Viewpoint

Ann Arbor not as progressive as some may think

Often, Ann Arbor is viewed as a progressive town. Some reports even say this town is one of the best places to bring families. Many times, people report and remark on the diversity and multicultural format of the city. However, as a young African American male who has visited this town from Detroit for the last four years for the sake of an "education," I find this painted picture very troubling. Believe it or not, Ann Arbor has its share of problems like every other town in the United States.

I find it troubling that this often-painted picture only applies to white, middle and upper class families. Look at the city of Ann Arbor - most of the black and other racial minorities are left in pockets of the city. They are found in the North Maple Estates, Hikone, and other housing sites, clearly placed in the peripherals of the painted picture. And those minorities that have "made it" are not enough to make the city of Ann Arbor as progressive as some suggest.

If we would like to say that Ann Arbor is truly diverse and multicultural, we must then look at the people that make it "diverse," "multicultural," and/or "progressive." This would include University students, with their limited cultural experiences and feelings of racism and sexism, that move into South Quad at the beginning of the year.

When was the last time Woomer was told that the only reason he was at the University was because of his color?

When was the last time the city of Ann Arbor closed down a social gathering of blacks and latino/as, while Hill Street was blossoming with the fraternity and sorority parties of many white students? How often is Woomer forced to have his parties and other social gatherings in the Michigan Union because this diverse, multicultural and progressive city has no outlet for him to express his cultural experience?

When was the last time Woomer went shopping on Main Street, State Street, or Briarwood, and the staff followed him around the store?

When was the last time he had to demonstrate in front of the student body and University community to prove his merit for being here?

When was the last time he had to worry about waking up to flames of a burning cross (or even racial and/or homophobic slurs) threatening his acceptance in the community (this happened to a local family in Washtenaw Country two to three years ago)?

It is without a doubt that this painted picture of Ann Arbor is shown in black and white. I don't expect Woomer to understand the reason why people decided to demonstrate in front of City Hall. Without a doubt, there were some who saw, understood, and grasped the message of the protesters, realizing that the picture often created for the city of Ann Arbor can hold true if people are willing to stand firm and attempt to challenge those of others, including the Ku Klux Klan.

- This viewpoint was written by LSA senior Kevin Jones.

05-24-99