This is Scott's Rational

Coffman is a place of acceptance and relaxation. From the comfy couchesof the first floor to the food and games of the lower levels. But this massive building shows its diverse acceptance on the 2nd floor. On this floor are rooms, each inviting to a single group and yet open to any that should pas.. My analysis is based on the Latino Sactuary of La Raza and its neighbor down the hall the QSCC, Two of various different worlds in the same building.

On this particular day La Raza is dark. Lights off, its only light comes through windows from the outside. Upon entering one is greeted by a group of couches all facing a tv turned on to a basketball game. Here is a welcome invite to anyone, a common ground to draw in any passer by. To the left a bulletin board filled with info related to the U in general and Latino Issues. Just from the door one sees skull cutouts from tissue paper to remind its visitors of the sacrifices made everyday in our lives. When one enters further one sees a mural covering the entire side wall. The mural consists of tradition. history of struggle and survival as well as lifea nd folklore. tables occupy the middle of the room and at the far end are three computers free to anyone for use.

La Raza's presense uses the past to bring in people and welcome them. The main attraction is the mural. at the moment the Latino Community is under attack so to bring Latinos together the room uses the common past of the people to invite them. This toom welcomes as well as educates those who enter. They are proud of where they come from and who they are. The Dim lighting gives the toom a relazing calm feeling to it. So while this one room invites and welcomes with history the next uses other methods to attract people.

The QSCC is the GLBT common room. With brouchers and pamphlets outside the room, this group invites with straight up fact and information. As I entered the room i notice that though the lights were not on the room was completly lit up. It may have to do with the four large windows along the back wall and the multiple multi-colored flags that hang on the walls and from the ceiling. I think that this tactic is used to create a happy and accepting atmosphere. Though it targets one certain group of the U, the group is one that is seen as shameful and embarrassing, so the brightness of the entire room helps to bring in those that are shy and unsure of themselves.

These two rooms target certain groups but they are open to everyone who is willing to take a chance and meet others. Though it is strange, I have seen members of the BSU and La Raza mingle with each other, it is rare that I see others mingle. Why is this area of diversity and support...keeping people apart?