Harvard's Black Commencement

[Anonymous]

First they decided to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill and now this!!
Why is the country not embracing whiteness anymore?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I worry about how these types of events are interpreted by those who say it's only natural to feel more comfortable with people of the same background, religion, or race.

What do you think?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First they decided to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill and now this!!
Why is the country not embracing whiteness anymore?

Says the lily white poster?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:First they decided to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill and now this!!
Why is the country not embracing whiteness anymore?

Says the lily white poster?

Says everyone bitching about this bullshit "crisis".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a huge double standard here. Nobody complains about hispanic or asian events, yet black events like this rub people the wrong way.

Most non blacks have seen so much negativity in the black community for decades that they simply don't like what they see. They see many of these people as being divisive, unlike asians, hispanics, immigrants, etc. I could make a huge list of legitimate complaints, but it would serve no purpose. I'm sure there are redeeming qualities in the black community, but not so much compared to the other groups. When the black community improves, then perceptions will change, and this will be NO BIG DEAL. Ironically, the ones doing the celebrating are the success stories, yet they are the ones receiving the backlash (at least on DCUM LOL).

Most liberals won't admit it, but they have similar views. I don't see any of them moving to SE DC!

For clarification, what is "THE" Black community? I am AA, I have heard that thrown around for years and I have no idea what it is. Blacks are not a monolith.

Besides that, what's not to like about AA students graduating from one of the most elite universities in the world? Because Wites get on their soapboxes and lecture us about what is wrong with us and what we should be striving to do. These students have done that - what's the problem? I am not asking you per se - I just do not get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have found that with some White people, this idea of integration and inclusion is a sham. The reason being that the “default” standard for integration is based on White norms. In other words, Whites want POC who integrate to meet them on their playing field – meet them in their safe space. The question I have for Whites who somehow think these types of ceremonies are divisive is whether you are willing to “cross the aisle” in the name of inclusion and integration. Would you join a Black church? How about a Black sorority? Would you join an Asian chamber of commerce organization? Or is it that you expect POC to abandon their traditions and norms to integrate with you? Just curious. Instead of condemning these ceremonies, ask if you can attend. My grad school roommate was Asian and I attended the university’s Asian celebration to support her. Her family and others there appreciated that I was willing to embrace what they were doing and support her.

There is just the norm, not the black or white or brown norm. And yes, the norm today is predominantly driven by the historic prevalence of white culture, but that is changing fairly quickly (relative to the past). So you can take a seat at the table and put your imprint on how the norm will evolve or you can have your own table in the dining hall, your own fraternities, your own ceremonies, etc. Nobody is saying that every minority group shouldn't be loud and proud about their own culture and celebrate any way they choose, but you seem intent on segregation. And your false equivalencies about the "crossing the aisle" are just infantile. BTw, you might want to study how the LGBTQ community managed to change the norm in a remarkable fashion regarding same-sex marriage. It wasn't too many years ago that Obama, Clinton and the entire democratic establishment were firmly against this issue. But by engaging with the mainstream and educating and socializing, the LGBTQ community has now made same-sex marriage part of the mainstream ideology. That's called progress. What you're advocating is a regressive, dead-end approach. But go ahead and hold steadfast to your belief, witness zero progress towards racial unity and then blame everybody but yourself.

You actually just proved my point. And the "infantile" remarks and the like are totally un-called for. But that is the DCUM way. I disagree with you personally, so let me insult you. Cool. Just realize that is more a reflection on you than it is me.

What is racial unity? Define it. Because based on comments like this - that is "whitewashing" (no pun intended). What I want is the acceptance and embracing of diversity. We are different. There is not a dang thing wrong with that. But our differences do not make us inferior or superior to one another. And we can appreciate the differences that we have and the resulting different experiences and perspectives. Being pro-POC is not being anti-White. It's not that hard.

I am not intent on segregation. What I am intent on is being able to celebrate my tradition without someone accusing me of wanting segregation. Instead of sitting there criticizing me, come sit at MY table and participate. But you would rather me come to your table or you would rather stand there and criticize me for having my own table.

Ironically, my DD's college had a LGBTQ student graduation celebration also. Guess that was wrong too.

If there was a DCUM applaud icon, I would gladly give it to you. Settle for a + million instead.

+1 Love this. LoooooooVe it!!

I'm going to respond to the bolded text above because there seems to be a disconnect. Or more likely, you trigger too easily and view comments through the lens of a victim which twists even benign comments into imagined racism which frankly makes having a civilized dialogue rather difficult. But setting that aside let me state that nobody is saying that special interest groups shouldn't celebrate their own culture. Nobody is saying that there is any difference between AAs and other special interest groups. Nobody is saying that Harvard grads don't have the right to host their own celebration. We should be in agreement up until this point. But here's where you're getting the analogy wrong. You've created a construct where there is an us vs. them. An imagined balkanization of society where there is a white table, a black table, etc. That wasn't the point at all. The point was that there is an our table (not a white table) which comprises a diverse majority, and then there are a whole host of special interest tables. It is incumbent upon the majority table to create an environment that encourages inclusion, the safe and open exchange of ideas, etc. And it is incumbent on the special interest groups to join that table whilst maintaining a position at their own. It's a specious argument to suggest that non-AAs insert themselves into the AA table. Would I be welcome if I applied for membership to Jack & Jill, an AA fraternity, the AA house on campus or the like? Of course not and nor should I be...those are safe spaces that by design are created to provide support to the AA community.

Here you go again with the veiled insults! LOL!! I actually thought our dialogue was civil - we just disagreed.

Here is the issue I have with the whole table discussion. My intent was not to create an us vs. them situation. By going to Harvard in the first place, the students have embraced the value of the majority/mainstream table. As far as I know, these students are not shunning the main University ceremony for the AA one. They are attending both. So they have bought into the notion of what a mainstream elite education is - such that they have attended (and graduated from) an elite PWI. So they are at the mainstream table just by attending Harvard. In order to survive there, many of them have relied on each other for knowledge, wisdom, emotional support and motivation. Being a "special interest" group at a PWI tends to create the need for this. So I do not see these students segregating themselves from the mainstream table at all - I just see them as having an additional table that provides support for their specific situation.

As far as your last statement - you may be welcome and you may not be. That is pretty fact specific. There were White women in my AA sorority - but they did not just pop up one day. They were our friends from early on. But you acknowledge a point that was made earlier that these "safe spaces" were designed to provides pockets of motivation and support. IMO, having a ceremony/program IN ADDITION TO the main one is a celebration of that support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have found that with some White people, this idea of integration and inclusion is a sham. The reason being that the “default” standard for integration is based on White norms. In other words, Whites want POC who integrate to meet them on their playing field – meet them in their safe space. The question I have for Whites who somehow think these types of ceremonies are divisive is whether you are willing to “cross the aisle” in the name of inclusion and integration. Would you join a Black church? How about a Black sorority? Would you join an Asian chamber of commerce organization? Or is it that you expect POC to abandon their traditions and norms to integrate with you? Just curious. Instead of condemning these ceremonies, ask if you can attend. My grad school roommate was Asian and I attended the university’s Asian celebration to support her. Her family and others there appreciated that I was willing to embrace what they were doing and support her.

There is just the norm, not the black or white or brown norm. And yes, the norm today is predominantly driven by the historic prevalence of white culture, but that is changing fairly quickly (relative to the past). So you can take a seat at the table and put your imprint on how the norm will evolve or you can have your own table in the dining hall, your own fraternities, your own ceremonies, etc. Nobody is saying that every minority group shouldn't be loud and proud about their own culture and celebrate any way they choose, but you seem intent on segregation. And your false equivalencies about the "crossing the aisle" are just infantile. BTw, you might want to study how the LGBTQ community managed to change the norm in a remarkable fashion regarding same-sex marriage. It wasn't too many years ago that Obama, Clinton and the entire democratic establishment were firmly against this issue. But by engaging with the mainstream and educating and socializing, the LGBTQ community has now made same-sex marriage part of the mainstream ideology. That's called progress. What you're advocating is a regressive, dead-end approach. But go ahead and hold steadfast to your belief, witness zero progress towards racial unity and then blame everybody but yourself.

You actually just proved my point. And the "infantile" remarks and the like are totally un-called for. But that is the DCUM way. I disagree with you personally, so let me insult you. Cool. Just realize that is more a reflection on you than it is me.

What is racial unity? Define it. Because based on comments like this - that is "whitewashing" (no pun intended). What I want is the acceptance and embracing of diversity. We are different. There is not a dang thing wrong with that. But our differences do not make us inferior or superior to one another. And we can appreciate the differences that we have and the resulting different experiences and perspectives. Being pro-POC is not being anti-White. It's not that hard.

I am not intent on segregation. What I am intent on is being able to celebrate my tradition without someone accusing me of wanting segregation. Instead of sitting there criticizing me, come sit at MY table and participate. But you would rather me come to your table or you would rather stand there and criticize me for having my own table.

Ironically, my DD's college had a LGBTQ student graduation celebration also. Guess that was wrong too.

If there was a DCUM applaud icon, I would gladly give it to you. Settle for a + million instead.

+1 Love this. LoooooooVe it!!

I'm going to respond to the bolded text above because there seems to be a disconnect. Or more likely, you trigger too easily and view comments through the lens of a victim which twists even benign comments into imagined racism which frankly makes having a civilized dialogue rather difficult. But setting that aside let me state that nobody is saying that special interest groups shouldn't celebrate their own culture. Nobody is saying that there is any difference between AAs and other special interest groups. Nobody is saying that Harvard grads don't have the right to host their own celebration. We should be in agreement up until this point. But here's where you're getting the analogy wrong. You've created a construct where there is an us vs. them. An imagined balkanization of society where there is a white table, a black table, etc. That wasn't the point at all. The point was that there is an our table (not a white table) which comprises a diverse majority, and then there are a whole host of special interest tables. It is incumbent upon the majority table to create an environment that encourages inclusion, the safe and open exchange of ideas, etc. And it is incumbent on the special interest groups to join that table whilst maintaining a position at their own. It's a specious argument to suggest that non-AAs insert themselves into the AA table. Would I be welcome if I applied for membership to Jack & Jill, an AA fraternity, the AA house on campus or the like? Of course not and nor should I be...those are safe spaces that by design are created to provide support to the AA community.

Here you go again with the veiled insults! LOL!! I actually thought our dialogue was civil - we just disagreed.

Here is the issue I have with the whole table discussion. My intent was not to create an us vs. them situation. By going to Harvard in the first place, the students have embraced the value of the majority/mainstream table. As far as I know, these students are not shunning the main University ceremony for the AA one. They are attending both. So they have bought into the notion of what a mainstream elite education is - such that they have attended (and graduated from) an elite PWI. So they are at the mainstream table just by attending Harvard. In order to survive there, many of them have relied on each other for knowledge, wisdom, emotional support and motivation. Being a "special interest" group at a PWI tends to create the need for this. So I do not see these students segregating themselves from the mainstream table at all - I just see them as having an additional table that provides support for their specific situation.

As far as your last statement - you may be welcome and you may not be. That is pretty fact specific. There were White women in my AA sorority - but they did not just pop up one day. They were our friends from early on. But you acknowledge a point that was made earlier that these "safe spaces" were designed to provides pockets of motivation and support. IMO, having a ceremony/program IN ADDITION TO the main one is a celebration of that support.

Only minorities struggle and only minorities need "pockets of motivation and support..."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have found that with some White people, this idea of integration and inclusion is a sham. The reason being that the “default” standard for integration is based on White norms. In other words, Whites want POC who integrate to meet them on their playing field – meet them in their safe space. The question I have for Whites who somehow think these types of ceremonies are divisive is whether you are willing to “cross the aisle” in the name of inclusion and integration. Would you join a Black church? How about a Black sorority? Would you join an Asian chamber of commerce organization? Or is it that you expect POC to abandon their traditions and norms to integrate with you? Just curious. Instead of condemning these ceremonies, ask if you can attend. My grad school roommate was Asian and I attended the university’s Asian celebration to support her. Her family and others there appreciated that I was willing to embrace what they were doing and support her.

There is just the norm, not the black or white or brown norm. And yes, the norm today is predominantly driven by the historic prevalence of white culture, but that is changing fairly quickly (relative to the past). So you can take a seat at the table and put your imprint on how the norm will evolve or you can have your own table in the dining hall, your own fraternities, your own ceremonies, etc. Nobody is saying that every minority group shouldn't be loud and proud about their own culture and celebrate any way they choose, but you seem intent on segregation. And your false equivalencies about the "crossing the aisle" are just infantile. BTw, you might want to study how the LGBTQ community managed to change the norm in a remarkable fashion regarding same-sex marriage. It wasn't too many years ago that Obama, Clinton and the entire democratic establishment were firmly against this issue. But by engaging with the mainstream and educating and socializing, the LGBTQ community has now made same-sex marriage part of the mainstream ideology. That's called progress. What you're advocating is a regressive, dead-end approach. But go ahead and hold steadfast to your belief, witness zero progress towards racial unity and then blame everybody but yourself.

You actually just proved my point. And the "infantile" remarks and the like are totally un-called for. But that is the DCUM way. I disagree with you personally, so let me insult you. Cool. Just realize that is more a reflection on you than it is me.

What is racial unity? Define it. Because based on comments like this - that is "whitewashing" (no pun intended). What I want is the acceptance and embracing of diversity. We are different. There is not a dang thing wrong with that. But our differences do not make us inferior or superior to one another. And we can appreciate the differences that we have and the resulting different experiences and perspectives. Being pro-POC is not being anti-White. It's not that hard.

I am not intent on segregation. What I am intent on is being able to celebrate my tradition without someone accusing me of wanting segregation. Instead of sitting there criticizing me, come sit at MY table and participate. But you would rather me come to your table or you would rather stand there and criticize me for having my own table.

Ironically, my DD's college had a LGBTQ student graduation celebration also. Guess that was wrong too.

If there was a DCUM applaud icon, I would gladly give it to you. Settle for a + million instead.

+1 Love this. LoooooooVe it!!

I'm going to respond to the bolded text above because there seems to be a disconnect. Or more likely, you trigger too easily and view comments through the lens of a victim which twists even benign comments into imagined racism which frankly makes having a civilized dialogue rather difficult. But setting that aside let me state that nobody is saying that special interest groups shouldn't celebrate their own culture. Nobody is saying that there is any difference between AAs and other special interest groups. Nobody is saying that Harvard grads don't have the right to host their own celebration. We should be in agreement up until this point. But here's where you're getting the analogy wrong. You've created a construct where there is an us vs. them. An imagined balkanization of society where there is a white table, a black table, etc. That wasn't the point at all. The point was that there is an our table (not a white table) which comprises a diverse majority, and then there are a whole host of special interest tables. It is incumbent upon the majority table to create an environment that encourages inclusion, the safe and open exchange of ideas, etc. And it is incumbent on the special interest groups to join that table whilst maintaining a position at their own. It's a specious argument to suggest that non-AAs insert themselves into the AA table. Would I be welcome if I applied for membership to Jack & Jill, an AA fraternity, the AA house on campus or the like? Of course not and nor should I be...those are safe spaces that by design are created to provide support to the AA community.

Here you go again with the veiled insults! LOL!! I actually thought our dialogue was civil - we just disagreed.

Here is the issue I have with the whole table discussion. My intent was not to create an us vs. them situation. By going to Harvard in the first place, the students have embraced the value of the majority/mainstream table. As far as I know, these students are not shunning the main University ceremony for the AA one. They are attending both. So they have bought into the notion of what a mainstream elite education is - such that they have attended (and graduated from) an elite PWI. So they are at the mainstream table just by attending Harvard. In order to survive there, many of them have relied on each other for knowledge, wisdom, emotional support and motivation. Being a "special interest" group at a PWI tends to create the need for this. So I do not see these students segregating themselves from the mainstream table at all - I just see them as having an additional table that provides support for their specific situation.

As far as your last statement - you may be welcome and you may not be. That is pretty fact specific. There were White women in my AA sorority - but they did not just pop up one day. They were our friends from early on. But you acknowledge a point that was made earlier that these "safe spaces" were designed to provides pockets of motivation and support. IMO, having a ceremony/program IN ADDITION TO the main one is a celebration of that support.

Only minorities struggle and only minorities need "pockets of motivation and support..."

You never give up do you. PP above you never said that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I worry about how these types of events are interpreted by those who say it's only natural to feel more comfortable with people of the same background, religion, or race.

Segregation train is picking up speed.
It's only whites who are told to decertify and culturally enrich themselves . Everyone else is encouraged to celebrate their uniqueness.
American melting pot has melted to ashes, society became a collection of minorities and victims each pulling a blanket of rights towards themselves.
Fun to watch.

[Anonymous]

*divercify

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have found that with some White people, this idea of integration and inclusion is a sham. The reason being that the “default” standard for integration is based on White norms. In other words, Whites want POC who integrate to meet them on their playing field – meet them in their safe space. The question I have for Whites who somehow think these types of ceremonies are divisive is whether you are willing to “cross the aisle” in the name of inclusion and integration. Would you join a Black church? How about a Black sorority? Would you join an Asian chamber of commerce organization? Or is it that you expect POC to abandon their traditions and norms to integrate with you? Just curious. Instead of condemning these ceremonies, ask if you can attend. My grad school roommate was Asian and I attended the university’s Asian celebration to support her. Her family and others there appreciated that I was willing to embrace what they were doing and support her.

There is just the norm, not the black or white or brown norm. And yes, the norm today is predominantly driven by the historic prevalence of white culture, but that is changing fairly quickly (relative to the past). So you can take a seat at the table and put your imprint on how the norm will evolve or you can have your own table in the dining hall, your own fraternities, your own ceremonies, etc. Nobody is saying that every minority group shouldn't be loud and proud about their own culture and celebrate any way they choose, but you seem intent on segregation. And your false equivalencies about the "crossing the aisle" are just infantile. BTw, you might want to study how the LGBTQ community managed to change the norm in a remarkable fashion regarding same-sex marriage. It wasn't too many years ago that Obama, Clinton and the entire democratic establishment were firmly against this issue. But by engaging with the mainstream and educating and socializing, the LGBTQ community has now made same-sex marriage part of the mainstream ideology. That's called progress. What you're advocating is a regressive, dead-end approach. But go ahead and hold steadfast to your belief, witness zero progress towards racial unity and then blame everybody but yourself.

You actually just proved my point. And the "infantile" remarks and the like are totally un-called for. But that is the DCUM way. I disagree with you personally, so let me insult you. Cool. Just realize that is more a reflection on you than it is me.

What is racial unity? Define it. Because based on comments like this - that is "whitewashing" (no pun intended). What I want is the acceptance and embracing of diversity. We are different. There is not a dang thing wrong with that. But our differences do not make us inferior or superior to one another. And we can appreciate the differences that we have and the resulting different experiences and perspectives. Being pro-POC is not being anti-White. It's not that hard.

I am not intent on segregation. What I am intent on is being able to celebrate my tradition without someone accusing me of wanting segregation. Instead of sitting there criticizing me, come sit at MY table and participate. But you would rather me come to your table or you would rather stand there and criticize me for having my own table.

Ironically, my DD's college had a LGBTQ student graduation celebration also. Guess that was wrong too.

If there was a DCUM applaud icon, I would gladly give it to you. Settle for a + million instead.

+1 Love this. LoooooooVe it!!

I'm going to respond to the bolded text above because there seems to be a disconnect. Or more likely, you trigger too easily and view comments through the lens of a victim which twists even benign comments into imagined racism which frankly makes having a civilized dialogue rather difficult. But setting that aside let me state that nobody is saying that special interest groups shouldn't celebrate their own culture. Nobody is saying that there is any difference between AAs and other special interest groups. Nobody is saying that Harvard grads don't have the right to host their own celebration. We should be in agreement up until this point. But here's where you're getting the analogy wrong. You've created a construct where there is an us vs. them. An imagined balkanization of society where there is a white table, a black table, etc. That wasn't the point at all. The point was that there is an our table (not a white table) which comprises a diverse majority, and then there are a whole host of special interest tables. It is incumbent upon the majority table to create an environment that encourages inclusion, the safe and open exchange of ideas, etc. And it is incumbent on the special interest groups to join that table whilst maintaining a position at their own. It's a specious argument to suggest that non-AAs insert themselves into the AA table. Would I be welcome if I applied for membership to Jack & Jill, an AA fraternity, the AA house on campus or the like? Of course not and nor should I be...those are safe spaces that by design are created to provide support to the AA community.

Here you go again with the veiled insults! LOL!! I actually thought our dialogue was civil - we just disagreed.

Here is the issue I have with the whole table discussion. My intent was not to create an us vs. them situation. By going to Harvard in the first place, the students have embraced the value of the majority/mainstream table. As far as I know, these students are not shunning the main University ceremony for the AA one. They are attending both. So they have bought into the notion of what a mainstream elite education is - such that they have attended (and graduated from) an elite PWI. So they are at the mainstream table just by attending Harvard. In order to survive there, many of them have relied on each other for knowledge, wisdom, emotional support and motivation. Being a "special interest" group at a PWI tends to create the need for this. So I do not see these students segregating themselves from the mainstream table at all - I just see them as having an additional table that provides support for their specific situation.

As far as your last statement - you may be welcome and you may not be. That is pretty fact specific. There were White women in my AA sorority - but they did not just pop up one day. They were our friends from early on. But you acknowledge a point that was made earlier that these "safe spaces" were designed to provides pockets of motivation and support. IMO, having a ceremony/program IN ADDITION TO the main one is a celebration of that support.

Surprise.......after all of the back and forth I think we are in alignment! The only issue I would quibble with is the white women that would join an AA sorority and admittedly my views are clouded by the Rachel Dolezal tempest so I shouldn't even comment. And I do appreciate the civil discourse, truly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have found that with some White people, this idea of integration and inclusion is a sham. The reason being that the “default” standard for integration is based on White norms. In other words, Whites want POC who integrate to meet them on their playing field – meet them in their safe space. The question I have for Whites who somehow think these types of ceremonies are divisive is whether you are willing to “cross the aisle” in the name of inclusion and integration. Would you join a Black church? How about a Black sorority? Would you join an Asian chamber of commerce organization? Or is it that you expect POC to abandon their traditions and norms to integrate with you? Just curious. Instead of condemning these ceremonies, ask if you can attend. My grad school roommate was Asian and I attended the university’s Asian celebration to support her. Her family and others there appreciated that I was willing to embrace what they were doing and support her.

There is just the norm, not the black or white or brown norm. And yes, the norm today is predominantly driven by the historic prevalence of white culture, but that is changing fairly quickly (relative to the past). So you can take a seat at the table and put your imprint on how the norm will evolve or you can have your own table in the dining hall, your own fraternities, your own ceremonies, etc. Nobody is saying that every minority group shouldn't be loud and proud about their own culture and celebrate any way they choose, but you seem intent on segregation. And your false equivalencies about the "crossing the aisle" are just infantile. BTw, you might want to study how the LGBTQ community managed to change the norm in a remarkable fashion regarding same-sex marriage. It wasn't too many years ago that Obama, Clinton and the entire democratic establishment were firmly against this issue. But by engaging with the mainstream and educating and socializing, the LGBTQ community has now made same-sex marriage part of the mainstream ideology. That's called progress. What you're advocating is a regressive, dead-end approach. But go ahead and hold steadfast to your belief, witness zero progress towards racial unity and then blame everybody but yourself.

You actually just proved my point. And the "infantile" remarks and the like are totally un-called for. But that is the DCUM way. I disagree with you personally, so let me insult you. Cool. Just realize that is more a reflection on you than it is me.

What is racial unity? Define it. Because based on comments like this - that is "whitewashing" (no pun intended). What I want is the acceptance and embracing of diversity. We are different. There is not a dang thing wrong with that. But our differences do not make us inferior or superior to one another. And we can appreciate the differences that we have and the resulting different experiences and perspectives. Being pro-POC is not being anti-White. It's not that hard.

I am not intent on segregation. What I am intent on is being able to celebrate my tradition without someone accusing me of wanting segregation. Instead of sitting there criticizing me, come sit at MY table and participate. But you would rather me come to your table or you would rather stand there and criticize me for having my own table.

Ironically, my DD's college had a LGBTQ student graduation celebration also. Guess that was wrong too.

If there was a DCUM applaud icon, I would gladly give it to you. Settle for a + million instead.

+1 Love this. LoooooooVe it!!

I'm going to respond to the bolded text above because there seems to be a disconnect. Or more likely, you trigger too easily and view comments through the lens of a victim which twists even benign comments into imagined racism which frankly makes having a civilized dialogue rather difficult. But setting that aside let me state that nobody is saying that special interest groups shouldn't celebrate their own culture. Nobody is saying that there is any difference between AAs and other special interest groups. Nobody is saying that Harvard grads don't have the right to host their own celebration. We should be in agreement up until this point. But here's where you're getting the analogy wrong. You've created a construct where there is an us vs. them. An imagined balkanization of society where there is a white table, a black table, etc. That wasn't the point at all. The point was that there is an our table (not a white table) which comprises a diverse majority, and then there are a whole host of special interest tables. It is incumbent upon the majority table to create an environment that encourages inclusion, the safe and open exchange of ideas, etc. And it is incumbent on the special interest groups to join that table whilst maintaining a position at their own. It's a specious argument to suggest that non-AAs insert themselves into the AA table. Would I be welcome if I applied for membership to Jack & Jill, an AA fraternity, the AA house on campus or the like? Of course not and nor should I be...those are safe spaces that by design are created to provide support to the AA community.

Here you go again with the veiled insults! LOL!! I actually thought our dialogue was civil - we just disagreed.

Here is the issue I have with the whole table discussion. My intent was not to create an us vs. them situation. By going to Harvard in the first place, the students have embraced the value of the majority/mainstream table. As far as I know, these students are not shunning the main University ceremony for the AA one. They are attending both. So they have bought into the notion of what a mainstream elite education is - such that they have attended (and graduated from) an elite PWI. So they are at the mainstream table just by attending Harvard. In order to survive there, many of them have relied on each other for knowledge, wisdom, emotional support and motivation. Being a "special interest" group at a PWI tends to create the need for this. So I do not see these students segregating themselves from the mainstream table at all - I just see them as having an additional table that provides support for their specific situation.

As far as your last statement - you may be welcome and you may not be. That is pretty fact specific. There were White women in my AA sorority - but they did not just pop up one day. They were our friends from early on. But you acknowledge a point that was made earlier that these "safe spaces" were designed to provides pockets of motivation and support. IMO, having a ceremony/program IN ADDITION TO the main one is a celebration of that support.

Only minorities struggle and only minorities need "pockets of motivation and support..."

Stop with the false flagging - that's not the point. And you know it! Of course minorities are not the only ones that struggle. But why does it bother anyone that they created these pockets to help themselves. Minorities have ALWAYS done it - why does it bother people so much? On one hand, people tell minorities to help themselves and stop asking for help. When minorities create mechanisms to help themselves, there is problem with that too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worry about how these types of events are interpreted by those who say it's only natural to feel more comfortable with people of the same background, religion, or race.

Segregation train is picking up speed.
It's only whites who are told to decertify and culturally enrich themselves . Everyone else is encouraged to celebrate their uniqueness.
American melting pot has melted to ashes, society became a collection of minorities and victims each pulling a blanket of rights towards themselves.
Fun to watch.

Clearly you have not read this thread if you believe that. LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worry about how these types of events are interpreted by those who say it's only natural to feel more comfortable with people of the same background, religion, or race.

Segregation train is picking up speed.
It's only whites who are told to decertify and culturally enrich themselves . Everyone else is encouraged to celebrate their uniqueness.
American melting pot has melted to ashes, society became a collection of minorities and victims each pulling a blanket of rights towards themselves.
Fun to watch.

Clearly you have not read this thread if you believe that. LOL

LOL! POC have had to assimilate for generations. Now, it is a crisis because groups of students are able to publicly celebrate who they are? Listen, I am a Latina. I want to be considered your equal (because I am) but I do not want to be White. Why do Whites take that as such an insult?

[Anonymous]

I know I don't go to Harvard or even associate with black people to begin with and I know this doesn't affect me in any way, but still it's just so heartbreaking to hear that those students are having a ceremony just for themselves. It's so unfair.