blackgirl on mars: notes on a life in copenhagen (or how my alienation brings me closer to people).

"I wish I could say, however, that general understanding of the Middle East, the Arabs, and Islam in the United States has improved somewhat, but alas, it really hasn't. For all kinds of reasons, the situation in Europe seems to considerably better." Edward Said, in his 2003 preface to the 25th Anniversay Edition of his groundbreaking book, Orientalism . "Look Lesley," R's voice says with excitement, "It's Denmark!" "See, this is Jutland, and this over here is Fyn!" H chimes in as he points to two puddles on the pavement. I have just completed a walk around the lake with my 7th graders. We sometimes go out the last thirty minutes or so to get some fresh air and move our bodies. The sun is shining and I can see the blue sky and white clouds reflecting off the puddles. "You're right!" I exclaim in agreement, "It is Denmark!" I am amazed that it is Denmark they both see in these puddles. They proceed to point out ...

Years ago, I read Edward Said's Out of Place and upon reading it I was struck by the lack of positive role models he had as a child, growing up. His teachers seemed to negate his very existence and it reminded me of how very opposite my experiences in the New York City Education system had been. Mind you, this is written by a woman who as a girl had gotten suspended from school in the 5th grade, and who also attended what was considered the worst High School in New York City: Washington Irving (we made it on the front page of the New York Post the day we installed metal detectors). So bear this in mind as I weave the rest of this tale: I always loved school. School offered me respite from the chaotic nature of my home life. At school, I was given structure and I excelled. I also came into contact with incredible human beings--the teaching staff and students. I attended P.S.152 on Glenwood Avenue and when I began, something peculiar had already been in the process: Blacks were m...