In its second Brown Bag Series of the year, Ball State's Multicultural Center will host an open discussion on several of the most racially offensive words in the English language.
The Ball State and Muncie communities are invited to attend "Negro, Nigger, Nigga: What's In a Name," which will be held at noon in the Multicultural Center. The series will focus on the origin, use and meaning of each racial term, said Melody Fisher, assistant director of the Multicultural Center.
"The discussion should provide insight to the stigmas attached to (them)," Fisher said. "Since this is often seen as a very sensitive topic, I am looking forward to the discussion and opinions of the attendees."
During the Brown Bag Series, Fisher will welcome students and local residents before introducing Jarrod Dortch, graduate assistant for the Communication Studies Department. Dortch will facilitate the Brown Bag Series by giving a small presentation and then igniting discussion on the racial terms, Fisher said.
Throughout the Brown Bag Series, light snacks will also be provided, though attendees are encouraged to bring their lunches. Fisher said she hopes people from both the Ball State and Muncie communities take the time to attend the series and to involve themselves in the discussion.
"The discussion (should be) interactive," she said.
Since the Brown Bag Series was developed last year, it has been facilitated by Ball State administrators, community leaders and doctoral candidates. The series was established to promote discussion on various issues regarding diversity and multiculturalism, Fisher said.
Individuals of all races are encouraged to participate in each series in order to enrich each discussion, she said.
"The series provides individuals of various backgrounds and viewpoints a comfortable venue to openly discuss issues that normally would not be touched," Fisher said.-รก
Terry Frazier, assistant director of student organizations and activities, said he hopes the Brown Bag Series will continue to promote diversity in the Ball State and Muncie communities.
Students in particular should take the time to see what the series is all about, he said.
"The series provides a safe zone where people can ask questions and express opinions on (important) issues," Frazier said. "They help to enlighten each student's mind and thought process and help to teach students more about themselves."
Fisher said "What's In a Name" is a spin-off of last semester's Brown Bag Series titled "Hip-hop: Culture or Craze." During last semester's discussion, attendees sparked an interesting dialogue on the origins of common racial terms, she said.
"But we didn't have enough time to hear all of the responses," Fisher said. "So I felt there should be a series based solely on this topic."
Fisher said she enjoys participating in the Multicultural Center's various Brown Bag Series and hopes the Brown Bag topic will spark interest in all students and local residents.
"What's In a Name" will allow people of all races to step out of their comfort zones and to focus on an important issue in American culture, she said.
"Hopefully this discussion will bridge the gap between racially sensitive dialogue," Fisher said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
