A club for me, but not for you

An unpopular truth

[Reprinted from Issues & Views September 22, 2003]

When Lisa McClelland does it, it's "racial division." When a black or Asian or hispanic does it, it's "cultural," and something to be praised. McClelland, a student at Freedom High School in Oakley, California, is learning from her authority figures the truths about America's double standard. According to the Mercury News (9/17/03), the freshman would like to start a Caucasian Club for white students, but has run up against the predictable stone wall.

The local NAACP has, of course, offered its condemnation of the prospective club as smacking of "racial division," while making the usual plea for the "healing" of racial wounds. Apparently, the already established Black Student Union and the Asian Club pose no threat to racial harmony at the school. McClelland claims that, because of the existing race-based clubs, she and other white students "feel a bit slighted," and she does not see why they cannot do something about the disparity.

What a noble gesture it would be, if the various colored students rose to the occasion and added their names to the petition that is required, in order for McClelland to form her new club. Some students appear to be doing exactly that. A black student, Tyleisha Crooks, in referring to a club for whites, is quoted as saying, "It'd be tight [meaning "good"] because they can learn more about their history." And Elliott Perez, a hispanic student, claims that the school could benefit from a Caucasian Club. He is quoted as saying, "I think it's fair for white people to have their own club, because every other race has their own club." Both students have signed McClelland's petition.

The young McClelland, however, just might discover that her greatest foes are those whites who have been conditioned to live in fear of any discord that might be interpreted as rocking the race boat. Perhaps her diligent efforts will result in some old-fashioned consciousness-raising, not only among the student body, but among faculty and administration as well. If she is successful, her Caucasian Club would set a precedent for others to follow. And, for that reason, she probably will not be successful.

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