Howdy Ya'll,

For today's episode, I sit down with Winta Luel to discuss Micro-aggressions and full Racism that students have endured at the University of Connecticut. The convo starts with recent events that happened from Finals week back in December 2023 to Winta.

I'm sure everyone remembers her post from December 12th, 2023 disclosing the negative interaction she had with a student based on her beliefs as Pro-Palestine.

Here is her explanation from her insta post:

"I am unequivocally and unapologetically PRO-PALESTINE and will remain that way. I will not be shamed or silenced into thinking otherwise because of a student or institution. I am an African Immigrant woman that has seen and has gained a deep understanding of colonialism and imperialism. My country, Ethiopia, and the whole continent of Africa has been a victim of this harmful ideology. I have a deep understanding of how settler colonialism has been used as a tool of oppression against Black and Brown people in the United States and all across the world. The State of Israel is a colonial state and no amount of criticism will change my opinion on that. In his book “The Question of Palestine”, Palestinian author Edward Said said “Imperialism was the theory, colonialism the practice of changing the uselessly unoccupied territories of the world into useful new versions of the European metropolitan society.” This is what the United States has done to North America and the Indigenous people and it is what the State of Israel is doing to Palestine and its people.
The Zionism movement at its core is a tool of oppression and imperialism. But Zionism is not a reflection of the Jewish people. I have no problem with Jewish people. I, like many other supporters of the Pro-Palestine movement, can differentiate between the military State of Israel and the Jewish people and religion. I, like many others, respect and empathize with my Jewish brothers and sisters and feel absolutely disgusted that their religion is being used as a justification for a GENOCIDE. In all the conversations that I have had about this topic, my problem has been with THE STATE OF ISRAEL and the ZIONIST movement. And it will continue to stay that way. I am NOT ANTI-SEMITIC and the fact that I have to clarify that everytime I voice my thoughts about being ANTI-COLONIALISM and ANTI-IMPERIALISM is laughable and deeply frustrating."

Link to the video:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0wrYjbA8Fj/?igsh=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg%3D%3D

Winta continues to provide a voice for fellow students who endure racism on campus and she is planning on working with CLAS, the dean of students, and other staff members to work towards a safer and more inclusive environment for current and future UCONN students.

I want to put a disclaimer, if it doesn't apply let it fly, and please be respectful, and remember to agree to disagree. Everyone has a right to their own opinion and you can not pressure, coerce or force someone to believe in something that they themselves don't align with morally. I am looking to have conversations from all perspectives, so please be ready to get uncomfortable and learn too. Be open and listen. Those who listen more allow you to dig deeper into others' mindsets and that's one of my goals and deepest passions influenced by my love and studies of Psychology. My desire is to observe and understand others, and why they act, say, and carry themselves the way they do. And I want to share this knowledge and experience with you. 

So, Let's talk about it❤️

Yours Truly,

- MG

Follow my socials!

Insta: @mariahgonzalezofficial