Culture has always been an interesting topic for me. Culture is shaped by politics, religion, language, technology, you name it. Of the seven billion people on Earth, culture is what both unites and distinguishes us. At The University of Alabama alone, 3 percent are international students from 62 different countries — that’s about 1,130 students. That doesn’t include the many first-generation students whom have lived here most of their lives but feel their parent country is a second home.
It’s important to celebrate our cultural diversity here at the University because that’s how each of us grow to be more culturally aware of our communities and those abroad. What was just a personal interest in the Arabic language seven years ago led me eventually to take Arabic classes, become president of the Arabic Club, meet a great deal of Arab students (both native to Alabama and from abroad) and make plans to study abroad or teach in the Middle East someday. If you have a passion in a language or culture, just know that there are a generous number of groups, clubs and associations here at the University dedicated to celebrating diversity through cultures, languages and religion. Attend a meeting and you could gain some knowledge and friends for life.
Tuscaloosa as a city as gives many opportunities for cultural enlightenment, through its annual Weindorf Festival which celebrates native Tuscaloosans and German immigrants coming together through Mercedes-Benz Automobile Plant and Tuscaloosa’s sister city of Schorndorf, the Sakura Festival which celebrates Japan’s ties to Naraschino City, the Moundville Native American Festival which features artists, musicians and educational entertainment of the rich culture and heritage of what Tuscaloosa was 800 years ago. Many clubs and associations of the University are hosting an on-campus gala in early October called Crimson Culture, which will showcase cultural dances, food and traditional dress of countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, as well as countries of students that identify as Hispanic or Latino/a. It’s events like this, that allow us to break out our usual circle of friends and experience something new and out of the ordinary.
South African social rights activist, Desmond Tutu, said in a speech to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, “We inhabit a universe that is characterized by diversity. There is not just one planet or one star; there are galaxies of all different sorts, a plethora of animal species, different kinds of plants, and different races and ethnic groups … How could you have a soccer team if all were goalkeepers? How would it be an orchestra if all were French horns?” Diversity is what makes our communities whole. It has the power to expand each student’s worldliness, social development and can prepare us all for future career success.
Nakia Moore is a senior majoring in general business. Her column runs biweekly.
Come out to the Crimson Culture Gala on Oct. 6 hosted by Honors College Assembly, the International Student Association, Blend, and the South Asian Society. It will be held in Smith Hall from 7–11:30 p.m. Eight international/multicultural associations and language clubs will be present, and food and refreshments from Sitar, Edelweiss, Tzaziki’s and Pita Pit will be served.
