I have a question for Benjamin Gedan, how do you write a feature on the relationship between Africans and African Americans ("Africans and African Americans: Do shared historical roots mean common cultural ground?" 11/8) and not include the perspective of African Americans? Can you say one-sided?
Of course the two students featured in the article are entitled to their opinions and likewise I have the right to feel disgusted and saddened by their statements. I am disheartened that non-Africans and African Americans may have read that article and thought that all, if not most, black Africans do not identify with African Americans. As a black Caribbean American I certainly identify with Mr. Mould-Millman and Ms. Jibrin's sentiments about feeling alien to the African-American culture. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that in America you are classified, identified, stereotyped and treated on the basis of your skin color so it only made sense for me to identify with African Americans. Perhaps Mr. Mould-Millman and Ms. Jibirin have not grasped this concept because they are of the lighter persuasion. Ms. Jibirin even admits that she would possibly identify more with African Americans if she looked blacker.
Also, I take offense to Mr. Mould-Millman's comment "there is a lot of segregation by [African Americans]. As much as they cry that they're not treated equally, they segregate themselves." Contrary to Mr. Mould-Millman's beliefs, ten black students eating dinner together in Dewick does not in my opinion classify as self-segregation. Take a look around the dining hall and notice how many white students sit together. Why is it that once black students congregate there is uproar? Perhaps it is just a natural tendency for people of similar interests, backgrounds, and experiences to want to associate. I seriously doubt this association is exclusive of other ethnic and racial groups. Also, I was appalled by Ms. Jibrin's comment "[African Americans] revel in their blackness [and] there is no need to put up a banner saying 'I'm black.'" Ms. Jibrin, the only banner of blackness I put up is my skin color. Perhaps black Americans would not have to "revel in [our] blackness" if we were not forced to confront that identity every day, especially at Tufts.
Ola J. Friday, LA '03
