Questionnaire response
RESPONSES
M. #1
4 min read
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Where are you from ?
I come from Benin, Togo, Mali and France.
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In which country did you live?
I have lived in Benin, Senegal, France, the United States and Switzerland.
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How old are you ?
26
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When did you realize that your skin color made you different than others?
Probably one summer when I was in Paris and I was with my grandmother. We had met one of her neighbors in the elevator and from the way the lady looked at us, I think she didn't understand the connection between my grandmother and me, because of our different skin color. In any case, she looked surprised.
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When did this take on a negative connotation?
I wouldn't say that it really took on a negative connotation, but it clearly had a lot more importance when I went to study in Europe, specifically in France. That's when I really felt that I was different.
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Have you experienced episodes of racism against yourself (this varies from micro-attacks to acts of violence)?
a. Yes
b. No
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If you answered "yes" to the previous question, what was the event that struck you the most? (or "the events")
Honestly, I would just take one of the most recent events: when boarding a long-haul flight (so after going through security without any problem), they let everyone but my mother and I go through and they start to search us without explaining why they were doing this. When we asked for explanations, nobody thought it necessary to tell us what was really going on. Knowing that we were the only black people on this flight. It is very humiliating and totally unfair.
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What would define your skin color the most among the following propositions: (for lack of adequate words please do not be offended by them)
a. 'Light skin'
b. 'Mixed'
c. 'Black'
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Have you ever witnessed racist acts around you?
a. Yes
b. No
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Have you ever heard 'inappropriate' comments from those around you?
a. Yes
b. No
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If so, it took place within which group (s) among the following? (Many answers are possible)
a. Your group of friends + acquaintances (so rather friends of your friends)
b. Your group of friends
c. Within your family
d. At school / at university
e. At work
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For each of the boxes checked in the previous question, please specify how you felt at that time? Did you react? Yes? No ? Why?
Most of the time, it always surprises me to hear this kind of remarks. At first I think "no, he/she didn't say that?!" then I realize that in fact they did. It's just a reminder that we live in different societies with people who have very different principles and notions of respect for others. I react most of the time except I've noticed, in the workplace where I do it less. Knowing that it is always a delicate subject and very tendentious.
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What is your relationship with your skin color?
Ultra healthy. I come from a family where we all have different skin colors. So it was never difficult to accept myself and my skin color because that's what I've known since birth.
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Has your relationship to your skin color always been the same? (Whether the answer is yes or no, please explore the evolution of this relationship over time)
Yes, always. But it's true that lately I appreciate it even more.
I've always enjoyed it but I don't think I realized how much it was part of my identity. Which makes me cherish it even more because I am extremely proud of it.
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Do you agree that with age you gain a better understanding of what racism is?
Clearly. Especially if one has not been confronted to racist acts from a young age.
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Over time, do you feel more apt to be against racism or on the contrary less apt? (In both cases, please specify for what reason (s))
Totally more apt to be against since I understand it better.
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Do you have or would you like to have children?
I would love to !
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If so, is the notion of racism something that comes to your mind when you think about potentially bringing into the world / educating another human being and being responsible for it? Why ?
Not necessarily. I would like to pass on a whole set of values (respect for others, sharing, love, compassion, equality between men and women etc.) to my children. Yes, to make them aware of racism. Not so that they position themselves as victims but rather so that they know that it does not come from them and that
their skin color should not be an obstacle to their development.
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Where do you currently live?
In Switzerland.
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Where would you see yourself living? When choosing this place, do you take into account the notion of racism? Yes? No ? Why ?
I have no idea where I would like to live in the future. It will depend on a lot of things. No, I don't think I would choose this place specifically because of racism.
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Here you can express anything you feel about racism that was not necessarily covered in the previous questions. (Whatever you feel, whatever you want to share).
I think it's something very insidious. I think it's very important to feel good about yourself, your body, and your place in the society you live in. To achieve this, in my opinion, you need to have a good knowledge of your origins, your past and your family history. This way, you are better equipped to ignore small peaks or more serious acts of racism and/or to put people in their place when necessary. It is not possible to control people and therefore the kind of thoughts they may have. That's why I'm really grateful to my parents and my family for giving me all the values I have and the confidence I have in the person I am in this society. If we can make things better, that's good.
Yes, clearly! We live in a time where people are mixing more and more. Probably this will result in more acceptance towards others.