Stand up for your own communities to make a change

Tifair Gillepse
Stand up and say something ... now!

Exposing myself to thousands of readers every Monday has been challenging yet invigorating. I have received appreciation from administrators, professors and my peers, while others faces turned red in disbelief of my words. One reader stated in his e-mail that he was tired of black people complaining about their issues while another reader told me I had no idea what I was talking about on issues involving the legal system.

Their responses reminded me of a verse in a song that the soulful songwriter and singer India Arie sang, "Dark future ahead of me that's what they said, I'd be starvin' if I ate all the words they fed." Their comments have made me critically analyze my own thoughts that have only made me stronger in my beliefs.

The Tavis Smiley foundation hosted a forum at the beginning of the school year that featured Dr. Cornell West, a Black American Studies professor at Yale University, and Aaron McGruder, who produces a controversial comic that is nationally syndicated. They challenged young conscious African Americans to become involved in mass communication and challenge the Trans-National corporations that tend to perpetuate negative stereotypes of youthful blacks in the media.

We, as young black collegiate students, face a reality that others may not understand. While we may study hard and receive an education that only 1 percent of the world receives, we are still looked at as ignorant beings in the media. This spills over into the workforce and classrooms as well as our social lives. I can remember a professor stating, "I'm surprised you knew that."

Believe me when I say the question was not rocket science but rather common sense. A previous landlord of mine asked me, "Where did I learn to speak my 'white' English?" while a resident assistant told me that I was a 'typical black woman' all in the same night. This has fueled the fire of why I must speak and attempt to make others understand the reality we face every day.

When you are treated differently for reasons that are outside of your control, how should you react? Fight, curse ... scream, maybe? Activists such as the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, Cornell West and Rev. Al Sharpton give a different approach to handling issues of racism in society. They simply want the best for blacks by addressing "sensitive" issues that many politicians, teachers and textbooks wish to ignore.

Many of my cohorts have approached me in the library as well as the supermarket in appreciation on the issues I address. We are hungry to hear the words of our experiences in the Southern Illinois region, which often go unheard. I received an e-mail from a young black man from the east coat who was new to the Southern Illinois region. He said it was relieving to hear my words due to the conservative culture shock he faces in this region. Southern Illinois is not the only region where racism or inequality exists, but it is different for many who come from metropolitan areas. The fear of resentment and disagreement has left my soul with the responses from those who often go unheard.

Hip hop, transnational corporations, advertising, independent women, health issues in the black community, the war in Iraq and the color complex are issues that have graced the pages of the Daily Egyptian every Monday. "Stand Up and Say Something ... Now!" has helped some breath easier while some are still holding their breaths. Whatever side you are on - conservative, liberal, black, white, Chinese or Indian - we must speak on what is going on in our own communities so that maybe one day we may all understand our differences and accept them for what they are.

Stand up and say something ... now! appears every Monday. Tifair is a senior in advertising. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.

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