On being an ally...

The panel discussion in class with Ric Chollar, Corey Jackson, and Joya Crear, was facinating and thought provoking. Institutional diversity is a complex and multi-faceted topic. My biggest take-away was how students, faculty and staff are aware of diversity, but when it comes to interacting - there is a different level or dynamic required. The interaction requires a commitment in thought and in action.

Two weekends ago, I was in a conversation with a couple (a white woman and her racially mixed husband - American Indian, African American and caucasian). I mentioned to them that I was taking classes this year to wrap up my MAIS program. I told them that one of the classes I was taken is called Diversity in Higher Education. The couple responded back to me with eyes rolling, "Wait, let us guess - it's about how black is better?! Right?!" I was shocked and speechless. I slowly replied, "Nooooo - not at all. In fact Diversity applies not just to skin color, but gender, sex, religion, and so forth." I added that learning about diversity isn't just about playing lip service to respecting our global community, but about getting involved, participating, learning and teaching to protect, treasure and nurture diversity.

They seemed embarrassed and replied that their two college kids are having to take diversity classes in college and they feel like the whole topic of diversity is being shoved down their throats. They replied, "they get it!" I told them that it probably was a good thing to have this "forced upon them" as it appears that they probably aren't able to interact appropriately given their (the parents' reaction). I turned to the man and asked him how could he say what he did when he's mixed. He retorted that he doesn't see color and if others stopped differentiating, then there wouldn't be racism.

I mulled this over after I left their company. I am still mulling it over, but I just know I don't agree with what he said. In fact, I think he dislikes his mixed race and does his best to fall within the lines of society - white society. I have more thoughts, but they aren't nice to write down. But wow - interesting experience and interaction.