Question 4

[Itzel]

On pages 292-293 of the text, Suskind describes every possible culture clique on the Brown campus. There is one for everyone; no matter what race there will be a group in to which they belong. Groups like these can be both positive and negative. Being able to be a part of a group with the same background helps an individual feel like they belong. This sort of group can also boost self-esteem and confidence since there may be a feeling of assurance. I, for example, belong to Latino based clubs on campus; Latino Student Union, Spanish Club, and Salsa Club. I feel as though these clubs have positively impacted my college experience. Before attending this institution, I did not imagine myself being in a group of Latinos, mostly because I had this idea that because of the school’s prestige there would be a larger white population, but I was surprised to learn that there were what I call “my people”. These groups, in my opinion, would help Cedric better find himself, his identity, while in college. During his high school years he was not very social and felt intimidated due to the fact that his peers did not view academics as a good thing. At Brown though, being a very distinguished school, most of the students there can relate to Cedric so being involved in a group of African-American students will make him feel more accepted. Although not everyone in the group will have the same background, their culture is already something they all have in common. Although these cliques can be positive, they can also be negative. The groups are almost always only made up of a particular race, which then leads to exclusion and some times isolation from the rest of the school population. When in a group of people a person feels very comfortable with, they might not feel the need to interact or involve themselves with anyone else or another activity because they already have a comfort zone. Racism can also result from groups since there is a separation between races. Although there are negatives to divisions, if there is a balance everything will be fine.