2008 Woodie Awards
Beyond the “ism du jour”
By: Tinbete Ermyas
Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 2 next >
I have to admit it, I'm a fan of tough conversations. So it's no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed the talk that took place last Wednesday in the Cultural House entitled “Internationalism & Multiculturalism: Overlaps and Omissions.” I was really proud of everyone for being willing to share their views, their personal stories, and their concerns about both isms in an open environment.
But for me the conversation and dialogue didn't end at the Cultural House. I wanted to talk with anyone and everyone about the issues of internationalism and multiculturalism at Macalester.
And when I brought it up to an acquaintance of mine, I was challenged: “No offense, Tinbete, but both internationalism and multiculturalism are in the same level here at Mac; if not now, then in the future. I don't get the conflict. Seriously.”
Now that was a tough conversation I wasn't ready to have, but I'm glad he was real with me. Seriously.
The truth that I had to admit was that on a superficial level, both multiculturalism and internationalism are on equal footing here at Macalester. I mean, both have their own spaces at Macalester, both have curricula that address issues pertinent to each, and both have a part of the Macalester mission statement that states they are important pillars that hold this institution up equally.
So if all of this is true, then why is discussion so tense at moments and why are many students at Macalester frustrated with the way that both are practiced here at Mac?
But in order for me to think about these questions, I have to look farther than issues in defining and practicing multiculturalism and internationalism at Macalester today. I have to challenge myself to think about the future, about the ways in which both can exist at Macalester without trying to be the ism du jour, vying for the attention of the administration.
But for me the conversation and dialogue didn't end at the Cultural House. I wanted to talk with anyone and everyone about the issues of internationalism and multiculturalism at Macalester.
And when I brought it up to an acquaintance of mine, I was challenged: “No offense, Tinbete, but both internationalism and multiculturalism are in the same level here at Mac; if not now, then in the future. I don't get the conflict. Seriously.”
Now that was a tough conversation I wasn't ready to have, but I'm glad he was real with me. Seriously.
The truth that I had to admit was that on a superficial level, both multiculturalism and internationalism are on equal footing here at Macalester. I mean, both have their own spaces at Macalester, both have curricula that address issues pertinent to each, and both have a part of the Macalester mission statement that states they are important pillars that hold this institution up equally.
So if all of this is true, then why is discussion so tense at moments and why are many students at Macalester frustrated with the way that both are practiced here at Mac?
But in order for me to think about these questions, I have to look farther than issues in defining and practicing multiculturalism and internationalism at Macalester today. I have to challenge myself to think about the future, about the ways in which both can exist at Macalester without trying to be the ism du jour, vying for the attention of the administration.
Be the first to comment on this story