#3 Cultural Shows

In order to broaden their multicultural exposure in the extraordinarily gentrified Hyde Park neighborhood, University of Chicago students often attend cultural shows put on by various student organizations. Groups such as SASA (South Asian Students Association) and OLAS (Organization of Latin American Students) offer University of Chicago students a program that includes various dances and performances as well free food and a free t-shirt, all for a modest ticket price.

University of Chicago students believe that simply by attending these two-hour long performances they will become immersed in another culture. As civilization studies are significant component of the undergraduate core curriculum, few students miss out on the opportunity to “immerse themselves in a new and foreign culture.”

In fact, many white students elect to perform in these shows (see: Stuff White People Like #20: being an expert on YOUR culture) in order to appear even more culturally aware and sensitive. Although they may seem out of place to every member of the audience, it is important to them that they FEEL included in the culture by performing.

Sadly, University of Chicago students can often be seen wearing the free cultural show t-shirts on- and off-campus. Although these t-shirts are better utilized as cleaning supplies than as casual attire, University of Chicago students want to make their cultural exposure and economic utility known to their fellow students.