"Nigga," "Fag" and "B*#$%" are now more than just offensive terms: They are a springboard for discussion about labels and tolerances.
Additionally, they are the title of an open forum hosted by the Multicultural Center for students to discuss derogatory terms used in everyday interactions.-á
"We want to discuss the impact of these terms, and individuals' personal experiences with them," David Taylor, assistant director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said. "I want students to engage in the discussion and come with an open mind, a willingness to change their perspectives on the way they view this world."-á
The event is the first in a series of discussions titled "Perspectives" and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. in the Multicultural Center at 325 N. McKinley Ave. Perspectives will be held every third Wednesday at 3 p.m. and will replace the "Brown Bag Lunch" series held on Fridays at noon.-á
Many students who were interested in the Multicultural Center's programs had scheduling conflicts during the Friday time slot, Taylor said. Since the center is typically busiest on Wednesday afternoon, the staff decided that would be a good time for a program.-á
In addition to a time change, the Perspectives series will focus more on discussion and participation than during the Brown Bag Lunches, which were centered around a panel of speakers.
"The name Perspectives derives from the main purpose of the discussion series - to provide students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to share their own perspective and hear the perspectives of others on different issues," graduate assistant Tatum Rucker said.-á
One of the center's major focuses this year is to increase advertising and student support, she said. Rucker is in charge of promotions and said Facebook, table tents, e-mails, Daily News advertisements, T-shirts and buttons will all be used to increase center awareness. -á
"We do not just want to inform the campus community of our programs; we want them to participate as well," Rucker said. "We want the campus to know what it is that we actually do at the Multicultural Center and get them involved.-áWe do not want students to see the Multicultural Center as 'the big white house on McKinley Avenue,' but as a place of cultural education and experiences."-á
Taylor, three graduate assistants and Derick Virgil, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, will lead the open forum.
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