Since the start of the semester, I have followed closely the exchanges on this page regarding the issue of racism. Obviously this is a topic on the minds of many here at NIU.

Without exception, these letters have been written by well-educated students who oppose racism and who would like to see it come to an end. I believe this opinion is felt by the vast majority of NIU students, so now it is time to take steps to discourage racism instead of just rehashing the issues.

To all of those minority groups who have been the unfortunate victims of indescribable horrors and persecution, I ask you to try to let down your guards towards those who persecuted you. Resentment is certainly justifiable, but be careful not to encourage racist trends through your own resentment. Instead, be proud of your heritage and display it openly.

To all of the white students here at NIU, the heading under which I fall, we need to make a conscious effort to help remedy the situation also. Since in most cases it has been whites who have acted as the persecutors in racial tragedies, a certain amount of mistrust towards us ought to be expected.

I am not suggesting that whites should feel guilty because of the glaring ignorance of our forefathers, but instead whites need to make an extra effort to let these groups know that we readily accept them as our brothers and equals.

By initiating relationships with these groups and earning their trust and respect, we can cut through the barriers that separate us. When all is said and done, it is the least we can do.

Eoin Kinahan

Junior

Communications