Challenging stereotypes Conference brings bias issue out in the open

By Anne Egan-Waukau
WEAC Media Relations Consultant

Attitudes about hair, stereotypes and race were openly discussed at the 1998 Human Relations Committee’s “... And Justice for All” Conference.

Keynote speaker Anne O’Brien, an illustrator of renowned children’s books such as those written by Margy Burns Knight, said being raised in Korea helped her develop an unbiased attitude in her work and in her daily life.

“As I developed my work as a white illustrator portraying children of color, I took special care to be respectful and authentic and to avoid stereotypes,” she told a crowd of about 180 people.

“People should be seen as unique individuals, not as generalized representatives of their race or other groups,” she said.

But Juaney Lynn, of the National Education Association, the luncheon speaker, disagreed with part of O’Brien’s theory.

“People tell me, ‘I don’t see you as an African-American woman. I don’t see you as a woman of color.’ But don’t ignore that I’m black. You’ve insulted me to the utmost because that is me,” she said.

Later in her presentation, Lynn demonstrated how first impressions of a person can be wrong.

Lynn, with mid-length straight blonde hair that curled up at her cheekbones, described the importance of hair to African-American people; a move that did not sit well with some in the audience.

In fact, some participants seemed indifferent to her contention that first impressions are based on appearance. But many had their eyes and minds opened midway through her lecture. That’s when she took off the blonde wig she’d worn all day and revealed her true black cropped hair – a gesture that swayed many who may have been skeptical of her theory.

Racism was discussed by a five-member panel who talked about Wisconsin high schools’ use of Indian logos and mascots.

Sarah Pamperin and Jenny Schultz, co-presidents of the Menomonie High School student council, described how their efforts to eliminate their school’s Menomonie Indian logo has caused them and their supporters much pain in their community.

“But I feel as a white person it is the least I can do to end racism in our public schools,” Pamperin said.

The northwest Wisconsin community made headlines after students voted to replace the school’s logo – an Indian in a headdress – declaring it promoted stereotypes of Native American Indians.

The move caused an uproar, with supporters saying the name and logo were meant as a sign of respect and were part of their history. Three school board members who supported the students’ decision were ousted in a recall election and replaced by three people who support the pro-logo faction. The community will vote on the issue in an April 7 referendum.

[Note: Board member Ron Mikesell said he wanted to be on the panel, but shortly after he was contacted by WEAC, the board decided that members should not speak about the issue in public. Also, Craig Nickelbein, an active supporter of the Mukwonago High School chief’s logo agreed to be on the panel, but failed to show up.]

Sharon Metz, former director of H.O.N.O.R., had a simple solution: “If you are doing something to hurt people, stop it,” said Metz, who supports Senate Bill 43 which bans offensive logos and mascots.

Sly, a radio talk show host at WTDY in Madison, disagreed.

“I’m sensitive about the issue, but I think it should be a local issue. When the government starts interfering it starts setting a dangerous precedent. If the state of Wisconsin starts telling local communities what to put in their schools there will be a backlash,” Sly said.

Schultz disagreed. “Why not have a state law? I look at how many of my peers have been hurt and how many tears have been shed,” she said.

Also on the panel were the Department of Public Instruction’s J.P. Leary, Barbara Munson of the Wisconsin Indian Education Association Indian Logo Task Force, and Mark Denning of the Oneida nation.

Posted April 3, 1998