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The Dilemma of Doing Good
PUBLISHED OCTOBER 17, 2007
I have never concentrated so intently on the race issue as I have done in the past two years of my college experience. I have barely passed the stage of feeling self-conscious about sitting with my “white” friends in John Jay or sitting with my “black” friends in front of Lerner. Either way I feel funny because limiting myself to any particular group defeats part of my educational quest and limits the growth-potential of my learning curve.
The hate crimes on campus over the past weeks have made the idea of mixing, learning, and forming solidarity with other groups and races even more difficult. I wonder whether hate crimes are only administrative problems. The admissions office can bring diverse students to Columbia, but diversity isn’t created by isolated groups of different cultures co-existing. Diversity is created by our willingness to learn from each other, discover our similarities, and learn from our differences. After all, before we became races we were first human.
I am black. I am African. I am not going to bore you with details of good African food that leaves you day dreaming of the next meal or describe women whose hips and curves flow like hills leading to the skies, but I wish everyone could share in my experience. But, by asking everyone to be African, I would miss out on treats of quesedillas from my Mexican friends. I would miss the influence of my friend Bryan, whose list of underground hip hop music helps me to stay conscious when I get way into my capitalist side. Ahmed will not be able to challenge my faith with his consistency in praying five times a day if I condemn his background as evil. I sometimes need him to be who he is to encourage me to be who I am. We live off each other. I am because you are.
As I write this article, I wonder whether people who commit hate crimes deserve my attention. Yes, hate crimes occur, but we never treat people better than we treat ourselves. I find it interesting that people think being rude is necessary, but being rude is simply a manifestation of internalized confusion and an inferiority complex. That’s why I feel the majority of Americans who care about peace in the world are disappointed about the current government’s misrepresentation of the American. To think of all Americans as war-loving is like painting each black person you see with your idea of the worst hip-hop artist you know, or each African from the 57 countries on the continent as a character from The Gods Must Be Crazy.
People who spread hate must be warned, arrested, or expelled when necessary, but can all the open minded, good willing, human loving people please unite? If people who hate evil unite, they will form the new majority against any form of terror in our community and world.
Columbia has a lot of work to do in making its community a safe one. While the University takes steps to protect everyone from hate, I think the students have a role in determining how Columbia builds the house we live in. We must start forming bridges amongst our ourselves, with our cultural groups and beyond, because asking Columbia for safety from hate might be impossible since Columbia can’t scan the deepest thoughts of its applicants.
Unlike the U.S. government, which has spent a sizeable budget digging out innocent people as terrorists, creating fear around the world, and sparking more terror and hatred toward the U.S. from its distant neighbors, Columbia should invest in shortening the distances between schools and cultural groups. We must, as a people with a conscience and a sense of justice, do our best not only to co-exist but to merge. We are the best representatives of our Columbia. The “Bollingers” will come and go but we will be here and our children will be here and they will ask us about what we did for the alma mater to which we will be coaxing them to apply.
Maybe I am too naive, but I want to believe in the human will to be good. I want to believe that the people who spend countless hours putting together peace concerts, organizing "save the earth" events, setting up HIV/AIDS awareness clinics, and working on other grass roots activist movements are not working in vain. These past weeks have been difficult. I hope we get stronger as friends and strengthen each other through harmony.
It is in the spirit of these events and in the hope of recovering from the wounds that we inflict on each other that I invite you to a live performance of “Osekre’s Vibe”—themed Verses for the Masses on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in Lerner C555. This event and space will be created for us to interact, communicate, make new friends across cultures and boundaries and share with each other without simply co-existing independently in different groups. Highlights of the event will spoken word performances. Gifted artists in both graduate and undergraduate schools, including Reni Laine, Jamie Jackson, Alex Silva, and John Luna will be there to share poetry, stories, articles, and music to encourage and unify our campus against hate.
Ishmael Osekre is a student in the School of General Studies.
Osekre’s Vibe runs alternate Wednesdays.
Specopinion@columbia.edu
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"But white Americans, as a group, continue to be the direct beneficiaries of the legal apparatuses of white supremacy, carried out by the full weight of America's legal, political, and economic institutions."
White Americans are bad, mm'kay? Being white in America is bad. You shouldn't be white, mm'kay?
You speak with truth above all else- one of the saved beacons of light amidst the dark wishing to hope for good because there is. You speak from the spirit, PURE from the heart. Many will try to throw stones in the form of words for they do not understand, they cannot and it is only sad that they are this way. However for those who recognize real, they will be blessed by your words and you will be part of the body that carries the torch of harmony.
Is this an article about Columbia or a diatribe against the Bush administration? Please pick one subject and stick to it. Don't they have writing courses at Columbia?
Oskere,
I value your words and perspective, but I am compelled to ask for an analysis about interpersonal and institutional racism. While I agree that more needs to be done at the student level, I do not think issues of intolerance or bigotry will be resolved through cultural exchange or friendship building. It is crucial to educate and acknowledge not just historical experiences of enslavement, oppression, rape, etc., but also how those legacies have informed the experiences of those people's ancestors today. I don't think we, meaning all humans, can properly heal until there is a clear recognition and apology for the pain and suffering inflicted upon africans, indigenous folks in the americas, muslims and arabs, etc. Many communities who have suffered enormously created truth and reconciliation tribunals (Argentina, Chile, South Africa...)knowing that healing first requires acceptance that there is a wound. Although there is lip service to how detrimental colonialism or European seizure of native lands were and still are, and they are often viewed as a necessary evil that had to happen in order for the west to realize its great potential. We need to US government and and more broadly all institutions and people(s) who benefited from enslavement, colonization, land seizures, etc to publicly admit the wrong doing of its past and offer reparations. I don't think it is too much to ask. Holocaust survivors and/or family members have received this. So should we.
Additionally, while I'm all for cross-cultural relationship building, it is imperative to recognize the various positions of power different people have. For example the privilege I carry as a heterosexual women gives me more power than my queer friend. My white partner holds more social, political, and economic power than I, a latina, does. Not to say that those power differentials present an obstacle to cross-race/ethnic relationships, just that it is a reality that needs to be recognized.
I think all women who have been raped should receive reparations from men. That's a lot of women, so start writing checks, men. And you need to write the checks to ancestors of women who were raped in prior centuries, too. I don't know how you will figure all that out, but do it. We have suffered, and we're waiting for that dough.
"...more social, political and economic power than I, a Latina, DO...." Not "...does". :))
You have a very selective view of history. Human civilization did not begin in 1492. Terrible things have happened to all of our ancestors. We are all descendants of slaves and kings. However, you probably only want to "educate" and "acknowledge" your specific list of grievances.
Based upon your list of victims, you seem to live in a world where only straight white males can do wrong.
I don't think that you will be satisfied by reparations. Money will not make the pain that you are feeling go away. An apology will not make it go away. The pain you feel is not caused by the historical facts that you know. It is caused by who you are.
To the person who replied to my posting. My name is Angelines Alba Mata, a 2nd year at GS. I attempted to write my name in the comment form so people could see who was writing, but I guess it didn't work. I would really appreciate it if you realized that while you may disagree with my thoughts, that gives you no right to attack my character or my experiences. What exactly are we here for if we cannot engage in intelligent and mature debate? I might not agree with your views, but I would never disrespect you. Also, I don't think it is fair to make assumptions about "living in a world..." If you would like to continue this conversation I urge you to speak with me directly and not anonymously make disparaging comments. My email is aa2566.
Woow,
I wrote this article and I am impressed by the direction some readers are taking it.
Albeit, you are entitled to your opinions. I am excited that the piece gives a lot to talk about. Afterall what's an op-ed for?
Tell us the truth. Honestly, you're not really that "na'ive"-- you're just laying it on good 'n thick for the kumbahjah, peace-train crowd, right?
Does this schtick ever get you any from the hippie chicks?
Sorry, didn't mean to blow your cover...
(hello? ... is this thing on?)
To CC Student:
How is the FACT of Female Genital Mutilation, "hate speech?" I'd really like to know. How does commenting on FACTS, become "hate speech?" I guess that only applies to "unpleasant" facts, eh? Or, non-PC ones.
Wow - "racist ass?" Man, you sure are "hateful!"
Thanks for noticing my posts! Right, I sign my name. I notice that you don't.
As far as my "job," what's it to you? If I was posting PC comments you approved of, you wouldn't give a hang about what my "job" is, lol! So, got anything substantive to say, or just your hateful ad hominem name-calling? "Name-calling" - the refuge of a person with no argument. And your "tone" - so hateful!
My name is David—not that a first name alone means much in this context—and I call a spade a spade.
Applying the word "facts" to what you've flooded this site with would laughable. Your presentation of information is selective, your sources are spurious, and your inability to separate legitimate fact from blind hatred is patently obvious. But even if your facts were completely sound, your methods are not. Employing isolated points to justify blanket condemnations of races, peoples, and creeds is the worst kind of logical fallacy (and, not coincidentally, the best vehicle for bigotry).
For example, the Christian Bible is littered with passages akin to what you cite from the Qu'ran. I'd be happy to list dozens of them if you'd like, but just to give you a taste:
If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy God, in transgressing his covenant ...Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die. (Deuteronomy 17:2-5)
I happen to think there are quite a few stupid, white, conservative, Christian men in this nation. I don't, however, assume that every Christian (or even a significant portion of them) ascribes to the narrow-minded world view urged by this passage, and I don't use isolated examples of those who do (e.g. -- The Westboro Baptist Church) to smear the entire faith. That, however, is exactly your M.O., which is why I feel entirely comfortable dismissing you and deriding your job status.
--David
LOL.
David, I know the OT has parts about stoning. But that was MILLENIA ago. That has not happened in a Judeo context for MILLENIA.
Islam, however, stones women TODAY, as it has (Sharia Law) for centuries and centuries. Right now there are 8 women in Iranian prisons awaiting their executions by stoning. So, you can quote from the OT 'till you turn blue in the face, but that's not going to change the FACT that Judaism progressed, and Islam didn't.
Concerning Christianity, Jesus said, "He who is without sin throw the first stone." No one did, and that was the end of it in a Judeo-Christian context. Way back in the day.
I call a spade a spade, too. Here it is: You don't know anything. Also, appears to me you're "hateful" as all-get-out! What another poster referred to as your "blind rage." Uh huh, take a breather, David.
--jordan
In his blind rage, David clearly misses Jordan's point altogether. Jordan merely illustrated the author's hyperbole by being hyperbolic-- the FGM sword parry was both logical and effective.
In your own parlance, David: Even if the author's statement of fact ("hate crimes") were completely sound (vs. gratuitous assertions), his methods are not. Employing isolated points ("hate crime" allegations) to justify blanket condemnations of the American people is the worst kind of logical fallacy-- and, not coincidentally, playing to the audience of Leftist self-loathing.
Now, try to breathe.
The answer is that it is not racist, Jordan. The editors simply can't handle the glaring hypocrisy that you (albeit, indelicately) illustrated.
How dare you poke at the beam in the author's eye; when he's so busy analyzing those motes in everyone else's?
You mean-mean-meany!
LOL! How, "indelicately?" (the author's "hypocrisy")
Oh, I just discovered that my user name is "blocked." Why, when I can write it here. --jordan
Jordan queried: How, "indelicately?"
Well, Jordan, you must admit that discussing the subject of holding down little African girls to mutilate their clitoris and labia with crude instruments (such as broken glass shards)-- often w/o the benefit of anethesia-- is am "indelicate" way to illustrate the excesses of someone else's culture.
The argument is effective, yes-- but not what CS editors will likely... hmmm, what's the word... tolerate?
Of course, if the author's willing to criticize American excesses (e.g., campus hate hoaxes), then turn about is fair play; n'est-ce pas? To his credit, it would seem he's at least open to the debate (above).
Poor intolerant, bedwetting lil' speech censors. *sob*
Pitiable really.
Hi and thanks. Well, my quotation about the agony/death of the little Egyptian girl came from the book "Warrior Marks," written by the acclaimed African-American writer Alice Walker, along with her Indian co-author, Pratibha Parmar. So, if the CS editors can't "tolerate" that description, I guess they should take it up with Ms. Walker and Ms. Parmar.
"l'il speech censors" - that's what America is all about these days, n'est ce pas? --jordan
--Jordan.
Well, the Spectator deleted my comment about FGM in African and Islamic countries.
I suppose their PC-sensitive sensibilities just can't face reality. Tell me, Spec, why did you delete my post about the well-known African/Islamic atrocity committed against females called "Female Genital Mutiliation?" I'd really like to know.
Up to now, I've been very proud of the freedom of speech at the Spec.
I even mentioned the book "Warrior Marks," written by an African-American writer, Alice Walker, and her Indian co-author, Pratibha Parmar, about FGM in Africa.
PC Censorship at the Spec about a subject that is a proven fact? My, my.
--Jordan
I didn't see the particular post in question, but judging by the bigoted tone of some of the comments that aren't being deleted on this site, I would guess that whatever you wrote strayed well into the realm of hate speech. It doesn't really seem like they edit these things with a heavy hand.
What are you complaining about, anyway? You've got like 900 posts on this Web site. If I were you, I'd thank the Spec for trying to cover your racist ass a bit—not that it'll do you much good.
Also, do you have a job? Just curious, because the volume of your hateful bile as of late has been quite astonishing.
--CC Student
To Jordan, who seems - reasonably enough - to take issue with Osekre's mentioning of African women's hips: one need not look as far as Africa for the exploitation and mutilation of black women's bodies. Let's not forget this country's historic and systemic effort to devalue the lives and bodies of black women. We still have no justice for the black woman that was kidnapped and tortured by six whites in West Virginia. Her story remains untold.
I would be interested to know if Jordan is as concerned with the exploitaiton of women and women of color here on U.S. soil as he is with genital mutilation in Africa. Or is he operating under the guise of white-supremacy by portraying Africa as being populated with black male brtues who mutilate their women?
this article is ridiculously elementary. i cannot believe how naive the author is. "i hope we get stronger together as friends and strengthen each other through harmony" !? the absence of conflict makes for a shallow peace, to say nothing of justice. no environment will change without real dialogue and negotiations of power, something which the author completely leaves out. this linear and one dimensional view of race is dangerously simplistic, not to mention the authors objectification of african women's hips....
Dude, do you have something on the author's mention of women's hips? I think he puts a lot out there. Clearly u r a bit too narrow minded to see beyond his painting of what really constitutes diversity. It's such a shame. A good article is being wasted by shallow thinking.
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