is there a lot of pressure to join 'ethnic' associations? Forum

[doomed123]

Okay, this is probably a stupid question, but...

I marked myself as "Other" Hispanic, and now I keep getting emails (and in some cases phone calls) from the Latino/Hispanic Student Associations at all the schools to which I've been accepted. When I get to school, will they expect me to join? I don't really feel comfortable doing that, as my ethnicity has never been something I've strongly identified with (I'm like 5th generation, and only half-Hispanic anyway). Does pretty much every minority in law school join their respective ethnic club? Will the club be offended by someone who doesn't join? Am I doomed?

[woeisme]

Okay, this is probably a stupid question, but...

I marked myself as "Other" Hispanic, and now I keep getting emails (and in some cases phone calls) from the Latino/Hispanic Student Associations at all the schools to which I've been accepted. When I get to school, will they expect me to join? I don't really feel comfortable doing that, as my ethnicity has never been something I've strongly identified with (I'm like 5th generation, and only half-Hispanic anyway). Does pretty much every minority in law school join their respective ethnic club? Will the club be offended by someone who doesn't join? Am I doomed?

Haha, I hope you didn't make your username over this situation. You're not doomed. How can anyone *expect* or be *offended* by your not wanting to participate in a club? You're fine. Do whatever you want.

[doomed123]

Okay, this is probably a stupid question, but...

I marked myself as "Other" Hispanic, and now I keep getting emails (and in some cases phone calls) from the Latino/Hispanic Student Associations at all the schools to which I've been accepted. When I get to school, will they expect me to join? I don't really feel comfortable doing that, as my ethnicity has never been something I've strongly identified with (I'm like 5th generation, and only half-Hispanic anyway). Does pretty much every minority in law school join their respective ethnic club? Will the club be offended by someone who doesn't join? Am I doomed?

Haha, I hope you didn't make your username over this situation. You're not doomed. How can anyone *expect* or be *offended* by your not wanting to participate in a club? You're fine. Do whatever you want.

lol, nah, I've had this username for years. It seems appropriate for my neurotic concerns though.

I was just worried that they'd 'expect' it if pretty much every minority joins these groups as a matter of course... and then the one guy who doesn't ends up looking like a dick.

[pno12006]

X

[woeisme]

lol, nah, I've had this username for years. It seems appropriate for my neurotic concerns though.

I was just worried that they'd 'expect' it if pretty much every minority joins these groups as a matter of course... and then the one guy who doesn't ends up looking like a dick.

In my opinion, they'd be the dicks for having such expectations.

[woeisme]

They could be a network that you use later.

True

[Cupidity]

The networking value in those organizations doesn't come through their meetings or activities, it comes through separate networking events or special career fairs. Those events will still be advertised through the school, and you can go to them whether or not you have ever attended a meeting.

[dingbat]

I'm like 5th generation, and only half-Hispanic anyway

Don't join. You're not Hispanic enough to fit in

[LSATNightmares]

Ethnic clubs aren't necessarily that ethnic I hear. When they advertise for events at my school, they encourage students of all ethnicities to come. And people have. Compared to other clubs, ethnic groups are usually more active and involved because they receive extra money and funds from national chapters.