MY CONTRIBUTION
When I began my research, I understood that the issue I was investigating has been investigated for centuries and that the chances of me finding a concrete solution were unlikely. So, it does not surprise me to discover that there is, in fact, no simple solution to racial divides. While I did not uncover a secret, missing link in the conversation about ways to unify in diversity, my research did confirm some views and thoughts I had.
My research project confirmed that the root of disconnect between races stems mainly from a lack of communication and understanding. In interviewing both white and black college students I noticed that both groups made very substantial generalizations and assumptions about the other group without even realizing they were doing so. When asked if they had even ever considered joining a "white" fraternity, most of the black students I interviewed responded with resounding no's. As I delved deeper into the reasons why their responses were like this, I realized that they were due to misconceptions about the fraternities themselves. However, these misconceptions can really only be disproved through communication and interaction. Unfortunately, this creates a seemingly, never-ending cycle because both sides assume that the other party is stand-offish and uninterested in interaction.
Ultimately, my research proved to me that dialogue is the key to overcoming the issue of diversity without unity. While some students realize that the phenomenon exists, many (usually the majority) even fail to realize this happens. A dialogue among actual college students is needed to create awareness on actual college campuses. Only with conversations between the effected parties can the issue be properly addressed, thus spreading awareness and positioning students to make tangible changes on their campuses.
In hopes of spurring the necessary conversation, I wrote a song about the lack of diversity in fraternity life. I also made a video to accompany my piece. Ideally, students nationwide will hear my song and it will hopefully at least spark one new conversation about diversity and unity on at least one college campus.
My research project confirmed that the root of disconnect between races stems mainly from a lack of communication and understanding. In interviewing both white and black college students I noticed that both groups made very substantial generalizations and assumptions about the other group without even realizing they were doing so. When asked if they had even ever considered joining a "white" fraternity, most of the black students I interviewed responded with resounding no's. As I delved deeper into the reasons why their responses were like this, I realized that they were due to misconceptions about the fraternities themselves. However, these misconceptions can really only be disproved through communication and interaction. Unfortunately, this creates a seemingly, never-ending cycle because both sides assume that the other party is stand-offish and uninterested in interaction.
Ultimately, my research proved to me that dialogue is the key to overcoming the issue of diversity without unity. While some students realize that the phenomenon exists, many (usually the majority) even fail to realize this happens. A dialogue among actual college students is needed to create awareness on actual college campuses. Only with conversations between the effected parties can the issue be properly addressed, thus spreading awareness and positioning students to make tangible changes on their campuses.
In hopes of spurring the necessary conversation, I wrote a song about the lack of diversity in fraternity life. I also made a video to accompany my piece. Ideally, students nationwide will hear my song and it will hopefully at least spark one new conversation about diversity and unity on at least one college campus.