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Katja Liebing, Julianna Bibb, Andres Angel-Portilla, Michelle Morales English 1A Prof. Rivas-Gomez 28 March 2014 Composite Counterstory: The African-American College Experience Introduction: Todays black college students in America experience difficulties in the education system such as financial struggles, vulnerability to prejudice stereotypes, microaggression, racism, and detachment from students of other races. These societal constructs limit their capability of pursuing and demonstrating their full potential. Unfortunately, one of the most recurring limiting factor of integration is commonly due to socio-economic status (Kozol 20). Because a great majority of African-Americans fall into this category, they do not receive the benefits that sufficiently funded high schools offer. Without proper preparation for higher education, they are more likely to attend more affordable community colleges in order to take remedial classes to transfer (Kozol). The benefits these schools lack are things like knowledge of subject matter, resources such as counselors available or financial aid, and most importantly the inability to fit in comfortably. Since poorly funded high schools tend to be concentrated with mostly black students, they may find a difficult time adjusting to community college where a wide range of diverse students attend (Kozol 21). Angela M. Locks a student who specializes in education, Nicholas Bowman studying psychology, Professor Sylvia Hurtado and assistant professor Leticia Oseguera analyzed what Caucasian and African-American students experienced in different racial climates prior to and during college. They found that students who experienced diverse racial climates with many

different cultures had more facility interacting with one another and accepting their differences (Tynes, Rose, Markoe 103). Students often feel disconnected from their surrounding peers because of the color of their skin, their regional influences, and their diverse circumstances constructed by society (Wingert 75). By promoting interaction within different ethnic groups, students can feel connected to one another on a more emphatic level and gain equal social status as their peers. In making them feel more connected, society can free African-Americans of their limitations. African American students experience racism and stereotyping which results in their psychologically limited opportunities. Although the stereotype of blacks lacking a true appreciation for education may apply to a certain demographic, this is not because of race but rather because of their conditioning. Disinterest and the diminishing value of education that African-Americans are associated with are claimed to have been caused by psychological and educational results that have been attributed by their treatment (Davis 104). Because of their treatment they can have a lowered perception of their intellect and begin to believe their associated stereotypes. This limits their capabilities and motivation to succeed and pursue higher education (Zwiebel). In the following counternarratives we can familiarize our knowledge of how race affects African-American students on college campuses. We follow the lives of these African-American students who individually reflect others similar circumstances whether it be poverty, prejudice or racism. They all, however, have one characteristic in common that differentiates them from their surrounding college peers; the color of their skin.

Lamars Story: Lamar lives in a hopeless community where nothing is positive. He is surrounded by gangbangers, drugdealers, and everything else associated with living in the projects. He often witnesses shootings, dangerous situations in which people get hurt, and drugs users on the streets. But him? He is different. His community does not reflect who he is. He goes to school and makes an effort to do something positive with his life, in order to be different from those around him. Lamar goes to a school where he is mostly surrounded by Hispanics. (Black Students) I hate this school, because everyone picks on me because Im black. I mean, some of my professors are great but, man, some of them are complete shitheads! They just dont help at all and just treat me different. (Booker) He explains how once he went out of his way to ask his teacher if there was anything he could do for extra credit. I went to look for my professor, hoping that she would give me something to turn in to get extra credit. I was just going to ask her about that. All I needed was an answer. But no, I got the door shut in my face! I just wanted a response. I knocked on the door, stepped in the door, and then all I did was ask her my question. She just screamed at me for no reason! Whats up with that! I didnt do anything to her. I wasnt even failing that class. (Johnson, Jonetta) Throughout that week, Lamar decided to go meet with his counselor and mention to her what had happened. Even as he told the counselor what was going on, he received a rather hostile response. She did not support his claim, and instead blamed him for needing extra credit. Saying that if he were proactive, his studies would not suffer. A common perception is that all

African-Americans are lazy in regards to their studies (Reyna). When people including teachers and peers all share this belief, it creates an environment where it is more challenging for AfricanAmerican students to get a degree of any kind (Blow, Charles). Its like, everywhere I go theres just more troubles in my way. I go to school for more opportunity, I work extra jobs, and the teachers all still treat me like trash. I try to escape the dangers in the projects but as soon as I leave, I feel like if I do not belong anywhere else. As if I need to go back where my lifes in danger cuz its the only place I fit in, you get me? I dont want for people to see me as Lamar the lazy black student, when Im actually really trying. Man, its just so frustrating. Im trapped in the jungle of the ghetto and theres just no getting out (Park, Julie). Many African-Americans are bound by the shackles their environment constructs. Society reinforces the concept that they are incapable of pursuing higher educational goals because they are lazy (Reyna). When trying to seek for help, they experience micro aggressive responses from important figures like professors. This often results in a lower value of their self concept and a destruction of their dreams and goals (Bonvillain, Freeman, Honora).

Elijahs Story: Elijah tried his whole life to just keep a low profile and do the right thing. He always wanted to make his parents proud. After all, they had worked hard all their lives to ensure he had better opportunities to fulfil his dreams. Elijahs father was a successful lawyer and his mother was a real estate agent at one of the citys biggest firms. Both exemplified that he could be as successful as anyone else. However, they also never tried to disguise how difficult it would be for him. His mother Joanna often sat down with him when he was younger and explained to him

very factually that he would often have to work harder than most people and prove that he was equally as qualified as the white person next to him (Cole, 2014). His parents made an effort not to get too emotional when addressing these subject as they didnt want Elijah to grow as hateful or angry as they did at his age. It worked. Elijah grew to be a polite, intelligent, and respectful young man. Despite all their efforts, he often thought he was not smart enough though (Negga, Feven, Applewhite, Livingston). Although he was a hard working student, it was assumed by his teachers that he did not put enough effort into his studies because of color the color of his skin, just as his mother predicted (Zwiebel). So Elijah made sure he always studied hard and he had an urge to always do the best he could. He never compared himself to others. Elijah simply wanted to be the best version of himself. How did he get here? What happened? Elijah didnt quite understand it or maybe just didnt want to. He thought again about the events from last night. All he wanted to do was to see Sarah. After his late class at college he jumped into his new Audi, which his parents had bought him as a reward for excelling in his first semester at college. He was in a good place. College was going well, he had just received an internship at a hospital for the summer and he could not be happier with his girlfriend Sarah. He had reached a peak in his life. He was just thinking about what to get Sarah for her upcoming birthday when he heard the sirens behind him. He slowed down, ready to let the police car pass by, when he noticed they signaled him to pull over. He was a bit surprised, however after some thought he realized that as a person of color you had to be prepared for that kind of situation to happen. He thought to himself that it almost seemed like driving while black was an offense (Brown, Jantzi). He had learned not to get upset about it anymore and to just accept it (Cole, 2014). He pulled over, turned off the ignition and rolled the window down. He heard a couple of bangs on the roof of

his new car. Then the officer appeared next to his window. Drivers license and registration was all the officer said to Elijah. Good evening, sir. Elijah handed over his documents and wondered why the officer seemed so hostile. Get out of the car sir and step away from the vehicle (Nadal). Elijah had no explanation as to why he was approached in such a disrespectful tone, but did as he was asked. That was one thing he had learned in the past; to just follow orders and not to ask questions. What are you doing out this late? Again, Elijah was surprised by the officers question. Being 10:30pm, it was not an unusual time to be out driving. Im on my to Beverly Hills to see my girlfriend. The officer looked up from studying Elijahs license, You have a girlfriend in Beverly Hills? He looked at Elijah in disbelief (Microaggressions: Power). Did she buy you the car? Elijah was stunned. Did the officer assume it was impossible Elijah could afford a nice car? However, he just answered, No sir. It was a reward from my parents for my good grades (Cole, Harleigh). Yeah, right (Steele, Claude, Aronson). Just wait here. We need to search the vehicle. the officer ordered. Elijah considered asking for the reason behind the search, but bit his tongue and decided against it. He wondered why it was always him and not his friends being stopped by the police (Lichtenberg).

Ha! I knew it! Look what we have here. was the next thing Elijah heard. The voice was coming from the other officer searching Elijahs car. As he emerged from the vehicle, he held a small bag in his hand. Elijah was surprised and at the same time curious what the officer had found. The officer walked towards him, staring him down. He held the bag up in front of Elijahs face and just said We got you! Elijah had no idea what he was talking about. He took a closer look at the bag and saw its content: marijuana. How did it get in his car? He never smoked nor did Sarah or anyone who had ever been in his car. At least not to his knowledge (Lambdin). Youre lucky boy. Unfortunately it is not enough to put you in handcuffs. Elijah found out that there was about a gram of marijuana in the little plastic bag. He was very confused and didnt quite understand what was happening. The officer was writing him a citation, handing it over with a cold stare and no further explanation. The two officers went back to their car, got in and drove off as quickly as they had appeared. Elijah just stood at the side of the road for a while. Suddenly he shivered and only then was when realized how cold it was. He got into his car. For a moment he considered just driving home, but then continued on to Beverly Hills. What took you so long? Sarah asked Elijah after they kissed hello. Oh man, I have no idea what just happened Elijah replied, still clearly confused. He told Sarah about how he had no explanation for how the drugs got into his car. Sarah was equally confused and for a while they just sat there, both deeply in thought. Suddenly Sarah was overcome by a strange feeling. You know, babe, in my English class weve been reading this book called Southland (Revoyr). Its based on the Watts Riots in the early 60s and for our presentation me and a couple of friends chose to talk about racism in the LAPT. To be honest, I have a feeling that you might have gotten framed. (Knowland).

Elijah was not sure if he understood his girlfriend correctly. You mean, you think, they planted the weed in my car? he shook his head in disbelief (Lambdin). But then he replayed the event in his head. He remembered how hostile the officer was right from the beginning, the strange remarks he made and how they wanted to searched his car for no reason. Sarah looked at her boyfriend with worry on her face. I really dont want this to be true, but how do you explain it otherwise? None of us are smokes. I read this article not long ago where they confirm that racial profiling is common a practice because they often find the biggest percentage of hard drugs on African-Americans (Lichtenberg). Although they only make out 12% of the population, the police stops on average 75% of African-Americans ("USA QuickFacts). I think thats what might have happened to you. And why did that prick question you about having a girlfriend in Beverly Hills? It all adds up, babe. They probably had a slow night and needed something they could put in their record. Elijah was deep in thought. I guess that would explain their behaviour. You know, while I stood there when they searched my car, I was wondering why I get pulled over so much and what I was doing wrong. (Harris) Nothing! Sarah replied upset. You didnt do anything wrong. They clearly had something against you. Unfortunately the only explanation I have is that they are racist. Dont ever let someone tell you youre doing something wrong if youre not. And especially dont let them give you the feeling of not deserving what youve earned. I know you. You deserve only the best in this world, Elijah. Sarah and Elijah talked till late at night about microaggressions and the effects they can have on someone.

Elizabeths Story:

Elizabeth was hardly more than an infant when she was adopted by Vincent and Harleen Jones. She was the discarded child of an Ugandan immigrant and an underage american woman. She was even left without a name to connect her to her heritage. From the outside, it was viewed as mere charity, but despite the outside stigma, Elizabeth grew up with lots of love and support, from her parents at least. She was followed by an array of difficulties through her education, such things that even followed her into college. After attending one nearly failed year at University, she transferred to a community college in order to reevaluate her options. This option was presented to her, and all but forced upon her by the conversely white counselling staff at her old University. And yet again, she was called to be guided so firmly. The appointments for the student counselors were completely full the day that she was scheduled. Though it was their job to give each student equal and thorough attention, it was apparent that some students were neglected in order for the schedule to stay on track. (Lynch, 2014) She was on time, a little early actually. Without being bade she walked in and sat down when her spot was vacated. The counselor was a middle-aged woman with hair that was probably blonde once, reduced now to an ashy gray. She didnt look up, until Elizabeth cleared her throat. The woman lifted her gaze with a smile, that became strained when she saw who was before her. Excuse me...dear but my appointment for this hour is... she looked at her notes. ...an, Elizabeth Jones-- Thats me. She replied curtly, starring the woman down. This by far was not the first time she had been doubted like this. Clearly because of her skin and hair she should have some sort of ethnic name like Laquisha or what have you. (Buchkowski, 2014) The counsellor however had

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a perfectly logical name, Margaret Smith. So, what have you come here for? She folded her hands upon her papers, giving Elizabeth the kind of smile she would expect for a 6-year-old. My department head told me to come, since he suggests that I change my major. What are you pursuing currently? Pre-med. Ah yes...I see the memo here and, what are you planning to change it to? Mrs. Smith seemed to believe that she had already decided. As if it were obvious that a black woman would run from the medical field. (Buchkowski, 2014) Im just here because- Here. The counselor offered her some papers. Heres some information about gen ed programs and business-- Excuse me, I was still talking. Elizabeth continued not to break eye-contact. Choosing not to be ignored. Ah yes, of course. Elizabeth swore as she saw a little fear flash in the womans eyes Another thing she was used to. Everything from her name seeming out of place, to the awkward comments at her obviously adoptive parents. She was just used to it by now, as infuriating as it was. (Keonya, 2007) Im just here because I was told to. I still want to pursue medicine, so I suppose Id just like to keep my options open. The counselor nodded, probably not paying attention as she shifted through her notes. One of your teachers recommended you for the criminal justice program. Her lips were still pressed into a thin line. Tell me, do you have a criminal record?

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Why, would that keep me from entering the program? No, but-- Then how is it relevant? It was obvious that the counsellor was getting irritated now. Please dont interrupt me Ms. Jones. Youre being quite difficult. I am just trying to help you. (Reyna, 2008) Help me? She said with disbelief. Ain't that rich. I didnt come to you for help. I came here because I was told. There was a tense silence. Elizabeth was sitting at the edge of her chair, her fists clenched. I think its time for you to go. My next appointment is due to start soon. Elizabeth left promptly, without a goodbye, and without the pamphlets. She was close to boiling over, but made sure not to let it show while she was still in the public eye. Who knows what they would think. The most likely being something along the lines of her being unreasonable or ungrateful. As she left the counselling building, she did her best to ignore the occasional unwelcome glance. A brisk walk and a short bus ride brought her to more familiar and friendly territory. A woman from the neighborhood greeted and smiled at Elizabeth, asking her about school. Some boys from her high school gave her a sociable wave, and one of the dogs came and begged her for a treat (Tines, 2012) I still cant believe it, you know? I cant believe that a paid professional would act no better than the kids from my high school. Elizabeth had a friend to confide in. A girl shed known since the third grade (Steele, 1995). A sociology major at the University Elizabeth had transferred from. Alright, I suppose she works for a community college but, its not like that

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gives her an excuse. Jennifer was lying on her bed, finishing a text message as she was listening. Im doing a paper on that, you know. On what? Middle-aged white women with bad dye jobs? No, silly, Microaggressions. You remember that from highschool, yeah? Do you mean learning about it or experiencing it. Well, she sighed. I wish the latter werent true but-- She sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Yeah. Your experiences make it more relevant. Elizabeth paused, thinking to herself. Its not just from people like the counselor either. Im often told that Im not really black. or that Im really pretty, for a black girl, (Nigatu, 2013) Jennifer nodded. Those are text-book examples. She grabbed her backpack from the floor, pulling out a folder and beginning to look through her papers. Youd think, that since everything else about me is white it would be easier for me. But, Lizzie, are you really happy with that? Hm? I mean, you basically are having to erase your own ethnicity, just to get around in society. (Cultural Identity, 2013) But, Im not really. Even if I talk and act white Im still treated like some sort of criminal, no matter where I go. Thats not true. You belong here. Mrs. Brown next door is always asking about you, and everyone was so proud when you were valedictorian. Yeah, but theyve known me forever. Im a part of the community here. Anywhere else, they

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just base it off of their own assumptions. I dont think you can say that-- Sure I can. It was like this in highschool, university and now this shithole community college. The reality is that microaggressions are a constant presence in the lives of African-Americans. Without proper representation the media, or even in school curriculum stereotypes and fear spread rampantly.

Conclusion: Though these counterstories are fictional creations, they are based on researched information. Lamar, Elijah, and Elizabeth each pertain to different social circumstances but, they have one factor in common; the color of their skin. Because of the differing aspects of their lives, they project situations that a large variety of African Americans experiencing these struggles go through despite their socioeconomic status and surroundings. They speak on behalf of AfricanAmericans who have experienced struggles in college campuses because of circumstances in their lives they have no control over like microaggression, racism, and stereotyping which result to another barrier; detachment. These counterstories serve one purpose; to shed light on the corrupted shadows that limit African-Americans in having equal educational opportunities and experiences other races do.

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