge, or better yet to clarify, the necessity for Tufts cultural houses — which to me should be quite evident to the student body as well as the administration — I ask that you think of them as a support network, academically and socially for not only students of color but for all individuals on this campus. This brings me to my next point. Repeatedly I have heard, "Blacks and other ethnic groups segregate themselves. They do not want to fit in." Minority individuals, who often make this claim, may even seem to agree with this because they themselves have made their greatest attempts and have not been successful in their endeavors to assimilate into Tufts' mainstream white culture. They fail to recognize the racial incongruity and their own oppression. This oppression is not necessarily physical, but it is debilitating and limits minority interaction and prevents true integration. This ominous, omniscient oppression is in the atmosphere. It is bred by prejudice and inequality within this institution by its members, who reject and, I dare to say, have an underlying sense of fear or hatred of integration. I believe it to be well−known that Tufts not only has a racist climate, but is also quite pretentious in nature. For many minorities, it can be difficult to interact with individuals who constantly flaunt their white privilege and act as if they are superior. While I myself have both minority and majority friends, at times I not only feel out of place, but feel that I am perceived as a lesser individual because of my socioeconomic status. Now, I am not advocating for Tufts cultural houses, nor am I attempting to diminish the reputation of Tufts or scare away potential students. I am merely attempting to convey collective complaints and opinions shared by some ethnic groups.
Minorities are essentially presented with three options at Tufts: Assimilate — and reject their ancestral roots, which does not guarantee social acceptance. Leave — as many individuals have advised minorities to do on the Tufts CollegeACB page, which is now controlled by Blipdar. Or struggle — we have the option to commune with other minorities in attempt to just get by without losing our sanity.
I have to honestly say that I am quite unhappy with my own personal circumstances at Tufts. Having truly believed that Tufts was the perfect fit, I found myself struggling with feelings of inferiority and at one time desiring whiteness. I regret those feelings and have since decided that I should be who I am and not be afraid of social rejection. I have decided that instead I will take advantage of the support groups around me and utilize the cultural houses and their resources to make Tufts a home for me! On another note, I must admit the cultural houses can possess elements of exclusivity, but I must stress the fact that they are not just club hangouts for minorities who are afraid to immerse themselves in Tufts mainstream culture. This is a wrong perspective that should be challenged.
So to my fellow peers, I ask that you challenge yourself to not just empathize with us, but to take on a new perspective. Diversity is more than a federally mandated status quo, in my opinion — not only tolerance, but also acceptance. This campus, and more specifically this institution, encourages assimilation when it should instead strive for the integration it so lacks. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
"We are simply seeking to bring into full realization the American dream — a dream yet unfulfilled. A dream of equality of opportunity, of privilege and property widely distributed; a dream of a land where men no longer argue that the color of a man's skin determines the content of his character; the dream of a land where every man will respect the dignity and worth of human personality—this is the dream. When it is realized, the jangling discords of our nation will be transformed into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood, and men everywhere will know that America is truly the land of the free and home of the brave."
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Samuel Murray is a sophomore who is majoring in sociology and religion.
