Sugie pretty much nailed it, didn’t he? As someone from the OSU community who’s actually visited all of the cultural centers, I was really disturbed by Wilson’s warrant for dismantling the cultural centers: that he’d feel uncomfortable (whatever that means) in such a “segregated” environment. First, they’re not at all segregated. Indeed, without exception, I’ve found the cultural centers to be sites that practice what they preach. They’re places where you can be who you are and feel honored and respected for it. I’d even venture to claim that they encourage and foster a diversity of visitors–even white ones. Granted, when I’m visiting a cultural center my subject position (Writing Center Coordinator, middle-aged) is a little different than a Wilson’s (student, young), but I am white, and straight, yet somehow the students and staff who are at the cultural centers somehow still manage to be happy to see me when I show up.

I must confess that I’m a bit of an introvert by training, so I do occasionally feel socially awkward in new settings, but my experience is that the Centers see themselves as being “in the business” of welcoming people into their communities. As with most things in life, 90% of any difficulty is resolved by just showing up. I’d encourage Mr. Wilson to visit a few cultural centers. I think he’d find them a hell of a lot more welcoming–and accepting of diverse identities and perspectives–than the cultural policing that takes place in our quad.

Nice post.

Dennis