2008 Woodie Awards
Hopkins: a melting pot?
Issue date: 4/3/08
Everyone should question the purpose of cultural organizations. Is there a reason to organize the few Latinos on campus beyond being just that: a group of Latinos? What makes people "cultural enough" to be involved? Would it compromise the integrity of the Latino organization if the president was half Chinese - and didn't always check the ever-so-disputed "Hispanic/Latino" box?
How can students proactively address or gain awareness of disparities facing specific populations? The national high school graduation rate of Latinos is just breaking 50 percent, teen pregnancy is more than double that of Caucasians, prevalence of illicit drug abuse competes with the highest in the country and Latino representation at Hopkins has been stagnant for over five years; there are serious yet unaddressed issues facing this population - the most rapidly growing ethnic population in the United States.
Issues facing the Hopkins Latino community are "Am I Latino enough?"; "I know I'm Latino, but I don't want to segregate myself" and "I'm not Latino, so what does it have to do with me?"
If everyone passively blends into one population, the campus culture is at a significant disadvantage. This adversely affects the student body at Hopkins because it weakens the fundamental abilities to promote individuality and advance education. Culture and discrimination should be of concern to everyone.
Unmistakably, communication and awareness play a vital role. It may be true that Latino organizations such as OLÉ will predominantly have Latino members but improved collaboration among organizations and various aspects of student life is the forum to share characteristics of tradition and population concerns.
Campus life defers to indifference toward intercultural involvement, but careful sidestepping of being offensive or pushing the "large-red-politically-incorrect button" seems prevalent. This cycle only propagates a lack of dialogue and widens cross-cultural gaps.
Cultural groups primarily focus on maintaining community independence, rather than the assumed stereotype of cross-cultural resentment. Resources such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Student Involvement actively maintain connection among these groups and play a central role in race relations at Hopkins.
Culture is not an issue of race, but a principle of individuality. Appreciating American culture means appreciating diversity. Unique ideas, expression and heritage were some of the primary reasons for founding America, and the mission of Hopkins is to promote life-long learning of these ideals and explore new ideas of the world. At the end of the day, the term "cultural enough" is irrelevant.
To advance as a student body, an appreciation for diversity is essential as it fosters individuality. As a society and an institution of education, we can all take a lesson from a new perspective.
How can students proactively address or gain awareness of disparities facing specific populations? The national high school graduation rate of Latinos is just breaking 50 percent, teen pregnancy is more than double that of Caucasians, prevalence of illicit drug abuse competes with the highest in the country and Latino representation at Hopkins has been stagnant for over five years; there are serious yet unaddressed issues facing this population - the most rapidly growing ethnic population in the United States.
Issues facing the Hopkins Latino community are "Am I Latino enough?"; "I know I'm Latino, but I don't want to segregate myself" and "I'm not Latino, so what does it have to do with me?"
If everyone passively blends into one population, the campus culture is at a significant disadvantage. This adversely affects the student body at Hopkins because it weakens the fundamental abilities to promote individuality and advance education. Culture and discrimination should be of concern to everyone.
Unmistakably, communication and awareness play a vital role. It may be true that Latino organizations such as OLÉ will predominantly have Latino members but improved collaboration among organizations and various aspects of student life is the forum to share characteristics of tradition and population concerns.
Campus life defers to indifference toward intercultural involvement, but careful sidestepping of being offensive or pushing the "large-red-politically-incorrect button" seems prevalent. This cycle only propagates a lack of dialogue and widens cross-cultural gaps.
Cultural groups primarily focus on maintaining community independence, rather than the assumed stereotype of cross-cultural resentment. Resources such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of Student Involvement actively maintain connection among these groups and play a central role in race relations at Hopkins.
Culture is not an issue of race, but a principle of individuality. Appreciating American culture means appreciating diversity. Unique ideas, expression and heritage were some of the primary reasons for founding America, and the mission of Hopkins is to promote life-long learning of these ideals and explore new ideas of the world. At the end of the day, the term "cultural enough" is irrelevant.
To advance as a student body, an appreciation for diversity is essential as it fosters individuality. As a society and an institution of education, we can all take a lesson from a new perspective.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jonathan Kroner
posted 4/05/08 @ 5:51 AM EST
Re: "cultural groups primarily focus on maintaining community independence"
You understate the benefit of cultural groups. Cultural organizations serve many purposes. (Continued…)
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