As we approach May, we must start seriously thinking about which classes we are going to take next semester or even over the summer. There are so many classes to choose from and different requirements to meet, that sometimes making your next schedule can be confusing and stressful. I am here to seriously recommend that you add an Ethnic Studies class to your basket at least once during your time in college.
Reason #1 – Learn outside of the Eurocentric worldview
People come to college to expand their horizons right? Well one of the best ways to do that is to take a course that is centered around a different type of worldview then the one we are used to which is primarily Eurocentric. Nationwide the school curriculum is cultivated from white people’s perspectives. That’s why in World History you probably learned a lot more about the wars in Europe than anywhere else. If you took English you probably read a lot of Shakespeare, and in science classes you were probably taught theories mostly made by white scientists. Other cultures often get glossed over or overshadowed. If America is so diverse, shouldn’t we be learning about everyone and examining the perspectives that aren’t just white?
In an Ethnic Studies class, you learn from the worldview of other cultures. In Black Psychology, you examine psychological theories developed or redefined by black people who are utilizing the African worldview. In Asian American studies you learn the history of different Asian countries, but the stories are told from their perspectives. Diversity should be about learning about other cultures instead of trying to get everyone to assimilate to the white way of thinking.
Reason #2 – SFSU in relation to Ethnic Studies
Our school is the only school in the country to have an entire college devoted to Ethnic Studies. It was also the first university to ever even implement a Ethnic Studies program. Before, there was no such thing as studies from minority perspectives. There were no Black studies, no Latino studies or Asian American studies. Nor was there Women or Gender studies. That whole movement started right here, at San Francisco State!
If you are attending this school you might as well take advantage of learning about other cultures or even your own. Students before us protested, petitioned and fought very hard to be allowed to have these classes. Lots of other schools don’t offer programs like this, so use it to your advantage! Gain all the knowledge you possibly can while you’re here, and become the most well-rounded person you can be.
Reason #3 – Perfect fit for everyone
These classes are for everyone. White people might feel uncomfortable taking a class where they are one of very few people of their own race, because that is usually not what we are used to. I think that sort of experience is crucial to being more understanding of others.
White people won’t be the center of attention is any Ethnic Studies class. If you identify as white, it will be good for you to be in a space where the voice of your race is not the focus. You will learn a lot about other people, but you will also learn about yourself. You’ll know how to address the implicit racism and prejudice you might not have even realised you have (and trust me white people, we do have them).
As for other races and cultures, you may think that because you are already born into your race/culture that you already know everything you need to about yourself, but you may not! America is oppressively Eurocentric, even if you grew up very in touch with your own culture. You will undoubtedly benefit from examining your experiences from a worldview built by your people. This will also be a great space for you to meet other people of your race and share stories and experiences you will relate to. Also, you can take courses based in minority races other than your own and learn a lot about other people as well.
Knowledge is power. Taking in information presented by only one viewpoint will not give you a full sense of the world you live in. If we want to live in peace, we should probably know a little more about each other.