I Am Saami
(Feb. 4, 2010) Editor:
I always enjoy Barry Evans’ columns, but I would like to offer a few comments on his article, (“A Skin-Color Enigma,” Jan. 21):
First, the correct word is Saami, not “Lapp.” The term “Lapp” is considered derogatory.
Second, modern Saami people are no “darker-skinned” than the majority population in Norway, or Britain for that matter. However, the term “indigenous” rather than “white” would be more appropriate to describe the Saami people, who have lived above the arctic circle since time immemorial, and whose indigenous cultural traditions are thriving.
Third, we Saami share with our Inuit brothers and sisters the same long summer days of 24-hour sunlight and equally long winter days of 24-hour evening light. Yet our average skin shades are quite different. As to melanin and its importance to survival in the far north, who can say?
Finally, I would add that “whiteness” is a purely social construct, and has no meaning biologically. Perhaps, if Evans is trying to define the “we” in his first paragraph about his youth in England, a better social term would be “whitebread.” Otherwise, any number of “regular” voting citizens of the U.K. might be offended. As Tonto used to say, “what do you mean, “we”?
Ruthanne Cecil (a Saami-American), Arcata
Sweet Spot: Ruthanne Cecil wins a Bon Boniere sundae for sending our favorite letter of the week.
→ post a comment
seven-o-heaven
Old Town Arcata
Will Plaza Point put the kibosh on Arcata whippersnapper shenanigans?
Today
Label GMOs Signature Gathering Training
meetings / 4 p.m. Sun Yi's Academy of Tae Kwon Do, 1215 Giuntoli Lane, Arcata. Help gather valid signatures to get the 'California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act' on the 2012 ballot. E-mail northernhumboldtlabelgmos@hotmail.com. 223-0424.
Open Celtic Music Session
music / 3 p.m. Cafe Veritas/Mosgo's, 180 Westwood Center, Arcata. Informal monthly gathering of musicians playing Irish and other Celtic music. Hosted by Seabury Gould. seaburygould.com. 845-8167.
Nonviolence Action Camp
etc. / 10 a.m. Chinmaya Mission near Piercy. Weekend-long direct action orientation features workshops, role playing, seminars, ceremonies and field trips. Bring food, bedding, warm clothes, signs, banners, bikes, drums, acoustic instruments. Pre-register. saverichardsongrove.org. 932-5898.
Audubon Society Field Trip
outdoors / 9 a.m. Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 1020 Ranch Road, Loleta. Meet at Refuge Visitor Center off Hookton Road. Leisurely, two- to three-hour trip intended for people wanting to learn birds of Humboldt Bay area. 822-3613.
More →
0 Comments