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It is always interesting to find out about other people's perceptions of you. Of course, the chance of these really being misconceptions or even fabrications is greater when there is something about you that clearly sets you apart, that most people are unfamiliar with. For an international student, to encounter such perceptions is almost a daily occurrence. It is part of our "job" to present, describe, and explain aspects of our cultures to those who seem interested or to the public in general. Fortunately, oftentimes this is an enjoyable as well as a necessary process; it is flattering and exciting when people want to find out more about you and your country or culture. The very purpose of the Cosmopolitan Club, as I see it, is to facilitate this exchange of information and to provide an environment where international students and Americans can interact based on mutual feelings of respect, curiosity about one another's cultural backgrounds, and, ultimately, of appreciation. A recent article in Cosmo Connections praised precisely this mission and activity of Cosmo Club, from the perspective of an American who attends the coffee hours, dinners, and other events. One comment, however, seemed as out of place in the article as it might have been coming from someone who had never heard of multi-cultural awareness: "the Cosmo Club proved a great meeting place, especially for one seeking foreign girls." With one phrase, all the positive aspects of the Cosmopolitan Club enumerated elsewhere in the article became minimized and trivialized, undermining its whole purpose. Could it be that in this cultural exchange, even some of those who recognize the necessity for and the various benefits of a place like Cosmo Club see anyone who is a "foreigner" as simply that—a foreigner? Can it really be that female international students, who play such an important part in organizing events and making Cosmo Club what it is, will nevertheless be merely "foreign girls"—exoticized and objectified—to some of those in attendance at these events which should be about learning and opening our minds? Clearly, the answer is that yes, some people do hold such views, and probably don't even realize that they might be patronizing and offensive. This being the case, what can we do, then, to address the issue? We can definitely continue to provide a wide range of international events to create a space for cross-cultural interactions. Cosmo Club continues to be essential for this goal. Further, we should all try to initiate discussions with anyone we know about the need for a deep awareness of other cultures and an appreciation of their merits. We, the women of the international community, should continue to play an active role in the events and activities of our respective cultural groups. But most of all, in this and other matters, don't let an insensitive comment pass without challenging it. Don't forget that awareness comes with seeing things in a different light and can be achieved sometimes with just one remark, said to the right person at the right time. |