I don’t know if this is true for other students of color in public relations, but why is it that I am the only one in class. I am always the only one and I want to see that change. It is most difficult when my peers and sometimes my professors say ignorant remarks, stereotypical statements or blatantly racist comments. Some people would say I am “overly sensitive” or “overly observant” but I think I’m critical of my peers.
I live in a city with a high population of white people. This is not a bad thing, but can be isolating. I am often tokenized in class as some kind of “racial experts” on Black, Latino, Asian and even Middle Eastern people! I can honestly say that I have higher hopes for the professional world of public relations, but I am now realizing that it may not be as diverse as I thought it would be.
I went to a conference called the National Association for Black Journalist in Las Vegas, last summer and it was amazing. I recommend all students of color who want to meet other students or professionals in the field to attend these conferences. I am Latina, but they opened their doors to me and supported me throughout the conference. Another good idea is to contact these organizations and see if you can create one on your campus. I would love to create a student Hispanic Journalist Association at my school, but we don’t have enough students in my journalism school.
If you are like me and you feel isolated at times, tokenized or even hated on, remember that their are resources on and off campus to support you. Stay in the game and don’t let anyone tell you that you are “too-sensitive.” You have the right to feel however you want to feel. On my blogroll you will find a list of multicultural and multiracial organizations in PR field. Take a look at some of these organizations and get in contact with them if you would like more information.
I love this one. It is the Hispanic PR Wire and it links you with great resources, information about bilingual communication and surviving the industry as a minority. Look at and enjoy.
Don’t forget about me!
I think it’s a compliment if someone would tell you that you are “over-sensitive.” That just means you don’t let things that are inappropriate slide and I think that’s commendable!
Also, I think it’s awesome that you would blog about a controversial topic and really put yourself out there.
See you in class soon!
Amanda,
Thank you for addressing this topic. We need more racial and ethnic diversity in our classes. The “ignorant remarks, stereotypical statements or blatantly racist comments” that people make need to be corrected. I doubt anyone would intentionally make offensive comments about race or ethnicity — not in a classroom or other professional setting.
Sometimes talking about issues of diversity can be tricky. Even saying “students of color” suggests that white is not a color.
We need more discussion about this topic. Thank you for contributing your experience and insight.
Tiffany