Questionnaire response
RESPONSES
M. #2
4 min read
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Where are you from ?
I am Beninese, Togolese, Malian, and French.
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In which country did you live?
I have lived in Benin, Senegal, and the United States with short stays in Latin America and Asia.
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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?
I think the first time I became aware of this was in Benin. I remember one day we were playing in the street when a car with white passengers drove by. Some kids from the neighborhood started running after it saying "yovo, yovo".
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When did this take on a negative connotation?
I don't remember the exact moment but I think I felt it through the reactions of those around me when we were on vacation in France.
For example, my grandmother's concern every time we went out in Paris made me realize that even an innocent outing could become risky.
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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")
Once I arrived on the Washington College campus, I quickly became close with the group of international students I met during my orientation week. Once the other students joined us on campus,
I was approached by female students coming out of the cafeteria and asked if I thought I could fit in with the student body without being in the group of black people.
That's when I realized that in the United States, it is often implied that black people have to be together.
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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?
When I witness racist conversations or actions, whether towards myself or others, I try to point out the problematic aspect of the comment or action. I never take it personally because,
as Baldwin explains, " what they believe, as well as what they do and cause you to endure does not testify to your inferiority but to their inhumanity".
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What is your relationship with your skin color?
I am very proud to be black. I learned to accept myself very early on, whether it is my skin color or my personality, and at the same time I learned to surround myself with people who know how to value both.
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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)
Growing up in a family that embraces its roots like mine, I never really felt any inner discomfort with my skin color. If I had been asked this question a few years ago, I might not have used the word "pride". I might have said that I am glad to be black.
But more recently, I have become proud and even prideful of being black.
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Do you agree that with age you gain a better understanding of what racism is?
Yes, I think as children/young people, it is difficult to appreciate the nuances of racism. Understanding that racism can work in insidious ways takes both time and perspective.
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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))
I feel more and more empowered to speak out against racism. It is something that has always been close to my heart and has guided my professional choices.
My goal is to always consider the social context when defining my research projects. Public health (whether mental or physical) cannot be separated from the context (and environment) in which the target populations evolve.
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Do you have or would you like to have children?
I don't know.
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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 ?
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Where do you currently live?
In New York.
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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 see myself living anywhere that the work I do can help vulnerable groups. I think that in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (for both developed and developing countries), we absolutely must link them to "reparations" strategies to reduce the disparities that exist due to racism and other social ills. So racism may guide my choice of where to live, but it won't be in a direct way.
CHANGE IS COMING!