15 Nov
Posted November 15, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
As the 2008 Election came to a close, our nation made history by electing its first African American president, Barack Obama. This election is a milestone that will go down in every textbook and will be talked about for centuries on end. This election has been life changing for many Americans. Some people feel their voices were heard for the very first time. Students had very different reactions to this presidential decision. Some were elated, others were appalled, and some were indifferent.
“I felt really good! I voted for Obama and my whole family was for Obama. I was really excited!”- Nicole Mosley, a sophomore in mathematics education
“The election was great. It involved the more young people and inspired more people to vote.” – Taurean Brown, a junior majoring in fisheries and wildlife science
“I was excited about the outcome. It was fair and I like Obama! I was pleased and I think the best candidate won.”-Jasmin Jordan, a freshman in the transition program
“I felt great! I watched the whole election. I was the scorekeeper and kept everybody updated on facebook!”-Mike Chargualaf, a sophomore majoring in polymer and color chemistry
“I was elated! I am proud to have Barack Obama in office. Not only am I proud to see the first black president but I am also proud that he will make a change for all of us.”- Kenda Freeman, a senior majoring in biological sciences
“I don’t understand why people would vote for Obama. All the election proved was that the liberals had a strong hold on the country. I felt that a lot didn’t know what they were voting for.”- Zack Greenhill, a freshman majoring in turfgrass management
“I think the election was positive and dreams come true no matter what you set your mind to.” – Jessica Battle, a sophomore majoring in criminology/transition program
“I wasn’t mad with the outcome. I’m a liberal republican so I didn’t really agree with some of Obama’s policies. I felt they were a bit too liberal.” – Jessica Scroggins, a sophomore majoring in elementary education
From these words of our fellow students it is easy to see how our views are different. Personally, I was happy with the election results, and I feel like for the first time in a long time that I was a part of something great. I feel that America is going in the right direction, and this election has enhanced my interest in politics.
Even though the 2008 election sparked a lot of interest, controversy traveled closely behind it. Even though people do not like to talk about race, it is still a very big issue in the U.S. The fact that one of the presidential candidates was black (biracial to be exact) was a huge deal for America as a whole. There has never been an African American president, and it is safe to say that some may not have liked him for the mere fact of his race. I like to think that this was a small minority of people and that other Americas were more accepting. I would have hoped that they did not like Obama based on his political preferences versus anything else. That is the same for McCain. I don’t believe in voting blindly and for superficial reasons. It is wrong to judge others on physical or biological characteristics. People should be judged on character and how they live their lives.
This election brought racial tensions to the surface, even on this campus. The free expression tunnel was covered with racial slurs that offended many people on campus. I have always known there was racism everywhere, but to see it on my campus in bold letters was a severe disappointment. The south has had it’s tragic past with racism and slavery, but I thought we had moved past this. I thought we were finally getting to know and understand each other. My bubble officially burst, and sometimes I do not know who has the potential of being my friend. It has placed a certain doubt in my heart for humanity. Does it make sense to hate someone simply for how they look? As far as racism goes, I am not talking about just white people. There are racists Blacks, Asians, Hispanics and so on. This is the honest truth, and we are never going to conquer it if we do not make an effort to understand each other.
The Obama/McCain presidential race will stick with me for the rest of my life. I will look back and see this as a big step for America. Obama wants change, but we must realize that it cannot happen in one day. It may not happen in one term. The important thing is that we are working towards it and nothing can be done without everyone’s input. So, support each other. Talk to someone you would not normally speak to, because making diverse friends is the first step to eradicate racial tension.
15 Nov
Posted November 15, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Last modified on August 9th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Tuesday November 4th, 2008 marked the end of an amazing presidential campaign and the beginning of the first black presidency. Senator Barack Obama beat Senator John McCain by a landslide, winning 364 electoral votes, while only needing 270 to win.
This win is monumental in the history of blacks, other minorities, and the nation. People all over the world celebrated the victory Tuesday night. Forever changing the landscape of politics and America, President-elect Barack Obama gave a humbling victory speech in Chicago, Illinois at Grant Park Tuesday night. After cancelling fireworks and while standing behind bullet proof glass, he said, “This victory alone is not the change we seek- it is only the chance for us to make that change.”
For me, this election means so much on so many different levels. Our people were brought here as slaves, we struggled through the civil rights movement, and now someone with the strength and character of Barack Obama has lived out the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This changes our place in American society.
For so long we’ve used the excuse of being inherently behind because of slavery and the oppression of so many years, but Tuesday marked the end of many of the excuses, and its name is Barack Hussein Obama. Black men can no longer use the excuse that their name is Tyshawn Deon Jackson. So what! A man named Barack Hussein Obama was elected president of the United States of America. No longer can we let our situations dictate the rest of our lives. Absent fathers are no longer excuses for who we are. Barack Obama didn’t have a relationship with his father, and he was elected President of the United States of America.
For anyone who truly evaluates the importance of this historic win, there are many lessons to be learned. Barack Obama started his campaign as the “underdog”. He had no money, very few endorsements, and the middle name of a dictator. The average black person is born with no money, the support of only their mother and grandmothers, and a name that no one can pronounce. Think about it. His story is not a coincidence; it wasn’t just luck. It is hard work and determination that has made him the new leader of the free world. He believed in himself enough to persist when people told him no.
The Obama campaign and victory has reinforced the idea of planning and execution. With a team of experts in every field, Barack Obama was able to raise more money than any other political candidate in the history of American politics. He created a plan to reach the middle-class and young voters. Organizing rallies and groups all over the country, he flipped states and won by more than anyone predicted. So as we continue to marvel in the victory of President-elect Barack Obama, our people, and our country, find that one thing that makes you an “underdog” and embrace it, stick to your plan, and persevere when the odds are stacked against you.
15 Nov
Posted November 15, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
As I was coming down off my high of Barack Obama being elected as the next president, I came across many comments and ideas about how this historical moment in history will impact the next generation and beyond. But there were some things that were said that made me pause and think: how have sports, in particular black sports figures (past and present), played a hand in helping Obama get to where he is at today. I’m pretty sure everyone has heard of Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Doug Williams, Michael Jordan, and many others, but the story of perceptions and stereotypes that these individuals have is widely unknown.
Jackie Robinson helped break down the racial barrier when he became the first black athlete to play MLB on April 15, 1947. Not surprisingly, it wasn’t easy for Robinson at first; many people, including his own teammates didn’t want him playing MLB, let alone on their team. He was called names, ridiculed, and even threatened but he remained steadfast and stood his ground. In doing so, Robinson was able to gain the respect and, more importantly, the understanding of his teammates and others in baseball. Without fully knowing it, Jackie Robinson has helped open the doors for other black sports figures, who would leave their impact not only on their respective sport but on society as well.
Muhammad Ali, even though very spoken at times, has been one of the most respectable people in today’s world, both inside and outside of the sports world for things he did in the ring and outside of it. Michael Jordan has proven to many that a black athlete can achieve commercial success and appeal to all audiences. As proof, he was been a spokesman for 10 major brands which include Nike, Gatorade, and McDonald’s, and starred in Warner Bros. Space Jam (a major box office success). Thanks to Michael Jordan, the NBA was able to increase its popularity and marketability throughout the world. Currently, he serves as part-owner for the Charlotte Bobcats. Doug Williams became the first and only black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and be honored with the Super Bowl MVP award. This accomplishment helped break down the stereotype the black people don’t have what it takes to function in a leadership position, whether it is in sports or in everyday life. Most recently, in Super Bowl 41, Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith became the first black coaches to take their teams to the Super Bowl, with Dungy being the first black coach to win the Super Bowl. This moment sent a powerful message to football programs everywhere (high school, college, etc.) that a black man can make their programs successful.
All of these individuals and more tore down the view that many in white America had on black people; in essence they were proven wrong. They were shown that black people can overcome adversity no matter how bad the situation mayight be, contribute to the world around us, achieve commercial success, and when put in positions of leadership, we can lead our teams to the land of victory. It also showed when given the chance, we can and often do contribute to the world around us, and that we can make a difference. I want to say this new way of thinking is what helped Obama get elected president, but one cannot be for sure. One thing which is for sure, however, is hand in hand, Obama and the sports world will hopefully breakdown wrongful perceptions and damage stereotypes that will open the eyes of America and help open opportunities for not only black people, but minorities everywhere.
15 Nov
Posted November 15, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:25 am
On November 4th , Barack Obama defied the odds and became the first African-American to win a Presidential Election. He showed a power and a determination that now leads others in a way to strive for their own personal gain. Rapper Curtis Jackson, who we all know as 50 Cent, has taken 14 individuals and is showing them all about defying the odds through money and power. “Get Rich or Die Tryin,’” comes to life on a whole different level.
MTV debuted “50 Cent: The Money and The Power” on November 6th. On the mean streets of New York, “The Big Boss” 50 Cent and his “Underboss” rapper Tony Yayo, introduced a group of people that 50 claimed “reminded him of himself just a few years ago waiting to get his big break.” 50 Cent is not playing with this gang, as he consistently emphasizes that he wants a “hustler with big money-making ideas.” This statement has to be the truth, as 50 is investing $100,000 of his own money to the winner, which is just a drop of water to 50, but drops lead to floods and money is always a serious issue.
This group that has been invited to try to earn this money is an interesting mix of people. Out of the 14, the majority is either from California or Texas, then also Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York are represented. Ranging from ages 18 to 27, some people are interesting and just standout even from the initial episode. The one who calls himself “Cornbreadd” (that is with two d’s) is from Houston and a rapper in the making, which could prove to impress 50 Cent on his way to the top. Georgia-boy, Nathan, entered college at 15 and has a MBA, so you know that he has a brilliant mind which is something that you need in the streets. Then there is Precious, who is a “Poor man’s Lil’ Kim” according to 50, but her mouth and strength could prove to be a lethal combination.
From the start, two teams were formed, Team Power and Team Money. Team Money is lead by Joanne from Los Angeles who was picked by 50 Cent, and Team Power who is captained by Ryan from Pennsylvania, was picked by Tony Yayo. As captains, or “bosses” being the more appropriate term, the first of 50 Cent’s 16 lessons was presented: “Choose your crew wisely.” The bosses chose their team and had to lead their team, who was chained together, five miles to Camp Curtis, their home. This first task was quite a bit extreme compared to P. Diddy when he was making his bands. When Team Power won, Joanne was sent to elimination where she was told by 50, “I would never trust you with my money. Get the (expletive) out of here.” That’s what I call hateful!!
With 50 Cent as the host, you know the show will be intense and fierce. With it being aired on MTV, you know that drama will be at a high level. Not to mention that with $100,000 on the line, it is going to be a show that you just want to keep on watching. Maybe you can learn something from Forbes Magazine’s richest rapper as well. It is all about money and power, so stay on top of the game.
15 Nov
Posted November 15, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
The lingering question, “Is there a division which exists between the underclassmen and the upperclassmen?” has finally been addressed. In order to understand how students really feel, I surveyed a number of students and provided them with simple questions.
In my opinion, I feel there is a certain amount of division that exists between the upperclassmen and the underclassmen; however, this division can be lessened at our own freewill. I think the division primarily exists because we tend to socialize more with those with whom we came into college or with whom we have classes. As for the African American population, we are first introduced to our peers at orientation and or at the African American Symposium. Dr. Tracey Ray, director of Multicultural Student Affairs, said that those who attend the African American Symposium during Orientation “will gain valuable insight into campus life from the perspective of our African American faculty, staff and students.” At this point the students begin to bond with those who are at their same classification level. The division is also seen within the classroom. Normally, one’s general education courses are with students who are the same classification or only one year above or below. Seniors and freshmen will rarely have the opportunity to mingle in the classroom setting. This is one reason the gap exists. I feel that in order to bridge the gap, individuals have to make an effort outside of the classroom to socialize with other people who are not in their social circle.
When interviewed, RJ Martin, a senior in accounting, had similar views as myself. Martin feels the communication gap is primarily due to the lack of interaction between upperclassmen and underclassmen through classes. When asked who he communicated more with he said, “I tend to communicate with those who take similar classes as I do. Since I am an upperclassman and take higher-level classes, I communicate mostly with upperclassmen.” Martin feels that it is difficult to connect with underclassmen because they take lower level courses.
Jessica Battle, a sophomore in criminology, views things somewhat differently. She stated, “No, I do not believe there is a division between underclassmen and upperclassmen because you have class with both underclassmen and upperclassmen, and you also socialize with both classes.” Battle says that the division does not exist because everyone chooses with whom they want to socialize. She said that “college life is all about the choices you make.” She went on to say that she communicates with both upper and underclassmen. She looks towards upperclassmen for advice on course information, and she provides the same help to those who are seeking help as well.
So this leaves me to ask, does this gap exist amongst us all, or is it just a myth? Some may say we are well blended, but others still say we are divided. The decision is yours. If you feel that there is a gaping hole, then be the change that you would like to see by bridging that gap.
13 Nov
Posted November 13, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Last modified on August 9th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Tuesday night, a new chapter was added to our history books. In the 231 years of the United States of America, we, the United States of America elected our first Black President. Millions of people around the world celebrated. At N.C. State, after a night of parties, celebration, and tears of joy, we woke the next morning to a rude awakening.
Wednesday morning, the director of Multicultural Student Affairs, Tracey Ray discovered writing on the freedom expression tunnel threatening the lives of blacks. This writing had confederate flags as well as a sign that read “Let’s shoot that nigger in the head.” These drawings were quickly painted over and instead the Student Leaders’ Response to Hate Speech was posted.
Over the past few days there have been several meetings with student leaders on campus as well as with faculty and administration about how to deal with the recent events on campus. The identity of the students who did this is known to the University, yet their names have not been released. No one is aware of any disciplinary action that has been or will be taken.
Rev. Dr. William Barber, the president of the North Carolina Chapter of the Nation Association for the Advancement of Colored People was called in on Saturday night to discuss with various student leaders the severity of the situation and what actions can be taken.
This is not an issue of white vs. black, but more of an issue of equality and safety. Many students we not surprised by the racist actions, but were surprised at the university’s response. Some expressed a concern with the University not releasing the names of the students to the public. “I should not have to sit in class and wonder if I am sitting next to the person who wrote those statements”, expressed Candace Lee, a senior in Business Management. A lot of the students felt the University should have anticipated such events, as they did, and have been proactive in the situation. Their concern is not that the President Elect, Barak Obama will be endanger, but that racist students will take out their anger on black students on campus. Scott McGregor, a senior in Computer Sciences feels that the children who come to N.C. States campus daily are much in danger and something needs to be done to protect us as well as them.
Student Body President, Jay Dawkins pointed out that the University may be cautious in releasing names because of potential danger to the safety of the students and retaliation by others. As Amexia Harris, a senior in Mechanical Engineering pointed out “What about my safety?” Many African American students no longer feel safe on campus even walking back from a night class during the week. They feel that hatred is being tolerated by a University that prides its self on its “diversity”. Dr. Barber stated that in the history of our country, there has been no record of blacks retaliating violently, yet that cannot be said for whites.
Last semester, there was a noose found on campus, at the beginning of this school year there was a situation with a potential Klu Klux Klan meeting. Last week there was a physical threat on someone’s life. At what point will this school take action. Does it have to take violence for the administration to realize that this is no longer a harmless prank?
At his acceptance speech, Barack Obama stated “This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change.” And change is what we need. In the country, in this University, in our communities, and in the mind sets of though who do not think that is it acceptable to have a darker shade of skin.
N.C. State needs to take action. The student leaders on campus are prepared to do whatever needs to be done to make sure that there is a change on this campus. If nothing is done right now, it may be too late.
07 Nov
Posted November 7, 2008 at 5:57 am
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I no longer believe in the old saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Words can hurt, intimidate and devalue not only the receiver, but the speaker as well. To rise against the demeaning power of hateful speech, a unity rally was held yesterday in the Brickyard. At 12:15 p.m. students took time between classes to gather in front of the atrium and unite against hate speech.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Thomas Stafford, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Jose Picart, and Student Body President Jay Dawkins were a few of those that expressed their thoughts about the hateful messages spray painted on the Free Expression Tunnel walls Wednesday morning.
Dr. Stafford said “today is not enough” highlighting the need for more action. He also said “Let us stand together, let us speak together in a loud and clear voice” and say “no more!”
Dr. Picart said the rally was a “show of solidarity against bigotry and violence” commenting that the university’s effort to unite is “what makes us a great university.” He said “The university stands against racism in all forms” and “there is still work to be done.”
Student Body President Jay Dawkins challenged students at the rally to acknowledge the equity of all human beings. “People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect no matter what. Can’t we rise to that?” he said.
He then asked students to join in a unifying “WOLF – PACK” call and response, in which most, but not all of the students in attendance participated.
Perhaps the most moving response was a passionate statement delivered by Dr. Tracey Ray, director of Multicultural Student Affairs. Dr. Ray reported the words in the tunnel Wednesday morning, and stood up yesterday to tell the campus that something must be done. “It is one thing to have free speech,” she said “What crosses the line is when you’re talking about shooting our president in the head.”
“That’s a felony,” she said referring to threatening the president. “We need to treat this as a crime, we need the names; we need them prosecuted!”
Some students found Dr. Ray’s response to be the most powerful. Student Genesis Atkins said “When she spoke it just moved me. It riled up something inside of me. Something has to be done.” She added that she felt the students’ words on the tunnel as well as other racially charged hate speech she’s heard stemmed from anger and fear after the historic election. “They’re angry because they can’t continue to hold people down. People only react out of hate because of fear” she said.
Even with all the statements, the painting over of words, the rally, and the signatures, I can’t help but wonder if anything is really going to change in regards to hate speech. Will our campus only be able to react when students decide they want to mark our campus with words that threaten and degrade another culture or even a person individually? Is there anything we can really do to change the minds and hearts of every single student on campus? Will there ever be a day when somebody doesn’t have something hurtful to say because they’re hurting? As minorities, how can we rise above the oppression?
Atkins says there is a way. “You have to be the one to stand up and say no. As long as we continue to fight it with pride, people will see it; they will see our confidence and our confidence will change the world.”
05 Nov
Posted November 5, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Last modified on August 10th, 2009 at 11:26 am
In a time where the country should be uniting to support our newly elected president, it seems that the results have brought out the worst in some of our student body. This morning in the Free Expression Tunnel, painted with black spray paint were several threatening and racist comments. Statements against African-Americans as a group, use of the “N” word causing an uneasy feeling in any student who may have seen it and promoting a racial divide.
In a bold and inspiring statement from the university, the tunnel was painted white, blotting out the negative, derogatory and hurtful remarks and replacing them with the <a href=’http://students.ncsu.edu/sgims/documents/files/499/SL_Resp_to_Hate_Speech.htm’>Student Leaders’ Response to Hate Speech</a> . The document was originally drafted by the student body President’s Roundtable in light of the chalking of a KKK meeting in the brickyard last month, as a means to denounce hate speech.
The document states that though hate speech is still in some instances protected as free speech under the United States Constitution, it must not go uncontested calling for students to remember that our campus should be one where all students can feel welcome. It also stated “Any speech that is intended to harass, intimidate, or degrade others is unacceptable and together we must confront and denounce it in every corner of our university.” The letter was printed on large sheets and posted in the tunnel allowing students to not only read the response, but sign their name to unite our student body against hate speech.
Chancellor Oblinger also released a <a href=’http://www.ncsu.edu/about-nc-state/chancellor/speeches-and-writings/free-expression/index.php’>statement</a> concerning the comments in the tunnel, telling those people who feel the need to utilize hate speech to “cease and desist.” He also acknowledged how we shouldn’t let our differences divide us.
No matter how you feel about the results of yesterday’s election, remember this; we are one country, and the president-elect will be our president for the next four years.
Thursday, November 6, there will be a unity rally in the Brickyard at 12:15 p.m. The rally will serve a chance for students to get together on campus and unite against hate speech.
United we stand, divided we fall.
05 Nov
Posted November 5, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Last modified on August 11th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Barack Obama tore down the racial barriers that have so long plagued our country when on Tuesday night, he was elected as America’s 44th president, making history as the first African American president of the United States.
After 21 months of campaigning, working to convince the American people that he would be an ideal leader for our country, Obama claimed victory saying “Change has come to America.” The win hits close to home especially with African-American students who can now truly believe that yes; you can be whatever you want to be.
Claiming over 50 percent of the popular vote and as of Wednesday morning, CNN reports that Obama won 349 electoral votes to McCain’s 163.
Barack Obama will be inducted into office on January 20th 2009.
This election was historic for North Carolina as a state as well. Beverly Perdue became the state’s first female governor, beating out Pat McCrory with a little under 50 percent of the vote to McCrory’s 47 percent.
Kay Hagan took the U.S. Senate seat of Elizabeth Dole.
Keep checking the News section back today for updates on this story, student reactions and more!
05 Nov
Posted November 5, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Last modified on August 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences- Multicultural Students Association and the Eta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. stereotyped the audience in their program “Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game” last Monday. This program was meant to educate students on the effects of stereotypes in hopes to reduce such prejudices.
Each audience member had the chance to walk in the shoes of someone else, as they traveled from station to station with an ethnicity card in hopes to carry out regular daily activities or further their status in life. The ethnicity card told the conductors what nationality, gender, and sexual orientation of each audience member. For example, students carried their cards to the bank of Wachovia to purchase a loan or to a real estate agency to buy a house. At these stations, the students were boldly told the reasons as to why they could or could not purchase a loan or had to buy a trailer instead of a house. All of this was based solely on their ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. Students were either turned away or given special treatment.
The other stations were a church, Wal-Mart, car dealership, university admissions, police department, and unemployment office. The conductors at the stations used phrases like “your type” and “you people.” When they would make comments like “Why do you need a loan? To buy rims?” Many of the onlookers laughed out of shock at the bold comments or stepped to the side speechless. Many people who entered into the church were moved to feel ashamed of their lifestyle and wondered why the church did not accept them. The person receiving the negative treatment often looked confused and tried to explain that they just wanted to buy groceries or a car or just needed a prayer.
When asked how this activity made her feel, Chandra Harrington, a senior in chemistry said, “It made me feel horrible. I felt like an outsider.” Deniece McCoy a sophomore in business administration said, “It made me realize how racist the world still is, and how each ethnicity faces different challenges and prejudices with trying to carry out daily activities like buying groceries or trying to get a loan or house. It was a fun and eye opening experience.” It was truly an eye opener.
In the discussion that followed many students spoke of the times they were actually stereotyped or discriminated against and how it made them feel. With the different stereotypes and experiences out in the open, the last question of the night asked the audience if they were willing to make a change in their judgments. Most people said they would try to get to know a person first before making an initial judgment about that person. Freshman in management, Cordera Guion said, “I’ll get to know someone rather than going by appearance.” Overall this program helped to shock students into realizing the things many different people go through on a daily basis, and called for students to reevaluate their own thoughts and actions.
