I assume it is coincidence that Jonathan Iwry and Shawn Kelley’s columns appeared in the same edition of The Daily Pennsylvanian. However, in combination they demonstrate exactly why people rightfully start to show their disdain for white men’s (i.e. our) antics. May it be through the fundamental misunderstanding that there is a right to be heard, instead of the actual constitutional right to speak, or the belief that “the justice system” will right all wrongs, I find the extent of their moral blind spots shocking.
Maybe there is some sort of honor in defending a decidedly unfunny piece of “parody” against an editorial board with taste, or defending a justice system in which essentially every grand jury investigation indicts the defendant, except when he is a police officer. Maybe there is honor in using the presumption of innocence to shield powerful men against the voices of abused women.
Or maybe, even white men could start to speak out against people that mock those who try to make the world a better place through inclusion. Maybe, we can understand how our appeal for equal consideration of all sides is really just adding to the pile of voices oppressing those with important but uncomfortable opinions. And maybe, we can show compassion for the daily struggle so many face in this country, and for the frustration against the often deadly and never-punished racism of too many Americans. And maybe, just maybe, we can try to understand why a tiny subset of people turns to violent protest, after decades of quiet, gentle protests have not yielded any substantial results.
As Iwry writes, “every now and then, people might actually prompt us to rethink, revise or even reinforce our ideas.” I just feel that some might be confused about who these people are.
Best regards,
Lucas Laib
C’15
