Line between racial identity and individuality a blur

Line between racial identity and individuality a blur

Embrace rich ethnic, cultural diversity of campus

In light of the emphasis upon racial, cultural and ethnic
identity in recent issues, the idea of individuality enters the
arena. Who in our lives shapes who we are, how we behave and the
ideals we hold dear?

There is a veritable cornucopia of environmental, social,
racial, parental, religious and political stimuli which potentially
influence the definition of our characters. However, it appears
difficult, at times, to clearly identify these persuasions and
allow our personas to shine through the pressure.

The popular psychological, influential pressure of our peers
presents a clear example of the power placed upon conformity. How
many times have you altered your choice of apparel, food or
entertainment due to consistent, yet persuasive, arguments from
your peers? Have you ever succumbed to the challenges of a juvenile
"dare," or better yet, a "double dare"?

We, as UCLA students, find other forms of peer pressure on this
campus, beyond the once visited sandbox challenges. There exists
pressure perhaps to drink, engage in sex and isolate yourself
within the confines of your own race. To what depth of validity or
worth should we attribute these pressures?

What I mean is, simply, that there may exist some moderate
pressures which are beneficial (e.g. pressure to study). But how do
we tell the difference?

For example, the idea of limiting yourself to the racial,
cultural or ethnic confines of your own background (if pressured to
do so) is ignorant. Your peers shouldn’t place undue pressure via
harassment upon you for associating with others of a different
racial background, cultural heritage or ethnic identity in a
romantic, social or platonic manner.

You must not rigorously limit yourself to any narrower a
perception than you are comfortable with. Do not pack your bags for
the guilt trip of needing to be in touch with your culture or
possessing racial pride. Pride in a person’s racial background and
culture does not, and never will, include the concept of racism and
segregation.

As students at UCLA, we hold the benefits of diversity at a
level unparalleled in the real world. When in your life will you be
exposed to so rich a community, so broad a spectrum and to an
environment so conducive to interracial relations than now? There
exists no need to heed the infantile denigration of feeling like a
"sellout," "traitor," "Twinkie," "Ding-Dong" or any other Hostess
product.

And to those who propagate these labels upon others: If your
cultural identity or pride is so severely fragile that you fear its
loss if it is taken beyond the confines of your own intraracial
circle, then please seek help – if not at Charter, then
somewhere.

I, for one, shall continue to hold dear my Chinese, Japanese,
Korean and Filipino heritage (yes, I am), and will insist upon
sharing it while learning of other races and cultures.

Including the limp accusations by some students of my alleged
lack of racial pride (Christina Shigemura, come on down!!! "He’s no
prince … ," Feb. 16), I have personally encountered many acts of
peer pressure on the UCLA campus by those who claim to fully
understand and know the depth of my character, the extent of my
worth and the motivations for my actions.

My cultural awareness cannot extend merely to the "bagginess" of
my jeans, the exhaust of my car, the number of "Jackie Chan" movies
I watch (though the list is long) or the color of people with which
I choose to associate myself.

So, if you think I’ve lost my racial identity, then think again
(or just try thinking at all). I simply refuse the conceit of
racial bigotry which forbids me to interact with other races.

Other forms of pressure recently dealt me range from threats of
physical violence (Sonya) to verbal or written demands for me to be
silent … or else! While my defiant pride calls down the threats
with the challenge of "anytime, anywhere, whenever you’re
ready!!!", my calmer intellect insists upon another choice.

If you believe I am a sexist because I choose to examine
cultural feminism and beta-bias (if you don’t know what that means,
look it up) from a male point of view, then explain why I never
laid claims to female subservience, never proposed that women were
somehow less than men or less than human. Instead, I proposed that
men are not as evil or reprehensible as some cultural feminists
believe.

Or if you think I am anti-religion or anti-Christian because I
feel it may be inappropriate for others to stalk students and
pressure them or attempt to force their religion upon them, why,
then, do I relate my ideals of the afterlife with the teachings of
the Holy Trinity? Why do I pray every night as I hold the cross
that I always carry in my pocket or look upon the rosary over my
bed? Why do I believe in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me"? Instead, I said that going to
class should not be a defensive journey.

Or if you think I am a conservative Republican spokesperson
(attention: Wendy Felton, "Big bad Republicans," Feb. 12) because I
personally believe that some leftist liberals attempt to invoke
fear in voters, why did I not shout Dole, Buchanan or Forbes for
president? Why exactly did I not provide any "reason to embrace the
Republican Party"?

The answer: It is because my columns are a means by which I
present the idea that everything is not as it seems, or that all is
not as it should be. I had hoped that the stylistic use of sarcasm,
rhetoric and exaggeration (and light disclaimers) would be a clear
sign to intelligent UCLA students of the level of seriousness I
intended for my columns (guess not).

It is not to say that I relish in the oppression of women as
victims; nor is it to say that I am a devil worshipper; nor is it
true that I believe all Democrats are left-wing liberals. Get a
clue and read the entire article.

But if any of those persons I have mentioned care to take this
beyond the realm of intelligent rational conversation, then I would
be happy to be of service. However, until then, consider this: If I
truly disgrace, scare, offend or just simply annoy you, then I hope
the idea of my next column looms ominously around the corner!!!

This kid is refusing to succumb to peer pressure and shall only
speak louder. He only hopes that next time, someone with an
intelligent argument will respond.

Kim is a third-year political science and business student. His
column appears on alternate Wednesdays.Comments to
[email protected]