LETTER: Pigeon-Holed

It is opinions such as those of Bill Madison that destroy the developing sense of community service at Penn. I find it extremely offensive to be told that because I am a white female from a wealthy suburban background, with a sorority affiliation as well, my inner motivations when volunteering for community service are questioned and pigeon-holed. Community service is still far from an integral part of the Penn experience. In light of this, it is absolutely reprehensible that Madison should find it appropriate to criticze such efforts. Regardless of anyone's motivations, the ends do justify the motivations. In reality, community service benefits both sides. It is only through doing that small action that understanding will develop, the motives change and real improvement takes place. Sitting at home because one is unsure whether or not all the "right" reasons are there gets nothing done. Perhaps through the so-called "flawed" motivations he speaks of, those who act on them will begin to understand how to genuinely view the community and their own role in it. In addition, the volume of examples of people who've had unpleasant encounters with that "West Philadelphia denizen" makes it logical to take Escort Service home at night. Does this preclude me from trying to understand what differences exist between me and the experience of that child who has no connection to that thief who mugged that Penn student last night? I don't lump them both together, and perhaps Madison should reevaluate his motivations and misconceptions and try to do the same. LAUREN SLAWE College '95