African-Americans insulted

We the students of MSU are profoundly outraged by the insulting, insular remarks in the letter to the editor on Jan. 29. It is our contention that the person responsible for this besmirching set of prose is filled with diatribe. The unfortunate generalizations made by the gentleman are pregnant with froth and enmity and seek to castigate all African-Americans. The gentleman alluded that African-Americans should be thankful for being born in America. However, as history has shown, we were brought here not by choice, unlike other groups who willingly came. The indigence that permeates the media does not truly reflect the realities of the life within Africa, but is limited to specific areas of certain countries. It is unfortunate that the gentleman who wrote the aforementioned letter is oblivious to the fact that every country in the world has its share of poverty. In fact, 32.9 million Americans live below the poverty line. Secondly, Mr. Jacobson commented on the “obnoxious noise” emanating from black students in the cafeteria. But the truth of the matter is wherever people congregate in a social setting, irrespective of race, a certain level of noise is expected. If noise is an indication of “immaturity, insecurity and rudeness,” then we are all guilty. The behavior of a few should not discredit the achievement of others. Any student highlighted in The Wichitan is noted for his or her individual accomplishments. Their performances should not be ignored. We understand the duty of The Wichitan to respect the rights of individuals’ freedom of speech, but we urge the editors to subscribe to higher levels of social and journalistic responsibility. We firmly believe the author’s article cowardly hid behind a fictitious identity. We are left with the question: did The Wichitan ascertain his identity before printing the article? The student body promotes tolerance, understanding and appreciation of all cultural differences represented on the MSU campus. Consequently, we urge Mr. Jacobson and others to educate themselves on global and racial issues and to escape the shackles of ignorance. “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.” –Bob Marley

Students Against Ignorance signed by 101 MSU students

Free speech misunderstood

I am writing in response to the recent controversies regarding letters to the editor in The Wichitan. While I find Peter Jacobson’s comments and attitudes disgusting and racist, despite his claims otherwise, I defend his right to make unenlightened comments as well as The Wichitan’s right to print unenlightened comments. Many responses I’ve encountered, written and spoken, begin with a statement along the lines of “I understand free speech, but” and go on to criticize the editors’ decision to print the letter. As someone with a doctorate in mass communication law and a professor who teaches a First Amendment Law class, I can say without doubt that these people don’t understand free speech, despite their claims otherwise. The history of the First Amendment teaches us that expression can never be censored simply because it is offensive (and no doubt, Jacobson’s comments were far beyond offensive). The proper response to speech you do not like is more speech, not censorship. The letters, rally and petition to counter Jacobson’s letter show that this system works. Those claiming The Wichitan had a “social responsibility” are similarly misguided. Since when it is socially responsible to censor someone’s views simply because you don’t like them? Since when is it socially responsible to ignore the First Amendment? Those claiming Jacobson made a personal attack are similarly misguided. A personal attack is just that: personal. Jacobson did not single out any one person in his letter. If I took it personally every time students criticized professors as a whole, I would have needed to find a new profession by now. Peter Jacobson’s views are vile and should be attacked. He may or may not apologize. But the editors of The Wichitan owe no one an apology. In fact, we should commend them for upholding the Constitution.

Dr. Jim Sernoe Mass Communication Department

Don’t condemn a whole race

I’m sure that you’re an educated man, Mr. Jacobson, but some of the comments you made make me think otherwise. How can you state that you’re not a racist when you stereotype African-Americans as rude, immature and insecure? Your ill perception of Africa as living in hell and being full of infestation, demeans Africans. Are we as lucky? There are parts in the good U. S. of A. that would mimic those scenarios you mention in your letter. So get to the point, but do not insult Africa and its people because of a few African-Americans. True, there are a few in every race who make us want to hide in shame and embarrassment, but let’s not condemn a whole race because of the actions of those few.

Tony Alonzo a concerned Mexican-American

Publication of letter praised

For the past week, the hot topic of discussion has been a letter to the editor concerning the comments made by an individual named Peter Jacobson. Much of the debate has been whether or not the Wichitan staff, and ultimately the editor, were correct in printing the controversial letter. While many objections will be made, the clear and obvious answer is a resounding “yes.” It took me quite some time to come to this conclusion, and like many people throughout campus, my initial impression was the letter should not have run because it did not address any pertinent issues. I felt the letter’s sole intention was to bring down the integrity of the African-American community--nothing more, nothing less. But upon further inspection, I came to a different conclusion. The letter did in fact address a pertinent issue, perhaps the most pertinent issue in society--the division of race and the fine line between stereotypes and racism. Every race has stereotypes. How can everyone be calling Jacobson a racist without knowing him personally? Everyone has stereotypes. It is human nature and cannot be helped. Is he ignorant or misinformed? Sure. Were his words harmful to the African-American community? Absolutely. Were his remarks appalling to people of every race, not just African-Americans? Without a doubt. Is he a racist? Well, if he does indeed have a wife who is African-American, then he certainly is not. Even if he does not have an African-American wife, it would be unfair for anyone to label him as a racist after reading one thing by him. At first, I felt that Jacobson wrote the letter to degrade and belittle the African-American community, which he did, in some ways. But after further study, it has now become my contention that Jacobson was not attempting to do this (at least not on purpose), but rather was trying to say that things could be much worse. Granted, I do not agree with him on many things that he said, but the fact remains that the underlying point Jacobson was trying to make was that things could indeed be much worse than they are. He just didn’t explain that very clearly or in a manner that is more sensitive to the touchy issue of race. Much has been done concerning the advancement of African-Americans in society, and while things are much better than they were 25 years ago, there is still, admittedly and regrettably so, much to be done. But one thing that can never be completely fixed is how African-Americans are viewed in the eyes of whites and vice versa. There will always be bigots and there will always be those individuals who seem to make it their sole purpose to bring down those of another race. That cannot be entirely changed, but by educating people it can be reduced. And by printing the letter The Wichitan is in effect attempting to educate people (even though the letter was not written by an individual with any association with The Wichitan). Just look at the sheer number of responses to the letter from all angles. Many great, valid and informative letters were written which will hopefully educate those who read them of the situation surrounding race relations and the tensions that indelibly exist between blacks and whites. As for Jacobson’s stereotypical remarks, he is just voicing an uneducated, popular opinion and should not be denied his viewpoint from The Wichitan. He has a right to his opinion, and The Wichitan, as a voice of the people, has an obligation to defend Jacobson’s First Amendment right to speak freely and be heard. It’s not like the staff just said, “Oh, look, a letter. Let’s just publish it without looking at it and poring through its contents.” And a letter of this magnitude and controversy was probably scrutinized more so than other letters in the past have been. If I were in the editor’s shoes, my first thought would be, were there any threats made? No. Was there derogatory and abusive language? No (although Jacobson did make abusive comments in general, the language was, in itself, unabusive). And since neither of those two aspects were breached within the letter, I, as editor, would have printed it. I for one, as an advocate and strong believer in the First Amendment, contend that it was not only The Wichitan’s choice but rather their duty to publish Jacobson’s letter and allow his controversial voice to be heard. The purposes of a newspaper are to serve as a forum for people to voice their opinions, to be a catalyst and bring key societal issues to light in an unbiased (not necessarily uncontroversial) manner, and to allow editorials to be written that cite ways in which those key issues can be resolved. What Jacobson said was not good, but he got people talking; he created discussion. And the only way to join the two conflicting sides is to talk about it. By printing Jacobson’s letter, that is exactly what The Wichitan has done. They are to be commended, not criticized, for their valor in suffering the slings and arrows of the masses, which they knew would undoubtedly come flying at them from all directions by publishing the letter.

Paul D. Casey

Don’t stereotype Greeks

I find it to be somewhat ignorant that the only way Mr. Hynson could respond to the letter by Peter Jacobson was to turn around and attack another group of students. I am not in any way siding with Mr. Jacobson, but I would think Mr. Hynson could find a better way to express his feelings. Hynson begins his attack by saying that the Greeks are hardly composed of any blacks. To imply that there are no minorities in the Greek system is absolutely wrong. Hynson goes on to speak of the Greeks being more “obnoxious” than other groups at school. This opinion is based on the Greeks in the cafeteria. I know for a fact not a single one of the men in my chapter live on campus or eat in the cafeteria, and I would think there are several other fraternities/sororities in the same boat. So to say all Greeks are “obnoxious” based on what is seen in the cafeteria is judging all the Greeks by just a few people. I am not quite sure where the statement, “incoming freshmen are bombarded with annoying flyers on their windshields and Greeks in their face,” came from. I am currently serving my third year in a fraternity and have never once put a flyer on a car windshield. Fraternities and sororities go through the recruitment process in order to try and gain the best of the best on campus for their organization, but also to find people who share their same beliefs and ideals. Being a part of a Greek organization is about being around people who enjoy the same things that you yourself do, and it’s about making yourself a better person. It seems to me that many people share Hynson’s opinion that joining fraternities and sororities is like “paying money for your friends.” Joining a Greek organization is like joining any other non-profit organization. The money we pay in dues goes toward payments on our houses or chapter rooms, bills, national dues, insurance, etc. For example, if you go to a party at a fraternity house and are hurt, the insurance they pay through their dues protects you. I do not know of a single Greek at MSU who could not hang out with the same friends they do now without paying any dues. I have a hard time believing that underage drinking is condoned or “supported” by Greeks as Hynson says. Anyone who has ever been to a party thrown by Greeks knows there are strict risk management policies that are followed. For example, carding all invited guests at the door and putting wristbands on people who are over 21. No minors are allowed to bring alcoholic beverages into most fraternity houses. These precautions are similar to those taken at Stage West or Graham. It is quite obvious that Greeks are good for much more than drinking or partying. Every year at school there are several things I can count on from Greeks that have nothing to do with drinking. Examples include a haunted house, a box-a-thon, a teeter-totter-thon and a chili cook-off. Every fraternity and sorority works hard to raise money and awareness for a national philanthropy. The Greek system at Midwestern works hard to build a good image for ourselves and our school. Our organizations are something we are all very proud of and we all have a lot of faith in. Anyone who shares Mr. Hynson’s opinion should take a closer look at things and see the Greek system for what it really is, not as the way the typical stereotype portrays it.

Bryan Gonzales

Remarks on Greeks crude

I am writing in response to Brice Hynson’s letter in which he bashed Peter Jacobson for his prejudice toward African-Americans. While my opinion of Mr. Jacobson is not high, my opinion of Mr. Hynson is even lower. Mr. Hynson’s crude remarks toward Greeks are exactly what we, and I say we because I am a senior member of Sigma Kappa, fight against on this campus and in this community every day. First of all, his excuse of “paying for friends” as a reason for hating Greeks is by far the weakest and most ignorant phrase of all. I can’t think of an organization in existence where you do not have to pay dues of some kind. Not only am I a member of a social sorority, but I also serve as the president of an honorary fraternity, Alpha Psi Omega. This fraternity, established to award and recognize outstanding students in theater, also requires that dues be paid to remain a member. Many national organizations, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts for example, require monetary investment. You pay fees to join a gym; some people even give a percentage of their wages to a monthly church collection, and I daresay Mr. Hynson would not label this as “paying for your friends.” I believe that if Mr. Hynson took a minute to evaluate his life, he would find that he is currently paying dues to be a part of something, somewhere. The intelligent realize that dues are what create a budget, which in turn allows an organization to function. Second, I would have commended Mr. Hynson for standing up for himself and the other African-American students on campus if it were not for his hypocrisy. I cannot respect someone who writes a letter to demand justice and equality when he turns around and does the exact same thing Mr. Jacobson did, only to a different group of students. Many different groups face prejudice everyday and must fight to be accepted. If Mr. Hynson’s letter did anything, it only showed his true uncultured self. I believe that Mr. Hynson is no better than Peter Jacobson. He is just as educated, prejudiced and hypocritical. I hope, for Mr. Hynson’s sake, that he takes a good look at himself and learns something from all of this, because I truly believe that “God love us all,” a phrase that Mr. Hynson does not have the intellectual capacity to use correctly.

Christy Maddox

Publication of letter questioned

Bravo, Wichitan! By publishing Peter Jacobson’s letter, you have ignited the passion of the MSU student body on a racially-charged issue. You have fostered discussion of diversity and tolerance at the beginning of Black History Month And I’m sure your readership has shot through the roof this week. By all accounts, a publishing success! But at what cost? It occurred to me, while reading Mr. Jacobson’s letter, that it made no specific reference to any previous article in The Wichitan. So, perhaps the inclusion of his letter illustrated the lack of journalistic integrity at our paper. Perhaps it was a ratings ploy by an eager editor to prove to herself and her adviser that she could increase the overall readership on her watch. Rupert Murdoch would be proud. I am not! The Wichitan might argue that good has come from this current lapse. And so The Wichitan may also feel that the end justified the means. I assure you that the CEOs of those now defunct giants were able to rationalize their actions, too, were providing positive outcomes for a while. It is a long and slippery slope. I would advise you take this time to build your integrity. When times are hard and everything else slips away, that will be the foundation upon which you can rebuild.

Alan J. McStravick

Dark under the sheet

I am a student at MSU and I find it to be very offensive that the coward who wrote the article which ran in the Jan. 29 edition of The Wichitan doesn’t have the guts to present himself. Maybe if he came out from under the white sheet he/she is hiding under long enough to breathe and face the student body like any real man or woman should, we could all settle this like human beings and not like the ignorant person he/she is portraying to be. In this day and time you would think that individuals at a higher learning institution would have an open mind and allow men and women who are trying to better themselves by earning a degree and spending hard-earned dollars to do so could feel like they belong and not be stereotyped on the basis of their skin color. Yes, I believe in freedom of speech, but to categorize and blame a certain group at a time of socialization in a public place, which consists of numerous people of all races, colors and creeds, I can almost guarantee you that the group this sheet-wearing coward pointed out was made up of more than just African-American students. He/she just chose to see one particular color at that time. Unlike the one who chooses to hide behind words like a politician would and not step up to the plate, I will not. I guess in a way I can’t blame you for just seeing one particular color. I mean it is dark under that sheet.

Tasha McDuffie

We’re all the same inside

I would like to reply to the Peter Jacobson letter and to all the others who have replied to his letter. I read in most of these letters the words of African-American and don’t understand why black people can only consider themselves as African-American. Many scientists have the strong belief that man started in Africa, as stated in the lovely Ashley Dennis letter. “Africa, to the disbelief of some, is the origin of man.” So if this is true why doesn’t every person in the world start saying they are an African-Korean, African-Chinese, African-etc...? I guess what I’m trying to say is that I can never see an end to racism if we humans want to be classified as being different...like blacks wanting to be called African-Americans. I could call myself a Scottish-Irish-Italian-(maybe African)-American because I know this is my bloodline. But I only call myself an American. In all reality, I call myself a human being, as all of us are. Until we humans can realize that skin color, religion, sex and class don’t matter, we will always have racism. We need to realize that we all are human beings with the same things in common. We all bleed, cry, fear, laugh, etc. We all need to put our guard down and realize we are all the same inside...especially in these times.

Todd McWhorter
(With the same dream as Martin Luther King...)

America faces two options

A great man, Theodore Roosevelt said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” I took this to heart and felt compelled to write on Americans’ softening stance over military action in Iraq. The tone of my contents may seem brash, but I felt it necessary to be so. As we all know, we are now in the throes of a political and military showdown with Saddam Hussein and his “government” over production of weapons of mass destruction. Americans seem to be split on what course of action should be taken. At this time there is a growing anti-war sentiment in this country. A year and three months ago we had overwhelming support for any necessary action to protect our country. Have we so quickly forgotten the sickening images of tragedy from the World Trade Center? America has two options. We should go to Iraq, remove Hussein and his regime, and establish democracy in Iraq. The other option would be to remove all of our interests in the Middle East. We all understand why America is involved in the Middle East. We are not protecting Kuwait for its sandy beach resorts or its lavish night scene. We are there for oil. We are the Middle East’s largest buyer of crude oil. Americans love to pour copious amounts of gasoline into our obnoxiously large SUV’s and drive 80 mph. In no way am I saying this is bad or wrong, but that is the way we are. America and Great Britain arranged deals earlier in the 20th century with the Saudis to become “partners” in the soon–to-be oil industry. We made a few Saudis very rich, while the vast majority of people remained poor in their country. A basis for animosity amongst the people was then established. As the century progressed, America became a great superpower through the use of Saudi oil. Animosity continued to grow. It grew so that impoverished people said, “America is rich because the rich men of our land sold our oil to them.” Animosity turned to anger. Then America got so bold as to meddle in the Middle East’s political affairs, something that should have never happened. America is now obligated to the entire Middle East region. Besides the obligation to oil, we are now obligated to the Middle East to save political face. If we removed all military and political presence in the Middle East, the whole world would look at us as “cowards.” Why, you ask? Sept. 11...need I say more? Secondly, if Americans were to pull out completely from the Middle East, we would need a new oil supplier. Who would we turn to then? Africa and Alaska, I should say. Both African and Alaskan oil sources are relatively untapped. Africa would be a fresh start for American oil interests. We could limit any animosity from Africans if we went in with humanitarian efforts. Let’s not forget the commoner and make the wealthy wealthier! We could supply economic and subsistence aid to the common people of Africa. Bush has already set the stage to tap into Alaska and utilize their natural resources. Already, we hear the whining and crying of environmental groups and politicians. If and when the drilling starts, environmentalists will cry bloody murder. But did you hear the crying of a mother and father when they found out their son was killed on the U.S.S. Cole? Did you hear the screams of those crushed beneath millions of tons of concrete and steel at the World Trade Center? Personally, I would rather see a few thousand caribou and thousands of acres of moss lost due to oil drilling than thousands of our innocent civilians killed in terrorist attacks or hundreds of our soldiers dying in a desert for oil we have in our own, safe country. Politicians and some big businesses need to digest this thought more thoroughly, and see how their greed kills American people. Removal of Hussein is necessary to the stability of the Middle East. We are not fighting the Iraqi people. We would be fighting his regime of tyranny. With him removed from power, we could then establish a democratic government with a Western capitalistic economy. Then the Iraqi people can taste the fruits of freedom. With our help, Iraq may be able to rise from poverty and oppression. We can plant a “seed,” so to speak, in the Middle East. Neighboring countries would then see that America does not have harmful intent, and democracy and free trade are not bad things. We could start a “capitalist domino effect” in the Middle East. Imperialistic you say? Possibly...but to save American lives, this policy should be given a chance. This is what I know. Hungry people don’t stay hungry for long. The Middle East is filled with oppressed and impoverished people. They look for comfort in their leaders as any person would do. Impressionable men and women seek solace in a face which promises them things that cannot be. And those faces are of radical leaders, leaders with twisted perspectives of religion and politics. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. They will follow his words like a saint. They will die for him and his cause. I say to you, let us stand idle longer. Let them again bomb a Marine barracks. Let them again bomb another U.S. embassy. Let them again try to take down another skyscraper. Let them again blow another hole in one of our Navy’s ships. Let them again devastate our buildings and Pentagon with passenger jets. Let them again shoot down another passenger jet. Let them again bomb another night club. Let us again see horrible and despicable images of carnage. If this were to happen again, I would then wholeheartedly say to you protesters, “Diplomacy failed again at the cost of more American lives.” So let us stand idle some time longer.

Sean Bloodgood
Former U.S. Navy submariner

Where are the straws?

Well, today is Friday and I had a chance to eat in the cafeteria. And you know what, they don’t have any straws...Funny huh? Well, anyway, I paid my little amount, staff gets a moderate discount on Fridays, got my tray and silverware and headed for the food line. I thought I would start with pizza and work my way down since the pizza line had only one person waiting, which would make it a very fast line. Wrong! I happened to look at my watch when I got in line and three minutes passed before I got my pizza. The guy in front of me and I were drooling all over ourselves wanting that pizza. Finally, I got a slice. It was worth it, good pizza. By the way, did I mention they don’t have straws? Then I decided on some potatoes, large cut slices with the skin still on and covered with cheese sauce. Very good. Also, some English peas and stewed and diced tomatoes. Very nice and a soft bread roll. As I passed by where the hamburgers were, I saw the best looking French fries. I couldn’t resist. Now I had to have my soft drink, Dr Pepper. Usually it’s Pepsi. After I got my drink, I walked all around the drink island looking for a straw. I asked one of the workers, “Where are the straws”? He said, “We don’t have straws.” I stood there for a while waiting for him to start laughing and say just kidding and hand me a straw, but he didn’t. So I sat down and started inhaling that great meal, even though while drinking my Dr Pepper, I had to eat a lot of ice because there weren’t any straws. When my plates were clean, I headed for the dessert island. There were many to choose from and I settled on peach cobbler...delicious. As were the coconut squares with chocolate drops on top...great. All in all the meal was very good with lots of choices and the place was well kept and clean. I’ll definitely come back. I felt so good about the experience of eating there for the first time. I thought as I passed the cashier I would give her a tip and say, “That was worth more than I paid.” Then I thought, naw, they didn’t have any straws.

Ray Cage
Custodian Moffett Library aka: The Magic Man