Classes could bridge cultures

As Americans, we live in a country that is full of diversity whether we want to acknowledge it or not. Hailing from New York City, it seems kind of strange to be in a place where pretty much everyone looks and talks the same.

Other people probably share this sentiment.

A place like FAMU is pretty unique. Many people have the same skin color, yet they are far from the same.

Diversity among the African diaspora is very clear and very strong at FAMU. But for some people being here seems to be a little too boring.

Some people say they want a little more diversity, wanting to be around others of different races and ethnic backgrounds. The most obvious response to a comment like that would be to just transfer to Florida State University and call it a day.

Some may say transferring to FSU is not needed to get in tune with others of various races and ethnic groups, but that a little more education would be just as good as transferring to a predominantly white school.

This is something I can totally agree with. We attend a historically black college, and as students we should do our best to take as many classes to learn about ourselves and how we fit into the world’s equation.

At the same time it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn about the cultures of others and see how we connect.

Some questions may be answered or more questions may be formed. This in turn helps to create more dialogue between the students who are not of African descent and those who are.

The addition of more classes, like the African Latin American class, which helps to bridge a gap between the two cultures, is more of what is needed to create a better balance among our students. This way, prejudices may begin to stop as more knowledge is given.

Now some people may disagree and say that if students want to be more diverse and well rounded, they can turn their radios to 88.1 FM for National Public Radio. Or these people might suggest finding a Public Broadcasting Station or the History Channel to receive a more diverse education.

These people may suggest letting FAMU be the one to teach lessons about what is needed for your major, as well as what you need to know about your African heritage.

Although these ideas may work, it’s probably better to still have more diverse lessons taught in the classroom. Doing so would create more discussion allowing everyone to express his or her views.

Education is the key to everything, along with love. Therefore, the more we know about ourselves and others the more likely we are to become stronger individuals.

Camille Daniels is a sophomore general studies major from Jamaica, NY. She can be reached ahbajana88@aol.com.