r/MadeMeSmile • u/DaFunkJunkie • 28d ago
Dr. Tina Lasisi is the first Black student to graduate with a PhD in Anthropology from Penn State Good Vibes
200
u/dkastro52314 28d ago
Her interests include human phenotypic and genetic variation, as well as the evolution of pigmentation and scalp hair.
→ More replies7
160
u/writerightnow18 28d ago
First off… CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Secondly, I am often surprised when I learn about “the first black ________” in just about any field or position because it seems like these sort of milestones should have been reached a long time ago. Sadly, that is not the case. Which make this woman’s achievement, and many like her, all that more important and significant.
I’m sure this won’t be her last “first”.
35
u/Shilo788 28d ago
You know I was gonna post that and thought it sounded awkward or patronizing or showing up my own ignorance of the world. But I was surprised because I take for granted that there are as many black people capable of PHDs as any other color. I am still caught off guard by the depth of the institutional inertia regarding sex , color or culture. I wonder what her area of research is.
16
u/CheffreyTussell 28d ago
We just got our first black professor in our sociology department at my liberal arts alma mater in 2018. I was the first black person to be awarded any social activism award within the department getting a plaque and commemoration; my profs were ecstatic bc they understood the weight considering my alma maters pwc history
2
u/writerightnow18 28d ago
Congrats!
Can’t wait until it’s so common and normal (yet great) that it’s simple referred to as “I got the position!” or “We got a new __________ starting here.”
5
u/AFeverOfStingrays 28d ago
I was confused and thought it was saying she was the first black student getting a PhD in Anthropology from specifically Penn State, but yeah, that definitely shows how sad it is that these milestones weren't met already
2
→ More replies-2
u/thepaddlegal 28d ago
What he/she said.
11
u/L7057B711F19 28d ago
If only there were a word or words for referring to a person whose gender you don't know. I guess we'll never know what they want us to call them.
63
19
16
u/maitiedup 28d ago
Good for her, but these titles read like mad libs "The first ____ to ______ with a _____ from _____"
59
u/JodyMC 28d ago
Dude just posts for ups. Good on her however.
27
u/JustBW 28d ago
You could say this about the whole sub
-15
u/JodyMC 28d ago
Ummmm…I’m gonna have to differ. Folks posting OC are completely different than this asshat.
34
u/DaFunkJunkie 28d ago
What a ridiculous condescending and undeservedly self righteous thing to say. I almost never post in this sub. This popped up in my Twitter feed and made me smile. I thought others might feels the same way.
4
u/-LoremIpsumDolorSit 28d ago
Mate, come on. In 2 years you’re at 10 mil karma. There’s nothing wrong with farming karma on Reddit. It doesn’t hurt anyone and you just make the most interesting posts you come across online, circle around on this platform too, reaching many users for the first time. You don’t seem like a constant reposter either.
But denying that you’re a karma farmer is definitely useless
1
u/DaFunkJunkie 28d ago
Hey, I love karma as much (or more) than anyone else, but it’s ridiculous to suggest that I can’t genuinely be happy for this woman and have a desire to share something that I like
6
u/-LoremIpsumDolorSit 28d ago
Oh yeah I haven’t even implied that. Even karma farmers decide on what content they would like to share.
→ More replies3
6
7
u/DaFunkJunkie 28d ago
I can’t be happy for her?
17
→ More replies11
u/wafflesbestfriend 28d ago
You absolutely can. So am I. I barely made it out of my Masters and I likely didn't face the amount of hurdles she may have.
93
u/SufficientZucchini21 28d ago
I don’t think a lot of white people understand that for many groups, there are still “firsts” being accomplished and they should be celebrated. Throwing up the race card to toss accomplishments says a lot about the person attempting to use it.
24
u/Zykium 28d ago
It's nice to see that some of the firsts are getting really specific.
→ More replies-1
u/Bendetto4 28d ago
I hope to be the first white man to graduate from Rwanda Institute of Technology with a first in Biological engineering.
What I mean by that is that, being a minority in a geographical location will always make your achievements stand out in a geographically significant way.
In the UK black people make up less than 4% of the population. So it is very likely that there are significant academic achievements that have not been made by black people yet. Simply because there aren't that many living here.
Thats said black people are far more likely to go to university in the UK than white people, so maybe I'm wrong.
3
u/TweedRat 28d ago
It seems pretty likely you are wrong, especially as there is no Rwanda Institute of Technology (the fact that you felt comfortable making that up as some sorta "I'm not racist but" analog probably tells us all we need to know!).
→ More replies-1
u/Bendetto4 28d ago
Damn you got me. I'm a closet racist because I got the name of a university in Rwanda wrong.
Just pointing out the fact that being the first black person to do something in a majority white country isn't a sign of racism, rather a simple matter of statistic.
To pull back the layers further. How many Ethiopians have been to space?
None, does that make space racist towards Ethiopians? No, it is because the only countries that have the facilities to launch humans into space are Russia and the USA, neither of which have a very large Ethiopian population.
→ More replies16
u/Your_Worship 28d ago
“A lot of white people” do see this as an accomplishment, and think it’s a good thing.
1
18
6
2
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[deleted]
1
47
u/seehowitsfaded 28d ago edited 28d ago
Congrats Dr. Lasisi! Also, for people who don't know, Penn State was founded 1855. For her to be the first black student to graduate from this department signifies 1) how systematic racism, socioeconomic standing, and fewer opportunities have held other black students back from this achievement for over a century and 2) that progress and change is possible. The future is looking a little brighter today for other students who identify with her and the field is becoming more diverse due to her efforts and the efforts of those who came before her.
That is why we still mention race.
→ More replies
7
u/closestvenus 27d ago
Jesus Christ so specific. Can’t wait for the first Hispanic to graduate from Chinese university of Hong Kong with a diploma in plumbing and gas engineering. I’m happy for her but we’re really celebrating tiny specifics acting like it’s a major step in civil rights
13
8
4
2
2
u/TrainingIllustrator3 28d ago
Correct me if I am wrong, but is Anthropology the study of humans or humanity?
→ More replies2
2
2
u/Daisy0974 28d ago
Love this!! I hope this starts being a norm. I love seeing woman with post graduate degrees. I’ve got a masters degree but hope to get a PhD or psyD one of these days.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/DancerGamer 28d ago
Her smile is contagious and dare I say motivating! Go, DOCTOR LASISI PhD, we see you💫
→ More replies
2
2
u/bopsie11 28d ago
congratulations Doctor you look very happy lovely big smiley face !
→ More replies
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/CombatWombat1212 28d ago
Huge congratulations to her. What a massive accomplishment.
how the actual fuck has that never happened before tho? In a field as general as anthropology?? I know I should be excited for people when seeing posts like this but man they just end up depressing me. It's shameful that so many of these firsts are still happening as often as they are.
2
2
2
2
2
u/windfishpices 27d ago
That’s very surprising (that there’s not been another Black PhD in her field from that university). I hope that she gets published and does well in her field.
9
u/blxck_coffee 28d ago
These comments are grossly ignorant, congrats on your amazing achievement, you should be very proud 😊
7
6
u/004dogwhistle 28d ago
Just because race doesn't affect you doesn't mean that it isn't an issue that concerns the lives of others.
6
u/im_curious-ape 28d ago
As someone who is a minority from developing nation that immigrated to the US for grad school in engineering, I don’t see why anyone want to mention color/race/gender. It’s great what she is able to achieve. US is an incredible country that celebrates millions of immigrants/minorities with a path for success/prosperity so long you continue to play by the rules.
→ More replies
5
6
u/KKlouDDN9ne 28d ago
I'm honestly proud of her for accomplishing a difficult path
That being said, why are we still mentioning skin color? Aren't we supposed to be getting past all that? We are all human
60
u/RichardStinks 28d ago
Well, when you're faced with discrimination and disrespect, having another person of color break a barrier might just lift your spirits and give you a boost of optimism.
Yeah, we could be "getting past it," but a lot of racist people aren't even trying to do that. Bringing up good stories helps.
9
3
u/anglovampire 28d ago
serious question cuz im curious: do you suspect this woman faced discrimination on her path to getting her PhD? if so, in what way?
14
u/_uwu_girl_ 28d ago
Yes, absolutely. As a woman, and as a person of color. I myself am a young person not yet in the academic world but I, as a woman of color, can assure you that it plays a role in our lives every day. We don't get recognition for our accomplishments, our concerns and voices are often ignored, etc. At the age of about 7 years old, I had an adult tell me I would never, ever be a doctor because I was a girl and girls weren't suited in such an occupation. Growing up, people laughed at me because to them, all I could amount to was a maid or some other stereotype for Hispanic women. Also consider that many black and brown people are not privileged because we are generations behind our white peers when it comes to wealth distribution, social hierarchies, stereotypes projected onto children (especially just for partaking in their own culture), etc. To go from being a child to making it to that degree of education is an amazing feat and sets a precedent for future children of color. When I was a little girl, I couldn't even find a barbie doll that looked like me. Now, I see women being scientists, engineers, doctors, lawyers. And they're actually being talked about and commended for their work. Historians are correcting the facts and giving women and people of color their due credit. It's inspiring to see and I hope to continue seeing the world strive for equal representation that is reflective of what we should be.
Sorry if this is a bit ranty lol I'm very passionate about academia but I'm also very passionate about social justice/equality issues and intersectionality. If you have questions, I'm happy to answer anything :D
4
u/RichardStinks 28d ago
It's always possible and highly probable.
Hell, we still have groups in America dedicated to "White Nationalism." Enough so that they garner national attention. That means there are still enough racists out there to give others a hard time. Who knows what facets of life they hide in?
1
u/FarmsOnReddditNow 28d ago
I hate the “getting past it” mentality. We should get past racist behavior. accepting and celebrating people and acknowledging their heritage is a good thing!
3
u/RichardStinks 28d ago
That's where I'm at. Saying "this person of color did a great thing!" does nothing to forward racism.
Personally, I think it helps stick it to bigots when POCs are celebrated. Until we're out of bigots to stick it to, let's keep at it.
→ More replies-30
u/KKlouDDN9ne 28d ago
So since racist people aren't getting past it, the rest of society shouldn't either?
What happened to rising above?
7
u/RichardStinks 28d ago
We should. Part of "getting past it" is acknowledging that we don't gain any ground by disregarding a person's race. Racism, in part, is assuming race is a key factor in behavior and abilities especially in a negative sense.
9
11
7
u/lordothedance 28d ago
This is a bad faith argument and you know it.
6
15
7
u/WomanNotAGirl 28d ago
Because it’s despite her skin color she accomplished this. I’m shocked so many non POC gets triggered by it. It’s despite all the invisible challenges that comes with being a BIPOC that makes it impossible to get there. Too many obstacles that’s completely invisible to rest and she did it despite all the odds stacked against her.
→ More replies8
u/ganon893 28d ago edited 26d ago
Ask yourself a fundamental, honest question.
Why is she the first and why haven't there been others? I think you can answer your own question by starting there. Good luck.
6
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
I think it’s a big deal. People of colour do have a more difficult path. This woman worked very hard and accomplished one of her biggest dreams.
→ More replies-20
u/KKlouDDN9ne 28d ago
Refer to my comment... This completely side steps what I said, we are supposed to be getting past color of skin
7
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
We are supposed to be but this is not reality. If we ignore race then why are lower income and unemployed people usually POC? Are we lazy or addicts or stupid or just haven’t been given a fair chance?
→ More replies5
u/musicalhju 28d ago
Exactly. They either have to admit that the system is racist or that they have racist beliefs.
→ More replies→ More replies8
u/musicalhju 28d ago
Ignoring the fact that POC have it harder in life is racist and helps no one.
-7
u/KKlouDDN9ne 28d ago
No one is ignoring that fact, color doesn't need to be mentioned anymore
→ More replies14
u/musicalhju 28d ago
It’s literally impossible to talk about race inequality without mentioning race. That makes no sense.
4
u/KKlouDDN9ne 28d ago
Why are we mentioning race inequality to begin with? We are talking about a new Doctor in this world
22
u/musicalhju 28d ago
The fact that in the entire history of the penn state program she is the first black graduate represents progress and should be celebrated.
→ More replies3
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
There are many new doctors in this world but this woman is unique in being one of the firsts. POC are breaking barriers and we shouldn’t keep quiet or ignore it. It was a big deal for me when Kamala Harris became Vice President and I’m Canadian. It’s just really refreshing to see strong women of colour representing instead of the status quo white males.
→ More replies-9
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
6
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
Can we say the same about landing a great job? Graduating is all on you, getting the job is based on others opinions of you.
2
u/bananafanafo31 28d ago
Your skin color will certainly help get you attain the finances to study, I’ll tell you that.
I wiped my savings getting my MA and paying back loans. I really wanted to continue to the Ph.D. level but I just couldn’t afford it. No scholarships simply for the color of my skin. Downvote me, I don’t care. It’s the truth. And it’s unfair.
3
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
Some barriers that POC face is not being able to get a job. Many POC come from poverty, so inheritance is not a reality. Having these two against POC, how is it possible to save up for school? This is why there are some scholarships targeted towards people with certain skin colours.
→ More replies-1
u/musicalhju 28d ago
Black people we barred from universities for a long time. The fact that this woman was the first black PhD grad represents a broken barrier and the social progress of the USA.
0
-10
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
7
u/musicalhju 28d ago
Black people aren’t equal in this country. If you don’t believe me look up police brutality stats, generational poverty, redlining, and military recruitment techniques.
Pretending that stuff doesn’t happen helps no one. Admitting racists make it hard for black people to live is the first step to change.
→ More replies→ More replies-4
→ More replies1
u/thorspeepee 28d ago
Not all POC. You don't know her background AT ALL. Blanket statements like this are dumb and wrong
→ More replies1
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
→ More replies8
u/Doc-in-a-box 28d ago
Except in Minnesota. I’m proud to be 2 colors! Blinding White in the winter and Apple Red in the summer!
7
-3
u/JeromesNiece 28d ago
A lot of people, who apparently understand that race is a useless social construct that is not actually real in any meaningful sense, have nevertheless become convinced that we must make race the most important thing in our lives, our identities, our culture, and our politics. It makes very little sense.
→ More replies→ More replies-1
u/rambambambam 28d ago
Have you heard of the largest movement us US history? BLM? Kind of a recent thing.
https://carrcenter.hks.harvard.edu/news/black-lives-matter-may-be-largest-movement-us-history
3
3
3
u/old-skool-bro 28d ago
What does her race have to with this? Congratulations on the diploma but her race shouldn't be a vocal point
4
u/spieler_42 28d ago
What is actually the definition of a „black“ woman because honestly I see a white woman on that pic? (This is a serious question and this is absolutely not meant to be homophobic or racist)
→ More replies
2
3
3
u/dizziekid 28d ago
People questioning if she’s black enough is soooooo uncomfortable
2
-1
u/nijiroflavor 28d ago
You're telling me, just saw someone comment "20 percent black." Okay..? She's still Black. Lol.
3
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
-1
u/dizziekid 28d ago
What DO black people look like, what the fuck comment is this
→ More replies7
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
→ More replies1
u/dizziekid 28d ago
You’re clearly white the way you’re being rude to black success
3
u/EveDaSavage 28d ago
She doesn’t look dark enough to be black. Black to me is like idris Alba people that actually look. Black
3
u/Tara_ntula 28d ago
Black people look varied. Idris Elba is not the only way block people can look.
3
u/EveDaSavage 28d ago
Oh I’m aware of that, but this woman isn’t black in the slightest. Her skin is white so she’s white.
→ More replies→ More replies-3
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
4
u/dizziekid 28d ago
No she’s not
5
u/[deleted] 28d ago
[removed]
-2
u/dizziekid 28d ago
She looks black to me. Maybe the camera is overexposed because it’s a sunny day
5
2
u/pswdkf 28d ago
I have a question. Is she the first black PhD from Penn State who happened to be in anthropology or is she the first black Anthropology Penn State PhD? The title makes it seem like it’s the latter, but I just wanted to make sure.
Also, this is awesome. We need more educated people and diversity.
10
u/Shilo788 28d ago
I read as the latter. I would be shocked to her she is the first black female PHD in the whole school.
3
-2
u/chickentits97 28d ago
Why am I not surprised by the privileged comments
7
u/Scout_wheezeing 28d ago
Why am I not surprised at the callout comments
5
1
u/chickentits97 28d ago
As it should.
1
u/Scout_wheezeing 28d ago
Well I should be glad, but I’ve seen so much politicization that I kinda have become dulled to progress, and I hate it (The dulling, not the celebration of a person of color graduating)
→ More replies1
u/maybejustadragon 28d ago
Why am I not surprised by the call out comments on other call out comments? Smdh.
2
u/Scout_wheezeing 28d ago
Why am I not surprised to find a callout comment calling out a callout comment calling out a callout
1
u/BlackberryMobile2394 28d ago
Beautiful news! Although I wish people would stop pointing out race.. x(
6
u/dizziekid 28d ago
Why because it makes you uncomfortable that America’s been oppressing black and brown people since day 1
Are you white?
2
u/DogeBogey 27d ago
“Are you white?”
Why do you ask that? Is it because you think white people don’t like black people achieving something?
Are you black?
→ More replies0
1
2
-6
u/SerMercutio 28d ago edited 28d ago
Congratulations, I guess?
I mean, why mention her color of skin? What purpose does that serve?
→ More replies12
u/Unlikely_Voice6383 28d ago
Breaking barriers
-6
u/anglovampire 28d ago
what barriers did this woman face? please give specific examples. if you cant, then i think youre just talking out your backside and shouldnt be making claims like this
8
u/musicalhju 28d ago
All people are subject to the same racist laws and regulations of the United States. Here is a list of a few of them, just in one state.
→ More replies4
0
u/veorika 28d ago
McDonalds awaits her with open arms
4
2
u/musicalhju 28d ago
She has a doctorate. She will end up teaching and doing research at a university.
→ More replies2
u/imascoutmain 27d ago
Yeah no offense but a PhD in anthropology isn't as much of a golden ticket as other disciplines. She could for sure teach, but teachers keep their position for a while and many PhD students in her discipline graduate each year. It's the same dynamic for other PhDs, but it's particularly true with social, philosophy, literature and such. Source : PhD student and friends in social/political sciences
-4
u/hotchocalatesauce 28d ago
Black excellence, at it's finest.
3
-5
u/yugutyup 28d ago
Looks white to me...but whatever. Always have to remind myself the usa is a fucked up racist country.
5
u/Worried-Ad-9038 28d ago
In other countries, like Brazil, she probably would be categorized as white. This is a result of the one drop rule.
0
u/FrapoleonDonutarde 28d ago
Seriously, it could have just been an announcement about Dr. Tina Lasisi graduating but it HAD to be about race. This is the problem.
1
-6
0
1
1
1
-11
-10
u/rcody092 28d ago
Congratulations on your skin color, otherwise we’d never had heard of you.
→ More replies
114
u/Ok-Letterhead4601 28d ago
I hope she has a very successful career and finds happiness in her work.