Fashion show becomes cultural discussion
The discussion centered on the common misconceptions of Africa.
Published Nov. 13, 2008
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Olga Mafotsing and other African Students Association members dance in traditional African dress at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center on Wednesday during Heartbeat of Africa. The event included a fashion show, authentic Nigerian food and a culture discussion.
An event aimed at demonstrating African culture turned into a discussion about traditions, norms and stereotypes of the continent and its people.
The African Student Association held "Heartbeat of Africa" as part of Black Culture Week at the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center.
Besides the scheduled fashion show, food and dancing, there was a passionate discussion about stereotypes of Africans, African-Americans and black people. The event started off with a vibrant fashion show featuring clothing from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Cameroon and more countries.
The first part of the fashion show displayed 17 different formal and casual wear outfits, and the second part featured six more outfits, worn by 15 different men and women.
After the show, the guest and participants were able to sample African food such as moi moi, a steamed bean cake eaten all over Nigeria; jelloff rice; spicy fried rice; and puff puff, traditional round doughnuts.
Along with the food came conversation when junior Sable Taddesse spoke about her experiences growing up in Ethiopia.
"It was always peaceful and nice," she said. "We could go outside and play without having to worry."
As the discussion continued, the topic switched to the differences in race perception in Africa as opposed to America.
Sophomore Chimereze Oji, who was born in Nigeria, explained there is no racism where he is from, and though he hasn't experienced direct racism in America, he can sense awkwardness he has never had to experience in Nigeria.
The group also discussed discrimination among races and discrimination within races in America.
Freshman Aver Yakubu said she was made fun of by black people because of her name. There was more discussion about discriminating people according to different shades of skins.
Many participants said in America it is more common to hear girls with lighter skin are prettier than girls with darker skin.
After that, the conversation transformed into what dating was like in Africa. Oji said most parents want them to marry a person of the same decent, but would be happy if their son or daughter found someone with good character.
The group also discussed how their parents are allowed to do background checks on a potential date in some countries, such as Nigeria.
African-Americans who participated in the discussion explained although dating is different in America, some of the values here are very similar.
For example, in some American families children aren't allowed to date until they reach a certain age and the same happens in Africa.
The last topic discussed was African school system versus the American school system.
The group discussed the common misconception and stereotypes of Africa based on a lack of information. They said they believe in America, students don't learn enough about the world in general, especially Africa.