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10/22/2017

Cultural Appropriation on Campus

5 Comments

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Crying is not an easy thing to put out there. A socially traditional feminine trait, we have been shamed into suppressing emotions that aren't positive or 'happy'. Well, I say screw it. Here's a gigantic screenshot of my splotchy, bloated, crying face. Why am I crying you may ask? Well, my new vlog pretty much explains it all. 

​Towards the end, I have an (admittedly long) emotional breakdown where I vent my raw and messy thoughts to my camera, which is a step forward considering how awkward and frozen I get when I'm in front of my vlogging camera. For those of you who may be wondering how I addressed this problem to my university, here's the email I sent them: 

To whom it may concern,

Last night I received an email regarding the weekend trip and saw that my group (the Arts & Culture students) have the theme “wild west”. In the attachment, we were instructed to bring our “best cowboy/Indian” outfits. Firstly, I would like to kindly mention that referring to Native Americans as Indians is not appropriate. Secondly, using a race and their culture as costume is a form of cultural appropriation, which contributes to the oppression of said race. 
Using their culture as a costume or a fashion statement trivializes the historical (and current) suffering of Native American people, especially with the current events of the Dakota Access Pipeline. To this day, Native Americans are still fighting against systematic oppression and fighting for their sacred lands. I find it ironic that an institution which facilitates education has chosen this theme, especially since none of the Arts & Culture students are Native Americans and more than 90% are white, privileged people. I would also like to shine light on the fact that there is the possibility of students drinking in these “costumes”, which disrespects the meaning of their culture. 
As a person of color myself, I decided not to go on this weekend trip even though I have already paid because I did not want to show support for an event with such a theme. Because I chose not go, I don’t know if students are even going to wear Native American culture as costumes. From my research before applying, Radboud University seemed very enthusiastic and embraces their international community. However, the fact that the university has enabled and created a space where cultural appropriation is deemed casual deeply disappoints me. 

I hope that my input will affect the introduction team’s future decisions and weekend trip themes. 

Best regards,
Selena Soemakno

Again, I'm not posting this to 'expose' or 'throw shade on' my university, because I did genuinely enjoy the week despite the mishap. Furthermore, they have replied, acknowledged, and apologized for the mistake. I wanted to post my email in detail because it could help those of you who may want to speak up (especially to authoritative figures), because it can be frightening even though you know you're in the right. I also hope that it stands as an example. I am not a part of the Native American community, and I would never claim to know the weight of their suffering. However, I do know that these things are wrong, and I want to speak up, even if nobody else will. I hope I get to see the day everyone is appalled and shocked by racist micro-aggressions. 

I know that it's nothing crazy, and it's not a huge step for society, but change starts at home and if I'm going to make this university my home, I sure as hell will make the most out of it. 
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5 Comments
Aunt Eve link
10/24/2017 05:29:25 am

Out of sight, but not out of love and prayers. Selena, Uncle Mike and I watched your orientation blog/video. We are so proud of you for standing up for what is right. It is important to be sensitive to other cultures and respect the people and what they believe. Uncle Mike is part Cherokee. His relatives traveled in the trail of tears and settled in Oklahoma. Andrew Jackson, a former president of the US ordered the Cherokee to walk from North Carolina to Oklahoma. There is a museum in North Carolina in the city where we live to commemorate him. I have personally chosen to not attend the museum, not because I am bitter, but to protest a movement that uprooted and displaced thousands of people from their homes and culture. Uncle Mike's family still has the land that was appropriated to the Cherokee in Oklahoma.

I also listened to your poem. It was very touching, and you read it with so much passion. Most people do not realize that not only the victim of rape suffers, but also the boyfriend and her future husband.

In all of this injustice, forgiveness is the key to unlock healing to the wounded. We are so happy that you have the support of your grandparents and parents. Please know that our love and prayers are with you. We are silently with you and praying for you from a distance. It is our joy to watch you on video. You feel so near.

Love,
Aunt Eve and Uncle Mike

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margie link
10/25/2017 01:48:56 am

It is your party and you can cry if you want too. Thanks for putting it out there. Although it is "ver van jouw bed" as the Dutch saying goes, you are still trying to raise your voice for what is right for other people.

I am very proud of you and for the young woman you have become. (For all the things that we have done wrong as parents. We must have done something right :). Keep doing what you're doing. Like dad said, we got your back!

Also thanks Eve and Mike for watching and following Selena's journey and for taking the time to share your experiences with her.

Love you much,
Mama

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Selena link
10/28/2017 12:19:57 am

Dear Aunt Eve and Uncle Mike,

I never knew Uncle Mike is part Cherokee, and it deeply saddens me to think of his culture and history. As for choosing not to attend the museum, I would definitely agree with you, and I think that change begins with yourself/your home. It is something that I still have to remind myself; I can't change or control people's opinions, I can only change/control my own. I hope when we meet again (hopefully sooner than later), Uncle Mike can tell me more about his relatives, I would love to learn more about their history and understand the issues that arise today.

I am glad the poem affected you in some little way, it took me a while to come forth and post it. Rape is a heavy topic but so crucial discuss.

Thank you for always reaching out to support me. I miss the both of you (and Glory!) so much.

Much love,

Selena

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Papa Bear
10/29/2017 10:20:59 pm

Dear Selena,

I am super proud of you.....I am lost for words everytime I come for a visit to your site usually because I missed you I ended up in tears.

Eve thank you for your kind words. God has put the path of our two families intertwined and we are bless by it. Alhamdulillah....

browse around here link
4/11/2018 02:16:53 am

Good artcile, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting.

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  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • In Pursuit of Self Nourishment
    • Selena Soemakno
  • PROJECTS
    • SIERISSA (Blog) >
      • Categories >
        • Lifestyle >
          • Culture
          • Self-Love
          • Favorites
          • Fashion
          • Beauty
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          • #TravelWithSel
          • #ReviewedBySel
        • Art >
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        • Education >
          • IB >
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    • WAIT, LET ME THINK (PODCAST)
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