Tommy Curry kyta_swan@hotmail.com
As I go through life as a Black man encountering racism and prejudice, I sometimes wonder how much of that contributes to our dilemmas as Black people. As a group, there are things that we have to work on as well. White people are not in inner city Black neighborhoods, yet teen pregnancy and violence still run rampant. Sure, I know the argument that countless authors make about the need to understand the socio-economic and psycho-social roles that an impoverished and culturally isolated environment grooms, but do we act out strictly because of racism and its effects on us?
Now, some of my people will say that this is airing out dirty laundry, but let's be real about it, shall we? We can't come to a university, not do well in class because of our social lives and extra-social activities then blame the academy for our shortcomings. I will be the first to say the academy is racist and victimizes African people, especially African men, but to unequivocally associate racism at the root of all African failings is unfair and detrimental. What is it about Africans that make us accept the conditions racism has placed us in, but fail to act to correct them? I don't understand.
Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a black professor about his interpretation of culture and his view of Africa in the grand scheme of things. The first question he asked me was "what is my G.P.A." then chose to engage my ideas regarding the subject. In this exchange, I learned something tangential to the discussion area but at the core of issues with race and racism. Black people set their standards of achievement to mirror the level of success they have in their own lives. One would almost expect that in such an individualistic society, but ask yourself something. In my discussion with the professor, would it matter if I had a 3.8 or a 2.5, or a 2.0.? If I made informed arguments countering his warrants, should that not have been enough to make a suitable impression?
Is this an issue of racism? Was this professor short-sighted for using a traditionally arbitrary reward system in a discussion of race, demanding critical thinking and creativity, or was he being insightful in asking if my rhetoric matched my academic performance? I don't know. I don't know exactly how one could come to any sound conclusion. I do know that it raises certain questions of how we see ourselves as African individuals with a certain status in contrast to others who mirror our "success."
What makes us unaware of our history and stolid throughout life about ourselves? We come to college for what? What does it do? Do we find ourselves? Do we have a couple of kids? Maybe catch a few STD's? I don't know? But while we excuse our actions on youth and enjoy our irresponsibility, what happens to those of us who get to judge? When Republicans speak of the moral decay in America, do we honestly think they are talking about orgies at Yale or Harvard? No. They are talking about the actions of the minority populations and the need for them to be controlled regardless of age, socio-economic status or prestige.
We can't allow ourselves to act as another culture, or disregard our own, because we can choose not to engage the statistics or stereotypes of our people. You know, we Africans sure can talk a good game, but we never make a change. When the issue of Patrick Gant and racial profiling occurred, we marched and talked, but did not act. Can the same thing happen to innocent Africans again? Yes. Will it? Probably. But who cares, right?
Instead of a house party, we'll throw them all at the barn or the Sportscenter, and not block up the street or make a lot of noise this time. I don't understand why we choose to be oppressed. But what do I know? I am just one African that may not even call himself black when he gets his Ph.D., and may not even remember black people when he gets his law degree. Hell, am I black now? Am I real? Who knows. If nothing else, at this moment I am an African, but I just don't understand. Someone help a brotha out.
My Nommo appears on Wednesday. Tommy is a senior in philosophy and political science. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
