International Faire lacks participation and diversity

The United States is not a melting pot. It's more like a salad bowl.

The "salad bowl" theory makes room for cultural diversity and acceptance. All Americans blend harmoniously as do the vegetables that make up a salad. Just as tomatoes remain tomatoes, each person should be permitted to be who they are.

A melting pot would just make a green glob.

More ethnic, gender and sexual orientation issues need to be brought out into the open on campus.

It is unfortunate that a CSULB International Faire took place yet very few campus clubs participated.

Cultural awareness should not be the objective of a multicultural event. Many people are aware that the campus is diverse.

To know that multiple cultures exist is one thing, and to be able to respect and appreciate others for their differences is another.

As long as people are diverse, some will believe that they are superior to others. No one race, gender, sexual orientation or lifestyle could be rated or compared against another.

Some may feel that pin-pointing cultural differences will make it more difficult to reach an egalitarian society. But with that type of attitude this country will never have an equal society.

Difference is what makes this country beautiful. Learning about other cultures can bring us together as Americans.

Lisa Milbourn, member of the International Student Association, had said that being a part of the organization has given her the opportunity to interact with students from different cultures.

Communicating with different types of people is part of daily life, and it is imperative that we attempt to get a better understanding of one another.

The Pilipino American Coalition, Vietnamese Student Association and the Indonesian Club took part in the International Faire 1996. Their participation was appreciated. But where were the rest of the clubs?

The lack of club involvement in the faire makes it more difficult for students to get information about the various clubs on campus.

The International Faire should have been an event to encourage networking, student outreach and exposure to campus clubs.

There are more than 270 active clubs on campus ranging from La Raza, the Black Student Union to the Young Democrats and the College Republicans, Men and Women Against Rape and the Gay and Bisexual Student Union to the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Catholic Newman Club. The list goes on.

Students can inquire about the many clubs CSULB has to offer by visiting the Student Life and Development Office in Rm. 203 of the University Student Union. The center can provide interested students with a phone number and/or mailbox of a club's president for more information.

In March the International Student Association will have an International Dinner in the Student Union. This function will provide another opportunity for students to interact with each other.

Additional activities of cultural diversity are needed as a part of the college experience. Students must develop an understanding of other people in order to be prepared for the diverse workplace.

Francesca Cosimano is a reporter for the Daily Forty-Niner.