There are a lot of ways this could go...

I'm not sure what issues Weber faces with regards to diversity. I'm sure the same issues exist here as anywhere else, but I'm not sure where the conflict zones are at Weber. I could speculate that having many students from Saudi Arabia could cause strife about religious beliefs and contention about the U.S. activities in the Middle East, but I don't know that it is the case. I would feel confident stating that the predominance of the LDS church in Utah, coupled with that church's stance on homosexuality, would cause homosexual students to feel unsafe.

Most of those feelings come from my time at UVU. I know many gay students who feel completely unwelcome in this state, but are generally welcomed at that school. Again, I don't know the feelings on this campus, but I don't think Weber county is any more or less friendly than Utah county.

What I really think is interesting is how easy it is to talk about diversity by focusing on one group of people and lumping them all together. The definition of diversity is being made up of a variety of pieces. It's important to remember that each student is as diverse within themselves as the student body is. Hispanic students are not just Hispanic. They have religious, gender, sexual orientation, political, and many other identities. A Hispanic student and a student from the Middle East probably have more in common with each other than two Hispanic students. I know that I have more commonalities with gay men or women than I do with the majority of hetero white males.

Diversity? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Diversity! We're in Utah!

Utah is a land of opposition. It seems the state cannot function without extremes. Of course, in reality, most Utah people (and certainly those at Weber State) are good, decent, open-minded, and accepting people. The problem is that we rarely hear from them. It seems that the only people we see and hear are the extremists. There is an undoubtedly "holier-than-thou" atmosphere in much of the state, but it has been my experience that it has nothing to do with religion. In California, I had several LDS friends, and they were never judgmental or condescending.

At the same time, I often see a great deal of Mormon-bashing and inappropriate behavior from people who wish to distance themselves from the Mormon culture. They often seem to have an overwhelming desire to make it as clear as possible that they are not of the LDS faith, and do so in very inappropriate, unnecessary, and offensive ways.

Another problem I have encountered outside of religious clashes is a sort of passive aggressive xenophobia. I do not know that I would call it racism, because I truly feel that most people here are past blatant racial discrimination. But I often sense a great deal of fear in this state. People do not feel very comfortable with foreign ideas, and by foreign I mean anything that isn't distinctly Utahn. There is also still a lot of work to do in terms of racial justice in this country, and particularly in this state. If we look, for example, at the ethnic breakdown of students at Weber State, and compare them to the ethnic make-up of the Ogden population, something is off. Twenty-eight percent of Ogden residents are Hispanic, yet only about seven percent of Weber students are Hispanic.

Returning to the larger question about diversity, I must say that to me, this is a very strange culture. I grew up in Delano, CA where the city is incredibly mixed (in race, ethnicity, religion, politics, etc.). People embraced their differences and the city was a peaceful and harmonious place. What made it so interesting and vibrant was the way people acknowledged differences and celebrated them. There were other issues there, namely economic inequality and a lack of opportunity for the poor (regardless of race or ethnicity), but in terms of race, we never had any problems.

I feel that many people in this state often want to pretend that we are all the same. That is a serious mistake. This whole idea of "color-blindness" is nonsense. We cannot afford to pretend that we are not different. Rather, we should learn to see our differences as what makes us strong and interesting. My dad used to tell me from an early age how God had created different people with different religions, skin colors, customs so that we would learn from one another. He was a staunch Catholic, but later I encountered that same message in the Qur'an. So if there is something in which we really are all the same, it is the human desire to have love, peace, and acceptance. Yet to achieve this, we have to work together and learn from our differences.

Medieval Notions

Students often come to college absorbed in their own world view. Their egocentricity is displayed through their writing, their class comments, and sometimes their interactions with others. When they are exposed to more diversity, as often happens at college, different responses are elicited. Some students flat-out reject diversity or the views or others and become angry and defensive. Others use the view points of others to confirm their own worldview. And some students recognize both the similarities and differences between themselves and others and find a way to reconcile the two or expand their understanding. A survey of 200 students focused on students’ experiences with diversity at their university and what connections exist between diversity and intellectual and ethical development (http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/sp.sm00/development.html). In response to this survey, one respondent showed that he was able to increase his understanding and move beyond his restricted view of the world as he listened to other interpretations and perceptions of the world and heard new ideas:

As someone raised in an ultra-conservative environment, as a Hasid in Brooklyn, I had little access to the diversity experienced in most American educational institutions. Not until my exposure to "secular" education, primarily here at college, did I realize how closeted my erstwhile experience was. I was indeed surprised how myopic I was in relation to the majority of other students around me. To be certain the world of the Yeshiva definitely stressed and enhanced my mental tools for critical thinking and theoretical analysis. However, I was totally unprepared for the extreme relativism that is part of the liberal arts education. Still harboring medieval notions of an absolute truth, it took some time for me to realize the delicacy of multiple interpretations--that many interpretations not only don't contradict--but even contribute to the fuller understanding of the subject at hand. A case in point is the heated subject of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Until I arrived here, my views were totally antagonistic towards the victimized minority. Now, however, with exposure to many thoughtful views, especially ideas about colonialism, I see things a bit differently. It now appears that both Palestinians and Israelis have been victims and victors; there is no singular truth to this quagmire. The injustices run deeply on both sides.

By listening to and learning from others who represent different systems of belief and have had different experiences and by becoming familiar with new theories and histories, he was able to enhance his own understanding and build up his critical thinking skills. Not all students are as open to this process, however, and they may not get as much out of this experience as did the student noted above. However, it is important for students to be exposed to diversity through a liberal education.

Well, I could be wrong, but I believe diversity is an old, old wooden ship that was used during the Civil War era.

I would say that Weber is a fairly diverse campus – what I mean is, compared to most cities in Utah, there is a lot more ethnic diversity on campus. We have a number of foreign exchange and ESL students who attend school at WSU. The problem/issue I see with this is students from the “majority” might not know how to react/respond to people who are different.
Growing up in a predominately white, middle-class state, many students have had little interaction with diversity. They leave their white neighborhoods and show up on campus where many women walk around in burkas and other traditionally religious clothing. It can be a little surprising the first few times. Walking through the halls and hearing a group of people speaking a different language is a new experience for many students.
The hard thing is that it’s hard to realize that these “foreigners” feel the same way when they hear people speaking English, especially if they’re speaking fast, using slang, and/or have an accent.

I have conflicting views when it comes to the importance of diversity – or at least the acknowledgement of diversities.
I believe that learning how to interact with all different kinds of people is extremely important. Having a solid world-view (or understanding that there are many other cultures and beliefs in the world) is crucial become a well-rounded human.

The problem I have stems from the discussion we had yesterday with Adrienne about Diversity. In the survey she showed us, about ¼ of the students said they had been singled out because of gender, race, sexual preference, etc. They had felt some sort of discrimination for something that is beyond their control. HOWEVER, she also said the school is looking to do some research to try and justify a senate seat to represent the views of the LGBT society, because there is a senate seat for African American students, international students, etc. This is all fine and dandy, but I believe that while we should learn about and celebrate diversity in culture and belief systems, race/gender/sexual preference, etc. should be an irrelevant classification.
I feel like the whole discussion is basically “let’s put everyone into specific boxes that we think fit them best. Then, let’s give each box the same respect and treat each box equal.” This is really annoying to me. Why don’t we just not put them in boxes if the idea is to treat them equal. It seems like an unnecessary step to segregate people in my mind, then try and give each one the same attention. It is human nature to categorize. It is also human nature to give preference to one thing over another. However, I just don’t feel the need to categorize and judge. I try and just treat everyone equally. (I’m not perfect. I admit that I prejudge, but the difference is that I try hard not to act on those judgments and am willing to change them as I learn new information).

My experience with diversity was somewhat limited growing up. The only minorities I really had any experience with were Polynesians (one family in my neighborhood) and a few latinos who lived a few streets away. I was culture-shocked into being a minority when I moved to Brazil for a few years. There, I was really able to overcome a lot (if not most) of my prejudices. I grew to love the Brazilian people and was able to understand that I can something from everyone. And if I have things to learn, shouldn’t I try and learn them?

I was too busy with midterms last week to write my blog post about midterms.

As for diversity, I think I meet quite a few interesting, different people (By the way, we didn't discuss that comma rule that I just used in the workshops). Working in the writing center allows me to meet a lot of people that I probably wouldn't speak to otherwise, whether it be from lack of opportunity or a lack of interest. The majority of these "diverse" people that I meet, however, show up at my other job. I work at Hot Topic in the mall. Surprisingly, the majority of people who come in are not your stereotypical goth or emo kids, but instead, I see a wide array of people, everything from jocks to strippers (no joke). In fact, I remember one time a couple weeks ago that was just strange. A guy came in with what appeared to be train conductor's clothes on and was wearing a Wario hat. He looked like he hadn't shaven, or bathed even, in about a year. Needless to say, he smelt horribly. But hey, who am I to judge? I went up to him and started a conversation. From the reaction that I received, I am just going to guess that this guy doesn't get to talk to people very often, mostly because he was extremely excited and loud. From what he told me, he had been train hopping for about five years now, going from city to city to see different concerts. To me, this seems like a pretty cool lifestyle, minus the dirty, smelly part. I still think the guy was strange, but I don't think many [people would have talked to him for as long as I did, that is if many people would even have approached him.

Diversity is a weird topic. I generally try not to judge people right away, but I think that, as humans, we are naturally inclined to do such things. Even then, I put these judgements aside and give everyone a chance, just like I would expect them to give me. Most of the time, I think people let their immediate judgements get the best of them. Whatever. Those people are boring. Imagine how dull the world would be if everyone was the same. I, for one, am happy for smelly, dirty, loud, train hopping concert goers.

Diversity

We gave you a little bit of a teaser for Wednesday's discussion, but I thought I would ask here, as well: what kinds of issues do you think the (or any!) university is facing with regard to diversity? Is it really that important? What are your experiences with diversity issues on campus? In the community?

No Midterms! However...

I don’t think I have any midterms this semester. I had a great deal of exams and large essays that felt like midterms a week or two ago, so I’d have to say midterms are going splendidly! I’m also not sure if these slacker prompts are supposed to be five hundred words, so I’m going to rattle on about other things for the next four hundred and thirty-six. First of all, who gave the o.k. for the cast of Twilight to put their handprints in the Hollywood forecourt at Grauman’s Chinese Theater!? Right next to the world’s most talented and iconic cinematic figures of the last ninety years! It’s a travesty! The only redeeming occurrence was the theater’s public statement noting that it would never allow any reality TV star his or her own signature block. This is probably in “The Situation’s” best interest because if they did, in fact, give him a place among the stars, I would have to save up my meager earnings over the next few months so as to afford a jackhammer with which to uproot his signature stone and drop it on his Versace sunglass-sporting, east-coast troglodyte head. A meteor cannot strike the Jersey Shore soon enough; the very existence of that tribe of sub-humans is evidence enough against any benevolent deity. Anyway, I went to Burt’s Tiki Lounge in Salt Lake recently to see one of the most legendary greaser rockabilly bands of all time, The Koffin Kats, and was very pleased with the atmosphere. Burt’s unashamedly embraces the fact that it is a complete dive, unlike the bars in Ogden, which unsuccessfully try to disguise the fact that they’re wretched holes in the wall. The best food, drinks, and company are always found in the most unsuspecting (and sometimes disgusting or frightening) places. If you see a biker covered in tattoos and barnacles in the entryway, you know you’re in for a good time. On the other hand, if you see a host of beige people grinning at one another through clean plate glass, it’s typically a good indicator that any points of interest are to be found elsewhere. On a somewhat related topic, I’ll be carrying around a jar with the words, “Cole’s motorcycle fund” scribbled across it, and I beg you all to drop any loose change in. Anyone who contributes shall see his or her name appearing under the “Special Thanks” heading in the credits of my documentary about America’s Native reservations (through which I plan to travel via motorcycle.) Anyway, I’ve run out of things to say, so tune in next time for another one of my vehement tirades; I’m sure there wont be a shortage of material in the upcoming week.

Midterms?

Only one of my classes had a midterm - and it was optional, so I chose not to take it. It was basically a make-up for people who didn't do well on the first two exams. I got an "A" on both exams, so I didn't really feel the need to take it. Other than that, things around here are going well. I'm more-or-less caught up on all my homework. I haven't really let it take me over yet, so that's unusual for this time of the semester.
On a less scholarly note, my book is almost ready for publishing - and by that I mean, the publisher is currently finishing up formatting and design of the cover, then it's off to print! HOORAY! A two and a half year writing project has finally died and is about to be immortalized in at least a few minds...

That's about all I got for now...
Except for a few movie recommendations.

"In Time" was a good film. It doesn't' have political overtones - it is political. It's basically Occupy Hollywood, but it was still entertaining to watch and had a fairly unique premise.

"Anonymous" is a great film and one that I will watch at least once more. It is very well done and has some not-so-well-known actors who show what they can do. Overall, Must See for anyone who enjoys Shakespeare.