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I was thinking about writing about Confucian background...

Is writing about religion good idea? I feel like DS about Confucianism might make me stand out in a bad way...

Also, is DS important in the first place? I feel like I have to write them not to be at a disadvantage even though it's not required..

stay away from religion in optional essays

Thanks for the advice!!

northwood wrote:stay away from religion in optional essays

I disagree.
If religion is an important part of your background then you should write about it if you think it will contribute to the diversity of the class. Not everyone is religious, sure many people say they believe in God or that they're Christian, but if you're a practicing [X] and it's a fundamental part of your life, there's no reason why being PC should preclude you from writing about it.

TLS - grain of salt sometimes

aesis wrote:

northwood wrote:stay away from religion in optional essays

I disagree.
If religion is an important part of your background then you should write about it if you think it will contribute to the diversity of the class. Not everyone is religious, sure many people say they believe in God or that they're Christian, but if you're a practicing [X] and it's a fundamental part of your life, there's no reason why being PC should preclude you from writing about it.

TLS - grain of salt sometimes

Yea Confucianism is pretty good since it isn't something the average person really knows about. I can see how this really would add a genuinely unique perspective which, besides URM numbers, is what they are looking for in terms of diversity. And from what Wikipedia told me about Confucianism it looks like it isn't really controversial and actually a practical religion if such a thing has ever existed.

I would only use it if:

1.) You don't come off as taking it too seriously and
2.) You don't scrutinize it

atkpl wrote:I was thinking about writing about Confucian background...

Is writing about religion good idea? I feel like DS about Confucianism might make me stand out in a bad way...

Also, is DS important in the first place? I feel like I have to write them not to be at a disadvantage even though it's not required..

It's a risk. It can make for a really good DS content-wise but I personally wouldn't pull the trigger. You never know which adcomm may read it and feel offended. I certainly wouldn't fire this off to Notre Dame or Fordham or something. Type something up and share it with the board and get a more general consensus after your words are written down. Good luck.