Question 3
Why do you think there are so many groups dedicated to racial issues? What types of groups would you like to see more or fewer of? Why?
"I think race is very visual and thus easier to talk about. Race has also become a more socially acceptable topic, unlike issues of power within gender and class. Instead of creating new groups to deal with those issues, I would like to see the consolidation of groups with similar interests that could join." ~ Caitlin Conyngham, member of the Women's Center executive board
"I feel like the groups on Dickinson’s campus reflect for the most part what students feel need to be addressed. The fact that there are so many groups dealing with race and a lack thereof dealing with gender/sexuality represents to me, that more students are concerned with race as an issue on campus than gender or sexuality and finally class. This does not mean it is not important but, I think that this means students do not feel there is an issue to be discussed when it comes to those issues (at least not as much as there is in comparison with racial issues)."
"I'm not sure that there are a lot of groups focused on race; rather they are focused on ethnicity. This is not to say that ethnicity is more important, however, it does mean that a way of socializing ones self and finding common interests in a more open and less intimidating way would be getting together with people who share the same cultural background and within that group, you will find various different genders and classes. I would like to see more organizations who have a focus like Alpha Phi Omega!" -Kerrian Lawrence '06, member of Sisterhood.
"Personally, I’d like to see less academic-clubs. Such as the chemistry, bio, neuroscience, club, etc. That kind of programming can be achieved through working with the departments and do not necessarily need club recognition. Also, instead of very specific sciences, it might be more appropriate to establish an overarching science organization that transcends these specific issues, and looks at the larger more integrative picture." ~Afif Kulaylat, Co-President of Middle Eastern Club.
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