NEW COLUMN: 'ALABAMA ROOTS'

By: Erika Goodman
College Press Columnist
Column: Alabama Roots

When I ventured off to college from a historically racially tense area, I thought that there would be more open minds and better understanding from the people my age about what it’s like to grow up in the South. When I was young I learned from early on that white people in the Deep South just grow up knowing racist things. I was born the epitome of all things a racist white family didn’t want: a multicultural child. I am Puerto Rican and white and to people in my white family, they had to overcome a lot of the stereotypes they had once held so deep in their heart.

I thought though when I moved to a different town two hours outside of my hometown to go to college, things would be different; boy was I wrong!  It’s like my college is stuck in the 1950s. Stereotypes still exist here. 

Recently at a frat party I heard comments from certain frat boys about why was the fraternity letting in blacks. I thought that was the most ignorant thing I had ever heard. I always thought a person was just a person whether they are white, black, brown, purple or pink.

Just a few days ago some students decided to chalk very offensive language, outside the college of communication and information sciences, targeted towards black fraternities and sororities. All I could think is why someone would be so hateful and so ignorant to take time out of their day to do something like that.

Also, here at this flagship university they have historically white sororities and fraternities that will not even allow someone of color to try to become a member. When a sorority girl was asked about this all she could say was “Well, this is how it’s always been.” When I heard this remark I felt sick to my stomach and so angry. I couldn’t even respond to that statement for fear that I may say more than I attended to say.

College is supposed to be a time of learning and exploring who you are, but how can anyone do that when any time they are different they are punished for it?

Not only is race highly discriminated against, also sexual orientation is as well. Though I am not homosexual, I would hope that people that are would be treated fairly. I believe that all people should be treated the same and not discriminated against for sexual orientation among other things. People at my college are so homophobic it is unreal and in most cases sad. Not only is our homosexual population completely overlooked by the school, but there is also no part of the school’s constitution that protects the rights of a homosexual student or faculty member. These students have pushed for equal rights, but time and time again they are shot down for their different beliefs.

For people who think that colleges are a place to go and be free to think and believe what you want without scrutiny, I’d have to disagree. When you go to college you can do whatever you want and be whatever you want, but be prepared to be emotionally and verbally abused and maybe even sometimes physically.

For someone who is from a completely conservative place, I am more open minded in the way I think. I do believe in God and everything that a Christian faith represents. I just wish that people would get over their ignorant ways of the past and love one another. Call me crazy, call me whatever you’d like, but if people cannot get over the barriers that keep us apart then we will never be able to reach our full potential.

Until next time,
Alabama Roots