Culture Shock

Besides the name, fame, and glory, one of the things that drew me to Harvard was its diversity. Needless to say, I was awed by how the College successfully brought people together across lines of race and religion, teaching them to embrace the multitude of ideas and beliefs. It was easy to see that the people really were the best part of Harvard—and I hadn’t even met them yet.

But rather than using the opportunity to get to know a variety of individuals, many student organizations that promote themselves as "cultural and racial initiatives" instead promote communities where students prefer to socialize within their own racial group as a social fallback. This maintains division within the student body and discourages individuals from branching out socially, defeating the purpose of having such a wide range of people with whom to interact.

Like other student organizations, cultural groups can create support systems and social networks for students that provide assistance and comfort in times of need. Besides allowing upperclassmen to serve as mentors for underclassmen, these support systems let groups take pride in their members' individual achievements. However, when group activities are focused largely on socializing rather than on sharing cultural values and beliefs, members become increasingly dependent on the group as a social support. This takes away from the cultural promise and what serves as the initial draw for many joining a so-called cultural organization.

There is nothing wrong with student groups serving as social organizations or even social support systems, but they should not solely serve this purpose under the pretense of cultural outreach and enrichment. Put plainly and simply, this is false advertisement at its worst. Many people join such organizations in the hope that they can be a part of a Harvard community that is more aware of the culture and values pertaining to a particular region. Perhaps they do so in order to celebrate festivals, rituals, and customs with others who can appreciate them in turn. Instead, they are faced with a group made up of people who happen to be brought together by their race with purely social purposes in mind.

Of course, having a readymade network can be appealing as it cuts the intermediary work of having to find one’s own social niche. However, making friends in this context can reinforce stereotypes and promote racial cliquishness. Even if friendships and relationships in so-called “cultural initiatives” can be deep-rooted and long-lasting, it is important for Harvard students to branch out as well and embrace the university’s diversity with open arms. It works the other way, as well; true cultural and racial initiatives ought to encourage so-called outsiders to join by educating and informing them. Diversity is a draw, as well, and these organizations can attract more members through this positive feedback cycle.

In order to stay true to their taglines as cultural initiatives, these student organizations ought to retain and emphasize some of the cultural aspects that they claim. This is best done through outreach; language tables, performances, and other events—especially those involving a sample of the local cuisine—are effective ways of educating the larger Harvard community, a goal that seems to be a common thread through many cultural groups. For example, the South Asian Association’s dance production “Ghungroo” and the African Students’ Association’s hosting of “Africa Night” are the kinds of events that help such organizations stay true to their word while helping members be a proud part of something more meaningful than an effective social club. Those, we already have.

Vidya Rajan ’13, a Crimson editorial writer, lives in Pforzheimer House.