Newspapers / Black Ink (Black Student … / Aug. 18, 1978, edition 1 / Page 12
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Pane 12 Researcher says ‘‘Black” represents evil, sin, dishonesty By TKHKSA Bl UNS Associate Fditor What is the word “Black”? And how can the word "Black” hamper or contribute to stereotypes? This question was discussed at the Howard Universities 7th Annual Communications Conference. Not so many years ago the label Black was considered a hideous insult by the majority of the Black population. There still exist today thase few who despise the word ac cording to a Howard Professor speaking on “Racial Stereotypes in the Press: Images to Correct and Images to Inititiate Internationally.” Ur. Joseph Applegate, professor of African Studies and Research at Howard University, said that the word “Black” contained so many negative connotations that he raised the question as to whether or not Blacks should claim the label. According to Dr. Applegate, “not only in the United States but all around the world the word ‘Black’ represents evil, sin or dishonesty. Why not call ourselves Americans, students or anything else besides ‘Black’? Why should we settle for a name that many countries believe to be negative?” His argument was that we are all Americans and by using the name ‘Black’ we are only contributing to the stereotypes. My reaction to this was one of surprise rather than agreement. I admired Dr. Applegate for his frankness and his truthfulness about his apparent dislike for the name “Black”, but that does not mean that I agree. I am sure Dr. Applegate has substantial reasons for his opinion, however, I believe for every reason he can provide for eliminating the name “Black” there is a reason for keeping it. For instance, white society has given the color black an evil con notation. For that matter they have stereotyped the Black race with newspapers since the beginning of slavery. Advertising slaves was not considered advertising people for sale. Advertising slaves was the same as selling an animal or a savage, who could be worked without luxury and without pay. A 1775 white newspaper, “The North Carolina Gazette,” printed; “FOR SALE: A valuable Negro seasoned to the country.” The Black man was sold like animals. The white society instilled in many Americans the belief that the Negro race, as a whole, was animalistic, but does that mean that Negroes should denounce being Negroes just because some white people perceived them to be animals? They know that they were not animals. The same holds true in respect to the word “Black”. When whites think of the word “Black” some automatically associate rape, evil doings and laziness with it. But this does not necessarily mean that we have to hold these assumptions to be the gospel truth. Our duty is to show that they are wrong and the technique is not by stripping our selves of a label which whites hoped could demean us. When the I960’s came and the slogan “I’m Black and I’m proud” was coined, it eliminated the jnsult once present by being called “Black”. To many Ne^oes, “Black” was no longer a dirty word, but a word to be proud of. For one thing the word “Black” helped to begin a new era in the Black struggle. For Dr. Applegate it would be a significant ac complishment in dissolving stereotypes by eliminating “Black”. m Former Black Ink Co-Editor Lonza C. Hardy Jr. coined the phrase "Think! Black Ink!” Staff photo by James Parker. Bathroom poets express feeling; love, sex, religion By TUFRKSA WILLIAMS Special Projects Editor Aside from our required readings for classes, we can’t help but wonder if time will ever permit us to read simply for pleasure. Well, the time has arrived. We can be tickled, puzzled, and even saddened by the literary talents of our peers. Where? In the restrooms, carrels, and walls all over UNC’s campus. Now I lay me down to study I pray the Lord I don’t go nutty If I should die before 1 wake That’s one less test I’ll have to take. Some writers freely express their feelings about their classes and about the University. One writer, while spending time in one of the restrooms of the Undergraduate Library, conveniently made two lists of courses, one of courses that suck, and another of courses that are good. With the help of peers a list was compiled and the results were as follows: French l-2x. Biochem 7, Econ 31. English 21, and of course English 2 I suck >. while Philosohy 22, History 53. and Astronomy 32 were considered goxl courses. One enthusiastic student saw it fit to write, "this is the best school in the world," while a not-so-enthused student wrote. “UNC is for snobs.” One writer who chose to serve as a spokesman for all students wrote, “I think we can all agree on one thing STATE SUCKS” (written in red). Of course, all writings are not limited to academics. Personal feelings of love, sex, and the CGA are freely expressed. “What I love about women is their desire to love and be loved.” One writer felt that: Love is like a rose But you better not pick it It only grows when it is on the vine. while another felt that: Love is sexless. What difference does it make whether the person you love is male or female? Some writers openly expressed their feelings of the CGA, while some gays expressed their feelings. Gay power means the right to live and let live. One writer aside from making a literary contribution drew a symbol of two women holding hands and wrote beside it: Try us You’ll like us And not just for the sex either. by two writers was: The CGA sucks! But they do it so well. A happy heterosexual proudly made his contribution: I don’t mind if you are gay as long as you don’t try to change me. I won’t try to change you either. while a gay wrote: I don’t mind if you’re straight So how come you mind if I’m Gay? One writer climaxed the whole argument by writing: People with homophobia are mentally ill. Another area in which our literary artists found interest was that of philosophical thought and religion. Some of their comments include: Our youth is a series of promises which gradually reveal themselves to be unworthy or unattainable. Class of ’70 and a comment response phrase: If revolution is the result of an old society pregnant with a new one, then America needs an abortion. One frustrated student wrote: Does the work ever end? A comment-response phrase penned While another promptly responded: No...even in the grave we must work to decompose ourselves while yet another wrote: Whoever wrote that is NOT a biologist another put a clincher onto it and wrote: Who cares? Some written expressions included Bible verses such as Romans 5:1 and John 14:6. One writer addressed a question to God: I have a dream... In two months it will either have come true or be lost forever. What are my chances, God? and Someone answered: So-so. You’re pregnant? One writer composed a poem: Roses'are red Violets are blue If God were dead What would you do? and another responded- RAISE HELL Another somewhat frustrated writer expressed: The Lord is my shepherd The toilet is my relief.
Black Ink (Black Student Movement, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill)
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Aug. 18, 1978, edition 1
12
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