Biracial friends: breaking stereotypes
Jennifer Engemann
Issue date: 9/8/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
When it comes to forming a friendship, people seem to look for qualities similar to their own while and don't give those that seem different a chance. Granted, one of the main factors in a good friendship is what you have in common. But what about the differences?
Some of the stereotypes college students face are from the quick assumption that comes along with having a friend of a different racial background. If an African-American student has a friend who is Caucasian, then normally the assumption is that both have to act a certain way.
I first was introduced to this stereotype in grade school, and the fact that it still stares me dead in the face at the age of twenty is ridiculous. Didn't we all come to college to learn from each other and grow? How can you grow if you ignore the diversity that surrounds you?
The first time I realized there were people on this campus who were still living by this certain stereotype is when I overheard a group of African-American girls put down another African-American girl for being in a sorority that is predominantly Caucasian. I couldn't believe they not only were talking about this girl because she didn't follow what was generally expected of a person of her race, but they were also the same race as her.
First, no one has the right to judge someone else for his or her choices. Second, being on a campus that is predominantly white, African-American students should be building each other up. I believe the girl who was in the sorority should be credited for her ability to stay true to herself, despite what others might say. Going into a situation where you are vulnerable to ridicule from others and still having the courage to make your own decision is a strength some might not have.
Becoming part of an organization on this campus means that you might be exposed to differences that you are unfamiliar with. Instead of not accepting people who join different organizations that are out of the norm, maybe we could all try to see what the world looks like from another person's point of view. Seeing each other for individuals and not a complexion could make a world of difference.
There is one common reality that we all need to face - we are living in the real world, and we are not always going to see what life has in store for us. Instead we have to work with the hands we are dealt and accept them.
Whether it means befriending someone of a different background or joining an organization primarily filled with people who are not the same as yourself, we all need to take advantage of the situation we are presented with.
By learning to leave the black and white world that some still live in and venture into a place that is gray, I believe that there will be more acceptance of one another.
Some of the stereotypes college students face are from the quick assumption that comes along with having a friend of a different racial background. If an African-American student has a friend who is Caucasian, then normally the assumption is that both have to act a certain way.
I first was introduced to this stereotype in grade school, and the fact that it still stares me dead in the face at the age of twenty is ridiculous. Didn't we all come to college to learn from each other and grow? How can you grow if you ignore the diversity that surrounds you?
The first time I realized there were people on this campus who were still living by this certain stereotype is when I overheard a group of African-American girls put down another African-American girl for being in a sorority that is predominantly Caucasian. I couldn't believe they not only were talking about this girl because she didn't follow what was generally expected of a person of her race, but they were also the same race as her.
First, no one has the right to judge someone else for his or her choices. Second, being on a campus that is predominantly white, African-American students should be building each other up. I believe the girl who was in the sorority should be credited for her ability to stay true to herself, despite what others might say. Going into a situation where you are vulnerable to ridicule from others and still having the courage to make your own decision is a strength some might not have.
Becoming part of an organization on this campus means that you might be exposed to differences that you are unfamiliar with. Instead of not accepting people who join different organizations that are out of the norm, maybe we could all try to see what the world looks like from another person's point of view. Seeing each other for individuals and not a complexion could make a world of difference.
There is one common reality that we all need to face - we are living in the real world, and we are not always going to see what life has in store for us. Instead we have to work with the hands we are dealt and accept them.
Whether it means befriending someone of a different background or joining an organization primarily filled with people who are not the same as yourself, we all need to take advantage of the situation we are presented with.
By learning to leave the black and white world that some still live in and venture into a place that is gray, I believe that there will be more acceptance of one another.
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celestrial
celestrial
posted 9/08/04 @ 12:43 PM CST
Good afternoon,
I think the article written by Jennifer, articulates the viewpoint that change is inevitable and the environment in which Western students of color are placed in require the necessity of that expressed change. (Continued…)
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