As a half-black, half-white University of Wisconsin sophomore who attended a majority black high school in Oakland, California, I feel that I can offer a unique and constructive perspective regarding #TheRealUW movement.

First, the majority of my closest friends here at UW are white, whereas a good portion of my high school friends were black. Also, I have been lucky enough to not be noticeably affected by any sort of racial incident on campus. And finally, I personally have not been involved in any of #TheRealUW demonstrations, but I feel that I recognize a part of their perspective that many students in the UW community may not completely understand or appreciate.

I don’t think many students realize the recent protests are not only because of the arrest of Denzel McDonald on April 14. Denzel McDonald is an African American student who spray painted African American art in support of the African American movement and was arrested in an Afro-American studies class.

[UPDATED] UWPD arrests student during class over graffiti highlighting racism on campus

Whether you believe he deserved to be arrested or not, you must at least admit that this situation appears somewhat questionable. Moreover, although this arrest certainly led to the protest on April 21, you must understand the students involved could not reasonably have felt enough frustration to hold a protest like that about a single incident. Rather, this response was the culmination of anger resulting from a string of incidents on campus and throughout the U.S.

In photos: UW students march throughout campus, protest Denzel McDonald’s arrest

A straightforward example of the type of frustration that is felt by nearly all students of color here on campus is the common, sometimes tacit and sometimes blatant, attitude from many members of UW that a minority student’s race — rather than their intelligence and academic success — is the sole reason they were accepted to this fine university.

Though it may not sound like much, it is very discouraging to perceive that fellow students believe all of one’s academic accomplishments are meaningless and their race was the only factor that has allowed them academic success.

Also, some students feel that #TheRealUW’s protest would be totally acceptable, but the way it was conducted was a step too far. These students must understand that without these types of active protests, social change often doesn’t happen.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, protests were similarly strong and loud, and most white people reacted similarly. Like many of the white students on this campus, many morally sound white people of the 1960s felt the issues faced by African Americans were not particularly serious and our society did not need serious changes.

Like the white people back then, many white UW students are simply unaware of these issues and in many cases — since Wisconsin is a predominately white state — it is generally not their issue. Remember, we must all work together to ensure civil rights are protected for all of us.

Finally, #TheRealUW is not suggesting the entire campus is racist, but we as a community need to be more racially progressive and attempt to develop a more equal society. If you disagree with the actions of #TheRealUW, or any other group, talk to them. Understand why they feel that way and create a dialogue. Do not rely only on your assumptions — we are all here to learn and improve.

Thompson Bliss ([email protected]) is a sophomore majoring in physics and astronomy.