THE EDITOR, Sir:
In the past, when a black man was called Negro, it was a clear sign of racism as it were. Now the word is fully a part of the black American culture 'Negro College Fund'. Today blacks in America have taken on a new name that they seem to love, and have used it extensively. The name is African American.
Now tell me, what in God's name is the implication of this? Is it that we have modernised the way we identify blacks (stereotyping) as we note on the application forms of the world's most prestigious universities that write "equal opportunity" at the bottom of the forms? If this is indeed so (equal opportunity), why should they want to know if a prospective student is black or white?
Call me a fool, but explain this! Why is it that a white American, whose presence in America is no different from these so-called African Americans, not called European-American?
The bottom line is, that the only people based on the African American theory, that have rights to the name American are the Indians, who were there in the beginning. I wonder who was there before the Indians.
Therefore, if none of the original Indians survived, no other group can be called pure or All-American. It further means that every time we see the word American, we should envision an Indian.
SERIOUS QUESTIONS
I wonder, what you call a child whose mother is an Indian and whose father is a European? This is where it becomes complex. I will let the inventor of the name African American decide.
The minute we start saying African-American instead of American, we start running into serious questions that may need answers. What do you call a child of a European American (white) mother and an African American father?
Have you ever heard of a white African American? Funny isn't it. Why can't a black American be called AMERICAN, instead of attaching the prefix 'AFRICAN'?
History will show how they all got there. Why attach a prefix that constantly reminds blacks that they are Africans on American soil, while white Americans who came from Europe are called American NO PREFIX? It might be good that blacks are reminded of their roots, since the odds are against them, but don't you think it is a bit late, since every day is a reminder?
I am 33 years old and I hope when I grow up I will never have to worry about my nationality, because of the colour of my skin.
Which do you prefer African American History Month or Black American History Month. I prefer Black History Month, but what does it matter, I am not an American.
I am, etc.,
Cleve Dawkins
ckjaltd@yahoo.co.uk
