After the Dance & Movement Workshop that I attended on October 15, 2009, there was a one hour Conversations of Color that I attended with Karla Rodriguez & Jessica Hom.
The questions that were raised at the meeting were:
1. how are your definitions of diversity similar to each other? how do they differ?
The questions that were raised at the meeting were:
1. how are your definitions of diversity similar to each other? how do they differ?
2. why did you come to conversations of color today?
3. how do your definitions/ideas about diversity compare to your family's? to your friends'? to your religious institution's?
4. have your definitions/ideas about diversity changed since coming to nyu? how?
5. is diversity valued at nyu? what can/should the school do to promote diversity?
6. how comfortable are you talking about issues surrounding diversity? why is it such a difficult issue for some people to talk about? how do we create space so people can have these conversations openly and honestly?
7. what are some issues you would like to explore in conversations of color this year?
In a small group, we discussed these questions. The most important topics that were addressed was the issue of diversity at NYU. First, my small group addressed our concerns and feelings about these topics when it came time to speak in a whole room discussion. Speaking on the issue of diversity, my group and I raised the fact that many of us are learning the importance of diversity in all of our current classes. NYU, as one of the most prestigious schools in the nation, in NYC for that matter prides itself on having such a "diverse population". We then asked ourselves what a "diverse population" meant. Diverse means diverse in different ways. It means varying cultures, backgrounds, socioeconomic systems, gender, home life and experiences...not simply race.
I saw my old ASL I professor, Randolph Mowry, and my advisor, Victoria Carr were also present at the meeting. Randolph Mowry brought up such an interesting perspective on diversity and how people see him. He said that at first glance he looks like a typical white male, a symbol of power in America. If people would actually get to know him, people would learn that he does in fact bring diversity; he is gay, grew up in the lower class family bracket, and signs. It was interesting to hear others' opinions on this issue. Victoria urged my table (Jessica, Karla, and I) to take action towards this and mentioned how proud of us she was for attending the event as we were her students in one of the greatest programs at NYU. We spoke of the issues that we spoke about on the first day of classes, the meaning of a multicultural education and its impact on our students. We think that NYU should practice what they preach.
This was one of the first conversations that actually sparked my interest in social justice. People began asking questions of what NYU can really do to change the diversity at their school. It was a challenging question to answer, even from such a varied group of students. We spoke about the students in the room were all students who wanted to hear what others had to say. How were we to get this word about the importance of diversity to others not physically in attendance at the meeting? One of the same recurring quotes was brought to the table - There is power in numbers.
I pose a question for my fellow students -- If NYU should value diversity and actual represent a diverse population, how would NYU accept students of different socioeconomic statuses? How can that issue be actually raised to NYU?
We were also encouraged to host our own conversations of color meeting. They welcomed suggestions about any issues we wanted to discuss, which I thought was such a valuable resource. I invite all my other classmates to attend at least one on any topic they find interesting and are passionate about. People who are willing are also able to host one, so if you're interested you should inquire!
In a small group, we discussed these questions. The most important topics that were addressed was the issue of diversity at NYU. First, my small group addressed our concerns and feelings about these topics when it came time to speak in a whole room discussion. Speaking on the issue of diversity, my group and I raised the fact that many of us are learning the importance of diversity in all of our current classes. NYU, as one of the most prestigious schools in the nation, in NYC for that matter prides itself on having such a "diverse population". We then asked ourselves what a "diverse population" meant. Diverse means diverse in different ways. It means varying cultures, backgrounds, socioeconomic systems, gender, home life and experiences...not simply race.
I saw my old ASL I professor, Randolph Mowry, and my advisor, Victoria Carr were also present at the meeting. Randolph Mowry brought up such an interesting perspective on diversity and how people see him. He said that at first glance he looks like a typical white male, a symbol of power in America. If people would actually get to know him, people would learn that he does in fact bring diversity; he is gay, grew up in the lower class family bracket, and signs. It was interesting to hear others' opinions on this issue. Victoria urged my table (Jessica, Karla, and I) to take action towards this and mentioned how proud of us she was for attending the event as we were her students in one of the greatest programs at NYU. We spoke of the issues that we spoke about on the first day of classes, the meaning of a multicultural education and its impact on our students. We think that NYU should practice what they preach.
This was one of the first conversations that actually sparked my interest in social justice. People began asking questions of what NYU can really do to change the diversity at their school. It was a challenging question to answer, even from such a varied group of students. We spoke about the students in the room were all students who wanted to hear what others had to say. How were we to get this word about the importance of diversity to others not physically in attendance at the meeting? One of the same recurring quotes was brought to the table - There is power in numbers.
I pose a question for my fellow students -- If NYU should value diversity and actual represent a diverse population, how would NYU accept students of different socioeconomic statuses? How can that issue be actually raised to NYU?
We were also encouraged to host our own conversations of color meeting. They welcomed suggestions about any issues we wanted to discuss, which I thought was such a valuable resource. I invite all my other classmates to attend at least one on any topic they find interesting and are passionate about. People who are willing are also able to host one, so if you're interested you should inquire!
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