I admired the article “Avoid labeling people by their ethnicities” (Oct. 1). People should stop labeling people by their ethnic background. It is one thing to say that you are proud of your heritage but another thing to judge others based on their ethnicity.
UCLA is a diverse place to live and study. As for cultural clubs, I believe that they are productive if run efficiently. I find that cultural clubs are mostly people of the same background coming together to make new friends and enjoy themselves. This makes it hard for students of different backgrounds to join. They feel that they would not belong. However, if these cultural clubs were more accepting and spread their culture to students of other races, students may be more willing to join. Also, students should not be afraid to join an organization of a different background. If the culture of the race sounds interesting, one should have no hesitation in joining.
The name of the organization has a lot to do with the membership. For example, the Society of Women Engineers has trouble gaining male members, but they are still open to members of both genders (and all races). Cultural clubs are practically the same. I am not Korean, so I would not think of joining the Korean American Student Association. However, I would not mind joining the Korean Culture Fanclub because even if I am not a Korean American, I am a fan of Korean culture.
In the end, organizations should attempt to spread their realm outside of the race they represent and attempt to teach others of their cultures. Students should also take interest in different cultures and races. This will definitely improve the diversity that UCLA represents.
Michael Tsai is a first-year student.