Being Black On White Campuses

This evening CNN news will premiere its new special series Black in America, a news profile set to cover the current state of African-Americans in the United States. The first portion of the special is on “The Black Woman & Family,” investigating statistics concerning the HIV/AIDS pandemic, education, the workplace, and staggering amounts of single parenthood in the black community. Inspired by the series, we are sampling a small intersection of “black America” by discussing African-Americans on white college campuses.

On the modern college campus, students still face heavy issues with race relations. Celebrity characters and the advent of reality TV has done more to bolster stereotypes, as people continue to believe everything they see on television. In the past two years, news stories like the noose hangings of Columbia, the Sean Bell shooting, and the Jena 6 had some college-aged students at arms with the community and each other. In an effort to quell racial tensions, here are some suggestions for surviving a campus that may be a little less ebony and a little more ivory.

Surviving a Campus Lacking Diversity

1. Try to Hang Out With People Other Than the Members of the Black Student Union
It’s true that it may be a little uncomfortable to socialize with people you’re not comfortable with, but that is part of the college experience. Socializing with people from different ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds will enrich your knowledge of others and prepare you for the work world.

2. Quit Being Offended

Yes, there are some jokes and comments that take it a little too far, speak up when it is necessary. If Johnny asks you for a piece of your fried chicken – it doesn’t mean that he thinks you don’t deserve 40 acres and a mule, or that he thinks you should be behind bars.

3. Answer Questions

When one of your non-African American friends or acquaintances asks you a question, don’t roll your eyes, give them an answer. Some people (even in a world of internet) are still ignorant to the lifestyles of others. Even if the question seems obvious and stupid, answer it. You’ll save someone a black eye or a bloody nose later.

4. You Stereotype Too

Slide off of your high and mighty horse and stop the separation. Just like your counterparts, you make assumptions that are not based on fact.

5. Stay True To Yourself

"To thine own self be true."

-Polonius to Laertes, Hamlet By: William Shakespeare

These words were written at the turn of the century in the 1600s, but they are relevant today and will continue to be relevant tomorrow. Don’t try to fit in to appease people, be yourself. Of course, there is room for fine tuning and adjustment in the post-secondary school world, but there is no need to cloud adjustment with creating an artificial reality or persona to be accepted, it won’t work and it will only increase your anxiety.