Posted on 12/05/2004 4:28:18 PM PST by mountaineer
While I agree ... in that intellectual diversity is crucial at an educational institution, I disagree ... that multiculturalism would not enhance the quality of education at Colgate.
Rather, I see multiculturalism as one of the most powerful vehicles to intellectual diversity. This belief is not speculative, but based on historical evidence of American society as well as Colgate University itself.
While the diversity initiative is focused on the racial demographics at Colgate, conservatives have shifted the focus to intellectual diversity, drawing a line to separate it from racial diversity. However, what is intellectual diversity? Is it simply the distinction between liberal and conservative thought?
I believe that intellectual diversity goes much beyond political parties or philosophical interests. Intellectual diversity should provide multiple perspectives on a single topic, ultimately forcing students to think differently and see from different viewpoints.
Before I go on any further, I must state that the current state of diversity - or lack thereof - on campus is a serious problem. However, from the student attendance at the Diversity Forum and general observations during my four years as a student lead me to believe that a vast majority of the student body does not realize, or even worse, care about the gravity of this problem. This is especially unsettling considering the fact that the problem is so explicit.
Colgate comprises nearly 80 percent white students, with Asian Americans as the largest minority group at a mere seven percent. Just take a look at the faces in your classes, in the cafeteria or at social events. It used to shock me to be the only non-white student in a classroom of 20 students. Not anymore - repetition has numbed me to such conditions.
(Excerpt) Read more at colgate.edu ...
Minority students also typically find it harder to adjust to Colgate than their white counterparts. The transition is also hindered by the sporadic cases of racially insensitive comments from their peers and professors. ...
For each racial group in America, the lens through which they perceive American culture is unique to the issues that face their community. These issues are created by the distinct historical experiences of each group in their struggle for equality and upward social mobility. Consequently, students of different racial backgrounds bring with them a baggage full of intellectual perspectives and ideas derived from their unique experiences. Therefore, to suggest that an increase in minority population would not enhance the intellectual diversity on campus is not only wrong, but disrespectful, for it is denying the struggles and oppressions experienced by people of color in this country. ...
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I'll give him credit for getting the jargon down pat.
Now he knows what it's like to be a white Catholic Republican at the University of Miami.
Gee, I'm really impressed with the "education" that he got at Colgate. He learned to parrot the liberal party line well.
"Multiculturalism" is the mantra of the hate-America crowd.
Or they may just be dull, self-absorbed, psuedo-intellectual cake boys like all the white multiculturalists.
I wonder if this "persons" parents know what they got for $30,00 a semester.
Does anyone believe this young man has been subjected to racially insensitive comments at oh-so-politically-correct Colgate? I'd love to know the context in which he claims to have been the recipient of same.
it's very simple...
When a minority earns the right to attend an elite college... they should get to go so and not a day sooner.
When that day comes your diversity will be achieved.
Your minority must earn the right just like all the other minorities which came before you.
Sounds like a pretty good place to pick up asian chicks, though, at 7%...
"Before I go on any further, I must state that the current state of diversity - or lack thereof - on campus is a serious problem. However, from the student attendance at the Diversity Forum and general observations during my four years as a student lead me to believe that a vast majority of the student body does not realize, or even worse, care about the gravity of this problem. This is especially unsettling considering the fact that the problem is so explicit. "
So, others don't see a problem, but you do. Sounds like diversity of opinion to me. You should be happy.
Religion? Don't care.
Politics? Doesn't matter.
Taste in Art? Music? Dance? Film? Inconsequential.
Family immigration history? Big deal.
Working class background? Prep School legacy? What's the difference?
Gender? Handicaps? Body size? Whoop-tee-doo.
I care about one thing, and one thing only -- your SKIN COLOR! That defines who you are, and who will be allowed to be. I look at you and I don't see a person. I don't see an individual. All I see is skin of one color or another. And my opinion of your value is based 100% on whether your skin color is the Right color.
'Cause I'm a progressive Democrat.
Stop your whining Timmy. Learn a useful trade like plumbing or electronics.
It doesn't exactly accomplish anything, it doesn't make anyone smarter, it doesn't find a cure for cancer, it won't better qualify you for a job, but by golly, we need more of it on our college campuses!
Next he needs to work on sentence structure so he'll have something to plug his slogans into.
What a maroon.
Apparently!
Its politically incorrect to say so, but white Christians are a minority at most elite universities these days. We need to study harder I guess.
School is for studying. At least that's what my parents told me all my life. Nothing I grew to hate more than 'diversity' *LOL*
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