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03 March 2008
Americans in Taiwan Discuss Martin Luther King’s Legacy
Ask America webchat transcript, February 27
Janee Pierre-Louis and Jean Pierre-Louis of the American Institute in Taiwan - Kaohsiung Branch, and Whitney Mero of the Descendants of African People in Taiwan answered questions in a February 27 Ask America webchat on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in contemporary American society.
Following is the transcript:
(begin transcript)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Ask America Webchat Transcript
MLK’s Legacy in Contemporary U.S. Society
Guest: Janee Pierre-Louis, Whitney Mero, Jean Pierre-Louis
Date: February 27, 2008
Time: 1:00 a.m. EST (0600 GMT/1400 Taipei)
Whitney Mero — Descendants of African People in Taiwan
Jean Pierre-Louis — American Institute Taiwan, Kaohsiung branch
Janee Pierre-Louis — American Institute Taiwan, Kaohsiung branch
AIT Moderator: Welcome to our webchat! You are invited to begin submitting your questions now. Simply click on the tab marked “Submit Question or Comment.”
AIT Moderator: 您好！歡迎光臨本次WebChat活動！您現在可將您的問題送出。步驟很簡單，請點一下"Submit Question or Comment" 的欄位，在文字方塊中填入您的問題，按下 "Submit"送出即可。本次活動將於台北時間 2:00 PM 開始。
AIT Moderator: 由於網友提問眾多的緣故，此次WebChat活動將由WebChat 線上主持人進行過濾與篩選。您所提的問題，將由WebChat主持人篩選之後再交給嘉賓回答，然後才會在此視窗出現。
AIT Moderator: You can begin asking questions now. Just click the “Submit Question or Comment” button. You can see the responses by clicking “View Discussion.” after our guest speakers response your questions.
要問問題、請點“Submit Question or Comment”的欄位。回到“View Discussion”看答案(當來賓回答您的提問後)。
AIT Moderator: Our Guests today are Ms. Whitney Mero, Mr. Jean Pierre-Louis and Ms. Janee Pierre-Louis. 本次活動的嘉賓是 Ms. Whitney Mero, Mr. Jean Pierre-Louis 和 Ms. Janee Pierre-Louis. 以下是他們的簡介。
Ms. Whitney Mero is a representative from Descendants of African People in Taiwan.
Mr. Jean Pierre-Louis is chief of the Consular Section and Economic Section, American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Kaohsiung Branch.
Ms. Janee Pierre-Louis is chief of the Commercial Section, AIT Kaohsiung Branch.
AIT Taipei: Good afternoon everyone. I am Janee Pierre-Louis, Principal Commercial Officer at the American Institute in Taiwan - Kaohsiung Branch Office. I look forward to an interesting conversation this afternoon.
AIT Taipei: Hello and good afternoon. My name is Jean Pierre-Louis. I'm honored to be with you all today to discuss my perspective on Dr. King's legacy. I am Haitian-American, male, and I grew up in Miami, Florida; I also studied history in college and international affairs in graduate school - all of those experiences will help shape how I answer your questions. I look forward to sharing the next 1.5 hours with you.
AIT Taipei: Hello, I am Whitney Mero. I am from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Currently, I live in Alian Shiang, Kaohsiung where I've lived for the past year teaching English at Berkeley Language School. I have worked as a stylist, a community activist and a teacher. While earning my undergraduate degree, I participated in many panel discussions regarding race, class and gender so it is a pleasure to take part in this exercise.
Question [Norman]: Question to Whitney: Is the black man any better today in respect to American on a whole -- than he was 40 yrs ago?
Answer [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: Thank you for your question. We have to remember, first of all, that there is not just one kind of 'black man' in America. We are a very diverse population of people. In general, I would have to say that most people including the black man are better off today than they were 40 years ago simply because of the advances that we are all able to enjoy in modern life. I think that for black people there is a growing middle and upper class and more economic stability. Also, race relations are not what they were forty years ago. Although there is still plenty racism in the States, it is no longer widely used as a measure of worth.
AIT Moderator: 謝謝大家的提問 我們的來賓正在回答各位的問題中 謝謝您的等候 請勿重複送出您的問題. Thank you for your questions. Our guest speakers are answering your questions now. Thank you for your waiting
Q [Norman]: Question to Janee: Is the black man any better today in respect to American on a whole - - than he was 40 yrs ago?
Thank you.
Norman
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: In my estimation, the answer is "yes." In many ways, African-Americans are better off today than they were 40 years ago. As a people, we are no longer legally restricted from occupying any available seats on the bus, from drinking from any available water fountains, eating at any restaurants at which we can afford to eat, etc. We're also free to attend schools alongside students of any color, race, or ethnicity - Black, White, Asian, Native American Indian, etc. However, discriminations do continue in other ways: some private country clubs still only allow in Black people as service staff. We might also say that many segments of the Black male population are now worse off than they were 40 years ago because they are more likely to end up in jail or otherwise involved in the criminal justice system than to obtain a college education. So, yes, as a whole African-Americans are better off today than in the segregated world of 40 or so years ago, but much work remains to be done. Jean
Q [Chat Participant]: Question to Jean: Hello! I would say we see "MLK's" legacy in most important terms just now: This is first election with chance of African American to be president. Do you agree? Thank you.
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: I would agree. Here is why: In my mind, MLK's legacy centers around themes of tolerance, racial equality, and non-violence. If there had been no movement towards achieving these ideals since MLK's era, the remote chance of an African American president would not even be possible. Here we are today with a very viable African American candidate that just may go down in history as "the first". So I would agree that MLK's legacy as well as the legacy of those who fought during the civil rights movement, have made it possible not only for a black man to possibly become president, but also a woman!
Q [NKNU-Connie Chen]: Nowadays, people care more about Black people. Do white people think some of their rights are decreased? NKNU-Connie Chen question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: I personally don't think that the rights of white Americans have been decreased. Rights should be available for all people to enjoy. Instead, I feel that the rights that were once exclusively available to whites, are now available to all Americans, regardless of skin color (at least in theory).
Q [NKNU-Jimmy Lin]: Does the black think that the white are good to them with a better attitude in America now?
Have the black culture been an important impact on the America culture?
NKNU-Jimmy Lin question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: I think it is unfair to think of Black people in America as just one kind of person. Each person has very different opinion regarding race relations in America. Seeking equal rights is not the same as asking someone to be nice to you. White people in general should have as decent an attitude towards people as people have towards them. The main race issue is equal rights, the rights that you are guaranteed at birth. There should not have to be a struggle for these basics. I do believe that the more generations we are away from slavery, the better black/white relations become in America. Unfortunately, those prejudices lent themselves to other races, cultures and religions.
Black culture has made an important impact everywhere. In the clubs in Taipei, they play only Black music and all of the kids who have taken hip hop dance classes during the week come out to show what they've learned. Hip hop, break dancing, even the soulja boy, these are all products of black culture that the world enjoys and sometimes co-opts. There is also prolific literature and many inventions that make lives easier everyday invented by American Black people.
AIT Moderator: 謝謝大家的提問 我們的來賓正在回答各位的問題中 謝謝您的等候 請勿重複送出您的問題. Thank you for your questions. Our guest speakers are answering your questions now. Thank you for your waiting.
Q [Chat Participant]: hi, I am Wan Jin Cheng.
I am glad to join this meeting and I am also interested in African culture. However, I saw an article a few days ago, in which Noris Lessing said if Obama became the first American President, he would be assassinated. I want to ask why? Some news says it is just because most people cannot accept that a black man is American President. I wonder whether you will have different ideas? question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: In America, many political figures that have gone against the establishment have been assassinated like John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and MLK. I think it is extremely irresponsible to predict the assassination of a presidential hopeful. The reason can't be because MOST won't accept him especially if MOST people vote him into office. It is the few nutcases that have never done anything positive for their country who would even consider this or, as it has been suggested in the past, dark, shadowy dissidents in the government afraid of a change of guard. I think that if more people considered him a human first instead of the ever-present 'black man' label, his race would become less and less a factor.
Q [NKNU-Kim]: I am not familiar with American African culture. Sometimes I read novels or listen to music containing American African spirit. Are those things a part of American African culture? And could you explain the core of American African culture briefly? NKNU-Kim question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: Like any culture, I think it is fair to say that there is not a single identifying "core" that encompasses African American culture as it includes so many different elements and influences: food (i.e. "soul food"), religion/style of worship (i.e. call and response), literature, historical legacy (i.e. descendants of slavery), music (i.e. gospel/spirituals), and holidays (i.e. Kwannza). Hope this is helpful.
AIT Moderator: : 謝謝大家的提問 這裡的提問與回答時間是使用美國東部時間 我們的來賓正在回答各位的問題中 謝謝您的等候 請勿重複送出您的問題. Thank you for your questions. Our guest speakers are answering your questions now. Thank you for your waiting.
Q [NKNU-Scott]: My friends told me that some of the black would discriminate Asian people, so can you talk about the black's general attitude toward Asian people in America? question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: I don't think that blacks as a whole have a specific attitude towards Asian people, in general. I think that some blacks may not have extensive contact/experience with Asians. Similarly, I have found many Asians have limited experience with blacks. In both of these cases, unfortunately misunderstandings do sometimes result.
When traveling abroad, I think some foreigners feel that at times they are subject to both positive and negative encounters that may be based on race. Although I have had negative racial encounters in Taiwan, I've learned that it is most important for me to focus on the positive encounters and not to judge all people in Taiwan for the discriminatory/negative comments of a small number of people. Does that make sense? I hope that you decide to visit the US and I encourage you to make friends of all backgrounds, including African Americans.
Q [Chat Participant]: Do you think Africa is your motherland or America? question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: I just asked a co-worker if she thought China was her motherland. In response, she frowned and said NO! because her family has been in Taiwan for 13 generations. I was born in America as was my mother, my grandparents, my great grandparents, etc. My father, who is white, has family that has not been in America as long as my mother's family. They do not consider France their motherland. Though I have traveled there several times, I have not felt they were homecomings. I have felt that it was a place from which my ancestors were sold and bought and removed under duress. History is inclusive, the good and the bad. This is a part of my history as an American Black person. However, I am an American. My family is American.
Q [Chat Participant]: Some reports say that decades later the population of the black will surpass the white, and that will make a big difference in the USA. What is your opinion?
A [AIT Taipei]: Some reports have speculated that by 2050 the non-white (Black, Asian, Latino, etc.) population of the United States will roughly equal or slight surpass the white population. For example, research by the Pew Research Center indicate that by 2050 the U.S. population might increase to roughly 440 million from the current roughly 300 million and that the overwhelming majority (80%) of the increase will come from non-US born immigrants.
I believe that if current trends continue, a large percentage of that immigrant population will come from the Spanish speaking world. The changes have huge implications for the U.S., not only in terms of majority/minority relations, but also in terms of resources. Currently, all of our presidents have been white males but if whites are no longer the majority, will the white male candidate be assured the presidency as has been the case for 43 presidencies. In some ways, this current election is a test of that issue. There is also the question of relations between African-Americans and Latinos (who are made up of various groups that do not necessarily share common interests - true for all of the groups and sub-groups that we're splitting people into). Until a few years ago, African-Americans were the largest single minority group in the U.S., but Latinos have surpassed African-Americans in terms of numbers. Does that mean that Latinos should expect an increase in political capital as well. Does that mean that White Americans should have less influence on political, economic, and social discourse in America? These questions are too complex to discuss over a few quick emails, but they are important issues that will continue to influence the United States for as long as I live and beyond. Jean
Q [NKNU-Jimmy Lin]: Have the black culture been a great impact on the America culture NKNU-Jimmy Lin question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]:I would say yes. Black culture has had a great impact on mainstream American culture, especially pop culture. I would also like to point out that many black leaders have made great contributions in addition to MLK, as well - Benjamin Banneker (science & technology), Mae Jemison (astronaut), the list goes on...
Q [cindy]: Hello~i'm cindy from NKNU. It is said that African people have a good voice. Do you like to sing? Do you have a dream to be a famous singer? question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: Well, I am not African so I cannot say for sure if all Africans have good voices. I am pretty sure that not everyone has good voices. I can't sing at all (I am really really bad at it) but I would still love to be a famous singer.
AIT Moderator: 謝謝各位的提問 由於問題眾多 我們的來賓正在努力回答各位的問題 同時也歡迎各位發表對此主題的想法與見解 謝謝各位 . Thank you for your questions. Our guest speakers are answering your questions now. Thank you for your waiting.
Q [NKNU-Peggy Chen]: NKNU-Peggy Chen I've been to America last summer vacation. The most unforgettable scene in my mind was the man who opened doors for the customers in McDonalds. Some customers gave him changes out of pity. I want to ask how people in America treat Black people in their real life. Thanks. question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: Poverty is always an unfortunate sight. I would say that what you saw can be seen across racial lines in the United States and is not reflective of blacks as a whole group. The man opening doors at McDonalds just happened to be black, but at another McDonald's the gentleman may have been White, Asian or Latino.
Q [Chat Participant]: Michael Jackson, the world-known singer, is also known for his insistence on passing for white by means of plastic surgery. How do people consider this phenomenon? question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: People are confused about it. Many of us don't know exactly how to react to it. But I can, in his defense, say that if you are told your entire life that you are ugly and unworthy because of your blackness, you might consider changing your features to fit a certain standard of (white) beauty. Unfortunately, his experiment went terribly wrong and it only reinforces why self-love is so important, especially when other people don't appreciate who you are or how you look.
Q [Chat Participant]: Question to Jean: I want to ask if Obama wins the election, will black men in the U.S.A get more respect or change their lives? question to Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: African-Americans have waited for a viable "African-American" presidential candidate for decades and Senator Obama appears to be that person but I fully expect that there will be others in years to come. Whether his candidacy will earn more "respect" for Blacks in America is not something that I can address. Quite frankly, African-Americans as a people are respected in the United States today and they will continue to be respecter whether or not Senator Obama wins the Democratic nomination and wins the General Election. What your question speaks to is pride and, yes, overall, African-Americans have found much pride in the viability of his candidacy and have voted for him by large margins because of that pride.
Q [Chat Participant]: Barak Obama, other than Colin Powell and Condeleeza Rice, is one of the very few black noticeable politicians. question to Whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: In a representative democracy, it is hoped that the number of politicians reflects people in the voting population. There are many black politicians most of whom you would never have the occasion of hearing about, as well as lobbyists, state congressmen, high-ranking government employees and pundits.
AIT Moderator: 謝謝各位的提問 由於問題眾多 我們的來賓正在努力回答各位的問題 同時也歡迎各位發表對此主題的想法與見解 謝謝各位
Q [NKNU-Jade]: Are African Americans proud of their African roots? If not, how do they consider their origins? (from NKNU-Jade) question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: I am personally proud of my African roots, for sure. However, since many slave records were destroyed I have no real way of tracing my roots to a particular West African country (i.e. Nigeria, Ghana, etc...), which have a plethora of different cultures. However, over time, I have come to realize that I am more American than African. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Dakar, Senegal. I imagined that I would feel some sense of "going home". While I enjoyed the people, food and my overall visit, I did not have a sense of a cultural connectedness. I shared the same skin color, looked similar to many Senegalese, but culturally I was very different. A very interesting experience.
Some also debate the meaning of "African American". Some use African American to describe people like me (i.e. descendants of slaves) with a long history in the United States. Others use the term, and rightly so, to describe African immigrants to America or people like Barak Obama, a man with a father directly from the African nation of Kenya.
Comment [Raissa]: Last year I was in the USA in the state of Virginia. I do not know anything about black people in the place where I was staying but in the neighborhood I could see lovely houses of the people who had come from India, Turkey and other places.
Q [Chat Participant]: I think African Americans live a better life nowadays. Does African Americans feel discrimination outside the United States? question to whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: I have lived all over the world. I had really not felt hurtful discrimination until I moved here. The first week I was here, I was told how unattractive I was, in addition to the pointing, laughing and the cries of Black person and more laughter. There are many Black and Brown people in many places in the world. I think the places where the exposure to them is minimal, there will be more ridicule and less understanding of them. Since The U.S.A. is a country of immigrants and Black people have been there for more than 400 years, there is less surprise when different people interact. There is definitely still discrimination and cultural/racial segregation but not in the same way existed in the past.
Q [Tina]: Hello, this is Tina. I would like to ask some questions. First, do you think when people said:"he or she sings so well because he or she is a black people." is kind of a praise or still a stereotype. Second, Do you think if Obama really become the new president, what would happen to American history? question to Janee Thank you.
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: Although some may consider it praise, I consider such a statement whether about singing, sports, a stereotype for sure. Why? Being black doesn't mean that you can sing. I can't sing, but I am an excellent writer. If Obama becomes president it will be a landmark event in American history. As for what will happen to American history, I think our country will continue, just as it always has!
Q [NKNU-Jade Lee]: Since you were originally from Haiti, you might enlighten us more with your understanding of the nation. Is racial conflict a serious problem in Haiti? (from NKNU-Jade Lee) question to Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: Let me first say that I have more expertise on Asia than I do on Haiti. Yes, I was born in Haiti and raised there until I was ten years old, but I have no noteworthy academic background on Haiti. However, I can speculate that Haiti's problems are not rooted in racial conflict. Having visited Haiti a couple of times since my family relocated to the United States, I think that some of the problems are rooted in lack of rule of law, poor governance, class issues, and the lack of economic resources. All of these problems are compounded by the availability of cheap fire arms, the proliferation of drugs transiting through Haiti and the influence that such money can buy. I encourage you to visit some think tanks for more informative analysis on Haiti. Try: www.csis.org; www.aei.org; www.brookings.edu Good luck. Jean
Q [Jimmy]: Just curious. Did your mom name you after Whitney Huston?? TCFSH JImmy to Whitney. question to whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: Heehee. I am too old to have been named after Whitney Houston. My mother named me after a mountain in California called Mount Whitney. When I was born, it was actually a name used more for boys than for girls or it was a last name.
AIT Moderator: From NUNU: I hope to express my appreciation for the three speakers at AIT, NKNU Dean of Humanities Professor Chang, and my dearest students for making the web conversation fruitful and interesting. I also think that this gathering gives us the chance of promoting mutual understanding of African American culture and Taiwan culture.
Q [NKNU-Eric Quei]: We all know that lots of black people make out well in all kinds of field such as sports, show business career, even in politics. but do they think thay get the same social position as white people do? or do these black celebrities take only small proportion? question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: Interesting question. Some would argue that some famous blacks are able to supersede race because of their status, wealth, recognition, and likeability. Examples would be people like Oprah Winfrey or Michael Jordan. I would say that these people have an elevated social position in America among all ethnic and racial groups, enjoying a position that only a small minority of the American population enjoys, regardless of race. Although such individuals may be more welcomed in mainstream America, they are still black.
Q [Chat Participant]: Nowadays, are most of African American teenagers proud of their African roots or do they think they are inferior to white people and have a tendency to do what white people do? Thank you very much. question to whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: I cannot be absolutely sure. As an almost 30 year old adult with no children, I don't have a chance to be around many African American teenagers. However, I think that teenagers everywhere think about the same kinds of things. When I was a teenager many, many, many years ago, the most important things to me were grades, boys, my car, my clothes, boys but not race. I attended a high school with a good mix of races and cultures and I can't recall there being many problems because of race.
Q [Chat Participant]: Dear Janee, It's may be a great turning for Mr. Barak Obama to run for the presidential position in 2008. Many American have high expectation for him. Do you think that Mr. Obama's presidency will help decrease the problem of racial discrimination in the U.S.? Or do you think that it will increase the resentment of the white to the black in the state? question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: I would certainly hope that his potential presidency would not increase white resentment towards blacks. I don't think this would be the case because in order for Mr. Obama to win, he has to secure the vote and confidence of the American people, most of whom are white. So actually white Americans are his biggest supporters in terms of sheer numbers because they represent the majority. Many say that his bi-racial background, sensitivity towards race relations, and experience working with different ethnic groups in the US will be a uniting force for race relations in the United States.
Q [Chat Participant]: Question to Whitney: I once saw in the movie "Crash" that there are still some prejudice against black people. In the film they are sometimes believed to be violent, guilty, or sensitive. I'd like to know that whether this kind of prejudice is still common or not? question to whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: I did not see Crash. I will encourage you not to believe everything that you see in movies. They are for entertainment purposes. They are not necessarily educational tools. These things exist in all demographics of people. There are violent, guilty and sensitive people everywhere. No culture is void of these elements. Try not to judge an entire race of people from a 2 hour long film.
AIT Moderator: 本次的活動紀錄將會於整理後張貼在 http://www.americancorner.org.tw
網站當中 謝謝各位的提問 也歡迎各位於活動後造訪該網站. The transcript will be available at http://www.americancorner.org.tw.
Q [Chat Participant]: Hello. I want to know that if I want to read some literature masterpiece about racial problems in America, what will you recommand me to read? question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei]: Janee: There are so many. Here are some famous authors that you may want to consider: Langston Hughes, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Walter Mosely. Some have works with a more "historical context" and others, more contemporary. I recommend both types for a comprehensive review.
Q [Taichung]: Hi, I'm from TCFSH In South Africa, there are many job opportunities for black people. But still, people living in a better life are mostly white people. What do you think the government can do to improve this situation? question from Taichung to Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: Hello TCFSH student. I have no expertise on South Africa, so it is very difficult for me to speculate about what specific steps the government should take to improve the lives of Blacks living there. However, one cannot simply end discrimination and expect that those who had been relegated to sub-standard education, health care, housing, etc., will automatically be able to compete with those who hold the health, power, and influence.
South Africa has taken some excellent steps to help heal the nation, but apartheid just ended in South Africa in 1994 and that's hardly sufficient time for that large nation to correct decades of injustice, discrimination and deliberate disempowerment of its Black population. The South African cannot go wrong if it continues to take solid steps to address problems associated with HIV AIDS, improve the quality of education while ensuring that a student from the poorest family has a chance to become literate, and continue to lower graft and ensure good governance. Jean
Q [Chat Participant]: American citizens, leaving alone their skin color, have been unavoidably immersed in a nationwide swirl of "Obamamania" with the help of mass media. How can we explain if this phenomenon comes in a healthy way for such a crucial electoral system? Is it fair for the media to model a candidate like this? question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Jenee]: Theoretically speaking, one of the beauties of the American system, is the "voice of the people". So, while the mass media can intensify "Obamamania", it can't do so without the backing of "the people".
Comment [Chat Participant]: From this webchat, I discover another way to view the black culture. I really thank to every professor online to response my question.
Comment [NKNU Cindy]: I think this is a special and good chance to chat with foreign teachers. However, because of the lack of knowledge about African culture, I could not think the proper questions to ask, so next time if there is chance to chat with foreign teachers, I suggest that we should be told in advance. NKNU from cindy Thank you!
Comment [Chat Participant]: Actually, through today's web-chat, I learned that when we consider some racial problem or cultures from some minor ethnicity groups, we need to erase some old ideas related to the stereotype of them. Some questions must be redirected to "personal" rights, rather than being selected out. Thank you.
Q [NKNU Cindy]: We can not deny that some African people in America indeed do not have a good living standard, so they may sometimes lead to the social crimes. Therefore, it may cause the stereotype of people that African people is the source of chaos. I think how to upgrade the living quality of African people in America is the important problem. Do you agree? Thank you! NKNU--cindy question to whitney
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: Thank you for your question. If you think of Black Americans in the same way that you think of the Taiwanese, the meaning of this question changes. There are many poor Taiwanese and there are some with money. These differences happen for many reasons. It is fair to say that when people who do not enjoy a high standard of living and are denied the things that might insure this, they may resort to violence to acquire them. In the same way, not all Black people in America are poor. In fact, most of them are not. Most of the violence and crime in America is not committed by Black people. Many people outside of the States think that all white people are rich and that all the Black people want to rob them or be like them. this is simply not the truth.
Q [NKNU-Jade]: Question to Janee: You mentioned holidays (i.e. Kwannza), I'm sure Taiwanese students are unfamiliar with this. Can you further explain this holiday? Thanks. (NKNU-Jade) question to Janee
A [AIT Taipei: Janee]: Kwannza is an African American holiday. It is celebrated for 7 days, Dec 26-January 1st and emphasizes principles such as faith, unity, self-determination, and creativity. Since time is short, please check out this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa
Q [Chat Participant]: Question to Jean: We know that jazz and hip-hop are originated from the black culture. And many people say that white people can't express the true meaning in the music. So in your opinion, what characteristics make them so unique? --from TCFSH
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: I love Jazz, Blues, Blue Grass, and a host of other music and although many of the Jazz greats are Black, some of my favorite Jazz musicians are White. The world is too complex and diverse, in my view, to believe that Blacks play and feel good music while Whites play the tunes but "can't really get down like that." I think that good musicians are gifted individuals who work hard to hone their skills and I'll leave it at that. Yes, I do agree that much of today's popular music and some not so popular music has its roots in African traditions and culture, but that's a very long conversation and I'm not best qualified to carry on that conversation. I took a World Musics course while I was in college and I encourage you to do the same if you have a chance. That course broke down many of my self-imposed barriers about what constitutes good music. Jean
Q [Chat Participant]: Nowasays we often can see news on TV describing the first black person who runs for the election of U.S president as a breakthrough. And Obama receives lots of attention because he is black. Do you think it's another kind of racial discrimination, because people think he is different in a society led bt white? question to Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: Thank you for your question. I personally have a lot of issues over how Senator Obama is described. Yes, he is Black, but why he is Black is another issue and one with which I haven't quite come to terms. To understand why that conversation upsets me at times, we must revisit why someone who has a White mother and a Black father is automatically considered Black is something I believe to be quite racist. You might be familiar with the word, but if you're not just take a few minutes to check your dictionary for the word "Octaroon." That there is a word to define someone who is one eight Black has its foundations in racist concepts. When you're done looking up Octaroon, try "Quadroon." Jean
Q [Chat Participant]: Did African American create any unique literary forms as they did in music field?
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: Yes, google the "Harlem Renaissance" in which Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes took part. You can also look up "Noirism" and "Postcolonialism" which, for many, still marks this period. Jean
Q [Chat Participant]: What do you think of King's influence on modern American history? question to Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Jean]: Dr. King and the other giants of the American Civil Rights Movements have had an incredible positive influence on America. To be sure, I have faced racism in my adult life or at least actions that I believe to be motivated by racist thoughts and ideals, but not even close to approaching the injustice that Dr. King and his contemporaries faced. By and large, I am free to express my thoughts, pursue a life of wealth, education, and personal happiness and I can't say that most Blacks growing up in America in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s had those same opportunities. So I think that Dr. King and others (Black and White) who fought to get rid of institutional racism have had a wonderful impact on modern America. Jean
A [AIT Taipei: Whitney]: Thank you for the opportunity to join this discussion. Hopefully, this has given you some information regarding Black America. Please do not let your curiosity end with this discussion. Read and learn and travel so that many of these questions can be answered for you through experience. Thank you so much and enjoy the rest of your day. Whitney Mero.
AIT Taipei: Well, it appears that our time has come to a close. Thank you all for such great questions and your willingness and interest in learning more about blacks in America. Please continue your journey of learning!
AIT Moderator: 感謝各位參加本次的活動, 本次活動紀錄將會於整理後張貼在 http://www.americancorner.org.tw
網站當中 謝謝各位的提問 也歡迎各位於活動後造訪該網站. The transcript will be available at http://www.americancorner.org.tw. Thank you for attending this web chat program!
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
