Dr. Madonna Constantine is arguably one of the most well known psychologists who work on issues of race and racism in the United States. She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association’s divisions 17 and 45, and a member of division 35. The designation of “Fellow” in APA is an honor. Dr. Constantine does not limit herself to working against racism, she works to engage students in processes of transformation which can get at the roots and routes of other biases and prejudices which are harmful for human development; sexism, classism, and homophobia.
Whoever placed a noose on the office door of Professor Madonna Constantine sent a message to all faculty who engage with, theorize on, work against racism on our college campuses. To place a noose at her door, places a noose at all our doors. Our message back should be as clear as what Professor Constantine said to supporters outside the doors of Teachers College, “I will not be silenced.”
The responses by Teachers College students and the wider Columbia University community largely state that racism is alive and well. It just takes an incident like this – whether a “prank” or a real threat, to bring what is always under the surface back into the light of day. The noose as symbol and historical fact in the hateful crimes of lynching is today a reminder that working against racism is still work which puts you at risk and makes you a target.
Some weeks ago I wrote a post on the UCE signs and what my sister and her partner thought while driving on “The Scenic Byway” where these signs crowd out the beautiful view. These signs are also messages of intolerance that not only affect the Cayuga Nation but anyone who is against intolerance in Cayuga Count(r)y. Ultimately, they affect all of us because they become part of the landscape. Intolerance becomes taken-for-granted; just another overgrown weed along the road. Literally, intolerance becomes part of the scenery.
A noose at Professor Constantine’s office, signs which denigrate the rights of sovereignty of the Cayuga Nation, and the raiding of work places to arrest Latin@s who have children born in the U.S. who are indeed left behind because their parents are being sent back across borders without due process: These are part of the larger social context of injustice within which we all live.
Each message is written to you even though it is happening to someone else.
2 comments:
Hello Vic,
I was aware that a noose was placed on Dr. Constantine's door through the media. I checked your blog because I knew you would comment.
My thought is: Racism is alive and thriving...but racism is not alive and well.
The tremendous support for Dr. Constantine against this horrific act screams that such acts are not nor will not be tolerated. This would not have been the kind of support there would have been for the same act years ago.
As for the signs on Rt 90 encouraging participation in "no sovereign nation"...they should not be standing. Unfortunately land owners are allowed to place these signs on their property.
Should there be signs that welcome diversity? To be honest, I did not think so initially because my thought process was, "Why bring attention to those who displayed signs against the Cayuga Nation?"
Lately I have been thinking that taking a stand on signs that welcome diversity may be a more appropriate action. Certainly colleges and businesses should take the initiative. And I suppose individuals should as well.
I can tell you that the rumor of a gambling casino built was one of the main concerns for individuals in that community. There are ways to prevent unwanted businesses from opening other banning entire groups.
I think it is unfortunate that these signs still stand. To be honest, I am not comfortable making a solid decision on how to address this issue. And I'll bet....I am not alone.
Hi Rene',
Thanks for writing. Always respect and enjoy your honesty.
There's this way to start a petition on-line that I don't quite know what I think about yet. It's called (so originally, right?) iPetition at www.ipetitions.com/ I'm not trying to advertise it at all. Just curious to see if starting a petition that people could sign on-line about the signs on Rt. 90 might be something to do? I've signed petitions thru iPetition mostly recently for ENDA, but don't know how effective or even if it's an okay service.
The petition can be sent to our local politicians, for example, and if there were enough names maybe we could argue that these signs are on public easements, not just private property, along a scenic byway?
Just thinking.
You are definitely NOT alone in trying to figure out what action to take RE: signs. For a long time I've been wishing someone would put up signs that told a different story... See, I could imagine a whole bunch of different signs because free speech is essential, but folks don't exercise it out of fear and that shows how those signs are also there to intimidate anyone with a different view.
Complicated.
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