The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

In what way(s) did the specific prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

            When I came to the United States and was eager to finish up my University undergraduate education that I started in my country someone people recommended a particular school to my parents and they decided for me to be part of that school. The school was predominantly white (90%) and few minority (10%) students. Some white students approached me during one of the school days, we engaged in friendly conversations and they were asking me many questions like; what is the capital of Africa?, is it true that you people live on trees?, and how did you come to the States? I wondered how they do not know that Africa is a continent and not a country and it is made up of regions and countries with their respective capitals. I know that Africans are not animals to live on trees. By what means did they think we came to the States, did we swim or paddle through across the oceans?. I do not know how people can still think like that in this modern 21^st century. I responded by explaining that Africa is a continent with countries, and that we have buildings built with blocks just like the ones in the United States and we flew from my country to the States. I was polite in responding to their questions but I felt belittled and degraded by their questioning. They did not show me how their questions affected me.

What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

If it were today I would have responded the same way, explaining and educating them on what Africa is about

What and/or who will change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

My classmates should have educated themselves about Africa and its resources to enable them correct their views of degrading and emotionally challenging someone or African to react negatively.