Quote:
Originally posted by Rudey
How come African-Americans are not as informed or active in regards to the Sudanese ethnic cleansing?
I don't understand this.
-Rudey
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Rudey,
Neither do I. But I agree with your assessment.
Possibly the average African American doesn't identify with Sudan. In DC, the predominant African immigrants are Nigerians, mostly Igbo and Yoruba. Sudanese are few and far between. So, the issue isn't as personalized in my community.
The teaching of African history and principles on the primary and intermediate levels tends to be Pan-African. Prime example is Kwanzaa. It is an African American cultural celebration, and not really "African" -- it's elements are African, but not especially "Nigerian" or "Ghanaian."
There are lots of countries in Africa, and we don't do a good job at giving them each a unique identity when educating black children about Africa.
This also goes back to parenting....if the parents don't know, the children won't know.
I don't really have a solid answer to your question, though. It bothers me also, and I won't pretend as though most African Americans I know are aware of this issue or care to make it a pet cause. I would dare say that it is considered a "fringe" among the average black folks I see every day.