Dr. Michael Eric Dyson's Presentation on Racism at Shippensburg University

On this evening: September 24, 1998, I observed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of Columbia University's Ethnic Studies Interdisciplinary Minor. Dr. Dyson gave an educational presentation to students, faculty and visitors at Shippensburg University's Heiges Field House, entitled Race Rules: "Educating People for a Better Future." He gave a moving, memorable speech that was well received by many. However, some observers were obviously displeased. Dr. Dyson shared ideas on a controversial topic (racism) in order to educate people but some used this as a reason to get angry. There was a negative emotional reaction at the main hub of activity on Shippensburg's campus, that occurred directly after the presentation. As a student of Shippensburg University, I was there to witness the behavior.

Why is there so much racism in America?

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson began his inspirational speech by letting the audience know where he is from: the ghetto. I believe he did this to connect with people in the audience. Dr. Dyson stated that anyone of any race could be a success. He then explained the strongest restraint on the success of African Americans is racism. "Racism not only comes from people of other races, but it also comes from one's own race." Racism from one's own race is referred to as "interracism." This is a very new term but it's being used more often to shed light on this issue. An example of interracism occurs when people of the same race make judgments about each other based on the shade of their skin. For example "light-skinned" African Americans might be tormented by their darker counterparts for being "too white." The reverse is also true. Darker toned African Americans may be teased for being "too dark." Dr. Dyson believes this type of racism came about with our strong emphasis on having a Eurocentric society. Eurocentrism is the cultural dominance of Europeans, or "whites" in a society. Dyson believes "for far too long European culture has been imposed upon every race," and that has made "minorities racist against themselves."

Step 1: Honesty In An Open Environment