Uganda and black Africa

Press, 3 August 1985, Page 18

Uganda and black Africa

Sir, — It was highly ironic that “The Press’s” racially-prejudiced editorial on Uganda (July 31) -appeared opposite an article on the Waitangi Tribunal and the wrongs done to the Maori. Black Africans, however, have long been the target of the worst of white abuse. Under the guise of a legitimate concern about human rights in Uganda, “The Press” made a number of statements disparaging of black Africans. The clearly racist comment was even made that perhaps black Africans are people from whom “the normal standards of decency should not be expected.” In the context of “The Press’s” repeatedly-demonstrated antipathy to black Africans this statement can be interpreted as one signed to incite racial prejudice. Meantime, the “Press’s” highly selective morality is unmoved by Amnesty International’s documentation of genocide in East Timor or Guatemala or other countries within the system of Western oppression. — Yours, etc., D. K. SMALL. July 31, 1985.