The Center for Multicultural Relations at Fairfield University will host author Carol Chehade on Tuesday, March 18, at 6 p.m. to discuss "Racism, Discrimination and the Arab-American Experience in America."

Her lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the multimedia room of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library. Reservations are not required.

Author of "Big Little White Lies: Our Attempt To White Our America," Ms. Chehade is a writer and activist who has spoken out about the racial profiling of Arab Americans following the Sept. 11 tragedies and has drawn parallels with the bigotry endured by African Americans.

Born to Arab parents, Ms. Chehade was raised in Detroit and now lives in New York City. She has been published in newspapers nationwide and featured on radio and TV, including a regular spot with CNN's Chris Askew.

In a synopsis of "Big Little White Lies," Ms. Chehade offers some of her thoughts on racism: "Our introduction to racism is taught right along with the alphabet. However, the difference between learning the alphabet and learning racism is that at least the alphabet's letters are taken apart, studied, and discussed. Racism, on the other hand, is blatantly denied or at best a subject treated with indifference. Whites hear race as synonymous with a foul four-letter word that is as harshly obvious as the division of the races, but responded to with sterilized reactions that have no desire to see, smell, or hear the foulness."

For more information, contact the Center for Multicultural Relations at Fairfield University at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2909.

Posted On: 03-05-2003 09:03 AM

Volume: 35 Number: 205