It is very disappointing to see the degree to which we try to
invade the "racist" label when most, if not all, belief race to be the
primarily difference between European and African descendants.
First of all the term 'ethnicity' is more accurate and 'culture'
is more accurate for group associations. Our race is homo sapien.
Therefore, anyone who uses the term "race" to describe ethnicity is
being racist.
But, to be a little more specific...Philip Curtin's ob-ed piece,
in my opinion, was racist because he plays on fears of an African
domination, he ignores the racist past of the "discipline."
In the April 6, 1995, issue of the Chronicle, my points are supported
by others:
"As anyone conversant w/ the history of African studies should
know, the "birth" of the field in the later 1950s and 1960s took place by
displacing scholars of African descent. Vast expansion in these years did
create a large new body of scholars, programs, and journals dedicated to
Africa, all supported by federal and foundation grants linked to cold war
fears."
William Martin,
Assoc. Prof. of Soc., Dir. of Grad. Studies
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
"because P. Curtin is one of the most well-known historians of
Africa in the United States, and his cavalier use of gossip and innuendo
reflects poorly on our area of specialization...furthermore, his repeated
citation of unnamed colleagues and reference to "most of us" and "many of
us" suggests that hte editorial is not merely a personal statement but
rather the conclusion of a distinct group of Africanists scholars --
[Euro-male ones]...
"[using] "ghettoizing" and "apartheid," For Curtin to suggest
that black scholars, of all people, have somehow encouraged or benefited
from isolation from the rest of the academic community is ludicrous and
irresponsible. At their worst, his claims resonate strongly with a
growing national trend that gives license and encouragement to racist,
sexist, and xenophobic utterances...."
Keletsho Atkins John Higginson Atieno Odhiambo
Assoc. Prof. of History Prof. of History Prof. of History
U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor Rice Univ.
Thus, it becomes apparent that to not be honest about racist
behavior is to become an supporter of those type of position. Nothing,
is more hinderous to the cross-ethnic relationship (Black/White)
in American than supporting racism. On both sides. Although Farrakhan
at least has history on his side when he make some of those sweeping
statements about groups, (ei. Jewish Americans) based on the deeds of
members of those groups...But, once again, because the ADL and others,
attack him without first acknowledging some of truths in what he has
said -- people notice that!
I get the feeling that we have many apologist for racists on this
list...Is ok to have a position. Just beable to support it in public!
I took offense at the natural inclination of the press to believe that
all Euroamericans are more qualified than all Afroamericans vying for
the same position. This is based on the racist belief that African
were/are from a savage culture. Everyone knows these...but not
every one says it. But, "Blacks" think of this the analysis racist
beliefs.
Remember, it is Euroamerica that has the problem. But, it is also
Euroamericans who want to treat the problem and give the "clean bill
of health." Never wrong in cross-cultural matters, these same
sick people want to tell the historically oppressed, what is fair.
It is time that Euroamerica starting listening and learning from
others. Here is a question: How can Diversity of thought really be the
objective, when in a situation where there ae 10 spots, 9 of which are
taked by Euroamericans form Big Eastern or Big Ten Universities. Should
not the most qualifiedd person for the last spot, not be big ten/east
trained, Euroamerican? Shouldn't the most qualified be the one to
bring the most difference to the program -- gender and ethnicity wise?
Think about it. THe answer should be "yes," IF diversity is the
goal...The same is true of the workforce. IF there are too few
professors in the academia, then more is better.
The racist, who btw are only produces of this Euro-derived,
cultural institutioned society, should really try coming up with some
new lies and stop all of this suppost "diversifying." Then it will be
easlier to exclude, legally. Like how "they" legally and popularly
demonized Voodoo and other African cultures in the New World. Peace.