EDITORIAL: "Afterthoughts on Fling"

This is not a new problem, but it is one with definite staying power. Most students have completely fogotten the theme of Fling four years ago, or which band played at Fling three years ago. But since that time and before, minority students have criticized Fling planners for not seeking minority input. To fix this, information sessions to involve minority students in Fling should have been held before the theme was first discussed or bands were first mentioned. But the latest blow up should not lead to another unofficial (or official) minority boycott of Fling. Fling leaders seem genuinely interested in obtaining minority input, even if their efforts have been poorly thought out. Even if minority students were justified in deciding not to help organize Fling or attend it, such actions would do little to solve Fling's problems. It would only mean that when Fling comes around again next year, minority students will be unqualified to help plan it. Yes, SPEC should be actively seeking minority input. But, at the same time, SPEC is not so bureaucratic that it could ignore minority demands insistently put forth from the very start. Minority students shouldn't allow themselves to be ignored and then criticize the outcome later. Minority students should instead show a little diplomacy, reluctantly bite the bullet by participating this year, and be prepared to speak from a position of authority next year. Fling doesn't need to be reinvented, but minority participation in Fling does have to be rethought by both sides. SPEC was once again slow to request minority input -- but better late than never. Minority students shouldn't torpedo this year's Fling because of SPEC's tardiness, and SPEC should make sure such tardiness doesn't happen again.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.