Forum aims to reduce 'casual racism' on campus

When people say Asians are good at math or are bad drivers, they might think they're being funny or that their words are harmless. But several campus groups believe these stereotypes promote racism. That's why they're hosting a diversity education program on stereotypes and casual racism.\nThe event will take place at 6:30 p.m. today in Ballantine Hall Room 103 and is sponsored by the Asian American Association, Asian Culture Center, Asian Student Union, the Commission on Multicultural Understanding, Kappa Gamma Delta, Student Coalition, Theta Nu Xi, Vietnamese Student Association and the White Anti-Racist Allies.\nJunior Tony Truong, president of the Asian American Association, said the event will examine the effects of casual racism as it pertains to gender and all racial groups.\n"Casual racism (including) jokes or things that perpetuate stereotypes contribute to discrimination and prejudice," Truong said. "We need to consider how what we say affects things in a larger sense."\nSenior Sherman Chan, president of the Asian Student Union, said facilitators will present arguments and counterarguments about the impact casual racism can have on people. He said people might not realize they're making racist remarks or telling offensive jokes, citing examples such as when people say Asians can't drive, are good at math and shy. He said perpetuating stereotypes, like black people are criminals or like rap music, is also damaging.\nBill Shipton, the deputy chair of the Commission on Multicultural Understanding, said casual racism occurs when people use subtle words and actions that cause people to feel separated or left out.\nJunior Zach Sutphin is a member of the "We hate Asian drivers" group on the Facebook, which has recently become invisible when searched for as a group but still appears in personal profiles for its 12 members.\nSutphin said his roommate formed the group and asked him to join. \n"I think it's more prejudiced than racist," he said. "It's not like saying anything about taking action -- it's just a statement of a stereotype." \nSutphin said people shouldn't take it seriously. \n"It's a joke. Also, I've been frustrated by Asian drivers in the past."\nShipton said though people might not have intended to have a racist Facebook group, it still does promote racism and stereotypes. \n"The Facebook is a wonderful tool for bringing people together, but it can also be used to divide people," he said.\nAsian Culture Center graduate assistant Cheng-yi Liu said compared to blatant oppression, casual racism is easier to overlook. "It's not as easy to see the negative implications of perpetuating stereotypes or creating generalizations about a group," Liu said. Some Asians are the target of stereotypes because people might view them as passive and might not care about it, he said.\nTruong said people might think stereotypes are funny and not realize they could be offensive to others. \n"Students should be more aware and know that people are negatively affected. You can't just stereotype people -- you should get to know them individually," he said.