“You should’ve went to an HBCU” “Why did you choose THAT school?” “It must be boring there” “Do you know any black people there?” These are common question heard from minorities that attend Predominately White Institutes(PWI). We are constantly being told about all the fun we are missing by not going to a mostly black university(HBCU). In this blog i want to discuss 3 things we usually hear vs what we actually hear/comprehend.
- “The parties must be awful” vs “There are no black people there so you must be bored and lonely”
It is a common thought that without black people present these no good music, dancing, or the overall atmosphere is trash. just because everyone in the room isn’t black doesn’t mean the culture still isn’t present. We are all the same age. We listen to the same music. There’s no big difference in the parties, i promise.
2. “So are you that black friend” vs “Oh your their token black person” 
No. No one has “token black friends”. Friends are friends, its not that deep. If they don’t want black friends that don’t have any. We make friends with whoever wants to be friends with us, just like any other race. Granted their are some people we don’t like people of color but they just don’t talk to us. No one knows what “token” friends are.
3. “Wow, must be boring” vs “your missing all the fun things black people do on campus”
It honestly not that bad. We have predominately black clubs/organizations, black Greek organizations, and black faculty and staff. We have step shows and people who rap and sing and dance. We aren’t missing out on anything. The only downside is that occasionally you’re the only minority in a class but that’s about it. You aren’t asked to speak for your race and the teacher doesn’t see you as the spokesperson for all black people. Nothing is different, only the demographics
The main point i’m trying to make is that meaning and language is everything. meaning as in what that words you use actually stand for. Just barbecue we don’t go to an all black school it doesn’t make us less black or separate us from the culture. we are still up to date on the music, fashion, and trends that go on. We’re still the same.
Sources
Woodward, G. C. (2014). Persuasion and Influence in American Life. Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press Inc.