Racial Attitudes in Turlington
One can learn a lot about race relations in UF just by people watching in Turlington because often the slightest nuances provide a glimpse inside the actual attitudes of people and the university as an institution. Over the years I have observed time and time again that law enforcement officers are more likely to be present when African American students partake in activities in large groups in Turlington. For example, whenever there is a step/ dance event going on in that area there always seems to be a cop car present in addition to officers walking around like something bad is about to happen. Also, another incident occurred when I was people watching for an assignment in another class when a campus tour group was maneuvered away from Turlington once the guides had realized that an inordinate number of black people were in the vicinity. Clearly the expression on their faces indicated that they did not want to “scare” away the parents of the primarily white students that were visiting the campus. There have also been instances I have observed where people display disgust and dismay at the sight of interracial couples and then ten seconds later turn to happily greet someone from a different ethnicity.
To me, many of these actions have an underlining tome of racial profiling which I feel is an ugly facet of today’s not so color blind society. Most people may not think they are racist but in reality some of their actions may suggest otherwise.
Has anyone else observed or experienced anything like this?
Perspectives on Race 
AS somebody who spends a lot of time in Turlington tabling for different organizations, I do witness the increased police presence when there is a large crowd of African Americans. In doing work with the Obama campaign and with SG campaigns last year, I never witnessed the same kind of police presence as when there is an event largely made up of African Americans.
dannyramos4
October 20, 2009 at 6:34 am
wow, I have to admit I was a bit shocked to read about the campus tour group. That is so ridiculous!!!
raquelfreytes
October 21, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I’ve felt this when it comes to the people who give out flyers. I know a lot of people ignore these people, so I usually accept them when I’m not rushing to class just to help them out. You never know what they could be about, right? Yet, most of the time, they look right past me as if 1- I don’t exist, or 2- I couldn’t possibly be interested. And the ones I do get, are usually about minority events. I’m Hispanic, so I guess that means I can only be interested in the events for minorities. It’s so stupid, but that’s just a regular day passing by Turlington.
erom13
October 21, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I have also had this experience with the flyer people in Turlington. Being asian, I have also noticed that I am usually ignored by the flyer people and when I am approached, it is for a minority event. This truly is ridiculous and amazing to see how selective these people can be. I’ve also noticed this to be true in the Reitz where throughout the year the different ethnic clubs set up camp to recruit new members.
justinjayjones
October 22, 2009 at 1:35 am
Wow. This is really interesting to me. I’ve definitely noticed that in Turlington, there seem to be sections for different races, but I have never really taken the time to just sit and people watch.
kellerae
October 23, 2009 at 2:19 am