uilding COMMUNITY
uilding COMMUNITY pulling no punches Teens open up about stereotypes at Building Community event By Shari S. Cohen Chaldean, Jewish and African American students opened up about stereotypes at a teen forum held on April 18 at the Walled Lake Educational Services Center. Students from three Walled Lake high schools participated in the forum, the third such event organized by the Chaldean News/Jewish News Building Community Initiative, a collaboration begun several years ago to expand ties between the two communities. Health Alliance Plan (HAP) also was a sponsor of this year’s forum, attended by 75 Walled Lake high school students. Radio personality Mojo (Thomas Carballo) from from Mojo in the Morning on 95.5 FM moderated a panel with five student leaders and three clergymen, followed by questions from individual students. Clergy panelists included Fr. Anthony Kathawa from Mother of God Chaldean Church in Southfield, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III of Detroit’s New Destiny Baptist Church, and Rabbi Michael Moskowitz of Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield. Chaldean, Jewish and African American students pulled no punches in sharing stereotypes they said are often attributed to each group. A Jewish student said that non-Jews think of Jewish students as having big noses and a lot of money. Chaldean students reported being called “camels” and criticized for disinterest in school because of assumed future jobs in family-owned stores. An African American student said, “I’m expected to have the lowest grades and to jump the highest [in sports]” although she is a good student, a vegetarian and a swim team member. Both student and adult participants stressed the importance of treating each person as an individual to combat negative stereotypes. “Some people will hold true to a stereotype, but not all,” Rabbi Moskowitz said. “You have to treat people as individuals. All of us have stereotypes and names thrown at us.” Rev. Sheffield said, “African From top: Panelists pose for a group picture after the event. Students were avid participants. Daniel Samona helped represent the Chaldean community. Americans are watched in stores.” Fr. Anthony concurred. “They call us camels, terrorists. They don’t understand who we really are.” Despite the prevalence of stereotypes and the tendency to feel most comfortable with people like themselves, many students said they have friends from diverse backgrounds. Adam Birndorf, a student at Walled Lake Central, said there are only 40 or 50 Jewish students at the school and that he has African American and Chaldean friends. “Stereotypes don’t matter,” he said. “I know who I am and what I am.” However, inter-group dating is still controversial for many families, students reported. Mojo asked for ideas on how to reduce stereotypes and several participants responded that getting to know each other is an important step. “I can go months without shaking hands with a Jew or African American,” said Fr. Anthony, who said his homilies teach the need for tolerance. “When you speak the truth, you lose some people and it hurts, but the Lord has my back.” A Chaldean student said, “There is animosity built up from the past. We need to forgive people.” Students spoke frankly about the challenges of being a minority — whether due to religion, race, ethnicity or sexual preference — and their efforts to cope. Mojo asked how they respond if they see students being bullied or discriminated against. Kayli Silverstein of Walled Lake Western said that she reaches out, tries to comfort them and tries to be friends with them. Megan Houbba of Walled Lake Central said, “It’s not bad to be within your own group, but all people should be treated the same.” Several students mentioned Walled Lake Western High School’s Chaldean and African American “walls,” where some students tend to hang out based on their background. One school has an African American Awareness Club that is open to everyone. Palak Sharama, a student of Hindu and Sikh background, is its vice president. Two students said they try to counteract negative stereotypes of African Americans, one commenting that he began to “act less ghetto” when he transferred to Walled Lake Northern. “‘Ghetto’ reflects poverty,” Rev. Sheffield said. “We do ourselves a great disservice with pants hanging down. Excellence cuts against every color. Now we get punished for being smart.” A final student comment spoke to the individuality of all: “I love all people. I am different from everyone, even other blacks.” Mojo urged students to “get to know each other and keep an open mind. You are our future.” photos by James Wallace 34 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2013
10 Questions for … Isam Yaldo: Ready to help Isam Yaldo has been an active member of the community for more than 30 years. As a contractor and developer, he has become a sought-after expert in dealing with township, municipal and county regulations and ordinances. He is a past president and current board member of Shenandoah Country Club. Describe yourself in three – and only three – words. Ready to help If you were stuck on a desert island, what three books would you want with you? Jesuits by the Tigris; Perception Wars — Iraq from the Outside In; Nahjal al- Balaghah (The Peak of Eloquence) The top three songs on my iPod are … Delila (Tom Jones); Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton); You Belong with Me (Taylor Swift) My favorite thing about being Chaldean is … Telling people that I understand the language in the movie “The Passion of the Christ” My least favorite thing about being Chaldean is … Not understanding that rules are made to be followed; not broken. My motto is … Count your blessings by smiles; not tears; count your age by friends, not years The one thing about me that surprises people is … I can do multiplication without a calculator or paper If I could have any talent, it would be … Handicapping winning horses at the racetrack If I could travel back in time for a vacation, I’d go to … The town of Sersing in northern Iraq A perfect day consists of … Driving less than 200 miles. As a contractor and developer, Isam Yaldo has become a sought-after expert in dealing with township, municipal and county regulations and ordinances Choosing a hospital could be the most important decision you’ll ever make. 800-633-7377 beaumont.edu MAY 2013 CHALDEAN NEWS 35
