Political correctness perpetuates segregation

By: Christina Asavareungchai, The Seattle Times/NEXT
Posted In: Opinion

All the Asian students sit in one corner, the Hispanics occupy another, the blacks gather in the center of the room, and the whites sit in the far corner all by their lonesome. Welcome to the University of Washington’s Husky Union Building.

Friendships are strikingly color-coded here, despite the fact that minorities make up 25.6 percent of the student body.

This percentage will probably remain stable, given the recent death of a recent Senate bill, which would have allowed public universities and colleges to consider race as a factor in admissions.

Students should make the most of existing diversity but instead, they are failing miserably.

Ironically, it has been 50 years since the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case struck down “separate but equal” and called for the integration of public schools.

While federal laws now support integration, our fears, self-consciousness and this politically correct era perpetuate segregation _ both in and out of the classroom.

The forces of fear in youth continue to counteract the Brown decision. Generation Y lives in an era when political correctness is emphasized over discussion of sensitive racial issues; when embracing diversity means assigning a non-offensive label to every group; when a paranoia of offending others translates into all-white, all-black and all-Asian social circles.

In fact, “the odds of a teen naming someone of the same race as a friend were about two times the odds of naming a friend from a different racial group,” according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Further, “teens are more likely to choose friends from within their own racial group in moderately racially mixed schools.”

This is an obvious but widely ignored fact. Even on diverse campuses, only a few students take advantage of the opportunity to make multicultural friends. Many are devoted to groups such as the UW’s Indian Student Association or the Italian Cultural Club. These allow students to socialize with others of similar backgrounds.

However, if a student’s social group is solely confined to a single race, she is in danger of becoming entrenched within a fixed set of cultural values and norms. As a result, she may overlook the wonders of other cultures _ the colorful holidays, intricate costumes and exotic foods, for example.

She may see the U.S. as a salad bowl, instead of a melting pot. On a larger scale, she may view the world as a collection of distinct nations, instead of an interconnected whole. As a result, she will likely be unable to address the demands of an increasingly diverse society.

Even a quarter-long study abroad trip doesn’t provide students with the useful, real-life experience of mingling with multicultural peers on a regular, daily basis. Students can learn about other countries and cultures simply by interacting with their peers in a normal social and academic setting.

It’s free, it’s local and it’s empowering.

In high school, I befriended Sameerah, who moved from humid Karachi, Pakistan, to rainy Seattle. Over the past three years, I’ve learned about her homeland and culture, which sparkles with a unique rhythm and vivacity.

I’ve watched Indian films, cheered over “Bend It Like Beckham” and learned the latest Bollywood gossip.

I’ve been welcomed into Sameerah’s house with the hospitality characteristic of Pakistani culture. When I visit, Sameerah becomes the Perfect Hostess, bringing me cookies and juice on a silver tray (literally). I’ve also sampled her mother’s delicious cooking. Multigrain patties drenched in yogurt sauce, lentil beans and peppered fruit salad serve as flavorful introductions to Pakistani cuisine.

Sameerah and I have discussed controversial issues, too. We have analyzed racial stereotypes, U.S. policy toward suspected terrorists, and the media’s treatment of terrorist-related news.

If bogged down by excessive political correctness, I would not be exposed to these delightful new artistic, culinary and intellectual experiences.

Maybe like me, you’re a motivated student ready to change the world. You’re bursting with positive energy and visions of your future, which may involve helping kids in Third World countries as a doctor, or negotiating international business deals as a CEO.

But before you can make an impact overseas, you need to break through racial tension here at home. Before you can successfully interact with foreign families, politicians and businessmen and women, you need to gain an appreciation for the values, traditions and history of other ethnic groups.

By doing so, you will fulfill the intentions of the Brown decision, and the noble visions of civil-rights leaders.

Venturing outside of your comfort zone isn’t easy, but it is possible. Simply start with a smile and a hello. If you disagree with a comment, speak up. If you are curious or puzzled, ask a question.

If you want to overcome fear, start now.

Making friends outside of your own racial or ethnic identity will reward you with a sense of global awareness and empathy, which are truly priceless.

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KRT Campus Newswire