I asked for a college catalog from UCSB and I remember clicking that I was Black... they sent me a "Blackbook"

Question

I ordered a regular catalog from UCSB and I remember the website asking what race I was, I just put Black because I wasn't really thinking much of it (I'm actually half Native American and a quarter Black). Anywho, I get the catalog today but it's not a NORMAL book. They gave me a SPECIAL book called the Blackbook. It has Black people all over it and it talks about complete BS. I wanted a REGULAR book. I have never been so INSULTED in my life. Why can't I get a NORMAL book? Why do I have to get a SEPARATE book because I am African-American? This enrages me. If I wanted a special book for Black people, I would have ordered it. I wanted a REGULAR college catalog. But all because I'm Black, they send me crap. I'm so angry.

I no longer want to go there. If I can't be viewed as an equal citizen or "student" then forget that crap.

Answer 1

Wow how strange I to requested information on that school to, and clicking that that I was black than today I come home a find it there I opened it and was completely shocked and angry to find that the the catalog was called the Blackbook and inside countless pictures of African American students! Maybe they it not mean it as any thing bad but I was disgusted,angry,and outraged that the school would think OK to send out such books. All i to wanted was a regular book that all everyone gets. They said that they diverse mix of cultures and backgrounds but yet they send me this crap my question is do they have a White book, Asian book, Arab-book etc.
You have every right to be angry and so does everyone else who has received this book!

Answer 2

I would recommend requsting another catalog if the school really interests you.....Im not sure which school UCSB is (sorry) maybe they have special acholorships and club section in that book that is the difference between to two catalogs? If there is a difference in tuition costs. That would be illegal and discriminatory. A lot of colleges do that because they feel to send a catalog that "features" all blond haired/blue eyed students may discourage some african american students who may believe they would feel out of place and uncomfortable on campus and so ouldnt apply. By sending a "black catalog" it's the school's way of saying "sure we have black poeple" (lol). It's weird I had gotten so many "different" catalogs when I requested catalogs. Even som of the HBCU's (historically black colles and Universities) have a different catalog for potential students that aren't black.

But I'd say go with your gut...if the school isnt that special to you, I wouldnt waste any time to even bother doing applications and campus visits. Good Luck to you and I widh you the best in yur College years!!! : )

Answer 3

This sounded a bit weird to me, so I did some online research and found that the UC Santa Barbara "African Diasporic Resource Center" does put out something called a BlackBook (which is available on line at their site), and which is billed as a resource guide for African-American students.

Aside from the rather questionable taste of the book's name, sending it to someone instead of a regular college catalog seems offensive to me also.

You should call or e-mail them and explain how you felt when you got this book. This is a public University funded with taxpayer funds -- they need to be told when they do dumb things.

Answer 4

this is america.

they are allowed to discriminate against white people.

if they had put out a "whitebook". you could complain. also, they can refuse to let a white into the college, or give him financial aid.

while i agree with you, there shouldnt be a blackbook, you shouldnt choose a college based on race, you will be seen as a white racist.

in usa, we have mixed so many races over the years that the lines are blurring. if you mother is half black and half white and your father is half American Indian and half Asian, what race are you?

i really dont know what these people who insist certain races need more help then others are going to do.

oh well, we whites are becoming a minority pretty fast, so, soon we can get financial aid to go to college too!

Answer 5

Before this book was created, I'm willing to bet a black person complained because it did not exist.

Granted the title of it, but exactly what it IS is a guide geared toward the black community. They didn't send it out of malice.

Honestly I think maybe your skin has gotten a little bit THIN. Before you launch a formal protest, maybe you should find out WHO created this book. It might surprise you.

Answer 6

Know what... I suggest you send a letter of complaint. You absolutely deserve the chance to tell them how disappointed you are, with what, and now have decided against attending their college.

Keep it civil and the anger out of it...take the higher road in it, because maybe it will help change things in the future for others and they will learn a lesson. (If it's angry, they may just throw it out and ignore it.) Maybe, lets hope, they will learn to just keep a single normal book and make it more diverse.

Answer 7

That's why I don't like to click on race when I do surveys. My husband has been denied job opportunities cause he's not a minority. Yup, I say we all avoid the whole race thing, and make it a non-issue. Shouldn't our culture be past this whole thing already??

Answer 8

If it is any consolation, California law does not permit any of the UC schools to take race into consideration when considering your application.

Answer 9

wow that sucks, I would'nt want to go there anymore either.