N.C. State has made a large effort to demonstrate how greatly diversity is appreciated on its campus. It shows not only in the physical appearance of the student body, but in its different organizations and promise of avoiding discrimination against anyone. It seems as if everyone is striving to be politically correct, but is there such a thing as being too politically correct?
Most of us don’t want to offend the people we meet. It makes perfect sense for us to make sure we use the correct terms when talking to or about someone. We often don’t realize that when we try too hard not to offend someone we end up offending him or her anyway.
It has been my experience that people tend to whisper when talking about someone’s race. This is unnecessary and ends up making what wouldn’t have been an awkward situation, awkward.
Being African-American puts my race and I into a pool of negative stereotypes. I like to think that my peers look at me as a regular student similar to themselves. I would hate to think that they were secretly betting on when I would show up on “COPS” or “America’s Most Wanted.” Since I have been in college I have been witness to the negative things people say regarding race. The events in the Free Expression Tunnel have placed a nagging voice in the back of my mind. I can’t help but question who’s really my friend and who is not.
I’m sure I’m not the only one that has encountered someone that whispers when talking about race. I’ve had the experience where I was talking to a female friend about a guy she met in class. I asked, “Well, what did he look like?” Then she responded with, “Oh, you know, he was tall, skinny… (Whispering) and he was black!” Then she frantically looked around to make sure the board members of the NAACP weren’t standing behind her with bats.
I would like to make a public service announcement to say that it is okay to say that someone is whatever he or she is. I would not take offense to someone calling me black because I am black and proud of it. I am not saying you should introduce people as your “Asian friend” or your “Hispanic friend,” but don’t be afraid to talk about race in general conversation. I can see how race can be a touchy subject, but only stupid people will think you are racist for talking about race.
Make an effort not to whisper when talking about someone’s race. It makes you look suspicious and you turn out being more offensive than you meant to be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you have questions about a certain culture or race of people go out and find the answers. NCSU offers a wide range of multicultural clubs and organizations — if you are into learning in a formal-educational format take a class or two centered on race.
If we really want to break down the barriers of race we need to stop whispering and start speaking out loud. The only way we can come together is by listening and understanding. No one knows the right thing to say all the time. Being in college has given us the advantage of learning to support each other despite our differences — let’s use it.
