Illustration by Arnie Bermudez

Last week, the Theta Nu Xi sorority hosted its second annual "Create a Hate-Free Zone" forum. Guided by the spirit of multiculturalism, the forum provided students with the opportunity to confront, among other issues, stereotypes regarding race and ethnicity.

Multiculturalism, as an ideology, maintains that we should accept different cultures under the premise that all are equal and beautiful. Though this seems like an entirely altruistic idea, multiculturalism holds back the improvement of race relations in a number of ways.

The notion that in order for race relations to improve we have to be entirely accepting of other cultures is not only unreasonable but also unhelpful. This way of thinking makes one blind toward aspects of other cultures that one does not agree with. It suppresses dissent and does not allow an open dialogue between people to occur.

Unfortunately, the fear of offending another, coupled with the possibility of being accused of being prejudiced, prevents open dialogue. As a result of accepting differences without bothering to understand them, we are left just as uninformed as before.

Suppose the practices or mindset of a certain culture goes against the beliefs and morals of a person. Accordingly, this person voices a dissenting opinion. He or she has made a valid judgment based on a thoughtful analysis, not a hasty conclusion based on ignorance.

All too often such an action is perceived as being intolerant and bigoted in light of multiculturalism. Hypersensitivity has caused society to label someone as a "racist" when he or she voices an opinion that goes against the current trend of indiscriminate opinion. To fully understand anything, one must question, rather than accept it with no thought whatsoever.

Susan Bonicillo columnist

Cruising the Internet, I ran into a prime example of tolerance without regard to personal beliefs - the Cultural Awareness Club of Cincinnati's La Salle High School. Its philosophy is as follows: "Regardless of race, we are all people, and to prosper as a nation we must remember this. ... If an Irish American student glorifies an Irish Warrior our nation should glorify this Irish Warrior, and if a Filipino

student enjoys Filipino food then our nation should enjoy Filipino food."

This type of thinking is training a new generation to abandon reflection in favor of unopposed approval.

Multiculturalism breeds a mentality of "You're OK, I'm OK, and let's leave it at that." The ability to think critically loses out to an ethnic harmony whose basis is an unquestioned acceptance bordering on tyranny. Consequently, the growing diversity of ethnicities is leading toward homogeny in thought.

This openness to one another serves merely as a superficial token gesture. It does not help nor extend understanding. Rather than bridging the gap between people, multiculturalism creates divisions. It results in cultural isolation, broadening the gap between "us" and "them." Though admirable in its attempts to ward off the threat of assimilation, it leans towards such a separatist stance that it offers no chance at cohesion. The standoffish nature of ethnic self-segregation is a disservice to all.

By taking race and culture into such high regard, individuality is lost as a result. People are defined solely by their race, having their identity overshadowed by their bloodlines. Rather than taking into account the myriad of things that can affect a person's character (such as education, upbringing or environment) the color of someone's skin takes precedence.

We are presented with arbitrary and PC-formulated images regarding the way we should be. Those who don't follow whatever racial image is presented are branded as selling out and guilty of being ashamed of their race.

As a nation, race is taking precedence as the main factor in determining personal worth. For example, college campuses are praised for their efforts to bring a wider ethnic diversity to their student population. Advocates are hailing demographics rather than individual merit.

If we are to become a more equitable society, we have to stop letting race determine our lives. It would be foolish to say that race is not a part of who we are. However, it is not the sole factor contributing to one's sense of self.

In the age of the prefixed American, the issue of race still weighs heavily on the country's consciousness. We are told we must be proud of our heritage, our background.

Various groups clamor and demand that you check the box that applies to you, that you find the nice little label that will tell the world exactly who you are. This can lead us to only one end. The only valid label one has is his or her name. After that, self-definition should be a personally guided action.

Susan Bonicillo is a journalism sophomore. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu