Spreading Diversity, One Event at a Time

 

The Multicultural Advisory Council is a group of student's whose goal is to expand cultural awareness. As Ronnie Washington, a co-advisor said, "this club is about equality. We hope to spread diversity and awareness. We don't hear about minorities because people tend to mush ethnicities together." Every month, they try to plan an event focusing on one.

This months event focused on Vietnamese culture. Although, the event was planned from 12-2, it began around 1. As Talar Nahabedian, a commissioner walked around the campus, asking people to attend, she was able to tell me that, "We are here to educate about different cultures and be open minded." Instead of waiting around, I was actually able to help set up and interview members as we tied balloons around poles. Like that of the Vietnamese flag, the members of MCAC decorated the tables, easy ups, and surrounding area with red and yellow.

 

When they were prepared, the audience was seated in the front to listen to a variety of people. A summary of the Vietnamese culture was read aloud with quiet background music. They went over the origin of Vietnam, dance, language, marriage, family, religion, clothing and food.  It was nice and well researched, but once the word "pho" was pronounced wrong, the crowd reacted with surprise and somewhat disappointment.

 

The mistake was soon forgotten, once a trivia game was passed out. We were to answer some questions about Vietnam, but it was pretty random because the questions did not have to do what was just read to us. Next, three models displayed traditional Vietnamese clothes for women. Then, we proceeded to eat fried rice, chicken from Ell Pollo Loco, coconut juice, salad, and steamed vegetables. Like Ismael Medina, one the directors mentioned, "I wish this club was more authentic. Like authentic food." The food was a very westernized attempt at what Vietnamese cuisine was like, but was still delicious and fulfilling. Towards the end, the event was rushed. MCAC was packing up, while people were still eating, but during this time I was also able to sit down and talk to more members.

 

Despite what was said in an earlier article, Ronnie Washington was very friendly and willing to answer some questions about this month's cultural event. He talked about how their next event would be on May 14th for Cinco de Mayo and also talked about how he hopes his mission is successful.