On "Small America"

Hearing shocking stories causes one to reflect upon a variety of issues, but seeing the same problems in an uncensored documentary gives such debates a whole new dimension. I did some research on the issue of Liberia prior to coming to the event, so I thought I was well prepared for whatever I might see; yet I found myself horrified by the end of the screening. The only thing I could think of afterward was how, despite being fluent in two languages, I still couldn’t describe what I had seen.

The screening was followed by a discussion; surprisingly, the most pending questions were not “what are the causes of the situation?” or “how to end the violence”, but – who should help Liberia. Should aid come from the outside resources, such as more developed countries or organizations like the UN? They have the necessary resources, but at the same time they lack the insight into the local culture that is crucial to understanding the underlying causes. Such insight is available only to the insiders, but they on the other hand have to face the difficulty of not having the material or educational assets. So how about the insiders who do possess the resources – the immigrants to wealthier countries who received thorough education? Should they be the ones responsible for making change in their homeland as they are not only privileged, but connected to the culture and people? This seemed like the best solution to the problem, as the immigrants can bring back the knowledge from abroad and share it with less lucky co-citizens. But then another perspective was brought in: what if the Western education and lifestyle made them detached from their motherland, and what if acculturation into their other countries of residence has influenced their ability to regain the insight into Liberia? What if the immigrants do not want to go back, because the impoverished homeland does not provide them with perspectives available abroad and thusthey won’t be able to make the best out of their education? Is giving back to your nation your responsibility or is it a personal choice?

The discussion was heated and every point was important. There are nosimple solutions to situations like the one in Liberia, and the question of responsibility for making it a better place is up to every individual to answer for themselves.

The documentaries presented at the event can be found at following addresses:
Liberia: Murder of a Country: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjSNzNOK4qU&feature=related The Vice Guide to Travel, Liberia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQSjyYRTDVM&feature=fvw Liberia, America’s Stepchild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3alUrAYNyQ
Please keep in mind that the content is extremely graphic and shocking.

Small America: The Vice Guide to Liberia

Come learn more about the current situation in this West African nation and its unique relationship with the United States with video clips and discussion.

"America's one and only foray into African colonialism is keeping a very uneasy peace indeed." 

-Shane Smith, the Vice Guide to Liberia

	Friday, December 3 3:30pm - 5:00pm Jonas Clark 001

Verbal Pollution Photos ! :)

Click here for More  !

A Taste of Cambodia!

Friday, November 19th, 3:00pm-5:00pm in Dana Commons
Asian Cultural Society invites all Clarkies to experience rich Cambodian culture through participating in their event "Inside the Hot Pot: a Taste of Cambodia"! Experience unique Cambodian culture and celebrations, learn about its rich history, indulge in music, dance and fashion, and get a taste of authentic Cambodian cuisine!

Glimpses of Verbal Pollution

For the past couple of weeks the OIA has been working on an event called “Verbal Pollution”. We hear about pollution all the time, pollution in the air, pollution in water, rivers, but we rarely ever think of pollution as a factor that is even present in our relationships and communication with others. Pollution is defined as a “contaminant that causes instability, discomfort to our ecosystem and to living things” and even though we might be unaware of it, there are many factors such as the words we use that pollute our interactions with others. Verbal Pollution is an event that seeks to explore the true meaning and history behind many unacceptable, yet commonly used words. While working on the event, many interesting conversations came up in the office. I realized that there are many misused words in Spanish that I had been unaware of, and until this moment, I had overlooked the implications of using the word. We are hoping to create a sense of attention to the participants in the event. Hopefully we will be more aware and careful not to pollute every aspect of our lives, including our interactions with others.

Photos From Noche Latina !

Click Here for Slideshow ! 

Verbal Pollution

November 12th 2010 - Dana Commons - 1:30pm - Refreshments will be served

Discussion of the Positive and Negative Words used in Society, their Origins and the Power that they have in our lives.

Spirit Day

A Day of Solidarity and Remembrance

Wearing purple on October 20 is a simple way to show the world that you stand by these courageous young people and a simple way to stand UP to the bullies. Remember those lives we've tragically lost, and show your solidarity with those who are still fighting. 'Go Purple' today!

ARE YOU IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP?
LGBT youth in need of immediate help should contact The Trevor Project 's 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386) or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Resources & information provided by: http://www.glaad.org/spiritday

Noche Latina October 22nd 7:00pm-9:00pm The Grind Higgins UC

You Dont Want to Miss Out !

Cooking with OIA

Thursday October 7th @ 7:30pm, Maywood Kitchen

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month and what better way to celebrate than making delicious Guacamole with OIA! Come learn the recipe for home made, healthy, falvorful Guacamole! This event is free but Space is is limited so RSVP SOON!!! Please RSVP to our office as well by e-mailing mdriscoll@clarku.edu or calling 508.793.7362! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Photos from Telling Her Story Featuring Laura Hansen

Click here for more photos.

Telling Her Story : Laura Hansen

Come and Hear Laura Hansen's fascinating story of her life and research in South America !
Celebrate our 1st Telling Her Story
In honor of Latino Heritage Month

Maywood Hall Lounge
12:00pm
September 30th 2010

Lunch will be provided
Space is limited - RSVP to talewis@clarku.edu

Noche Latina Event Meeting

Come participate in a showcase celebrating Latin American Culture and Heritage!

 

Noche Latina will be held October 22nd from 7-10pm in the Grind. 

 

Anyone from Clark and Consortium schools are welcome to perform anything from dance to poetry, or display artwork and photography.

 

Decide how you would like to participate then sign up at our event meeting, October 1st at 5pm, Dana Commons, 1st floor.

 

If you cannot attend this meeting, please email Ariana at AFoster@clarku.edu no later than Oct. 1st to secure a performance spot.

Latino Heritage Lecture: Dr. Elsa Núñez on "The Achievement Gap: No Excuses- Latinos, The K-16 Experience"

Location Blue Lounge, First Floor, Student Center Dr. Núñez’s presentation will discuss topics about K-12 readiness, the tensions between access and excellence and how higher education continues to embrace the needs of Latinos. Sponsored by Worcester State University's Latin Heritage Committee.

 Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 3 – 4pm

Latin American History Month

Latin American History Month is a period of 30 days, beginning September 15th and ending October 15th. It is dedicated to celebrating Latin American Heritage and culture, and the contributions of Latin Americans to the United States. OIA will be presenting various events throughout the month where we invite the Clark and Worcester community to come participate and learn more about Latin American culture.

Telling Her Story - Latin American Month Style!
-Come hear 3rd year student, Laura Hansen, tell us about her experience growing up in Paraguay and her internships that have taken her around the world!
 September 30, 2010
Noon - 1:30
*Must RSVP for this event.

Learn to Cook with OIA!
-Learn to cook traditional recipes with OIA staff and student workers.
 October 7, 2010
[Coming soon]

Noche Latina!
-Come to conclude Latin American History Month with OIA's annual Noche Latina celebration! This years event will include performances by Clark and consortium students, the Latino Monologues, and Tapas style cuisine!
The Grind
October 22, 2010
7-10pm

OIA Events 2009-2010

Here is a sampling of our intercultural programming schedule from the 2009-2010 academic year. 

LGBT Asylum Support Task Force
A diverse panel discussion dealing with issues facing LGBT people seeking asylum in the United States.

Team Hoyt
Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country.

Noche Latina
A celebration of Latino culture through music and dance.

Telling Her Story
Intimate group meetings where one female on Clark’s campus shares her personal story.

Asian New Year
An elaborate celebration of Asian culture with music, food, crafts and activities.

Democrats vs. Republicans
A debate to critique Obama’s first year in office.

What is Real Hip Hop?
An interactive discussion about the commercialization of hip hop music and the cultural effects of the message.

Sapphire
The author of the critically acclaimed novel Push, which inspired the academy award winning movie, Precious.

Ladies Night
A celebration of our female student body, featuring food, activities and a film about the Women of Clark.