LETTER: Trick or Treat?

Should only black people be able to walk with black children across campus? Does the mere coupling of white sorority sisters and black children result in a "parade?" Do you remember this past Halloween? Hundreds of West Philadelphia school children were taken trick-or-treating to Greek houses throughout campus then to a haunted house at the Castle. The little boy I was walking with held my hand so tightly and was so happy the entire afternoon. When we had to part, he didn't thank me. He didn't need to. When the smile disappeared from his face and he reached out to give me a hug, it was all the thanks I needed. I personally can offer a hand to hold, a kind word and a smile where there might not be any at home. It's not patronization; it's pure, genuine caring. Why doesn't Bill Madison go talk to some of these kids and ask them what they think. I'm pretty sure they would say, "It was fun. She was nice." Now is that so bad? Oh, and what if that black sorority sister wanted to help out a white or Asian child? Can't wait to see the column on that one. If people only help out those who come from the same background as themselves, this would would be even sadder than it is today. SUSAN ORMAN College '92