OBU members take exception with opinion column

To the Editor,
In response to a column written by John Thorpe in the Feb. 16 edition of CM
LIFE, the Organization for Black Unity would like to share our views on the
issue of racism in American. While we respect John’s opinion, we find
several misconceptions in his article, and therefore, would like to enlighten
those who harbor these views.
The column expressed a belief that there is no need for Black History Month.
Ironically, our organization agrees 100 percent. However, our reasoning is a
bit different. It should be considered a disgrace to our nation that only one
month out of the year is used to educate America on the contributions of black
Americans.
This country was built on the backs of black slaves that involuntarily labored,
day in and day out, on tobacco and cotton plantations. It is because of that
back breaking labor that America is economically ahead of other countries.
In the article, it was stated that, “If an item is important, it will
be covered with the rest of history; if it is junk, it will be ignored.”
It is important to be knowledgeable of the black experience, because this country
achieved its economic status by implementing the institution of black slavery
in almost every American homestead. History book authors neglect to tell the
truth about our past, and thus, continue to damage the growth of this nation.
American students have been lied to about the harsh realities that have shaped
American history, which is the partial cause of the racial tension that continues
to plague our society.
In response to the statement, ‘many blacks are still convinced
that the white man is out to get them,’ we have an explanation as to
why these thought processes still exist. Events have occurred here and nationwide,
which keeps blacks wary of the “Man.” Drug and gun laws target
the black community, keeping a disproportionate number of blacks locked up in
the prison system. Police departments across the nation are somehow justified
in harassing our young population by claiming that we “look” suspicious.
Compare conviction rates of black people to that of white people. Which is higher?
Are we really always guilty? Lets explore some incidents that hit a little closer
to home. What about the dragging death of a black person in Grand Rapids? (please
do not confuse this with the dragging death of James Byrd). How can you explain
the racial slurs that appeared on the walls of Robinson and Herrig halls in
these past two years? How can you explain the racial incidents at the Pub and
at RallyÕs last year and the year before? Due to the mentioned events
and more, it should be understandable why blacks are “paranoid”
about the “Man” out to get them.
In regard to the resentment of multicultural advisers and residence assistants,
it seems as though one would appreciate their presence on campus. They make
it much easier to learn about different types of people. Many students have
grown up in environments that do not provide the opportunity to associate with
cultures other than their own. This is why the best thing about college can
be described as gaining the opportunity to become enriched with the different
experiences that others can share.
There is nothing wrong with finding comfort in people that share the same background
as you, however, there comes a time when you have to venture outside of the
box. The world is not all white; it has an array of colors. As members of this
campus, we have to learn how to communicate effectively with others, and it’s
not easy if you can’t relate to their experiences.
It must be understood that race is a topic that has existed for years. We get
tired of talking about it as well. However, we will continue to discuss it as
long as the racial issues continue. We will be able to move on after America
has aired its “dirty laundry.”
There is a book titled “Lies My Teacher Told Me”, by James W. Loewen.
Please read it and have a thought-provoking day.
This letter was submitted by Shawna Patterson, Detroit sophomore, and Richelle Barge, Inkster sophomore.