WINTER 2012 QUARTERLY TABLE OF CONTENTS • “Cultural Convergence Collage” • Tortilla Social, Manny Balsaldua • “There’s No Taste like Home,” Llanée Anderson • DCORe, Isabel Montenegro • “Akima’s Visit,” Azucena Fernandez • USFC Philanthrophy Showcase, Sandy Wong • Gospel Fest and Garden Street Takeover • Cal Poly Celebrates the Year of the Dragon, Adam Yee • “Being on Top with MLK,” Allen Lu • “The N-Word,” Devon Buddan • “Occupy Oakland,” Isabel Montenegro • “Diversity Advocate Training,” Shariq Hashmi 2 MCC QUARTERLY CULTURAL WINTER 2012 1 3 Lion Dance Cal Poly Lion Dance Team in Hanford’s China Alley which was marked as one of eleven most endangered historic places. For the past few years, the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team has devoted their time to show the community that China Alley is brimming with cultural history. 1 2 Diversity Education Increasing cultural awareness and reducing oppression. Break down the barriers that hold us back and learn about something or someone different. 3 3 4 Gloria Anzaldua This is Gloria Anzaldua. She embodied what it means to be a Chicana Feminist-a poet, writer, storyteller and activist as well as played a major role in creating a more inclusive women’s movement. 5 Freeedom of Speech Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak without censorship. The MCC promotes freedom of speech by hosting open forums, open mic nights, and participating in ASI’s UU free speech hour. 4 5 Plato in Phaedres (276 c) “he who has knowledge of the just and the good and beautiful ... will not, when in earnest, write them in ink, sowing them through a pen with words, which cannot defend themselves by argument and cannot teach the truth effectually.” 2 5 6 7 6 Cultural Awareness Cal Poly’s Lantern Festival is the largest celebration of Asian Pacific Islander culture on the central coast. Clubs and other cultural organizations are able to showcase their diversity through performances, food, and crafts. 7 “Cultural Convergence” Emerging a Merge Emergence. Cultural Convergence. Eliminating Against’s by Taking Down Fences. Evolution. In Dense Environments. Gather. Together. Whatever Weather. CONVERGENCE 4 MCC QUARTERLY Tortilla Social Manny Balsaldua To start off the new quarter, the MCC hosted a very special event. On January 11, the MultiCultural Center sponsored its second Tortilla Social inviting students and faculty to come in and have a great time while getting to know the MCC and its recognition here at Cal Poly. Diversity advocates gathered together, cooking up a storm to bring a joyful day to our student body. Students and faculty were able to take a couple minutes out of their busy schedules to stop by and enjoy some homemade tortillas and quesadillas. With events/socials like these, people outside of the cultural community at Cal Poly are drawn in by the music, laughter, and overall social gathering and feeling further welcome in our “Home Away from Home” environment. Bringing cultural activities to campus is what moves me the most and seeing students of different backgrounds coming together and sharing conversations, ending the day with great time. With the success of this event, the MCC was able to gather over 50+ students and inform them about the upcoming MultiCultural Center events. “There’s No Taste like Home” Llanée Anderson I bit into my Tri-tip sandwich and waited to experience the satisfaction that must be worth waiting a half block for, but it never came. Sadly, I was disappointed yet again and left Farmers Market muttering “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home…” wishing I had my own pair of ruby red slippers in the process. These are the confessions of a newfound foodie. Prior to my move to SLO I lived in San Diego where food options are quite diverse. Being Jamaican I’m used to eating an array of food, at home we’re used to eating some staples such as rice and beans, plantains, curry chicken, etc. So, when I choose to go out for a meal I almost always prefer restaurants that serve culturally specifically cuisine, some normal restaurant choices for me back home were Middle Eastern, Japanese, Peruvian, and Mexican. Though I do like to eat American food on occasion, I think that it’s amazing that we’re in a country full of so many different people from so many different backgrounds, who eat different foods. So why not try and enjoy some of those foods too? Moving to SLO I found myself at a loss, constantly missing the “tastes” of home. I guess I never appreciated all the great options I had until they weren’t just a few blocks away anymore. Some of my favorite types of food are here, but it’s not the same. It’s almost as if the flavors that made them so delicious to begin with have just disappeared. Continued on next page. WINTER 2012 5 Native American Heritage Series: Akima Presentation Azucena Fernandez Cal Poly and the MultiCultural Center had the honor of inviting Akima Castaneda, a storyteller and Chumash elder, to present in one of the Native American heritage events. Akima received his BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from UCSB and has actively been helping his community. Akima’s performance presented theories about how “it takes a whole village to raise a child” and “we all bleed red, regardless of the color of robe we wear”. He presented with several other Chumash elders who performed traditional song and dance, and it was a great experience to hear them share stories and songs passed down to them by their ancestors. It was monumental to have a performer share his beliefs with the Cal Poly community, especially since the Native American population is so small here. Everyone on this campus has to right to feel as they belong to a community, and by bringing Akima, the MultiCultural Center has allowed other students to understand Native American culture and welcome new cultures and traditions. We have many different religions, languages, and skin colors, but we all belong to one human race. By hosting these types of events, the MCC aims to foster a generation of students who are culturally knowledgeable and who will one day contribute to a global society. “There’s No...” From Page 4 I frequently find myself trying new recipes, adding turmeric and tandoori to everything just to find that flavor that I’m so accustomed to. Experimenting with spices has led me to become a better cook, however, I still find myself searching for that flavor I love in our local restaurants. A recent trip to Farmer’s Market led me to the Tamale booth that I often found myself overlooking in the past. A cheese and jalapeño tamale caught my eye and the rest is history. These are the most delicious tamales I’ve tasted in San Luis Obispo, and are an excellent price for the portion. Maybe, just maybe, there’s some hope after all? Though I still find myself still muttering “There’s no place like home,” or rather “There’s no taste like home” there are some little places that have the comforts of home without having to make the trip. DCORe Isabel Montenegro As part of my work with the MultiCultural Center, I am in charge of planning and facilitating the DCORe meetings (Diversity Clubs and Organizations Resource) that serves as a representative of the cultural clubs and organizations on the Cal Poly campus. Through its collaboration with other groups on campus, DCORe aims to fulfill Cal Poly’s Diversity Learning Objectives and to engage students with issues of social justice, unity and advocacy. Our most recent DCORe meeting proved to be a safe space for various cultural organizations to exchange ideas, voice concerns and expand their network of resources to meet their own goals. Throughout the years, there have been various beautiful projects that have grown from this collaborative group. This year, the MCC has implemented a new event series called the Women of Color event series, born out of a need for safe space for women coming from marginalized groups. I look forward to being a part of the successes and accomplishments that DCORe will continue through upcoming events in the next couple of months. 6 MCC QUARTERLY USFC Philanthropy Showcase Sandy Wong During UU Hour on February 23, the United Sorority and Fraternity Council took over the UU Plaza to display the various philanthropic causes that they support. Each of the ten multi-cultural Greek Organizations on campus had a table to showcase their philanthropy and distribute any information on their cause to the Cal Poly campus and SLO community. The philanthropies included the Be The Match Bone Marrow Donor Program, Breast Cancer Awareness and Backpacks for Kidz. With the success of this event, USFC is currently planning another Philanthropy Showcase for Spring Quarter. For more information, contact: Adriana Vasquez, USFC Community Service Chair acasarez_vasquez@yahoo.com Garden Street Takeover This event was a celebration of Black culture. Drums are used in almost every Black diasporic community and are a symbol of pride and culture. WINTER 2012 7 Gospel Fest Lift Every Voice & Sing is a celebration of gospel music and Black History Month. Gospel, meaning “good news,” derived its name from it close connection with the gospels (books in the New Testament).The audience for this spiritually moving idiom continues to grow as do the types of venues where it can be heard. No longer bound to the walls of the American church, gospel music captures the creative and spiritual imaginations of increasing numbers of international audiences. For gospel singers and listeners, making a joyful noise unto the Lord is what the music is about and it invites the participation of all to come together, honor the past, look forward to the future, and through song, renew our faith.The night will consisted of poetry, singing, praise, and a sermon presented in the context of Black history and culture. 8 MCC QUARTERLY Cal Poly Celebrates the Year of the Dragon Adam Yee San Luis Obispo entered the year of the dragon on January 23rd 2012 as part of an annual holiday known as the Lunar New Year. Celebrated in East Asian countries including China, Korea and Vietnam, this festival is a little bit different than the New Year we know of. The Lunar New Year is a celebration that takes place every twelfth full moon rotation which is why the day changes every year. In China, the coming of the New Year is treated as a festival lasting up to fifteen days long. Within these fifteen days, the citizens have traditional customs to prepare for a fresh start. The Lunar New Year is celebrated in San Luis Obispo. Within a two week span of January 19th to February 2nd, many Asian clubs, organizations, schools, and businesses prepare themselves for the Lunar New Year. Some celebrate for good luck; others celebrate to show the community more about their culture. This year, the Lunar New Year was early but that didn’t stop the clubs and organizations from setting up performances and hosting shows. In San Luis Obispo County, the Lunar New Year is taught by elementary schools, celebrated by oriental restaurants and showcased on campus as a way to spread cultural awareness and to bless its participants with good luck. ing the old-cultural value, the play was enjoyable for all ages. The Cal Poly Lion Dance Team was hard at work this Lunar New Year. Around this time, the team composed of all students, got requests from local restaurants and businesses to perform a ceremonial blessing for good luck. Restaurants all the way from Atascadero requested the performers to bless their establishments. Some known restaurants include Lotus and Golden China. Schools and service groups have also asked for the Lion Dance team to perform for educational purposes including two dorms in Cal Poly. The Lion Dance team also performs in the Chinese New Year Banquet hosted by CSA. The members of the Lion Dance Team are always happy to show San Luis Obispo the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year and its customs. Every year, the Chinese Student Association (CSA) hosts its annual banquet (now going on its 55th year) to show the community of San Luis Obispo, Chinese culture. Focusing on Chinese New Year, the students invite the university and the community of San Luis Obispo for a dinner and a show. Within this celebratory dinner, guests get to see Lion Dancing, Asian hiphop, Wushu Tai Chi and Ribbon Dancers perform. The main event is a play composed and performed by Cal Poly students showcasing a modern retelling of how the oriental dragon was created. Filled with pop-culture references while still retain- Lion Dance Team performing at CSA’s 55th Chinese New Year Banquet WINTER 2012 9 Being on Top with MLK Allen Lu We are all born with a natural instinct- a desire to be out front, a desire to lead the parade, a desire to be first. From our very first breaths, we are little bundles of egos demanding attention. And everybody loves to be praised; nobody is ever unhappy when receiving praise. While there are many ways to get compliments, what is the most common way for us to gain attention? We buy expensive items and identify ourselves with our possessions, further feeding our repressed egos. “Wow! I look so good in this jacket,” or “I’m going to buy this car It’s better than my neighbor’s car.” Subsequently, our neighbor may react by leasing an even better car or building an addition to their house to “beat” our house. A cycle of “identity building” ensues as we continue to top one another. And boy is it easy to get sucked into this competitive spiral; it is so easy to get lost in this destructive mind storm! We have all encountered someone who constantly talks about themselves: boasting about what they own or their accomplishments. Here’s a thought: in reality, we are no better than that person. The only difference is that while they verbally express how amazing they are, we boast ourselves by enhancing our appearances and material possessions. Think. Why are we so attached with what we have that others don’t have? Can’t we let go of this attitude of “I must be first. I must be supreme”? People are dying because of this natural instinct that is ingrained in our worldview. Can we eliminate thoughts related to being superior due to white privilege, being the model minority, or being cool because we roll with the toughest gang on the streets? Can we welcome whoever comes to our front door without showing them up? (And I want you to know: I am not here to point fingers, because I am a criminal just like everyone else.) The thing is, we can learn from those who have walked a path that stood out in history. Take Jesus Christ as an example. This is His message to us who love the attention: Oh I see, you want to be first. You want to be great. You want to be important. You want to be significant. Well you ought to be. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be first in love. I want you to be first in moral excellence. I want you to be first in generosity. And honestly, I can’t make you first. You must earn it. True greatness comes not by favoritism but by fitness. A new standard of greatness is defined here, and it is not defined by the material wealth or physical appearance one has. He wanted us to recognize that the GREATEST among us is our SERVANT. By definition, we all have the capacity to be great. Let us acknowledge this; let us understand the depth of loving humanity. For we are all born with the same things; we’re all made of cells; we’re all made of genes; we’re all made of blood, bones, and flesh. Serve your friends. Serve your family. Serve your community. You can be first in this way. This is a rendition of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “The Drum Major Instinct.” Similar interfaith readings and discussions are hosted weekly at MCC’s Civic Reflections where faculty, staff, and students are able to appreciate religious diversity together. This event is part of The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge. 10 MCC QUARTERLY MCC-Black Heritage Series The N-Word: In History, Hate Crimes, & Hip-Hop MCC collaboration with Soup & Substance (Student Community Services) Devon Buddan Although a lot of my events are controversial and political, preparing for this was different. It was very challenging preparing to facilitate a discussion around the controversy over the N-Word because of my personal experiences and strong opposition of the word. I’ve always associated the N-Word with a long history of hate, murder, and dehumanization of African-Americans in this country. However, there are a lot people of all races that use this word casually. The N-Word freely flows in Hip-Hop, rap music, and other popular cultural productions. How can a word that was used to justify slavery, murder by lynching, and today, committing horrendous hate crimes against African-Americans be used so causally? At the end of the discussion I shared the pain I endured when I was called the N-Word by a group of White young men driving pass me in San Luis Obispo. I wanted people to take away the power this word will always hold because of its dark history. No matter how people can switch the word with an “-er” or “-ah” at the end, it still has the capacity to negatively affect people when used to intentionally harm or not. My intention was not to address every controversy, complication, and complexity of the N-word, but I hoped people understood that it is not just a word. Words have power and language frames how we think about things. Consequently, we all have a responsibility to know our history and understand how the N-Word is no exception. Occupy Oakland Isabel Montenegro On the afternoon of January 28, 20012 in Oakland, CA, my brother and I were faced with yet another lesson as to the ways that our criminal justice systems aims to control not only specific marginalized people, but also groups that explicitly oppose the ways that our government and economic structures work. By late afternoon, the streets were full of protestors reaching up to 2,000 people. Many were families with babies and strollers; there were students, locals and allies of the movement peacefully marching to advocate for our grievances. Unbeknownst to us, the mayor and OPD of Oakland had planned a mass arrest for that specific day to target and control the protestors. As the evening progressed, the police task force began to incite violence through corralling us into small blocks were we could not escape and telling us to disperse along with firing tear gas canisters at us while we of course panicked for our safety and that of others in leaving the escalating scene. Around 6pm that evening, 400 of us were arrested, some with the threat of being charged with misdemeanors while others with the more serious and damaging felony charge. Continued on next page. WINTER 2012 “Occupy Oakland” From Page 10 The days to follow in the Alameda County Jail continue to spur anger and frustration in a system that preaches democracy but acts hypocritically.The students, professionals and local people of Oakland that were arrested that night can attest to the brutal acts of violence that were experienced both during the protest as well as inside the jail. What could have been handled differently was the way that the OPD came at us with weapons in hand. It was their lack of peaceful manner and ignorance of our demands that turned the Occupy protest into a violent and traumatic experience. One that, regardless of the treatment we received, I take as personal and political lesson, a reason to keep fighting and rising up against the oppressors. The Occupy Movement provides a lens not only into the injustice that many of us suffer as a result of a deeply ingrained racism, but also into the dysfunctional ways that our criminal justice system works to control specific groups. For this reason, it is important to continue to examine the movement’s positive goals as well as its downfalls. Just like DCORe, it is possible that this social movement can give way to change. It is now our responsibility as the next generation to engage in changing the oppressive structures of society into something that benefits and gives back to not just the 1% of our population. 11 Diversity Advocate Training Shariq Hashmi Our Diversity Advocate Trainings are 2-hour workshops for Cal Poly students, staff, and faculty who are interested in increasing their awareness and sensitivity for living in a pluralistic society. Through critical reflection and group dialogue, the training is designed to increase awareness of multiculturalism by first examining our own social identities. Trainings are best suited for eight to fifteen participants. Because trainings require genuine reflection from participants, voluntary participation strongly preferred over incentivized or mandatory participation. The training also provides a framework for taking concrete steps toward creating a more inclusive environment and influencing social change. The main goals of the training are to: • Use self-awareness as a starting point to build cross cultural competence • Encourage participants to speak out against bigotry • Introduce and connect participants to a network of Diversity Advocates We hope to provide individuals with tools for creating a more inclusive environment at Cal Poly. By expanding the community of Diversity Advocates we hope to provide individuals with a caring and supportive network of students and university professionals. We hope that this training will help the Cal Poly community take additional steps toward long term, self-sustaining change for a more inclusive campus. DIVERSITY ADVOCATE T R A I N I N G