Issue of racism revived

Sir—I write more in the name of justice than having been offended ad an African, This is with reference to Mr. Rujaya Abhakorn's letter under the heading of 'no sympathy' published in the Salient of 30/7/68. Mr Abhakorn has been reasonably critical of Mr Kellys articles on Asian and Indian students. It is presumed that Kelly in his research (note well Abhakorn that study is made up of research) has observed the Asia and African students but he made no comments on the latter, Are we to infer that Kelly connot distinguish betwen and brown? Abhakorn deplored Kelly 's inability to express himself precisely but he so misunderstood Kelly as to accuse him of keeping the African "in the depth of human existence". The point at issue for Abhakorn as an Asian was to admit or refute Kelly's views about the Asian Indian students. In order to tow the Asian side it is dismally unbecoming to cast aspersion on the African.

Let us take the most absurd and illogical part of Abhakorn's letter—"Again and again we hear these moans over African in gratitude coming from European conservatives who still regret the hey-days (hay days) of white imperialism. Mr Kelly obviously doesn't want to repeat their mistake, so he determines to keep the inferior races where he thinks they rightly belong "in the depth of human existence". It can be asked by what power or force or according to what criterion has the African been consigned in the depth of human existence. Could the African alone be ungrateful to the European conservatives when one is reminded of the fact than an Asian has also been under white imperialism? Abhakorn has lost the right to criticise Kelly because he has fallen into a deeper racial hatred than Kelly whom he accused of being a Wallace or at best a Powell. Haven't we learnt that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones? The bigoted insinuation of Abhakon of the inferior races is enough to justify Kelly's use of the word arrogance as regards him. For what in the name of fairness to the African must Abhakorn write thus? Does he not remember that neither the Asian nor the African is "rich, powerful and creator of civilisation", to quote a sociologist whose name I am unable to remember. In the name of honesty the Asian and the African are fellow travellers in the depth of human existence and it is assumed that the African can be treading on the Asian in the abyss of human existence.

May I state that I am not the least bothered by racial superiority or inferiority for every race is somehow superior even on a modest scale in their loyalty. So dear Abhakorn you can term me by whatever name that satisfies your blatantly sophisticated racial inclinations. But be warned and very well too that racialism is one of the evil challanges of our times and it behoves on all men and women of understanding and breadth of vision to suppress the evil forces and advance the good ones. You have ignorantly perpetuated the reverse and therefore I pity you.

I am etc.,

David Komma,

The Gambia, West Africa.

N.B. Regrets to my many Asian acquaintances.—D.K.