Spring Break
Author addresses 'uncomfortable' topics of race, discrimination
Issue date: 9/13/07
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Tatum emphasized the conversational tone of the book, whose primary purpose "was to stimulate dialogue," she said.
Several staff members also observed that students and colleagues tended to "intellectualize" conversations about race without ever getting to the heart of the matter. Tatum agreed that real progress cannot be made without a certain level of frankness, and that when people prefer to talk about the 'meaning' of racism rather than its everyday occurrences they are keeping the topic "at arm's length."
"It was a nice opportunity to discuss the issues face-to-face," freshman Joe Antompietri said after Tatum had finished. "Many people had questions, and the answers she gave were very satisfying."
Other students believed the dialogue to be not only relevant, but necessary. Senior Aaron Tan called the decision to include race-related discussions in this year's orientation "a valid move, due to the issues we've faced on campus recently, as well as national issues."
Several staff members also observed that students and colleagues tended to "intellectualize" conversations about race without ever getting to the heart of the matter. Tatum agreed that real progress cannot be made without a certain level of frankness, and that when people prefer to talk about the 'meaning' of racism rather than its everyday occurrences they are keeping the topic "at arm's length."
"It was a nice opportunity to discuss the issues face-to-face," freshman Joe Antompietri said after Tatum had finished. "Many people had questions, and the answers she gave were very satisfying."
Other students believed the dialogue to be not only relevant, but necessary. Senior Aaron Tan called the decision to include race-related discussions in this year's orientation "a valid move, due to the issues we've faced on campus recently, as well as national issues."
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