The racial divide?

"Diversity" is the University buzzword of the moment. Continually emphasized from the start of freshman orientation week, the University's desire for a mix of races on campus seems nothing short of admirable — not to mention politically correct. But Princeton's integrative mission seems to overlook another relevant phenomenon: self-segregation. The words themselves prompt a slew of negative associations.

"It's an attempt to put a really, really nasty term to choosing who you want to hang out with, pulling up civil rights terms," said Bob Glasgow '07.

Megan Chiao '09, social chair of the Asian-American Students Association, agrees that the phrasing of the term makes the issue seem worse than it is. "There isn't much wrong with hanging around with people of your own race," she said in an email. "There is a certain sense of security and comfort gained by finding someone with anything at all in common with you, be it hometown, hobbies or favorite TV shows."

A knee-jerk negative reaction, many students say, is too simple. Isolation by group may be prevalent — but certainly not always based on race. It just so happens that groups divided by race may be more visually easy to spot.

But also notable during the first few days of the year were clusters of, for example, international students. That's hardly surprising, as they are effectively lumped together from their very first day at Princeton: while many of the homegrown freshmen are bonding over their shared smelliness on a variety of OA trips, most of the internationals are making group trips to Walmart and going to educational talks on "how to interact with Americans" (answer, allegedly: talk about traffic and the weather). Laura Smallcombe '09, a British exchange student, referred to Princeton as "Oxford ghetto" only half-jokingly.

When asked what groups tended to self-segregate, rugby player Jennifer Doorey '08 said simply: "Athletes." Several of the eating clubs are well-known for their large populations of certain groups of athletes: "Cap has a huge track contingent," said Ryan Harris '07. "And Cloister — they are the boaters and floaters, right?"

It must be borne in mind that athletes will often share a certain mindset and drive, have similar priorities and obviously share an intense passion for athletic activity. Again, "segregating" based on these characteristics is understandable. Aren't these important factors in the formation of any friendship?

"You tend to like people like yourself, as self-centered as that is," said John Colosimo '09.

The dilemma of "the football table" raises another interesting point: the fact that what is labelled as "self-segregation" is in fact propagated by outside perceptions.

Take, for example, the Black Arts Company. While some students might think that the name of the group implies an overtly discriminatory policy, actually the company's website explicitly states: "BAC is open to all students regardless of race or gender." Of course, an Indian folk dance group which appeals for those with previous experience to come forward is often going to end up with many Indians. Nonetheless, the examples of Jewish High Steppers, white Naacho dancers and other "atypical" members, are too numerous to count.

Princeton is far from perfect, but is certainly not a particularly notable hotbed of racism either. The ultimate culmination of integrative diversity would either be a meaningless and self-conscious parade of collectible friends ("Wow! My group of friends contains a Canadian lesbian, a Jew, an African-American and a French exchange student — I feel so enriched") or an increasing homogeneity of culture, the opposite of the University's intention.

So-called "self-segregation" is, to a degree, understandable. When taken to extremes it does indeed prove destructive, but more often than not, bonding with people of similar experience, upbringing and outlook can be a foundation for real friendship. This is where "self-segregation" becomes a rather hollow concept. The line between "self-segregation" and simply hanging out with people with whom you have a good deal in common is consequently blurred to the point of meaninglessness.

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"To me, self-segregation means that you choose to hang out with those exactly like you," said Chris MacPherson GS. "It is neither a good nor bad thing." Includes reporting by Antonia Devine, Veronica Thew and Elizabeth Chatterjee.