Reclaiming Heritage: Student Culture on Campus

Diversity manifests in culture, nationality, gender, and ideologies, enriching societal interactions. Understanding the deep interconnection of issues trending at international institutions requires examining how people interact and respond to different scenarios within their environments. Issues of unrest on college campuses have periodically surfaced, often rooted in differing religious opinions, cultural diversity, race, gender stereotypes, and other factors that contribute to conflicts.

To truly understand the reality of our society, one must explore the dynamic features each group of individuals exhibits and recognize the importance of embracing one another's uniqueness.

Natural diversities across gender, race, culture, nationality, and religious grounds are inherent to human society and have existed for millennia. College campuses, as microcosms of society, are composed of students with diverse backgrounds and beliefs across various subjects. In recent years, issues of cultural appropriation have arisen, where some groups assimilate practices from the minority cultures of fellow learners, altering traditional ways of living. This has led to issues such as riots, personal life adjustments, and even low self-esteem, particularly when cultural norms are not appreciated. The subject of campus life and cultural diversity is complex, raising concerns and exploring dimensions beyond what many people might imagine or experience elsewhere. In response to these changes, cultural diversity forums are now commonplace in many organizations.

Respect and Controversy

Respecting the beliefs and customs of fellow students on campus is multifaceted. Opinions differ on how diversity affects personal and group peace of mind within college environments globally. Efforts to promote understanding of cultural richness and sovereignty have reached a level where many individuals appreciate and respect diverse traditions and norms (Eze 15). However, disagreements persist among scholars regarding why some individuals avoid certain lifestyles, arguing that their culture does not support such habits. For instance, a lack of courtesy has often victimized Muslim girls who prefer traditional veils and hijabs, highlighting the tensions between cultural appropriation and personal identity.

The concept of cultural appropriation plays a significant role in campus life, affecting students' ability to fit into social groups. While the idea of maintaining one's original characteristics is encouraged, it is not always achievable for university students. The social pressures and alienation faced by those who lead different lifestyles often drive them to abandon indigenous morals and practices to fit in with peers (Matthes 344). Fashion trends and the desire to conform contribute to the isolation and rejection of original values on campus, affecting diversity as attributes are lost or misinterpreted during assimilation. For example, Muslim American girls on campus often find their lifestyle habits distorted or extended, affecting their identity. The booklet "Muslim American Women on Campus" illustrates the efforts of these women to express their identity amidst diverse campus communities.

Cultural Expression and Challenges

In discussing these issues, the focus shifts to the attention the external community pays to elements of dress and interaction styles (Mir 708). Muslim students, for instance, face scrutiny from both family members and peers of different religions, eager to spot any divergence in cultural or lifestyle practices. This scrutiny can be likened to living in a tower, with every action closely observed. The global concern over cultural appropriation attracts both criticism and praise, depending on the context. Common issues on college campuses, such as dating, drinking, attending nightclubs, and dress codes, demonstrate how students adapt and cope within diverse environments. These environments can lead to the misinterpretation of learned behaviors, especially when outdated or old-fashioned concepts clash with emerging fashion and style trends.

The inclusion of all races and ethnic groups presents challenges for individuals striving to express their religious and cultural identities. For example, growing up in America with the pervasive influence of pop music can lead to the mistaken belief that everyone should appreciate this form of entertainment, alienating those with different preferences. The impact of diversity hinges on the intention behind appropriation. For instance, using a particular dress code to highlight a culture's beauty is an act of embracing diverse values. However, the tendency among college students to imitate minority groups raises questions, especially when these actions fail to support original members and instead add prejudicial comments that damage the group's reputation (Eze 11). Instances such as adopting specific costumes can misrepresent minority groups, with dominant cultures often viewing minority societies negatively, hindering the acceptance of unique identities.

Preserving Diversity and Identity

Cultural appropriation on college campuses often undermines diversity initiatives when certain nationalities perpetuate long-standing cultural and racial discrimination. Adopting a dress code similar to Diwali attendees, for example, without justification, undermines the intended recognition and appreciation of the culture. Associating specific clothing, lifestyles, and foods with college parties can spur debates, leading to conflicts over the significance of these items and practices, ultimately weakening diversity initiatives. The issue of appropriation raises many concerns, as not all individuals assimilate minority group aspects to mock or appreciate them. In diverse settings like campuses or workplaces, ethical standards are essential. Harmful comments or memes targeting a student's culture, dress, or food are examples of negative appropriation attempts.

The topic of cultural appropriation explores both positive and negative implications, depending on how and what is assimilated (Young 308). Adopting a particular style in multicultural environments can provoke different interpretations regarding the reasons for its selection and application. Ethical standards, though vital, often go unheeded among students. Making jokes about product brands based on their country of origin is common, intensifying concerns about cultural diversity, especially with clothing designs structured in an unappreciative manner. The increase in cultural appropriation has not resolved diversity demands, suggesting that those who tolerate such engagements do so based on stereotypes concerning superiority and dominance by major cultural groups. The positive nature of cultural appropriation depends on the impression created by the individual copying a particular group's cultural practice, artifact, or dress code, determining whether it is deemed good or bad.

In conclusion, cultural appropriation on college campuses raises significant questions about identity and originality among students. Cultural appreciation requires diversity support, yet students often use cultural acts and materials to highlight perceived weaknesses in certain groups, leading to controversy and conflict. Limiting the negative implications is crucial for supporting diversity in educational institutions.

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