Wednesday, fcbruary 23, 1977
daily nebrssksn
letters
Attitudes of 'healthy'
What the Society for Deportation of Nigerians wrote in
the Daily Nebraskan, Feb. 17, presumably attempting to
appeal to the distorted humor of the "sick," is in essence,
and at times, atypical of the common attitudes of the
"healthy."
A nation where, upon its 200th.birthday, still treats its
own minorities (the American Indians, Chicanos, and
blacks) with social injustice and counterproductive social
misunderstandings is not expected to treat foreigners any
differently. The problems here are only compounded by
the cultural barriers to effective communication as was
discussed by Mr. Levitov (Guest Opinion, Feb. 18).
The typical foreign student comes to the United States
with high expectations, hopes, and ideals. Aside from
pursuing his own academic interests, he is also enthusia
stic about the United States. He wants to learn about the
American culture and tell about his own. The facade he
has built for himself soon crumbles. His limited know
ledge of the English language and his lack of ability to
predict the consequences of his own behavior in inter
personal relationships in a strange culture forces him to
re-examine his original assumptions. Subsequently, he is
left with three choices: 1) to keep trying to assimilate 2)
to isolate himself from Americans by withdrawal to his
own ethnic groups and 3) to fight against the American
culture (by being hostile and rejective to and of every
thing and everyone around him). Points two and three are
hardly means toward a better understanding among
American and foreign students. They start a vicious cirde,
breaking out of which is difficult, if not impossible. Un
fortunately, these are also common occurences.'
- On the other hand, as a result of the apathy, and at
times, subtle hostility of some American students, effect
ive adjustment which is typified by a continual attempt in
assimilation (without totally losing original cultural
characteristics) is also the most amicult to accomplish.
For not only does it demand an open mind and patience
on the part of the foreign student, but it also requires an
open mind and patience on the part of the American stu
dent. Would that even occur? As an idealist, I like to hope
so.
Davar Venouss
Shock, disappointment
On behalf of the African Students' Association of
UNL; wc wish to express our shock and utter disappoint
ment at the fact tnat ai this international community
there is the existence of a society whose main aim is the
deportation of Nigerian citizens. We, as Africans, want to
assure you and this community that like every other per
son we are bound to make mistakes but this notwithstand
ing, we want to live in harmony with all the students and
citizens of the state.
It is against our aims and objectives to be a part of an
international racial upheaval. We live for peace and we .
want peace with our guests. We are international students
and we are in this university to study and foster the spirit
of brotherhood -aqd friendship. The signatories to the
letter' of Feb. 17, might seem to be a small group and
spread like wildfire. We have been assured by your
editorial and the contribution of Peter Levitov that not all
Americans or Nebraskans think this way. Much as we are
convinced of your sincerity, we suspect that today it is an
attack on Nigerians, tomorrow it could be on Ghana,
Ethiopia, Congo or tome other African group of students.
We also wish to state that much as this organization
does not tolerate any form of irresponsibility by our
African students we do not accept any form of victimiza
tion or discrimination by any person or group of persons
against any of our members. In furtherance of this policy,
we once again call publicly on every African student in
this university and in this state to respect the laws of this
land and of the university. Concerned about this uncom
fortable situation, wc now call oh the appropriate author
ities of this university to make a public statement to clear
this burning issue and to assure our Nigerian brothers and
sisters of their continued acceptance of this university.
. Solomon Asberom
T.E. Ekpenyong
Americans in Nigeria
I have read a lot of recent articles about Nigeria and
Nigerian students in this school. We don't all have to
attack whoever wrote the article. This is a free country
and he is entitled to his opinion. Most of us have had a lot
of bad experiences in this country and we never took it
out on innocent Americans. I wish to let our friend(s)
know some few things about my great country.
No couniry can survive on its own. One of the reasons
why United Nations was founded, was to promote peace
among nations. Nigeria, with the largest black population
on earth, has not only contributed towards the peace in
the world, but has contributed towards the economic
strength of most of the industrialized nations. Half of U.S
imported oil comes from Nigeria. It is worth noting that .
this oil, almost sulfur free, helps clean America's air. In
1973 during the oil embargo, Nigeria kept the oil flowing
to the U.S. despite the request from the Arab nations to
cut back production. Nigeria's trade with the Ui. is the
largest in the whole of Africa including the "racist white
ruled South Africa."
It is not surprising that a lot of Americans do not know
much about Nigeria and Africa as a whole as we knew
about America before we came over. How would you feel
if I return to my country and write about crime rate In
America? I am a father to two young kids born in Lin
coln. Could you tell me what to tell them about American
people? America has a democratic system with free enter
prise, she needs all the help she can get from as many for
eign students as possible to spread its gospel around the
world. Students have more influence on their people when
they get back to their countries than any mission sent
over there. You need us, we need you. Let's make this
world a better place to live in. Deal with people indivi
dually not collectively.
There are a lot of Americans living in Nigeria, we wish
them a happy stay in our great country. For me and my
family, we will surely return home very soon.
Paul Jaiyesimi
0.x TaX
a good
impression
in the
March of Dimes
WALKATHON
J J. celebates
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Tom Ostorne's Mrthday
BOWL yonrsslf over with
25 Tequila .
Tonight, Wei Feb. 23
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FS A) . o w v n i,
George PSmpton, mfibot and philosopher has among his many credits
tha Best Zdl2n: (Paper Lisa and Out of ray League.) In his topic, "An
Amsttur Among the Pros . . , he uses actus! experisnct cs his resource.
Ha hss starred in several T.V. spec&s, vtzs Isst string quzrtsiiscJi for the
CaJtbnore Colts, t cowboy in a John Wsyna moi, end is racists editor
cf sever si msxines.
W7B
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The origiival purchaMr of this pair ef contket fonMS, If not
completely utisHed within SO days of purchaM. is mtittod to
a refund of ttia cost o! tht lenass only, rwiuna wiu am mw
upon return of th lenwt with this ctrtificau o (h Psarl
Vnion Center where purchatcd. This plan doss not cover sort
lenses or bifocal tenets and does not include damage or scratch
ino. loss or theft of contact lenses. Tha certificate is not
transferable.
Issued to : '.
i Date-
RNo
. Expiration Date.
StcreNo.
Manaeer
2E
- It talces die indocioion :;
out of tlio decinion to buy coniaote.
Q ycu wear eyeglasses, you're prob
ably Ihought about gcttjag contact
leases. You're probably also bad
second thoughts about whether
youll like them or uct
That's why Fearle Vision Centsr cow
c!irrs our "lore 'ess or Leare "s"
Flax Try contacts. Wear thssa. lire
wish thass. And thsn. withia S3 days
cf purchase, if you decide they're no!
for you. well refund the cost cl toe
lenses. This plan does not coret soft
or bifocal lenses.
You ewe it to Yourself to 99 hoWTOtt
like contacts. And now Vidca Cfertr
has a way for you to do that. trX2iout
owing anything to us.
PZATHE
srs 'Vox
7
JJ
Lincoln, 1132 "0" Strest-Tel. 432-7583
Gsteivay Mall iel. 454-7415