Redefining multiculturalism

Students at a Bay Area high school this week were informed of a proposal for a new group on campus: the Caucasian Club.

The problem is, this misguided attempt by one high school freshman highlights something that goes beyond a simple reaction to other signs of diversity on her campus: The need to redefine what it means to be multicultural.

We say what we mean â€" and reactionary is exactly that. The girl, Lisa McClelland from Freedom High School in Oakley, probably created the club to be on par with other organizations, pointing to the ostensible benefits of learning from European-American cultures.

Too bad she aimed for a sweep of cultures that span two continents. Get out a notebook and pen: that's a lot of cultures to learn about.

But on the flip-side of the coin â€" or Euro â€" the girl does have a point: just what does it mean to be "multicultural" in a world where definitions are inconstant and ever-changing?

Last year, Santa Clara's Gay and Lesbian Alliance (GALA) tried â€" albeit unsuccessfully â€" to join the Multicultural Center's roster. Leaders at the time pointed to the organization's current constitution, which aimed to preserve the founder's intent with membership of people of color.

Maybe these signs of the times present a different view. There is certainly a cultural facet to gay life in America.

And what about descendents of Polish, Italian and German nationalities? Without a doubt, the United States is built upon a foundation of European forebears. Those descendents would like to know â€" and share â€" more about their culture than hamburgers or pasta.

It's time for the proverbial melting pot to be re-examined â€" and for multiculturalism to be redefined.