LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: False Claim

To the Editor: While I respect the work Millis and Duboff devoted to the group after its inception, calling themselves co-founders is a gross misrepresentation of fact. Did they think no one would catch this? [Editor's Note: Salman Sajid is the art editor of The Daily Pennsylvanian.] Kieran Snyder College '96 Definitions of Racism To the Editor: I feel compelled to correct an incendiary and untrue statement in Emily Gold's letter ("Affirmative Action Revisited," DP 10/12/95). I speak of the harmful idea she proffers by attempting to redefine the term "racism." Her hypothesis that racism necessarily entails some kind of societal power relationship is false. This alternate "definition" of racism was fabricated by those whose agenda is to make it acceptable for minorities to form opinions based solely on race, while it remains unacceptable for the majority to do so. Too many people find it comfortable to assume that the entire world is against them rather than face the fact that not everyone is evil and despicable; any personal failures can then easily be attributed to the source of their ire. The fact is, racism is based on one factor: hate. If you hate someone because of that persons race or ethnicity, then you're a racist, period. The racism of Louis Farrakhan is no different than the racism of David Duke. I have encountered, both inside and outside the classroom, people who look at me and assume I am not much different from the men who brought Africans on slaveships to America or put Japanese Americans in internment camps. This judgment is based on no more knowledge than the fact that I am white and male. What could be more racist? People who make false assumptions about me must realize that they are no better than than whites who make automatic assumptions about minorities. The fact that whites are dominant in this society does not give carte blanche to any minority to classify every white as a card-carrying member of some oppressive establishment. If we are ever to have true reconciliation among all members of our society, we must recognize that everyone is susceptible to the cancer of stereotyping, prejudice and racial hatred, not simply those whose skin color is currently shared by a national majority. Justin Shellaway College '97 Sukkot Studies To the Editor: The sukkot celebration was great! Thanks to everyone who helped put it together. Unfortunately, Grant Bronk cannot seem to find any other place on campus to study than his room. ("Party Irks Superblock Residents," DP 10/12/95) Calling a religious celebration ignorant only confirms the ignorance lies with you. Throughout the high rises there were advance postings announcing the celebration and band's performance. Many people studied elsewhere, like, oh, a library or empty classrooms. You are not the only one who would appreciate a "quiet campus" even outside exam periods. There are many student athletes and workers who must get up early on the weekends. We too would like a "quiet campus," however then there's reality, Grant. You say you'll deal with "sirens and what-not" but you won't deal with music? Dafna Nehmadi Engineering '98