Open Forum “White Man’s/Woman’s Burden” Students used the words “majority,” “capitalistic,” “powerful,” and “diverse” to describe white culture, in a dialog forum presented by the Multicultural Center on Nov. 13 at Sacramento State.

The presentation, entitled “White Man’s/ Woman’s Burden,” was an effort to engage students in a discussion to further unity on campus, said Leonard Valdez, program director of the Multicultural Center.

“Being white is usually identified as being American, not Italian, German or French,” said public relations major, Todd Heagle.

Most people have ulterior motives about educating themselves on other cultures because of furthering their job careers or getting raises. Its not because they just wanted to know them better, Heagle said.

Some students in the audience said that whites are oppressive to the poor in this country, that they are all about capitalism and have more opportunities and advantages than other cultures.

“Caucasians are the ultimate of the capitalist mindset,” Heagle said. They will do what ever they have to get to the top of the corporate ladder, he said.

The audience agreed that whites are widely accepted no matter what. White Americans are generally accepted everywhere because of their color and culture.

Ben Bhangu, a MIS major, is not originally from America. “Since I come from another country, I know whites are accepted worldwide,” he said.

Students said that being from another culture and living in the United States has other difficulties.

Shanita Bryant, an undeclared major, said there is no definition for being white. “I just don’t like being told I’m white-washed just because I speak proper English.”

As for solutions to the “problem” most agreed that an open mind and humility toward others, no matter what culture they are from, is the best start. “I don’t have to be black or white to learn about you – I just have to have an open mind,” said Vircelito Domenden, Sociology/CRJ major.

Ryan Barlow, Anthropology major, believes the root of prejudice is pride. “It’s like saying ‘I’m better than you’ – that’s pride and we have to let go of that and treat everyone equally,” he said.