On Monday, September 23rd, many IMSA students, along with faculty, were shocked to hear that a black doll had been hung by a string in 1508, representing a lynching. Because IMSA is supposedly a welcoming and inclusive environment, many thought was impossible for such an incident to occur in our school. But, IMSA\u2019s environment may unintentionally be pushing some students to do extreme acts of hate such as this recent incident. Because students from cities across Illinois are brought together at IMSA, the academy includes individuals with varying backgrounds and views, including hateful views. Being surrounded by people of color may allow this hate to foster, potentially leading individuals to carry out horrific acts.<\/p>\n
The school requires students to attend periodical diversity programs in hopes of changing these views. In the programs, students are first shown videos and PowerPoints on diversity and inclusion. Then, in groups, they are asked to participate in a related discussion led by an upperclassman or faculty member.<\/p>\n
However, even if the programs became regular, they likely would have little to no impact. Because that the majority of students support inclusion, the few students who disagree are unlikely to openly discuss their viewpoints, especially since teenagers and young adults of our generation are known for publicly shaming any individual who isn\u2019t \u201cprogressive.” Additionally, the use of a PowerPoint and an authority figure during discussion appears conventional and class-like. Requiring students to attend a class on why they shouldn\u2019t consume drugs doesn\u2019t actually prevent students from taking drugs. Similarly, requiring students to attend a class on diversity doesn\u2019t transform their views on other people or cultures.<\/p>\n
IMSA created several cultural clubs led by the students themselves to provide education on race and inclusion in a more casual setting. However, since the clubs\u2019 events aren\u2019t mandatory, it\u2019s unlikely they would be able to reach students with intense racial prejudices. Even if the events were mandatory, such as in the diversity programs, mandatory events on race don\u2019t have much impact on these students, either.<\/p>\n
IMSA\u2019s diverse community offers exposure to many backgrounds and perspectives. However, students\u2019 tightly-knit circles tend to only include other students of their race, creating a diverse, but the ultimately divided environment. At the end of the day, we never truly expose ourselves to new perspectives. The \u201cinclusion\u201d IMSA so prides itself on wasn\u2019t present to begin with.<\/p>\n
So, what\u2019s the solution? When we interact with people of different cultures, not in mandatory classes, but in an everyday setting, we realize that they aren\u2019t so different at all. While yes, ethnicity does affect who we are, it doesn\u2019t define us, and it shouldn\u2019t divide us. I\u2019m not saying that you shouldn\u2019t seek out individuals who you share a similar background with. I\u2019m not even saying you should seek out individuals who you don\u2019t share a similar background with. I\u2019m just saying you shouldn\u2019t avoid interacting with certain people simply due to their skin color.<\/p>\n
Special thanks to Dr. Smith for inspiring this article with his lecture in African American Studies!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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