Debora Johnson-Ross
Associate Professor of Political Science
Cool is more than an everyday adjective to Dr. Debora Johnson-Ross. It’s a concept worthy of serious academic inquiry. In her research into African-American pop culture, she explores the similarities between what African-Americans consider cool and what is seen as cool in African cultures, looking at music, dance, hairstyles and clothing. In Africa, the outward symbols of cool are supposed to reflect an inner expression of the spirit, with signs of confidence and power showing spirituality, character, generosity, and grace, she says. “But in the American context we’ve lost the connection between cool and being composed in your character, in being diplomatic, in the connection with the spirit.”
As far as her students are concerned, Professor Johnson-Ross exemplifies the deeper definition of cool. Her joy in teaching is obvious and her sense of adventure is contagious. During the 2006-07 academic year, she lived in Cameroon, Africa, where she lectured at the University of Buea as a Fulbright Scholar. She also leads groups of McDaniel students on study tours of the Western African country. Her experiences inspired her to develop a special topics class on Cameroon, as well as her Contemporary African Politics course. Dr. Johnson-Ross recently received a Fulbright Scholarship-in-Residence award to bring to campus Dr. Christopher Molem, an economist from Cameroon who specializes in globalization, development and political economy. Dr. Johnson-Ross will work with Dr. Molem to develop an interdisciplinary course on Africa and African-American studies.
What Professor Johnson-Ross Learned in Cameroon:
- There are so many aspects of life that are universal, but you can’t make assumptions because there are also many things that are specific to a culture.
- Singing is not just for people who can carry a tune. “There’s something to be said for expressing the joy of life.”
- Those who are making the effort to change Cameroon’s culture of corruption are to be applauded.