Panel
Asks, Is Racism Changing?
by Patricia Ngnoumen
This
week, the Oberlin College African American Studies Department concluded
its Black History Month celebrations. Last Tuesday, students and
faculty engaged in a critical and thoughtful panel discussion on
the topic of racism, entitled The Color Line Revisited: Is
Racism Dead?
Racism is definitely not dead, it has only become politically
correct, sophomore Nabilah Talib said. Its either
in peoples subconscious, or rather, people are conscious of
it, but are not allowed to acknowledge their feelings. If it was
dead, our social structure would be different.
Oberlin students listened eagerly as panel members gave their definition
of racism and challenged the question of whether racism is dead
or not. Professor Pamela Brooks attested that racism is alive, and
that exploitation still exists. Brooks talked about her struggle
as a professor and an African American woman to claim a space
in an institution that does not automatically treat her equally.
She called on students and allies to engage in the fight against
racism as active participants, and not mere spectators.
Professor Booker C. Peek explained that combating racism and discrimination
requires intense stamina, and encouraged students to confront racism
actively by fighting intellectually and morally. He
demanded that students critically analyze how unequal access to
liberty within American society could be justified.
Racism is not dead, and I dont think that it will ever
be dead. Our minds are not capable of dismissing our differences.
However, I believe that there is room and hope for improvement,
junior Sage Lewis said. Booker Peek is right, most Americans
believe in that American paradigm; but he gave enough arguments
against the false American Dream. However, as a white man, I dont
believe that all white people fall into the category of a racist,
because I dont support those negative ideas and beliefs.
We are not only revisiting the problem of the color line,
we are living in it, Professor of African American Studies
Meredith Gatsby said. She added that racism is not the only issue
that has hindered social equality, and that sexism must be attacked,
as well.
Racism is far from ended. Discussions like this one are vital
in order to remind ourselves of its ever-pres
ence
in our lives, whether we can or cannot readily discern its existence,
sophomore Aaliyah Bilal said.
Many people argue that racism has taken a different form then it
has in the past. Professor James Millette said that in his generation
African Americans were more aware of race, and had a
sharper consciousness or understanding of race relations.
What one doesnt experience, one doesnt understand,
Millette said.
First-year Jadell Pearson concurred. Our generation is unique.
Racism is defined differently in my life than in my parents
lives. I did not live in the same fear as my parents did,
Pearson said. In a way, because of the advancements made by
my parents, I have acquired certain privileges that were not available
to them.
To senior Jamon Holt, the key to combating racism begins with education.
Holt argued that through education, African Americans will acquire
the knowledge and strength needed to overcome many of the underlying
problems of racism. Education is important and necessary.
We must match the tools of the master in order to make it, but we
cant use them against ourselves.
Racism is something that I go through everyday. Stuff like
racial profiling cops pulling you over or someone you know
hits too close to home, senior Menna Demessie said.
Yet I do believe that racism is more inferential and less
physical these days. Its different for our generation. Its
a politics game. What I do know is that Oberlin is a special place.
We can actually talk about diversity here!
This month, the Oberlin College Department of African American Studies
has brought together many different speakers and performers, creating
a venue that incorporated both critical dialogue and education to
attack the question, Is racism dead? The celebration
of Black History Month ended yesterday with a performance by Rasherly
McClearly, Truth: The Testimonial of Sojourner Truth, a theatrical
performance narrating the life of Sojourner Truth and telling a
story of struggle, resistance and rejoicing.
I found the piece extremely important. We dont have
the opportunity to learn and appreciate the contributions that black
people have made in this country, especially not black women. The
performer was great. She was able to evoke the strength and greatness
that black women possess, but are not given any recognition for,
senior Naima Bond said.
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