I would like to thank my sister for bringing this article to my attention.
The first time I learned about Tufts University I was a little kid who had no idea how prestigious the school was among academics. All I knew was that one of my favorite aunts was married to a guy who lectured there. Now that I am an adult, I am quite aware of Tufts, it's academic reputation, and it's stature among educators in this country.
Still, when I heard about the campus conservatives publishing a satirical jab at black folks in their newspaper, "The Primary Source", I was not surprised. The parody had words that said all black people are '"boisterous," and born in the ghetto.' One line said: "Oh Jesus we need you now to fill our racial quotas". But nothing about race surprises me anymore. Especially on college campuses. Oh yes, it seems that these days the more educated and younger the person is, the more insensitive he or she will tend to be on matters of race. So things are a little tough at Tufts right now, (damn I loved saying that) and black students have actually filed institutional charges alleging that the carol parody constituted "harassment and created a "hostile environment". The school has about 8,500 students of which about 7% is black. And everyone of those black students seem to be offended. So the school administration who prides itself on the free flow of debate and encouraging an open discourse on campus, is a bit embarrassed. "We write to express our outrage...no one should have to endure verbal attacks based on race" So says President Lawrence Bacow, who must feel like he is caught between a rock and a hard place right about now.
Well President Bacow, let me throw my two cents in this debate and try to help you out a bit.
Do not take any action against the campus conservatives! Let me repeat that: Do not take any action against them! To the black students on campus, my advise to you is this: Hit your books, focus on graduating, and forget about those white conservatives on campus who want your black asses gone. Nothing you do is going to change how they feel about you. (They are white republican conservatives for crying out loud!) In fact, you should be glad that they are publishing this type of ignorant shit, because at least you know where they stand. When are black folks going to learn? This is the reality you live in, just because folks hide their true feeling about your ass on a daily basis does not mean that racism and ignorance does not exist. Even at a fine institution like Tufts University. I feel for that black sophomore who said; "I think they crossed the line." Because I just bet that when she headed on up to Tufts with her 1,300 SAT score and straight A's from high school, she thought she would never have to confront racism again. Well as my man Borat would say": "Not!" This is America young lady, and in a way, you are getting a lesson in reality 101 right there on your campus. This is what one of your fellow sophomores of the white persuasion said: "I honestly don't believe that it was intended to be racist. Of course I could see why they (Black people) would be offended". See, he understands, and I bet lots of other white people do too.
The first time I learned about Tufts University I was a little kid who had no idea how prestigious the school was among academics. All I knew was that one of my favorite aunts was married to a guy who lectured there. Now that I am an adult, I am quite aware of Tufts, it's academic reputation, and it's stature among educators in this country.
Still, when I heard about the campus conservatives publishing a satirical jab at black folks in their newspaper, "The Primary Source", I was not surprised. The parody had words that said all black people are '"boisterous," and born in the ghetto.' One line said: "Oh Jesus we need you now to fill our racial quotas". But nothing about race surprises me anymore. Especially on college campuses. Oh yes, it seems that these days the more educated and younger the person is, the more insensitive he or she will tend to be on matters of race. So things are a little tough at Tufts right now, (damn I loved saying that) and black students have actually filed institutional charges alleging that the carol parody constituted "harassment and created a "hostile environment". The school has about 8,500 students of which about 7% is black. And everyone of those black students seem to be offended. So the school administration who prides itself on the free flow of debate and encouraging an open discourse on campus, is a bit embarrassed. "We write to express our outrage...no one should have to endure verbal attacks based on race" So says President Lawrence Bacow, who must feel like he is caught between a rock and a hard place right about now.
Well President Bacow, let me throw my two cents in this debate and try to help you out a bit.
Do not take any action against the campus conservatives! Let me repeat that: Do not take any action against them! To the black students on campus, my advise to you is this: Hit your books, focus on graduating, and forget about those white conservatives on campus who want your black asses gone. Nothing you do is going to change how they feel about you. (They are white republican conservatives for crying out loud!) In fact, you should be glad that they are publishing this type of ignorant shit, because at least you know where they stand. When are black folks going to learn? This is the reality you live in, just because folks hide their true feeling about your ass on a daily basis does not mean that racism and ignorance does not exist. Even at a fine institution like Tufts University. I feel for that black sophomore who said; "I think they crossed the line." Because I just bet that when she headed on up to Tufts with her 1,300 SAT score and straight A's from high school, she thought she would never have to confront racism again. Well as my man Borat would say": "Not!" This is America young lady, and in a way, you are getting a lesson in reality 101 right there on your campus. This is what one of your fellow sophomores of the white persuasion said: "I honestly don't believe that it was intended to be racist. Of course I could see why they (Black people) would be offended". See, he understands, and I bet lots of other white people do too.
So suck it up, move on and try to get your degree. When you do, enter the work force with a renewed sense of passion, and try and do everything in your power to help to uplift your family and your race.
