I was distraught with the Channel 8 evening news on Dec. 9. There was news about “Nigerian scam letters” received by a gentleman from Iowa. This is very distracting news, and it troubles my tender heart a great deal.

I want to clarify something about generalizing Nigerians due to this new development. It’s hard enough being a black person in the United States. I’m appealing to everyone not to dwell on these fraudulent letters. Not all Nigerians are engaging in this scam. I do not ask you to overlook the seriousness of this scam whatsoever.

But I do not want it to be used against all Nigerians to penalize or doubt our hard work.

It is easy to judge one another based on negative assumptions. I implore everyone who receives one of these hideous letters to think of it as one of many sweepstakes letters that often come through your mailboxes.

Therefore, you should do the same with the “Nigerian scam letters”: TRASH IT, BURN IT, PISS ON IT, OR DO WHATEVER YOU THINK BEST WITH IT.

I hope no one will be foolish or selfish enough to reply to any of these letters. Keep in mind that you don’t reap where you did not sow. Not all Nigerians are engaging in the scandalous mailing list. Thank you for your understanding.

Keji Ojelade

Junior

Elementary education

President

Nigerian Student Union

Editor’s note: If you receive a “Nigerian scam” letter, you should give it to the police.