Simply humans

This letter is in response to Tracy Deis Doris’ letter “Culture Ignored” in the Feb. 20 Northern Star.

Ms. Doris, you seem to have some valid points. Yes, black culture has suffered incredible injustices over the course of American history, but is it really right to continue blaming today’s generation for something that happened over 100 years ago?

As for the Nitzer Ebb deal, most of the white people I know couldn’t tell you who they were.

Yes, let’s talk about movies. I have a feeling you had to wait to see “New Jack City” and “Boyz ‘n the Hood” about as long as anyone in DeKalb has had to wait to see new movies. If “Daughters in the Dust” proves to be a successful film, it may make it to DeKalb in due time. I think maybe what you need to realize is that DeKalb is not quite the metropolis that Chicago is. Do you really think a soul food restaurant would make it in DeKalb (especially in the summer when the majority of NIU students aren’t around)? How many black Baptist churches does a town the size of DeKalb need?

Most of the statements you made sound as if they came from very well-rounded person. No matter who you are or what culture you come from, it’s “nice to see people, places, and things you are familiar with, things that remind you of home, who you are, and where you come from.” If you are unhappy here, you should have applied for an assistantship at a predominantly black university in a predominantly black town.

The last time I checked, we were still living in America where everyone still has a right to their own opinion. Mr. Shabazz has the right to not make as big of an issue of his culture as you do, Ms. Doris.

One last thought not really related to Ms. Doris’ letter. Do we really need terms like African-American and the newest—Euro-American? Why can’t we all just consider ourselves one race—the human race?

Kelly Ann Ray

Senior

Psychology