College and Engineering sophomore and Check One President Vanessa Moses opened last Thursday's panel discussion on interracial dating with the question, "Is interracial dating socially accepted?" Moses and officers of Check One -- a student group focusing on bi-racial issues -- led the full-house audience and 13-person panel of students and staff on a host of issues involved with interracial dating. They discussed, among other topics, social acceptance, diversity and understanding and empathy. The discussion, entitled, "Dating Across Color Lines," drew a diverse crowd of more than 50 to room B-6 of Vance Hall. "I was incredibly pleased with the turnout," said Moses, noting that the panel discussion was the first "big" event for newly recognized group. The Student Activities Council officially recognized Check One in spring 1995. At the discussion, College sophomore Rina Joko said she felt her different view of interracial dating was a result of her upbringing outside the United States. She said people of many races interacted daily, and that interracial dating "never really became an issue." In her closing remarks, Joko pleaded to the audience, "Please do not hide difference. Differences are beautiful? embrace them." But College senior Steve Kwon noted that "race matters -- it's foolish to say that it doesn't." He said he prefers to date non-white women because they understand him and his views better. Kwon added that white women are less likely to relate as well to the issues he faces as a minority. Members of the audience expressed their satisfaction with the night's lively debate. "The discussion was very interesting and honest," said Wharton sophomore Jeniece Scott, who added that she thought the panel was generally "representative" of viewpoints within the University community. Moses agreed that the dialogue was "well-balanced overall." But she noted that at times the discussion was "one-sided," and that a few of the speakers' opinions were outnumbered. Kwon said that although he represented one of the minority voices, he felt the meeting was "very productive." "I learned a lot," said Kwon, adding that he appreciated the different views. And he admitted that he does not expect forums like last Thursday's to perform "miracles. "But if people can leave with an ounce of more knowledge or understanding of other people's ideas, that's all you can really ask for," he said. Check One, which has a membership of 60 students and meets on a bi-weekly basis for discussions and various events, focuses on such issues as race, ethnicity and culture. And while Moses admitted that many people may not recognize or realize its importance, she said, "Race is virtually important to everyone."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
