Photo by Dexter Bercero

International Faire shows few clubs

Performing before an impressively large group of people, Michael Jackson showed off his moves Tuesday at the University Student Union Plaza.

Tatsuro Abe, Cal State Long Beach's Michael Jackson, did his rendition of the famous singer's dance moves while lip-synching, as part of International Faire 1996.

Decorated with colorful balloons and flags from various countries, the event was sponsored by the International Student Association in conjunction with Associated Students, Inc.

"The fair was to raise cultural awareness in students," said Kiyo Mori, president of ISA.

The event was sparsely attended by campus clubs, despite the fact that many clubs were asked to attend the affair, Mori explained.

"Unfortunately there are only Asian clubs here," he said.

Mori further explained that the low turnout by campus clubs could possibly have been from the confusion on which day the fair was to take place.

"We had to change the day of the event and people probably got confused," he said.

One of two major events that ISA sponsors every school year, the fair was also to give students a chance to see the diversity in different cultures, Mori said.

Lisa Milbourn, a member of ISA who helped sell a variety of ethnic food at the fair, said being a part of the club has given her the opportunity to interact with students from different cultures.

"I've learned so much," she said. "Being in the club has made my college experience much better."

Ammal Farahat, a new member of ISA, said the club has given her the opportunity to meet many different people.

"There's a wide range of things to learn from a lot of people and it helps you to have an open mind," Farahat said.

The other main event the club funds is the International Dinner that takes place in March. This event is usually held in the USU, Mori said.

Clubs that attended the fair included the Pilipino American Coalition, the Vietnamese Student Association and the Indonesian Club.