Black on Black
Conflicts among African and Black students surface
Chinomso Nwachuku
Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: Feature
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For many African students--especially those from poor and under-developed countries--western countries become the Promised Land, a place of infinite possibilities.
Many African students flee their native countries in search of a better lifestyle and quality education--an education that will be respected and regarded as genuine all around the world, since some come from countries where degrees can be bought.
The quest for a superior educational system and lifestyle often leads African students to the United States of America.
"The United States has one of the best educational systems in the world," said Osemeke Edobor, a sophomore from Nigeria. "I want to go to medical school and the best medical schools in the world are in America."
"The United States is supposed to be one of the best countries in world," added senior Kudzanayi Munzetsi-Mugombe, a native of Zimbabwe. "They have a superior educational system and they have better universities."
"America offers many opportunities for students to succeed and prosper," said Chimereze Nwachuku, a Nigerian native. "The chances of succeeding are much higher."
While the advanced educational system and the allure of the U.S. tend to be a nourishing and fulfilling experience to African students, the social experiences often malnourish the students. These students are confronted with a variety of new dilemmas
Being introduced to new a culture, some struggle with the English language and others feel misplaced.
To worsen matters, many African students feel that African-American students--those that they view as their brothers and sisters--ridicule and treat them poorly.
"I came to Lincoln with high hopes, thinking that I would feel more comfortable in a school with people of my own race," said sophmore Morinsola Fifo, a Nigerian native. "But sadly, white people treat me better than African-Americans."
Dominic Mensah, a junior from Ghana agrees.
"I've realized that African-Americans are harsh on their own people (Africans)," said Mensah. "People tend not to help me or look my way because of my accent."
Many African students flee their native countries in search of a better lifestyle and quality education--an education that will be respected and regarded as genuine all around the world, since some come from countries where degrees can be bought.
The quest for a superior educational system and lifestyle often leads African students to the United States of America.
"The United States has one of the best educational systems in the world," said Osemeke Edobor, a sophomore from Nigeria. "I want to go to medical school and the best medical schools in the world are in America."
"The United States is supposed to be one of the best countries in world," added senior Kudzanayi Munzetsi-Mugombe, a native of Zimbabwe. "They have a superior educational system and they have better universities."
"America offers many opportunities for students to succeed and prosper," said Chimereze Nwachuku, a Nigerian native. "The chances of succeeding are much higher."
While the advanced educational system and the allure of the U.S. tend to be a nourishing and fulfilling experience to African students, the social experiences often malnourish the students. These students are confronted with a variety of new dilemmas
Being introduced to new a culture, some struggle with the English language and others feel misplaced.
To worsen matters, many African students feel that African-American students--those that they view as their brothers and sisters--ridicule and treat them poorly.
"I came to Lincoln with high hopes, thinking that I would feel more comfortable in a school with people of my own race," said sophmore Morinsola Fifo, a Nigerian native. "But sadly, white people treat me better than African-Americans."
Dominic Mensah, a junior from Ghana agrees.
"I've realized that African-Americans are harsh on their own people (Africans)," said Mensah. "People tend not to help me or look my way because of my accent."
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