This picture shows a wall in Bryan Hall. It represents and encourages others to be an advocate to people of different races, specifically in this case, African Americans. One of the flyers pictured states: “Your contributions to kindness and support for diversity can bolster the integrity of our bobcat family.” In our reading from Omi and Winant’s Racial Formations, it suggests that in our society, “one of the first things we notice about a person is their race.” (pg. 12). And Unfortunately, “we utilize race to provide clues about who a person is.” (pg. 12). Whether we know it or not, subconsciously, or consciously, racial meanings affect our daily interactions with others. As we learned from watching the video, Race: The Power of an Illusion, we are all more similar than what our race suggests. Race is a socially constructed concept and people should not be judged or discriminated against due to the color of their skin.
Race isn’t the only issue that Bryan Hall has been addressing for advocacy. On a separate floor, a similar bulletin board discusses being an ally to those of different sexual orientations as well. Including transgender people or those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. I really appreciate this bulletin board and the message that it sends. It reminds us that we are all a family regardless of our differences and we need to embrace diversity instead of reject it. This wall sends the positive message that we can make a difference, we can help others, and we don’t have to be subjected to discrimination due to race, sexual orientation, religion, etc.
-Joanna V