This is in response to the letter in the Feb. 18 Helmsman. Itseems that Mr. Turner (the author) wants to buy into this"colorless society" facade. If such is the case, he shouldn't bringDr. King into the argument. His words and thoughts have beenperverted enough by Republicans.
It amazes me how so many people who allegedly want to "leave thepast behind them" are the first ones to light up a grill on the 4thof July. That wasn't Independence Day for everybody in thiscountry. Some of us had to wait another 90 years before suchfreedoms were extended to us. Even when they were granted, theyweren't given unilaterally. But if you're going to "leave the pastbehind," why not start there?
Also, history is rarely pretty. These things need to beremembered, because they are part of African-American history,which is part of American history. It is because good politiciansremembered this and the history of others that we now haveguaranteed liberties.
It may make the letter's author feel uncomfortable, but so what?The truth is the truth. What many Republicans are attempting to dois pick and choose what part of America is on display. America hasnot always been a pleasant place for people of color, and a"colorless society" does not help us at all.
Pretending like I am not a little different from someone elsedoes not obscure any of my physical differences, but ourdifferences need not separate us. Pretending like they don't existis a sinister way to rewrite history and gives the authorityapproval to dismantle laws and programs designed to level theplaying field.
What is needed is a racism-less society -- a society wherepeople's differences are not held against them, regardless of race,creed or color. This gives them the freedom to celebrate their ownculture without fear of reprisals from others, while simultaneouslybringing us together in truth.
If we are truly united, you see me for who and what I am andaccept it. No "colorless society" is going to change the fact thatI am dark-skinned, but a racism-less society would make my shadeirrelevant.
Before you condemn the Black Panthers, look at the whole pictureand condemn the circumstances that created a need for them.
T.J. Rounds
Graduate Student, MBA
In response to a letter to the editor in the Feb. 18 Helmsmanregarding Elbert Howard speaking on campus, I am appalled anddisappointed. However, I would like to commend The University ofMemphis and the Office of Minority Affairs for sponsoring an eventthat allowed us to open our minds and, in many cases, confront ourhistory in a scholarly manner.
The student who wrote this letter is mis-educated about theBlack Panthers and what they stood for. The focal point of thePanthers was not to go out and injure whites for the sake ofviolence, but rather to fight for civil rights in the same mannerin which they were being oppressed. More importantly, the Panthersdid not follow the theology of genocide and eugenics as did theKKK, and I do not recall hearing of any white people being lynchedby the Black Panthers or other black organizations for thatmatter.
I am a white female and one of the only white people whoattended Howard's lecture. This man was a humanitarian -informative, passionate and very honest about America's shamefulpast of racial exploitation and segregation.
It is our responsibility as college students to reeducateourselves about our histories and to find the truth. Otherwise, themistakes of the past will be repeated, and this would make Dr.King's work in vain. I urge the person who wrote the letter tolearn more about his past in order to see how he benefits todayfrom past injustices to black people.
Alison Baker
Senior,
Psychology and Sociology
As the past president of the Student Activities Council and aminority student of The University of Memphis, I am proud of theprogramming they have help provide. There are several things peoplefail to realize when coming to terms with diversity. The firstthing is that, you must reflect on the past to embrace the presentand create a future that does not replicate the past.
People must be open to new ideas and differences of opinions. Ifeveryone in the world tried to disregard the view points of others,America would be in an even worse state than it is now.Desegregation laws would have never been passed, and most peoplewould have the ideology of the KKK, Ross Barnett and otherclose-minded people. Diversity is defined as differing from oneanother. The keyword in that definition is differing. Thedifference is:
1. What counts in making The University of Memphis one of thebest schools to go to, despite contrary belief.
2. What makes the United States one of the best places tolive.
3. What made forms of segregation come to an end.
4. What separates you and me from recognizing, as GeorgeWashington once said, "I hold it that a little rebellion now andthen is a good thing ... It is a medicine necessary for the soundhealth of the government."
U of M, take the stand and recognize that challenges, whenapproached correctly, make you stronger.
Mario Brown
Graduate Student,
Leadership & Policy Studies
