Respect for others is essential in building unity, panelists said. Mutual respect is enhanced when all parties, including whites, have a chance to explore and claim their identities, several panelists noted. Bob Suzuki, president of California State Polytechnic University, recommended that courses in diversity examine how whites lost their ethnic cultures in oppressive Americanization drives early in this century. Bringing about a multi-ethnic democracy will not happen as a result of purely formal education, said panelists in theatre and the arts. The arts are a powerful tool for expressing difference and engaging inter-group dialogue, participants noted, but dominant arts institutions are too often elitist.
Artists can also lead the way in reworking the stories our culture tells about winners and losers.
A moving performance by Anna Deavere Smith on the second day of the conference gave voice to other stories, including those of a woman in prison and individuals involved in the 1992 Los Angeles uprisings. As did the other conference participants, Simmons acknowledged that creating change will be uncomfortable for many. The public needs to know what we stand for. NewsSmith is published by the Smith College Office of College Relations for alumnae, staff, students and friends. Portions of this publication may be reproduced with the permission of the Office of College Relations, Garrison Hall, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts 01063.