Williams: The racial profiling at Northwestern has to stop
Today I was racially profiled at Northwestern University, a school I have proudly attended since September of 2006 and would encourage anyone to attend — at least until what just happened to me today. I was walking around the Kellogg School of Management, a building on campus that welcomes all students and faculty. Three people came up to me and asked why I was in the building. The first lady was an administrator for Kellogg and asked if she could help me with anything. As kind of a gesture as this may seem, her tone of voice was more racially motivated than anything else. I told her I was fine, and she suspiciously walked away. I assume she went to get authorities.
The next lady who asked me about my belonging was apparently doing an interview in the building and asked if I was there for the interview. I told her no, and that was that.
The third person who approached me was very much racially profiling. He, I assumed, was contacted by the first lady who approached and was told to follow me around. We had a five-minute conversation as to why I should (or shouldn’t) be walking around the building. The tone of his voice and the language his used seemed to suggest that he were asking me questions due to my race. I asked him if he stops everyone in the building and interrogates them. I also told him I was a student. He shrugged me off and gave me the same suspicious look that I received from his colleague. Had he asked for my identification card, he would have proved himself wrong. Instead he decided that there is no way this black boy dressed in baggy clothing could attend a school like this.
I was so offended and got tired of being interrogated that I walked out of the building. Not five minutes later, I was stopped by a Northwestern police officer who then called an Evanston detective for backup. He interrogated me and I simply ignored him and handed him my identification. He actually called it in to see if it was a stolen Northwestern ID card or if it was fake. I told him he was participating in an act of racial profiling. He explained he was just doing his job.
I decided to come to Northwestern my sophomore year of high school. It was my dream school. What a nightmare it has been in regards to experiences such as the above. The amount of racial profiling that goes on in Evanston, and specifically at Northwestern, is disgusting. Students are students, no matter what their appearance is, especially in terms of race. I’d like to be treated like all other students and I should not regret coming here based on these circumstances. I doubt that I will recommend Northwestern to many of the young black students who I come in contact with. The “prestigious” education is not worth the dehumanizing environment, especially when this comes from faculty at the school. It is sad that I have to deal with the b.s. just to get a B.S.
-Joshua Williams, Communication junior
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Oh shut up.
Blah blah racial profiling blah blah
May 22, 2009 at 7:48 pm
i’m really sorry this happened to you
Anonymous
May 22, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Not.
Anonymous
May 22, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Josh, I’m really sorry this happened to you. To say I was pissed off after reading your email is a complete understatement. Is there anything you can do about this, maybe reporting it? It could end up being completely worthless, but maybe you should look into it anyway?
To the first comment – God, you suck. really. Yes, let’s all just shut up and ignore that these sorts of things happen. Great idea, idiot.
shiana crosby
May 22, 2009 at 8:44 pm
This kind of act is ridiculous. As another minority on campus, I am thoroughly disappointed that something like this happened at our school. Northwestern is constantly trying to promote diversity, but then they can’t even guarantee their staff will treat the students fairly. Next time something like this happens, make sure to take down some names of who’s asking you what.
As for the first and third commenter, I’d recommend thinking before you write. If you don’t think racial profiling is a problem, write an argument.
Reader
May 22, 2009 at 9:35 pm
I feel like it’s hard to say that it was merely race that prompted Kellogg’s actions. A white guy wearing a baggy hoodie and pants walking into Merrill Lynch will likely elicit the same kind of response. Kellogg is after all, a prestigious business school. There is a certain level of decorum and dress expected there.
Another minority
May 22, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Even if Kellogg does have some secret code of decorum, if a white kid in baggy clothes has walked in, they would’ve assumed he was some white frat boy bro’ and no one would’ve bothered him. End of story.
An NU Student
May 22, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I’ll keep my response real brief. To Another minority: It is sad you are trying to justify this. Josh was not at Merrill Lynch; he was at the Northwestern University campus with a Wildcard. Period. He dress how he damn well pleases. To Blah…: I can bet you have never dealt with anything similar in your life, so don’t speak unless you can relate or someone close to you can relate. Understand those of you who wish to belittle Josh’s experience with an anonymous alias are not only illegitimate, but also cowards. Josh was only trying to enlighten his peers on what happens far to often at our “prestigious” institution.
Mena Abebe
May 22, 2009 at 11:05 pm
The problem is that you can’t prove that a white kid dressed in baggy clothing etc. wouldn’t be treated similarly. I was asked if I was lost last year when I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans so it isn’t wholly improbable that if my clothing was even more casual I would’ve encountered similar experiences to Josh.
I recognize that this is part of the problem, but you can’t prove racial profiling except in the most extreme cases. This is not an “extreme” case. It’s someone who dressed very differently than everyone else in an environment that values and fosters a sense of professionalism. While I feel bad that Josh was held up, it is not grounds to immediate make racism accusations. The evidence is far too soft.
Finally, please stop hating on the university. Unless the university has a strict policy of trying to intimidate racial minorities, I don’t see why it’s being implicated. The actions of an overzealous cop or over-curious employee do not mean that Northwestern shouldn’t be called “prestigious” with air-quotes. The university does plenty (affirmative action, special admissions program for African-Americans, funding minority-only student groups etc.), so let’s not get too crazy. You came with Northwestern with the intent of getting a full experience in this living learning community. There are less-than-kind people, but no one is holding a gun to your head and making you stay if occasionally rudeness is such a dealbreaker.
Reader 2
May 23, 2009 at 12:10 am
I think it is imperative that we take into consideration the nature and the underlying principles discussed in those comments made by another minority, reader, and reader 2. First off, the question as to Josh’s clothing should be noted as problematic because the baggy clothing first off implies that those who embody a “gangster” or “ghetto” appearance will automatically exhibit qualities that might negatively affect the environment that this “prestigious” university tries to create. furthermore, the questions of his clothes is ridiculous because when I talked with him a few hours later, while his clothes were baggy he was wearing clean cut shoes and an argyle style vest over his hoody to my recollection, which exudes at least some form of prestigious culture that the university tries to foster. By saying that the University shouldn’t worry about the actions of your “overzealous cop or over-curious employee” and that their actions don’t reflect directly upon certain types of ignorant ideas that the University clearly still allows is incorrect to say the least. The previous statement takes accountability off the university and while we all would like to think that NU is a beautiful place, I strongly encourage you all to at least think critically about the nature of the world in which we live. This is a reality which often goes unnoticed and the single time you hear about it not only is problematic in that you brush this occurrence off as if it isn’t worth the time of everyone in the Northwestern community, but also reflects upon the apathetic nature of students, faculty, and staff towards incidents like this as well as others.
What is more, had this hypothetical white student been walking around, even if they were followed, the calling of the police, which is an extreme measure shows that this incident wasn’t simply curiosity, it was the perpetuation of racial profiling. These white students brought up are very hypothetical and assuming in nature. The empirical evidence here points to said stereotypes. How many white students do you know that have encountered a similar situation on this campus? Well personally I know of at least 7 other incidents similar to the one at hand. These are the facts. When it comes to the comments about how NU caters to black students, it is very problematic but there is too much to say about what you said.
This comment was made simply so that we in the NU community can recognize said actions as problematic. I am in no way advocating that the University is racist on the basis of the incident at hand, I am simply pointing to issues that confront our time and I think it necessary that you think critically about the letter Josh has written. If you would like to email me or meet about things discussed I’m more than willing as I have provided my full name.
Kellyn Lewis
May 23, 2009 at 2:20 am
Hi Everyone,
For those that have commented and showed support or gave attention to the issue, I really appreciate it. I want others to understand that I have been racially profiled before at Northwestern, but not to this capacity. Here are the primary reasons why I believe I was racially profiled.
1. it was around 12:30pm (lunchtime). If you have ever been in Kellogg at that time, it looks similar to downstairs Norris– very very packed and full of people walking around. I wonder why they chose me out of everyone else in the building to follow.
2. I told the guy I was a student. Instead of asking for my ID, he clearly assumed that I was not. He gave me the utmost suspicious look and walked away and called authorities. Had he asked for my ID, the situation would not have happened.
3. The guy told the cops that I was sneaking into offices in Kellogg, which is totally untrue, because I never even went to an office. Infact, I was gonna visit an old friend of mine (Professor Witte) and I decided not to because the harassment was overwhelming, so I left the building.
4. Even the police slightly agreed that this was racial profiling, even though, to get himself off the hook, and calmly apologized and explained he was just doing his job.
I’m not the type of person to blow up a situation and immediately call things racial profiling. It is a very grave accusation to make, however, I stand on it this time. Additionally, no one can explain the feeling that was in my stomach after the situation happened. I felt like 1968 all over again.
Josh
May 23, 2009 at 9:53 am
I would like to respond to “Reader 2″ because I can prove the a white kid dressed in baggy clothing would not get asked or confronted at all. I am white and dress normally in baggy clothes. I often wear brightly colored hoodies and also have my ears pierced. I have walked through Kellogg numerous times around lunch time and have never been confronted. I have also walked through Kellogg at other less crowded times, dressed the same, and never been approached. I have received odd looks, but not one person has ever questioned me even when dressed in my most “ghetto” or “gangster” attire. I have slowly realized over my two years here how poorly Northwestern does in regards to its minority students. It is embarrassing that a university of its supposed caliber has any racial problems at all much less because of its faculty. I would like to express my deepest disgust that something like this would happen and also my condolences to Josh that he would have to endure anything like this anywhere much less at the university that he attends.
Nick Wilson
May 23, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Check out this short film. It deals with issues of racism.
Redsun Films
May 23, 2009 at 12:24 pm
“This is not an “extreme” case. It’s someone who dressed very differently than everyone else in an environment that values and fosters a sense of professionalism.”
Reader 2, You know you are using this phrase “someone who dressed differently than everyone else…” as a euphamism for a phrase like “someone who looks phenotypically different than everyone else…”…Just Saying…
And this became an extreme case once local authorities (i.e. NU and Evanston Police) were called in for back up. The fact that one student was able to draw that much attention about a certain style of dress is a wrong assessment of the situation. Race, sadly, was the determining factor.
And I ran into Josh at Norris around 3:00 that afternoon and he was dressed perfectly normal. How many people at kellogg do you see wearing professional business attire anyways? Can you make the claim that everyone wears a suit? Or do you want to say that this was a case of casual friday being a little too casual at Kellogg? Basically what I am saying is that your opinion about proper attire at Kellogg is silly.
Anon
May 23, 2009 at 12:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDRQKKOvUaU
Redsun Films
May 23, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Yeah, this sucks and all. But it seems to me that the only tragedy here is that the guy you talked to didn’t believe you were a student and called the cops.
Otherwise, think of it this way: There are a lot of people in Kellogg during lunch time, and it’s not possible/efficient to question everyone. Is it best not to question anyone? If not, who should they question? Any criteria they use will have error.
Another Reader
May 23, 2009 at 1:54 pm
To another reader,
why do they need to question anyone? no crime had occurred… there was no reason to question anyone in the Kellogg building… Josh was singled out because he seemed out of place… and the only reason he seemed out of place was because of his race.
As a minority student I’ve heard of many cases of racial profiling that are this extreme, and witnessed and even experienced less extreme, more typical forms of discrimination… and I usually try to give the university, faculty and students involved the benefit of the doubt… but I’m tired of it.
I’ve read articles here on NBN where the writer makes a suggestion that would open up enrollment opportunities to more minority students, and the responses to the articles are oftentimes overtly racist. And i’ve tried to ignore it, or chalk it up to ignorance, but i’m tired of it. I’m only a freshman, and i’m already saddened and a little dissallusioned…
And yeah, sometimes people over-react and play the race card when they shouldn’t, but I’m tired of the majority of the white students responding to every incident by telling us that we’re over-reacting, making assumptions, jumping to conclusions.
The fact is that racism in all of its forms exists here, whether the unaffected white students want to see it or not. By pretending that racial issues don’t exist you are perpetuating the problem, not solving it. what is commonly called “colorblindness” is really just a new form of racism that attempts to sweep racial issues under the rug… stop pretending that you are socially sensitive and aware when you’re really only avoiding the issue because it makes you uncomfortable.
I’m sick of having to pretend that discrimination doesn’t occur and doesn’t bother me.
I’m sick of people who have never experienced discrimination, harassment or profiling telling people who have to be quiet, calm down and stop over-recacting.
you don’t understand what it’s like… I would say with some confidence that the vast majority of minority students on this campus feels discriminated against at least once a week, yet we don’t say anything because we don’t want people to think we’re over-reacting or playing the race card. Why should we have to live like this? when will it stop?
Before you make a comment telling someone that they’re over reacting, please, for one second, put yourself in their shoes.Just for one second, try to empathize with your minority classmates… we have to see situations through your eyes every day… just try to see them through ours. I appreciate those of you who already do this. thanks. guys.
but honestly. don’t be too afraid to see sotuations as they really are. don’t let your fear of uncomfortable truths become the filter through which you pass every experience. Try empathy. Try listening. Stop trivializing our experiences. Try to feel them. The response “yeah, this sucks and all” makes me want to cry… that’s such a trivialization, that’s you belittling the situation so that you don’t have to change, or challenge others to change.
I hope this doesn’t come off too red herring or anything… but sometimes the only way to understand something is to let yourself feel it.
Josh, I’m so sorry you experienced this. It’s was wrong and unfair. But don’t let it take the joy out of the rest of your time at northwestern. be strong and rise above.
when will it stop?
May 23, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Wow….So, when did clothing become a measure to someone’s character?
If I wear baggy clothes, I am a thug. If I wear a baseball cap and jersey, I am a baseball player!? Really!?
Either way whether it is a racial problem or not, we cannot say, that what Joshua Williams experienced was not some form of stereotyping base on exterior whether than his character. Everyone knows that hundreds of Northwestern students walk pass Kellogg daily looking nasty, grungy, etc and the Kellogg’s administration never bothers these students. How many times have you walk pass Kellogg with your hair uncombed and wearing holey socks, pants, and shirts? This attire is not professional wear, but these students are never question about their whereabouts.
To say that clothing drew attention to Joshua is ridiculous and a lame excuse. Rapists use the same lame excuse as well. Rapists say that if the woman did not wear specific attire (revealing attire) she would not have been rape because revealing attire alludes to promiscuity. To say that clothing draws attention to a person, we are justifying rapist’s actions; it is perfectly okay to rape a woman when she is wearing revealing clothing, Nooooooooooooo!
Clothing does not define someone’s character and if Northwestern would stop worrying about black students wearing baggy clothing, and worry about the professors “wearing professional clothing” that could be potentially beating their wives life would be peachy on the campus. A criminal is not define by his or her clothing, but define by his or her character. True Story.
Kenisha Morgan
May 23, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Wow, thanks for the “true story,” so now we’re throwing accusations around that professors beat their wives? Tell me about your specific evidence, because if you have it, that action’s despicable and should be punished, and if you don’t, then it is absolutely ridiculous to bring such a terrible accusation into an unrelated topic.
To address another unrelated point, there’s nothing that connects the topic of baggy clothes in a business school and rape. A business school is a professional place. I’m definitely not saying that everyone walking through Kellogg is dressed professionally, it’s usually quite the opposite since many undergrad classes are held there. This is probably why the second woman spoke with him, as it seems she is an outsider (non-NU) and not familiar with the fact that undergraduates are in that building as well. But how you could possibly draw a connection between “baggy clothes in a business school = I should ask him if he needs help” and “that girl’s skirt is short = I should rape her,” I have no idea.
I don’t think it’s fair to call this profiling right off the bat. No offense to Josh, but even if he gave it his best effort, there’s no way he could create a complete picture of what happened. Just because he can’t remember, or it didn’t seem important at the time, or it was colored by perception. It’s too bad that he didn’t get a chance to find out the name of these people, so that this issue could be brought to them. Josh, is it at all possible to contact NU Police and find out who the officer was, or who called in the complaint?
Anon
May 23, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Hey posters 1 and 3, why did you feel the need to write that? Has this happened to you and now you think it’s no big deal?
I think it’s terrible that minority students have to be treated like trespassers at their own school and then mocked by students of the majority race when we shed light on how we’re treated.
NU has made efforts towards diversity, but it won’t work until people -both staff and students- are willing to drop what ever preconceived notions they have formed about “the other” from the media.
Cambrey
May 23, 2009 at 6:03 pm
Racial profiling has happened at Northwestern, but I’m not sure it happened here. Both the first and second people to approach Josh did nothing out of the ordinary, and assuming sinister intent in someone’s tone of voice is dubious. Josh assumes the first person contacted the third person, but there’s no way to know that. And though I don’t want to assume this, accusing the third person and then the cops of racial profiling probably didn’t make things easier.
Northwestern has problems with race. One of those problems, I think, is that people find ways to insert race into events and issues where it doesn’t fit. Maybe racial profiling did occur in this situation. But to turn what seems to be a mostly benign incident into a cause of moral outrage and disdain — “The ‘prestigious’ education is not worth the dehumanizing environment” — is taking this too far.
Nomaan
May 23, 2009 at 7:54 pm
How dare you say that Josh’s incident is benign. The situation lost its ability to be benign when the police were called. Had any of the people in Kellogg asked Josh why he was present (and perhaps then asked to see a wildcard after being told that he was a student if they were still in disbelief) and left it at that, you can “perhaps” label it as benign profiling. If Josh’s baggy “thugged-out attire” seemed out of place for any administrators, it is only really necessary (if that) to ask “Do you need help; are you a student.” Once those questions are answered, there should be no more need for further harassment or interrogation (especially after the wildcard has been shown). I realize that University Police get really excited an the alert of anything going down on campus, but it was not necessary for them to call in and verify that Josh’s wildcard was valid and not stolen. That alone went beyond “protect and serve” to blatant profiling.
To say that the experience is “benign” only perpetuates the same nonchalant attitude that is such a problem on this campus and in our society. Being treated like a criminal and having people imply that you are out of place and dishonest is far from emotionally and mentally benign. There is no excuse for the actions of those who addressed Josh.
There have been many accusations of racial profiling on the NU campus (by administrators and especially university police). The fact that UP didn’t even show up when minority students attempted to voice concerns and open a 2-sided dialogue with UP shows how they value fair treatment and justice. If the administration wants project its openness to diversity and fair treatment, they need to take a deep look at how the people on this campus act towards minority students, especially if they are acting on behalf of the university.
Loren
May 23, 2009 at 9:21 pm
A lot of white people like to believe that Obama’s presidency has waved a magic tolerance wand over America and now everyone’s equal and hate-free. However, that’s definitely not the case. I don’t need to say much because everything’s been stated ten-fold on both sides of the debate. But what it comes down to is that people are always going to side with others who look similar to them. I really feel like that’s why a lot of headway will never be made into the issues of racism or general tolerance of anyone who’s different. White cop unfairly interrogates a black student. All the white people will say that the cop was doing his job, partially because that’s what they want to believe and partially because he’s a white cop. The black people will all say that Josh isnt jumping to conclusions and that this is a heinous example of racism, partially because that’s what they believe and partially because he’s an African American student in a predominantly white university. Until someone from the other side of the fence can “vouch” for this baggy-clothed black man, white people will just call his claims illegitimate and go on with their lives. (And I’m using the terms white people and black people very loosely, i’m very aware that not all “white” people and “black” people can be put into this well-defined, stereotypical box)Someone just needs to take the first step and try to understand the other side’s point of view. In issues like these, people always follow by example.
Morgan
May 23, 2009 at 9:56 pm
First off, I agree, you anonymous people are cowards! You are fake and so far from real. You say these snide comments anonymously, which means that you are fearful to say what you want to say in public. I bet you’re a completely different person in public. Therefore, you anonymous people don’t even have a reason to respond as far as I’m concerned. And most definitely don’t I repeat DON’T respond or reply to me unless you have the courage to at least give your real name, because I want to know who it is that I’m speaking with.
Now next up is the subject at hand. You cannot be serious about this not being as serious as it is. He is entitled to feel how he wants to feel and he has a reason to feel that way. This situation was taken way out of hand and no one can tell me otherwise. A DETECTIVE? His card being called in?!!! What!???? That was far from necessary. Why did his card need to be called in? How many of you get your cards called in when you walk into a dorm? You just show it and that’s that right? RIGHT… This situation not only made him feel dehumanized but it took a shot at his manhood.
And for those of you saying oh whatever and get over it, you sound ridiculous and quite frankly STUPID. See you can’t fathom the thought of this happening and you can’t begin to feel empathy or understand where he’s coming from because you can’t wrap your head around the idea of it being YOU. This is nothing to, JUST get over, but it is something to overcome and grow from.
And as for ANON, you don’t have to have an idea. Just because you don’t understand her reasoning for that analysis doesn’t mean that it’s complete BS. How about you talk to her in person so that she can explain it for you and enlighten you as to what she meant… And you don’t think it’s fair to call it profiling right off that back? That’s fine you’re entitled to your own opinion. But I do think that it was and I’m entitled to my opinion as well…
Some people have their eyes wide shut and feel that racism doesn’t exist anymore. Some say that people are too sensitive about the subject and that it isn’t as extreme as it was way back when. Some love to say that we are so quick to jump to the race issue and label situations and “insert”(NOMANN states) race as the reason (and I’ll admit, there are cases of that)when issues occur. And I’ll admit that things like that happen. I can admit that because I have the ability to see understand things on a higher level.
Well to those who are living in a bubble, I say to you, okay fine, you don’t know any better and probably never will and quite frankly you aren’t worth my time, I can teach you nothing. I could go on for days but I’ll end it right there for now…..
No, I’m not saying act ignorant and by no means am I trying to wage a war. I’m not trying to make it sound like its us against them, so don’t take it that way. I’m just saying that we need to step up and not just speak about it but actually act on it. By no means should this END with the comments, No its just starting and I’m soooo not just looking for an apology. KNOW THAT.
Janice
May 23, 2009 at 11:06 pm
I’m an Asian undergraduate student that goes to Kellogg at least 3 times per week. I even use their study lounge/study rooms during evenings.
Because 2 of my classes have homework due in the Econ Kellogg office, I often go there from my dorm wearing as casual as possible. (I would even say there is not one single person I’ve met more casual than me.)
I almost always wear sweatpants with really old t-shirts and flip-flops, and glasses with messy hair. It almost feels embarrassing to walk around like that, haha.
Just to add a data point.
Asian dude at Kellog 3 times per week
May 24, 2009 at 1:04 am
it would be interesting to see what kellogg/NU police have to say about this.
Sharon
May 24, 2009 at 2:13 am
I’m glad I read an article so filled with “factual” interpretations of people’s facial looks and so devoid of concrete facts. Keep rocking on in your presumptive way.
Janice, stop acting so ridiculously offended. I have offered as much of my name and identity as you have, if that is even your real name…
Adam
May 24, 2009 at 2:28 am
Hey Adam, this is a letter in the “letters” section, not an article. Therefore I don’t think Josh needs to fact check how he felt in the above situation.
Besides, I’ve heard some variation of this kind of treatment from many African American men on campus – especially those who study/walk in Kellogg.
Cambrey
May 24, 2009 at 12:08 pm
This is a very subjective account. Nothing wrong with having feelings; not fair to then state it as fact and attribute thoughts and motives to others. Statements like “her tone of voice was more racially motivated than anything else” and “the tone of his voice and the language his [sic] used seemed to suggest that he were asking me questions due to my race” — Huh? No facts here, just raw accusation.
I completely oppose racial profiling. But anyone not enrolled in Kellogg, not on his way to a class in the building, without an appointment, “walking around,” might arouse suspicion. I’ve been asked the same question the first person asked in many different contexts, especially if I looked lost. I’ve also been stopped by campus police. Part of their job is to check things out, and campuses have been a little extra-vigilant since Va Tech. Give them some lip, or do something like walk away in the middle of a conversation, and now it’s an incident.
Both sides of the story need to be considered and we’ve only heard one here. Cambrey is correct that this is a letter, but it’s being presented as a story.
Chill
May 24, 2009 at 1:46 pm
FACT 1: Kellogg was crowded due to it being a lunch hour. Josh was chosen out of the huge crowd around him. It is because he stood out due to race. There is no other explanation for that.
FACT 2: The police was called even after Josh told the guy that he was an undergrad. Instead of asking for identification, the guy must have thought Josh was lying and called police. There is no other explanation for that other than race.
FACT 3: The guy had to lie to police to justify his reasons for calling. Instead of just admitting that he was wrong about Josh being a student, he instead told them Josh was sneaking into offices, which was stated as being untrue.
FACT 4: As stated, the police even thought this was racial profiling. C’mon.. if the very own police thinks it was racial profiling, then apparently it was.
Just admit that it is what it is. You can’t save everyone and the guy was wrong, not for thinking that Josh was lying about going to school there, but for not taking proper procedures and asking for ID, yet instead calling police. Additionally, those of you who don’t understand how someone’s tone of voice can be racially motivated are just blindly looking at ways in which racism is hidden through language, speech, and bodily performance. There is a certain feeling you get and we are not ignorant. We know when things are racially motivated and not. It is hard for you to understand because you have never had to deal with it. Go get some black skin and walk around in a neighborhood like Evanston and see what I mean. Or better yet, just stop concealing racism and try to come to terms with the fact that a lot of white people are still fucking racists and can’t even admit when their own is wrong.
The Facts Are There
May 24, 2009 at 2:04 pm
First, let me say that I stand behind Josh 100 percent. I know what your going through as I have felt racially profiled by students, faculty members, as well as UP as well as heard stories from many of my class mates of similar situations.
I know Josh very well and saw him soon after the incident. I could tell he was shaken up the situation to say the least. Regardless of whether you feel this was racial profiling or not, there is no debating that the actions of both the university faculty and the UP made a student feel horrible for no apparent reason. What possible justification could they or anyone else have for calling the police on a Northwestern Student that wasn’t doing anything wrong.
In a school that just admitted well under one hundred black students it is clear that black students are not only minorities on this campus, but are on the endangered species list. Northwestern University including students, administration, and, faculty simply does not foster a space for diversity to flourish. As long as this is true the University will only perpetuate sterotypes that can lead to discrimination and profiling and will continue to see lack luster minority enrollment.
It makes me incredibly sad to see people trying to brush this incident off. As students we need to band together around incidents like this in oder to make our campus a better place. The first thing we need to combat racial ignorance is become more open to discussing race and I’m not talking about on the comments page on NBN, while this is a good start. Im talking about in person conversation with both sides just talking about what is like to be Black, White, Asian, Latino, whatever ethnicity on this campus and in this world. Whether or not you think this specific incident was racial profiling it allows us to open the doors of discussion about the topic. Lets keep this up in our everyday interactions. It was said earlier that the only way we will see change is if someone from the other side of the fence, i.e. white people, start to see there is a problem. Nothing makes me prouder as an African American to hear about one of my white friends standing up to a racist comment they heard, especially if I am not present. But black students although it is not our sole responsibility to inform every white person of the problems of black America it is necesary that we create an welcoming community to all races that is open to discussion.
Jordan
May 24, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Are you all sure you really want to know the facts? Or do you like to just speculate about issues like the one at hand to keep things as ambigous as possible?
If you’re ready to confront this issue come out to the forum that College Dems and Alianza is having with NUPD, wednesday, 7 pm, at the Multi cultural center, 1936 sheridan. and join their event page too if you actually are against racial profiling and want to know the truth.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=114260509992&ref=nf
anonymous
May 24, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Coming from the South, it’s always baffled me how this seems to be more of a problem here than back home; people just hide it better here. Having had similar incidents happen to several of my friends, and even having seen friends practice latent racism, I know this issue can’t be dropped; understanding can’t be reached without exposure.
Explanations need to be demanded from the administration. I don’t know why people do the things they do; all I know it’s a mix of misinformation, lack of exposure, and maybe once in a while plain old evil, and it’s amazing how much this campus is suffering from racial boundaries. What we can do now is demand explanation; the administration and police (and the rest of the campus) needs to know they can’t keep thinking (or at least, behaving) in accordance to racial profiling.
I did not come to Northwestern to see my friends be treated this way and find only dead ends when they ask for help from the administration. I’m glad to see the following event popped up on Facebook, and hope it leads to some strong discussion. We can only start here.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114260509992&ref=nf
Why did I come to this school to see my friends treated this way
May 24, 2009 at 9:05 pm
The reason these issues always flare up on message boards and other anonymous media is because people who DARE to question the claims of racism by minorities are immediately pinned as racists in more open forums. I encourage everyone who is unconditionally supporting Josh in this matter to ponder this:
“Would you think that someone who challenged Josh’s beliefs is racist and worthy of less respect?” Of course you don’t need to answer that question publicly, but just something to think about.
Most of the people on this board are right: white people don’t know what it’s like to be black. But no one knows what it’s like to be someone else. Do Jews, gays, Muslims, Hispanics, low-income, or women get a free pass through life? Do even upper-class white straight males face no pressure or stereotyping throughout their lives? Every person in this university, state, country, and planet is, by some definition, a minority (no specific religion has a majority of the population, so that does it right there – aside from race, gender, orientation, income etc.).
I find it really sad that we haven’t moved past the “You don’t know what it’s like to be me, and it doesn’t matter that I don’t know what it’s like to be you”.
Reader 2
May 25, 2009 at 1:35 am
Every time a police officer has asked to see my identification, he has called in my Wildcard for verification.
fyi
May 25, 2009 at 2:35 am
p.s. what I mean to say is that I’m pretty sure that’s standard procedure.
fyi
May 25, 2009 at 2:36 am
This is a disgrace to all Northwestern students, minority or not…
Anonymous
May 25, 2009 at 12:03 pm
First of all, it’s troubling that the fact that the raising of the race issue is a problem in and of itself. Not raising the race issue is the problem. And I don’t want to hear about Asian people not being stopped in sweatpants in Kellogg. NU is damn near 20% Asian and I’d be shocked if Kellogg was any different.
Being from the South Side of Chicago like Josh, you quickly understand when things are because of race. Where he and I and so many other NU students from Chicago come from, where we live and eat and go to school and hang out is determined by our race. Maybe not overtly, but institutionally. And that doesn’t make it any better.
It’s discouraging to see someone who is 1.) obviously intelligent and 2.) all too familiar with issues of race and racism dismissed as an opportunist by people from different experiences. Even if the anonymous “contributors” on this letter are from racially diverse hometowns (which I doubt), they have not and cannot have experienced what Josh has. Ever. Point blank period.
Instead of treating this issue as exclusively an inflammatory one, we should try and look at it how Josh intended us to: as a learning opportunity. I recommend all come to the event on Wednesday. Even if you don’t believe race had anything to do with this issue, your presence will contribute to the experience if you come with an open mind.
Dallas Wright
May 25, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’ve read all the comments posted and I have to admit that I’m more apt to believe Josh because I, as a black female, have been in situations of racial stereotyping on this campus as well. But for the purpose of trying to be unbiased and looking at the situation for what it truly is, I still came to the conclusion that it was racial profiling. For all the times that Josh “inferred” the meaning or thinking behind someone’s comments, there was a fact to back it up. It is true, however, that some information we will never know because we weren’t there, but instead of brushing this incident aside as one that we can’t PROVE was racial profiling, why don’t we try believing Josh before discrediting him? Because while I don’t know him personally, I’ve seen him numerous times, even spoken with him a few of those times and I’m positive that he would not have made this statement if he did not believe it was true.
To Reader 2: I apologize in advance for singling you out personally (for this is NOT a personal attack) but there are a few things that I would like to address, based on your comments.
1. It is imperative to let the University know that we, as a student body, will not tolerate racial profiling. And because this seems to be just one of the incidents of racial profiling reported, to say that it is merely “hating on the University” is very offensive. A school that allows racial profiling is NOT prestigious in my opinion. And even if you disagree with the fact that it was racial profiling (which you alluded to in your 1st post), you have to see how the University’s reputation could lose some credibility for those who do.
2. “Less-than-kind people” – I understand that as a minority, I will probably have to deal with these sorts of people for my entire life. That however, does not mean that I have to put up with it, especially when it stems from the University that represents me too. As I told an entire auditorium full of students in my prestigious high school, after a group was started on Facebook that was racially offensive, which included the name of our school in the title and gave it’s website as their own, “the reputation and good standing of our school has been marred. It is true that not every person is guilty in deed, but we are all guilty by association” (even the minority students), in that we continue to let things like this occur BY NOT SPEAKING UP.
3. I am answering the your question: “Would you think that someone who challenged Josh’s beliefs is racist and worthy of less respect?”
I do not believe that anyone is worthy of less respect in this situation and especially not because they challenge Josh’s beliefs. However, the manner in which they challenge those beliefs and whether or not they are open to changing their opinion once more facts are known, determines whether I view them as being merely ignorant, or willfully ignorant. So I wanted to make it clear that I do not think that you are racist, but I am inclined to think that you’ve chosen to be ignorant.
4. This “Do Jews, gays, Muslims, Hispanics, low-income, or women get a free pass through life?” comment was perhaps the only comment I took personal offense at because it assumed that because Josh didn’t “put up” with the breach of conduct, he was getting a “free pass.” And those of us who are upset about racial profiling would be and are upset when ANYONE is racially profiled because the practice itself is wrong. It is why everyone was also up in arms about the ICE incident earlier this month. Fighting injustice is completely separate from the idea of free pass.
5. And lastly, while I do think it’s sad that we haven’t gotten past the “you don’t know what it’s like to be me” stage, I think to assume that minorities don’t know what it’s like to be part of the dominant culture is forgetting that we must live (and I’ll say survive (at times) in order to be a little more truthful) in the majority culture daily. So no, I’ll never know what it is like to be a white male in America, but I’ve made the effort to see things through my friends’ eyes. My suggestion to you then, is to try to see this incident through Josh’s.
Brittny Jones
May 25, 2009 at 3:19 pm
I’m not going to rehash the futility of the “you don’t know what it’s like to be Josh” argument that Dallas employed, and appreciate Brittny’s response.
Out of curiosity: if we can move past making decisions about people because of their race (a notion I unconditionally support), why do we have race-based affirmative action? Does that program, which Northwestern uses in its admissions, not state that some people are entitled to lower standards because of the color of their skin?
I am not saying that if we get affirmative action we must have racial profiling, or vice-versa. I’m simply questioning the supposed opposition to racial profiling as a construct. How comfortable is everyone here saying that everyone will be judged based solely on their merits in the most need-blind of fashions? Are we prepared for an admissions process that doesn’t ask for your race/ethnicity?
Reader 2
May 25, 2009 at 3:46 pm
The fact that this happened at Northwestern is incredibly sad. Whether you’re a minority or not, you cannot deny that this incident is at least in part racially motivated.
What bothers me in particular is that a police officer, having seen a valid WildCard, still felt the need to call in and check that it was not stolen. That’s a terrifying example of hateful and inaccurate “all black people look the same” views. Come on, he’s standing right in front of you! You couldn’t tell if it was him or not?!
Rebecca
May 25, 2009 at 3:48 pm
While I am really sorry that you had to experience this, unfortunately, I am not surprised. Race is as large of an issue as it was 50 years ago, and will continue to be as long as people continue belittle it.
The sad part is, I’d be willing to bet that the offenders had no idea they were racially profiling, and probably meant their actions as security measures– completely unaware of the way they were affecting you, and the implications they have on the rest of the campus. This is a consequence of the microcosm that is Evanston, and the historical reality that many of the US’s northern cities face. The first issue, is the fact that most people simply dont think before they speak. The second, and more probable, is that they are ignorant of the larger cultural context they are addressing when they are speaking. But both of these are subcategories of a larger, structural reality. If you look at the segregation that permeates Evanston, or on a larger scale, in Chicago (where I grew up), you can begin to see what I mean.
In an attempt to further the dialogue and get people to understand where the frustration is coming from, I just want to point out some of the history that many of you might or might not know. As the clearest example, Chicago’s highways were constructed by Mayor Daley’s father to further racial segregation. The city still heavily reflects this, and if the numbers havent changed since I last heard, Chicago is the most segregated city in the US. [Take a trip across the city by car if you dont believe me--either north to south, or east to west, you'll see the same effect] But this reality is not something that receives a lot of attention.
Reflecting upon a comment that was made earlier by ‘why did I come…’, I think the reason why this is a bigger issue in the north than it is in the south is because things were dealt with much more openly in the south. Because the racism was that much more blatant, it was addressed and dealt with accordingly. Up here, people claimed that they weren’t racist, and proceeded to keep their blinders on.
Its easy to state that someone is over-reacting when you havent faced issues like this every day of your life. The more difficult thing to do is to step outside of yourself and actually look at the situation more broadly, and try to understand the history that makes people react the way they do. Although I personally have not experienced this (being a caucasian female), it is an issue that affects a great number of my friends and family. My boyfriend cannot drive his car through evanston with his hat on without getting his plates run by the evanston police. Many of my friends in highschool couldnt enter a gas station or convenience store without having someone follow them around. There are countless examples of this. Unless you know of this reality you have no right to question what Josh felt. All human experiences are subjective, because all of us come from a cultural perspective.
If Northwestern really wants more minority students to enroll, some of these bigger cultural concerns have to be addressed.
Leah
May 25, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Reader 2:
Until the education system in the united states is equal for all races and incomes, the admission to universities cannot be.
Leah
May 25, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Damn. This is gonna be a long one, folks, so I apologize ahead of time.
I feel the need to stress a point made somewhere WAY the hell up this discussion thread. Specifically, I wish to respond to this phrase from the poster named “The Facts Are There”:
“We know when things are racially motivated and not. It is hard for you to understand because you have never had to deal with it. Go get some black skin and walk around in a neighborhood like Evanston and see what I mean. Or better yet, just stop concealing racism and try to come to terms with the fact that a lot of white people are still fucking racists and can’t even admit when their own is wrong.”
Now, I will admit right off the bat that I am a 19-year-old white boy from a small town in the mountains of Pennsylvania with fairly well-off parents and a relative lack of dysfunction in his life.
So there is virtually NO WAY I can experience what many of the black people on this forum have experienced.
And I will admit that there are a lot of racist white people. A LOT of racist white people. But using language like “their own” makes it seem like white people are all on one goddamned team, marching bravely toward the black people as one before spitting on them.
And that just isn’t true.
My godparent is not only black but also gay, and I’ve seen people react to him and heard stories from him that make my skin crawl, that evoke in me to a burning, terrifying rage at the actions of my race. But they ARE my race. They are people just like me. And I want to help them.
If the issue of race is going to be addressed, then white people are going to need to be met with understanding as much as black people. Black people, in my opinion, are going to have to try as much as possible to understand racist white people and why they ARE the way they are just as racist white people must reciprocate in kind.
John Parton
May 25, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Sorry, that should be “evoke in me a burning, etc.”
John Parton
May 25, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Being an alum, it’s kinda sad and outrageous to read Josh’s letter. From my experience I can say during lunch hours Kellogg is indeed very crowded, and many undergrads go there to have lunch instead of Norris. I was an Econ Major and worked at Kellogg for three years. Kellogg is not that stringent about “professional attire.” I have seen many baggy clothes during my years there.
Even in the prestigious professional school I currently attend there are African American students who dress in baggy clothes everyday to class, and actually look like they just stepped out from a music video or a bad “thug” movie, yet they never get questioned or harassed.
If the police was not involved or Josh did not have his Wildcard checked, I might believe this is a case of a random employee being an a**hole. However, as Josh said, if they just ask him where he’s going (and he would have said Prof. Witte), everything would fine.
Jen
May 25, 2009 at 4:51 pm
The people who accosted you probably are jerks, but NUPD has procedures that they are required to follow when someone calls in for pretty much any reason.
And Leah, Barack Obama is president. That wasn’t possible fifty years ago. It’s not as big a deal as it was fifty years ago, even if some people are still racist.
Hank
May 25, 2009 at 4:56 pm
“I’m not going to rehash the futility of the “stop complaining because you darkies get affirmative action and that makes everything better” argument Reader 2 employed in his response”
All I’ll say about that fallacious logic is that affirmative action 1.) is not exclusively black, 2.) the type of affirmative action NU does employ must be piss-poor if it can only muster 120 black freshman, and 3.) affirmative action isn’t a cure-all trump card.
In this country, and this is a fact since people like tossing that word around on this board so often, black people had virtually no legally respected rights until 1964. Everyone else (i.e. white males, who run Northwestern University and the American education system as a whole) got a 400 year head start; the least a brother can expect is a little help getting into school.
Take, again, the South Side of Chicago for example. A kid who grows up in a poor neighborhood – in part b/c his parents are black – and then attends poor schools – b/c his neighborhood is poor b/c it’s majority black and is under-served. This is called institutional racism. Look. It. Up. While it’s a great thing to give this kid a shot at getting a college degree with affirmative action, it’s an illogical thing to expect him to overlook the multitude of other disadvantages his blackness still come with.
You can’t toss someone a crumb and expect them to be satisfied.
Dallas Wright
May 25, 2009 at 5:36 pm
It’s true that no one can really know what it’s like to be anybody else in this world. It’s true that no matter who you are, you face some sort of stereotyping in the world. But it just so happens that beyond individualistic feelings and ability to step into the shoes of another, the very system itself puts power in the hands of white men. The world of every minority is viewed through the eyes of white men. Our history books, starting from elementary school, teach us to see the world through these eyes. The television and movies we watch teach us to see the world through these eyes. So as valid as it seems to ask somebody to look through the eyes of a racist, I have to say thanks, but I already have. It’s taken me and most of the minorities I know through some sort of racial self hate. Even as a minority, I had to force myself to look outside the viewpoint that was embedded into me. I don’t think it’s too much to ask others to do the same thing, and I definitely don’t think it’s too much to ask my university to do.
Through whose eyes?
May 26, 2009 at 12:55 am
Through Whose Eyes, I agree. White men have been the assholes of history.
What I’m trying to say is that you can’t simply yell at them to not be racist. You’ve got to win hearts and minds, and to do that, you have to change some people at their very core, and to do THAT, you have to UNDERSTAND their very core and what has shaped it.
John Parton
May 26, 2009 at 1:11 am
While what happened to Josh is quite sad and unfortunate, I cannot completely blame NUPD. I’m confused as to why the officer would think the wildcard was stolen (doesn’t it have your picture on it?) but as to stopping you and asking your business, you have to understand the reasoning behind it. Political correctness aside, much of Evanston’s crime occurs in predominantly black areas (yes, it’s possible that not all crimes are reported but you can’t assume that). Not to mention that my friends have had experience with being mugged even on campus by…wait for it…two black men. I’m not saying that black people are bad people or that “affluent” white people don’t ever commit crimes, but in Evanston there is a pattern. As much as college kids say that clothes shouldn’t matter – they do. You are judged based on what you wear, how you speak, your mannerisms, and even the company you keep. Wearing big and baggy clothes (no matter how nicely ironed they are) is still not a professional way of dressing for any race. Unless the majority of criminals change the way they dress, their style of clothing will always have a negative connotation for anyone who wears them. I would rather NUPD check everyone that fits the usual description than to be politically correct and be afraid to do anything. While Josh was (maybe?) targeted, he wasn’t arrested. As much as it sucks to say and hear, racial profiling can be useful especially considering the odds of a baggy clothed black man being a student at NU (nobody can deny that the odds aren’t that great). Many times, townies come on campus and can mess things up for us.
understanding
May 26, 2009 at 11:54 am
In response to Reader 2: “Out of curiosity: if we can move past making decisions about people because of their race (a notion I unconditionally support), why do we have race-based affirmative action? Does that program, which Northwestern uses in its admissions, not state that some people are entitled to lower standards because of the color of their skin?”
First of all, I honestly think that without whatever form of Affirmative Action (or minority enrollment initiatives) Northwestern supposedly employs, Northwestern would have little to no Black enrollment. As Dallas said, there are only 120 incoming Black freshmen for next year, and this year I believe the numbers were even lower. Furthermore, if instances like Josh’s are happening and continue to happen, then minority enrollment will only decrease even more, regardless of whether there is any type of Affirmative Action or not. As Josh stated, no one wants to go through such “b.s. just to get a B.S.”
Second, and more importantly, the fact that Northwestern, or any school for that matter, uses Affirmative Action in its admissions does NOT imply that “some people are entitled to lower standards because of the color of their skin.” What are you trying to get at? Are you trying to say that, because a minority student is accepted through Affirmative Action, (s)he is therefore of a “lower standard” than any other applicant/acceptant? People accepted through Affirmative Action are of the same, and at times probably even higher standard, than those who don’t have to depend on Affirmative Action (traditionally white people). The reason Affirmative Action came to exist in the first place was to ensure that these equally qualified minority individuals had equal access to educational and employment opportunities.
Plus, it seems to me that Northwestern might actually be more dependent on whatever form of “Affirmative Action” it is using right now than are the minority students receiving it. Northwestern’s minority enrollment initiatives obviously aren’t working if only 120 Black students want to come in the Fall, and they definitely aren’t working if those who are already here feel isolated and racially discriminated against.
Kristin Lawson
May 26, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Let me start by saying that I’m very sorry this happened to you. I’ve never had to deal with anything quite like this. And I’m very disappointed that it happened here at Northwestern.
It seems like the issue stems from some racist and overly suspicious individuals at Kellogg. These people may never hear about the fallacy of their assumptions! The individuals who did the initial acts of racial profiling are unlikely to be intelligent enough to follow up on their actions and are even less likely to read NBN. They will go about their lives wrongly thinking they did what was required,
This leads me to my point– what is the best way to correct the behavior of these profilers? Please correct me but don’t tear me to shreds if something about this offends:
Josh, from my reading I think you acted defensively and unapologetically to the people who interrogated you. I get it– why should you have to prove your right to be in Kellogg at lunchtime? You obviously shouldn’t. However, if I was approached for whatever reason (however unlikely) I would make sure the other person felt comfortable about me before ending the conversation. This would include offering up my wildcard.
You shouldn’t have to defend yourself. Unfortunately, some people, having come from whatever segregated or racist background, want to profile. As a university, NU should do its best not to hire these people!!! But when these people fall through the cracks, a great way to prove them wrong is to show that a black man dressed in baggy clothes can in fact be a respectable NU student. I sincerely wish you didn’t have to prove them wrong. But if this is a goal you admire, the best way to reverse the prejudices of an ignorant person is through counter-example.
And then, after you expose the falsehood of his assumption– but only after he is convinced of your legitimacy– ask him, as you did “if he stops everyone in the building and interrogates them.” He will have to contemplate his own racism and will have no basis on which to defend himself. Perhaps he will think about this incident before he questions another innocent black student.
Tami
May 27, 2009 at 1:28 am
I’ve been following this article since it came out and have been trying to think of an appropriate response…but I’m basically at a loss for words. Josh, it’s upsetting to read about what happened, especially since after spending time with you for my project last quarter. It was easy to see how intelligent, articulate, and all-around undeserving of this you are.
The interesting thing is that coming from Miami, Florida, I expected Northwestern to fulfill my hopes of being more diverse and open-minded than my hometown. While NU is more diverse than the culture I grew up in, I’m shocked by the prevalence of racist/discriminatory thought here. It made me realize more than ever that I grew up in a bubble- a place where no one ever told me I’m “beautiful because I don’t look like a normal black person,” a place where I didn’t have to hear very much underlying, largely unrecognized prejudice in my friends’ comments.
Honestly, it scares me a little, that this is what the real world is probably like. Thanks, NU, for the crash course in racial politics and interaction, but I’d rather it weren’t necessary.
“When will it stop,” I’m wondering if you’re in my social meaning of race class…because the whole color blindness issue that you and Dallas touched upon is one of the subjects that interests me most in that class. People need to understand that Josh is NOT the problem because he’s raising this topic. He’s part of the solution…and we all can be too. I’m hoping we all came to Northwestern because some part of us wants to become more enlightened, to gain the knowledge that is so easily at our fingertips at such an amazing school. Well, it’s not other people’s responsibility to drop this awareness into our laps…we have to seek it out as well. On that note, I’m hoping to see a huge turnout at the event later today. Even if you don’t believe Josh was racially profiled, I feel like the first step toward social progress is making an effort to educate oneself about important issues such as this one…so do your part and come!
Zahra
May 27, 2009 at 1:42 am
oh shut it. this is so 1968, get with the times.
Some black guy
May 27, 2009 at 7:06 pm
You only got into your “dream school” because of affirmative blacktion, so appreciate it
lol
May 28, 2009 at 12:02 am
The FAIL in this thread is strong.
To paraphrase Dave Chapelle, you may not be a slut, but you are in a slut’s uniform. You many not be an imbecile, but you were in an imbecile’s uniform.
Also, affirmative action is essentially giving retarded kids easier tests, and treating both test grades equally, but the truth is, they’re retarded.
Few more things:
Stop using unnecessary big words and logical loops to justify your ridiculous self-righteousness.
Truth hurts don’t it Josh, take it like a man.
CONGRATULATIONS yall just burst your real-world bubbles
May 28, 2009 at 7:02 am
Legalize marijuana.
Jesus
May 28, 2009 at 8:41 pm
This has to stop. A student can’t raise the issue of racial profiling without being attacked and ‘held responsible’ for affirmative action.
Joshua, I deeply admire your ability to formulate your arguments so clearly because I can only imagine the humiliation brought upon you and I don’t know if I could stay so calm if I were you. Keep doing what you’re doing. Racial profiling is de-humanizing and needs to stop, no matter what a bunch of hate-filled white kids say.
Shocked student
May 31, 2009 at 11:01 pm
“You only got into your “dream school” because of affirmative blacktion, so appreciate it”…?
you’re at a $40,000-per-year school. get educated, bigot.
on the other hand… i was going to put together a well-worded response to all the haters on this thread, but the level of ignorance on this thread is astounding. i normally find such idiocy on youtube comments. the appropriate response for me, then, is to assume that you’re all just inherently stupid, so there’s no reason for me to try to work it out for you. but the problem with that attitude is that the vast majority (if not all of you) attend this very same school i previously thought it was an accomplishment to get into. am i seriously paying this much money to attend a school that lets dumbasses like this just slide?
so maybe it’s not your fault that you lack any ability to understand the nuances of race relations on this campus or in america as a whole. maybe you’re just born with that defect. ok. i won’t judge you now, any more than i would judge an amputee for not being able to use a ladder. but just as i wouldn’t bet on that amputee to win a wrestling match, i wouldn’t bet on you to get anywhere in modern society.
this doesn’t even remotely address the issue at hand, and i don’t care. i’m just so incredibly pissed at the ignorant bullshit i’m looking at here.
charlie
June 1, 2009 at 12:18 am
Maybe someone out there is better informed on university policy than I am. Just who has the right to ask for your wildcard? I didn’t realize it was a campus hall pass that you needed to keep on you at all times.
David
June 2, 2009 at 12:29 am
I’m a student at UChicago, and our student ID cards state: “This ID is the property of the University of Chicago and is no-transferable. Must be shown on demand.”
Does the NU card have such a statement?
Andrew Thornton
June 4, 2009 at 11:53 am
non-transferable*
Andrew Thornton
June 4, 2009 at 11:53 am
Yeah, this is so 1968. Shut up. If someone had pointed to a separate drinking fountain in Kellogg for your use, I would have let it slide. But that didn’t happen, Josh. So stop being a drama queen.
Until then, there are no facts in this story. The truth of the incident lies somewhere between Josh’s statement and the statements of the administrators and police officers involved which we are not privy to. So everyone can stop arguing now.
Rhiannon
June 4, 2009 at 12:48 pm
I’m with Charlie. And I’m with Josh. And I’m ashamed of NU.
Lauren
June 6, 2009 at 10:10 pm
“A lot of white people like to believe that Obama’s presidency has waved a magic tolerance wand over America and now everyone’s equal and hate-free.”
A bit extreme. Poor argument. Obama’s presidency has no purpose in the context of this event.
“It was said earlier that the only way we will see change is if someone from the other side of the fence, i.e. white people, start to see there is a problem.”
This assumes white people are the only racists. Stereotypes exist on both sides. How can you group all “white people” as racists? “normal, non-racist” white people see the problem. Guess what? Most of us live together. Racist white people tend to live together. It’s a downward spiral and they grow in their environment, and many times they aren’t educated to know any better. Racism will be around for a while. Be a good role model (whatever your race is) and change one person’s opinion at a time. THat’s all you can do. Be a good example and hope someone is paying attention.
“It’s discouraging to see someone who is 1.) obviously intelligent and 2.) all too familiar with issues of race and racism dismissed as an opportunist by people from different experiences. Even if the anonymous “contributors” on this letter are from racially diverse hometowns (which I doubt), they have not and cannot have experienced what Josh has. Ever. Point blank period.”
This is untrue. I am a straight, white, Catholic male. I have experienced racism (in Japan, from Asians, in Chicago, from African-Americans, while I was helping at a soup kitchen, in California from Latinos) I have been called a white devil. I was ignored at an Indian restaurant. I had to walk out because they wouldn’t serve me. I’ve been called everything that is wrong with this world. I have been mocked and physically attacked for dating an African-American woman. I have also been a victim of age-ism in the corporate world, and sexism. I also have red hair. Did you know that hair-ism exists? I have been victimized because of my status, too. people try to take advantage of it. We are all victims at some point, and some more often than others. And it sucks. But, seriously, you can not attach NU’s reputation to the actions of 2-3 people. The cop was doing his job. It’s protocol to confirm IDs. Do you know how easy it is to make a fake ID? Really easy. For all you know, the first person that approached you may have seen a print-out of a “Wanted Persons” list. Maybe she thought you looked like him or fit the clothing description. Maybe she was physically assaulted the other day, or saw a news show that just inserted paranoia. Whatever the reason, she acted some way, expressed her concerns to someone else, and, for all we know, he thought he was being a good Samaritan. He may have thought, “Better safe than sorry”. Perhaps HE was a victim at one point. The facts? We don’t know the facts. We can create assumptions based on the context of the situation. We can have feelings. But we don’t know the facts.
“So I wanted to make it clear that I do not think that you are racist, but I am inclined to think that you’ve chosen to be ignorant.”
Comments like this don’t help. You want to help convert someone? You want them to see things from your eyes? Why don’t you have lunch with him and open his eyes instead of saying he is ignorant. Maybe you are being the ignorant one. You can talk and type all you want, but until you do anything, you are no better than the “ignorant” people. And to put yourself in the white person’s shoes: How would you feel if every action you make is criticized, and every INACTION you make is deemed ignorant? I often feel this way, that no matter what I say/think, it is deemed wrong and ignorant and racist/sexist/ageist, etc. in some way shape or form. I am not kidding here: I feel helpless as a white man, in the sense that I get no breaks, even though I come from a horrible background. I worked my butt off and got to where I am today. Sometimes life sucks. Go ahead, fight it. If you care, do something about it. If you don’t, let it go, and live on, and realize that it’ll probably happen again. Thus is life. It isn’t fair. It isn’t perfect. And everyone has problems.
Dave
June 10, 2009 at 12:28 am
consider hbcu’s
you will probably get treated better,and have less racism/ignorance to deal with
god
June 25, 2009 at 5:55 am
yeah well the point is we’ve had three mugging in the past 2 weeks and theyve all been by 20yr old blacks
maybe profiling reflects statistics
i am hispanic and when i go through airports i get double checked, why? because hispanics are more likely to traffic drugs. do i mind? no. its just security forces trying to be efficient by using the statistics at hand.
so what if its racial profiling. the numbers justify it.
juan b.
November 5, 2009 at 3:05 am
Zahra, if you think Northwestern is the “real world” you are in for a surprise.
JJ
November 6, 2009 at 6:38 am
medical marijuana is the answer to tens of thousands of patients just in LA, SPEAK UP LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Doctor
November 20, 2009 at 3:39 pm