By Kyle Kern Staff writer
Pearson-Wharton and Mark Shaffer, of the Susquehanna Counseling Center, spoke as part of a “Let’s Talk” lunch in Benjamin Apple Meeting Room 3. They led a discussion centered around the topics of oppression, especially cycles of racism in the United States.
Before the event started, Pearson-Wharton and Shaffer talked amongst the many faculty, staff and students that had gathered in the circle of chairs that spanned the meeting room.
The group reflected upon an activity from the last “Let’s Talk” lunch when one person was asked to sit in the middle of the circle.
Then, with permission, the person was poked and prodded multiple times until the individual could not handle it anymore.
Pearson-Wharton reminded the group of this activity and the fact that it represented that there is an inward pressure that is felt by those who are oppressed.
They often think they are the reason for their discomfort, thinking that the encroachment of being discriminated against or stereotyped is somehow their own fault.
Pearson-Wharton said that it is important that one learns to overcome this because it is not an individual’s fault that they are discriminated against.
Upon reaching that point, Shaffer and Pearson-Wharton introduced the topic for this week: living in a post-Obama era. The two explained the “cycle of racism” that continues to be experienced in the world today.
The first step of this cycle is “legal response,” much like how the Civil Rights movement inspired legislative acts in the 1960s.
The next step is called “continued oppression.” Pearson- Wharton explained that this situation evolved in the Black Uprising, seen in places like Baltimore, Ferguson and other locations in the United States.
The next step in the cycle is “black progress” which was seen under President Obama. “White backlash,” as it has been seen in the recent months, is a sequencing step. It has been increasing with larger white populations turning out to the election than previous elections and increased situations of oppressing minority and foreign groups.
From this discussion, the subjects of increased stereotyping and prejudiced events on campus were also discussed. It was reported that there were around 15 discriminatory incidents on campus that have happened this year, which is a major increase from other years.
The group discussed the idea that if a larger number of students attended events that addressed different viewpoints of minority oppression, it would help to make the Susquehanna community more aware of oppression in the United States.
Sophomore business administration major Christian Coleman believes it is a good thing to hold these types of events on campus.
“When I attend talks, we create a space for mental and emotional exploration. Reflecting on oneself and stepping into multiple perspectives is stimulating, and that’s why these talks are so important,” Coleman said.
Shaffer and Pearson-Wharton said there has to be an understanding of how different oppression can look and that each generation has experienced varying forms of oppression.
It was expressed that the varying forms sometimes create the illusion that what this generation faces is not oppression.
However, the speakers pointed out that this is not necessarily true. A common example of different types of oppression is the conversion from slavery to discrimination based on segregation.
Various students expressed concern that they are often compared to stereotypes and are frequently frustrated and mentally and physically exhausted from fighting it.
Shaffer then began touching upon the fact that even though we have plenty of energy at a young age, as we grow older we tend to balance our lives. This can often mean focusing less on social justice issues as other elements of our lives take precedence.
Pearson-Wharton added to Shaffer’s words with ones of encouragement. “Black Live’s Matter, the founders, probably had no idea they would have chapters all over the nation,” she said.
She also said that even small movements can make a big difference and explained that your sphere of influence, even on one person, is still better than no one.
Junior Gabriela Marrero, a psychology major, said: “I really appreciate that Dr. Stacey and Mark have dedicated some of their time to talk about the racial tensions that minority students feel on this campus. Constantly fighting stereotypes and racial biases is a tough and exhausting experience. Minority students talk about these pressures on a daily basis, but it would be nice to see more students from different backgrounds also attending these talks. These types of discussions can really open eyes and magnify the voices of students [who] are affected by a variety of issues.”
There are “Let’s Talk” lunches every Tuesday beginning at 11:30 a.m.
These are located in the Center for Intercultural and Community Engagement, unless otherwise advertised.
