UNIVERSITY Meer chooses action over anger South African dispels myths By Cathy Peterson Emerald reporier Although she is a university trained sociologist and the au thorized biographer of Nelson Mandela. South African Fatima Meer said she is denied a basic right in her country enjoyed by many in the United States. Because of her color, Meer cannot vote in South African government elections. But Meer. of Indian descent, said she does not let her anger get in the way of her activism. "Of course I'm angry ... but I’m not in a state of anger. I really couldn't survive that way. I’m mobilizing through action," Meer said. Meer is the University's fifth Carlton and Wilberta Ripley Savage Visiting Professor She is also the author of Higher Than Hope: The Authorized Bi ography of Nelson Mandela. as well as a short biography of In dian leader Mahatma Ghandi. She is teaching a course on peace issues in southern Africa, the Middle Hast and India, as well as another course on wom en in South Africa this fall. "Growing up in the system of apartheid, being segregated and abused, lots of people re acted against it.” Meer said. ”1 was among them. ” While in high school. Meer participated in organized resist ance campaigns in 19411 and 195.’). She was banned from participating in the resistance organizations, under a South African security law in 11154. 19711 and 1981. She and Win nie Mandela were detained without trial for five months in 19711. In 1975 Meer helped found the Federation of South African Women, which was banned a year later because the state felt threatened by their activities. Meer said. In South Africa. Meer has l>een active in the development Arnold Jake U. of 0. S.A.A. PRESENT -Homecoming Parent’s Weekend ComedyNight Starring: Jake Johannsen Arnold Mukai_ Ticket* Mild at EMU Main link Fri.N0v.2nd Students $4.00 Emu Ballroom Public $00 8:00 PM ant* i ton nnnttts *no matmoavs GAMES ADMISSION *1.50 STM STMff PMUCI • (VMM • M1-MS4 Htato by Nmb Mwi Meer. left, and graduate student Barbara Sumner take part in a group discussion before a class lecture. of education and research op portunities for black social sci entists at the Institute for Black Research. The institute recently completed a survey of South Africans' reactions to the cur rent political situation in their country. Meer said the survey found that 78 percent of all South Af ricans supported negotiations between the African National Congress and the government and found very little support for an armed solution. Support for Nelson Mandela was also very high, she said "He has a total commitment Meer, was tried lor treason with Mandela in 1956. Since Mandela’s release last spring. South Africa has en tered a new phase. Americans who want to help black and white South Africans carve out a new government should keep themselves in formed and support sanctions against the current nationalist government. Meer said "Fatima Meer has spent her whole life doing academics as an activist." said 1-eslie Scott, a graduate tear hing fellow who is working with Meer to the uemocratu: process, Meer said "If you want a peo ple to be moved together, you need to walk with them, not ahead of them " Meer has been acquainted with the Mandelas since the 1950s. and her husltand. Ismail Shannon Oliver, one of Miser’s students, sail! the s S111 K tXIMRI S 10/11 'M) Oregon DAILY EMERALD P I! n«, .119*. Sagvar. (hrgtm *74*3 The Oregon Daily Emerald is published Monday through Friday eicepl during eiam week and vacations by the Oregon Daily Emerald Publishing Co , at the University ol Oregon. Eugene. Oregon The Emerald is operated independently ot the University with oltices on the thud floor ol the Erb Memorial Union and is a member ot I he Associated Press The Emerald is private property The unlawful removal or use of papers is pros ocuiabie by law Managing Editor Editorial Editor Politics Editor Graphics Editor In Touch Editor Editor Christopher Blair Rob Ward Joe Kidd Sean Poston Anna Rembecki Alice Wheeler Mews Editor Editorial Editor Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Night Editor Chris Bounett Pat Malach Ashley Conklin tayne lakelish Catherine Hawley A• social* tditort Community: Don Peters Student Government/Ac bvi ties Catherine Hawley Higher Educatwm/Administration Peter Cogswell Features Stacy Ivie Reporters: Tammy Batoy Brian Bloch, Rene De Can Carrie Dennett. Paul Mor gan. Cathy Peterson. Ming Aodrtques June Russell. Oaralyn Trappe Boh Waite, Robert Weber Photographer Eric Evans, Andre Ramen Advertising: Mark Brundage. Elaine Dealer. Kathy Endicotl Michael Gray Becky Mom Michelle Knapp. Jennifer Kosta. Nicole Leahy. Kirsten lucas Ken McBride Stephen Mosley. Marla Newman Lisa Richman Mary Sanderson Kalhy Smith Kristi Strother Classified Kelly McMichael Adrienne Radchfta Janet Sc ho her Business Gorman Chapman Judy Connolly Production Jennifer Archer. Kathryn Barton Mia Bertelsen. Tom Bosworth Alice Cannon Lotus Child Carol Dopp. Jim Finch, Corine Frier Yvette Gill. Susan Head Jennifer Huey Linda Ktaastad Sheila Loron/o. Jim Mason Anna Rembecki Don Rosa. Jean Senechal. Jennifer Smith Anne Stephenson Jennifer Thomas Hon Walker Ingrid White, Todd Williams General Suit General Manager Judy Hindi Admitting Dirac tor Susan T Helen Clattlliad Manager Peguy McGinn Production Manager Michele Host Adeertltmg Coordinator Sandra Dailar Account! Receivable Circulation. Newtroom 346 SSI1 Clattlliad Adeerlltlng. MS 4343 Diaptay Advertising . MS 3712 Production, Graphic Sendee! 346 4381 SUPPORT YOUR TEAM. Ducks vs. Beavers Nov. 17, 1990 Full color civil War T-Shirts Now Available only $10 or 2 for *18 Available by calling Michael (503)343-6249