During freshman orientation, we were continuously reminded of the high percentage of international students in the Class of 2011. In the fall of 2007, Dartmouth welcomed over 80 international students to the Big Green -- a number that flaunted just how diverse Dartmouth was becoming. A closer look, however, reveals a reality that statistics have masked: Interntational and American students remain disconnected because of their preconceived notions about each other -- the ignorant, narrow-minded American and the patronizing international student.
It is easy to point the finger at American students when identifying a culprit, blaming them for building a wall against the unfamiliar minority. But international students have also contributed to this division. American students have generally greeted me with genuine interest in my international background. By asking me about my country, American students have welcomed me and encouraged me to share my culture with them. How welcoming have international students been in return?
Granted, we have made great strides in unifying the international students with the rest of the College, and I have noticed interaction between the two communities. But there is still a hesitation when forming this international-American relationship -- a hesitation that seems to be stimulated by a sense of bitterness and resentment.
I have often been in situations with my peers in which the slightest mention of my hometown of Singapore warranted comments like "self call!" or "oh, you're from Singapore, excuse us." At first, I did not understand why mentioning my country meant that I was declaring I was somehow superior. I discovered the answer, however, after being in countless situations in which international students bashed American culture, lifestyle and politics in a condescending tone. I have heard comments that attacked an American's intelligence or "lack of culture." I have even heard international students bash the American partying ways: "Americans don't know how to party. In [insert foreign country] we raged when we were 12!"
Imagine what happens if an American insults a foreign culture. He or she is called prejudiced, ignorant and disrespectful. By saying these things about Americans, international students are committing the exact same crime. We are being prejudiced, ignorant and disrespectful by generalizing an entire population, and in the process, we are also isolating ourselves. We must be careful not to be hypocritical with our words. If we come here expecting Americans to accept our individual cultures, we should be respectful enough to do the same.
These comments are often not meant to be malicious but emerge from a combination of homesickness and discomfort. I personally understand the initial cultural shock of having to experience an entirely different world, and I am sure I have made my share of such remarks. The danger is that these closed-minded views present a negative stereotype of an international kid that is detrimental to unifying American and international students. In a vicious cycle, American students hesitate to invite what they see as anti-American, "we're-better-than-you" international students, and the international students take this hesitation as an unwelcoming signal.
Expressing national pride does not need to include animosity toward other nations. We should rid ourselves of the hostility towards America that always seems to follow any patriotic comment.
International students should embrace rather than reject the American culture and lifestyle. This is not to say that one should forget his or her own roots and simply conform to the American way. I do not ask that you silence any opinion you have or buy into everything American simply to please. But it is important that international students show the respect and open-mindedness that they ask of their American peers. It is similar to being a guest at a dinner party: While you do not have to like everything your host is feeding you, you should try it and be respectful during your stay.
If we hope to create a better relationship between international and American students at Dartmouth, the two parties must make a mutual effort. We cannot merely place the blame on one side. Instead, each of us must take on the responsibility for creating stronger relationships. Until this happens, the statistics that broadcast Dartmouth's diversity will remain empty numbers. We must tear down this wall. Only then can we truly boast that Dartmouth's community is diverse.
