Editor,

The article, "Students Should Be Aware of Racial Cliques on Campus" in the September 28 issue represents the self-centeredness of White American culture. The article was merely a more sophisticated way of saying, "Dude, like, why do all the Black kids sit together?" Questions like these are the brunt of many jokes and fireside discussions within the minority community, because while the author of the question may mean well, it shows infinite ignorance towards minorities.

"Certainly cliques form because their members feel more comfortable with each other than with other people." First, to refer to a group of friends as a clique is to belittle the human connection between very different people. It is also not a matter of comfortablility, but necessity. It is necessary to have friends that can identify with you at all times: during times of happiness, as well as times of struggle. Many minorities live their lives in times of struggle, thus, it is necessary to have one’s own culture and people around.

"The reality is that those groups of all Asian students are hurting themselves, and they are certainly not helping to bridge racial divides." I don’t remember seeing "help to bridge racial divides" in the job description for being Asian or Asian American. This is the type of self-centeredness, or White male, heterosexual supremacy, that I referred to at the beginning of this article. Why is it the responsibility of minorities to reach out and teach someone what it’s like to be a minority just because that person went to a "lily-white high school"? Sure the author did say that "the responsibility for eliminating racial cliques does not fall exclusively on minorities," but devoted only one short paragraph telling his readers who else the responsibility fell towards. I am of the opinion that the author needs to get up off his ass, find one of those tables full of (insert your minority of choice here) and introduce himself.

My point is this: the first step comes from those that view "racial cliques" as a problem, not minorities. Addressing the author’s so-called "issue of racial cliques" does not start with mentoring programs or any other minority support group. These groups already have their work cut out for them. It starts with those who perceive a problem. If there are truly people with open minds, they would not need my "permission", or that of any other minority to visit AARC, OBSA, CLSA, and even QRC on his/her own.

In all seriousness, I would encourage any reader who went to a lily-white high school that may view racial cliques as a problem to talk with me so I can be your friend. I am 6' 2", wear an afro, and glasses with dark brown frames. Please approach me.

Truly,

Aaron Carter ’03