Author addresses 'uncomfortable' topics of race, discrimination

By: MICHAEL SCHWERIN

Posted: 9/13/07

The University hosted Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? and Other Conversations About Race, in a discussion about racism and discrimination at Shriver Hall Wed. night in a two-hour conversation with Hopkins students and staff.

All incoming freshmen were required to read the book as part of an attempt by the University to start a dialogue on racism after the events surrounding the "Halloween in the 'Hood" controversy in the fall of last year. Sigma Chi came under harsh criticism for a member-created invitation to their Halloween party which included racially-charged language and descriptions, as well as a hanging pirate decoration some students felt resembled a lynching.

Tatum's discussion another part of the University's introspection into the deep-seated issues of race and discrimination within the student body.

"Because it's such an uncomfortable topic, I'm often asked, 'Why do we have to have this conversation?'" Tatum said. "But I think it's hard to solve problems if you can't talk honestly about race." Tatum demonstrated her openness by refusing to speak from the stage, opting instead to stand in the front row and speak informally.

After discussing her academic background and some of her personal experiences with race, both in the classroom and out, Tatum opened the floor for questions. One common concern was how to identify and combat subtle forms racism Tatum commented on the systematic nature of racism.

"We are all breathing in the smog, whether we know it or not," she said, urging members of the Hopkins community to acknowledge their complicity in racism as an institution. "All of us can think about our personal backgrounds and in which areas we are systematically advantaged," she said. Tatum pointed out that though she is a black woman herself, and therefore disadvantaged in the areas of race and gender, she is heterosexual and identifies as a Christian - groups that both enjoy "dominant" status in our society.

Tatum emphasized the conversational tone of the book, whose primary purpose "was to stimulate dialogue," she said.

Several staff members also observed that students and colleagues tended to "intellectualize" conversations about race without ever getting to the heart of the matter. Tatum agreed that real progress cannot be made without a certain level of frankness, and that when people prefer to talk about the 'meaning' of racism rather than its everyday occurrences they are keeping the topic "at arm's length."

"It was a nice opportunity to discuss the issues face-to-face," freshman Joe Antompietri said after Tatum had finished. "Many people had questions, and the answers she gave were very satisfying."

Other students believed the dialogue to be not only relevant, but necessary. Senior Aaron Tan called the decision to include race-related discussions in this year's orientation "a valid move, due to the issues we've faced on campus recently, as well as national issues."