November 10, 2006
The Complexity of Race
This is my third year on the MIT Committee on Campus Race Relations (CCRR). For my first two years on the committee I was learning the ropes, and this year I became Chair. At a recent meeting this week I learned how I still have a great deal to learn about the complexity of race relations at an academic institution.
An undergraduate student was upset about the handling of an article he wrote for the greater campus community on issues of race. In the end, he felt blocked and personally affronted. As a result he wanted to present his case to CCRR for discussion. His presentation went well, and we will have some general ideas to develop as a committee for action items. Unfortunately the tradition of flaming is still one of the number one ways to build a solid foundation for misunderstanding in the year 2006. You would think with all this wonderful digital communication technology today we'd at least get communicating with one another finally right.
The student made a point about differentiating racism as experienced by immigrant cultures versus indigenous people or victims of slavery. My eyebrows went up when I heard this. "I never thought of this difference." And my eyes suddenly got big. Not that I believe by any means in the validity of a "my racism experience is bigger (worse) than yours" kind of world. I guess until that point I thought of all racism as equally bad. My opinion hasn't changed. But now I can see how people might rightfully feel more pain. I wish there were less.
Posted by maeda at November 10, 2006 07:25 PMThoughts On Simplicity By John Maeda