By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
Given the university’s diverse community, it is crucial to foster discussions that explore the wide range of identities and cultures on campus.
To spark conversation on how embracing different perspectives can enrich the community, the College of Education and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning welcomed Cathy Bao Bean, author of her memoir, “The Chopsticks-Fork Principle,” for an engaging exploration of multiculturalism.
Held in Davis Hall, the lively discussion encouraged attendees to reflect on the power of cultural diversity, as Bean shared snapshots from her humorous memoir.
The writer uses humor as a way to connect and relay important lessons.Bean said that humor is a crucial tool to bridge gaps between people.
“To understand one’s culture, you must understand their humor,” Bean said.
In her memoir, Bean, who was born in China, recounts her journey of finding her true self, or selves, while raising her son William Boa Bean, in America.
The book can also serve as a guide to help individuals develop awareness of the diversity that not only surrounds them but is within themselves as well.
Marilu Rochefort, Assistant Director of the Office of Educational Services, said that Bean’s presentation allowed her to feel validated in her experiences of navigating social enviornmens with her cultural identities.
“Being an individual who comes from a bilingual household and having immigrant parents, it validated the feelings that I had with having different personas in different situations,” Rochefort said. “I realized it’s okay to be a certain way depending on the group I’m with.”
Bean highlighted that it is acceptable for people to have multiple aspects of their true selves.
“The idea of having only oneself is a very Western idea,” Bean said. “We can have multiple realities and cultures.”
Additionally, Bean criticizes the American education system for categorizing students and urging them to confine themselves to labels while pressuring them to discover a single “true” version of themselves.
Bean, who often used experiences with her Chinese American son, told the audience that even though her son said that Santa Claus does not exist, he still feels real to him.
“Children can have multiple realities and multiple fantasies,” Bean said. “But if you keep asking them who’s your best friend, who’s your nicest teacher, you endure them to the idea that there’s only room for one at the top.”
The author also said that she encourages attendees to get to know others around them.
As Bean emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing diversity, she shared these wise words: “To be more comfortable in life, you have to know about multiple different cultures.”
Other audience members viewed Bean’s message as a way to generate a greater sense of self and connection with others.
Kari Sassu, Director of the Center of Excellence for Teaching and Learning, said overall she believes the discussion is a call to focus on the commonalities among people rather than what separates them. Especially at a time where divisions and conflicts are highly prevalent.
“Looking at commonalities can help connect us,” Sassu said. “That’s what helps us from feeling like imposters.”
