In response to Michael Bonds letter (Nov. 30), “Based on Fears,” I would like to reveal a few thoughts of my own on the issue at hand (racism).

It is always easier to point the finger of blame at someone else. The argument points the finger of blame towards the distant past. Let’s not forget the Civil War ended 125 years ago and since then, American society received a huge influx of immigrants in search of the “American Dream.”

These people originated from many various nationalities and although they were educated about the horrors and evils of past economically-motivated slavery, they certainly did not expect to be held responsible for acts they did not commit.

Many white males and females who believed in their government, helped free the slaves, resulting in the creation of the 14th Amendment. Society can only learn from its past mistakes. Yet it must not live in the past.

Do people come to this university in search of a quality education and a good career? I believe that is the intention of a good many of the students here.

Sure, there are bigots and racists on this campus of all nationalities. One definition of racism is: “The notion that one’s own ethnic stock is superior.”

Acting upon those notions on the basis of this prejudice is discrimination. Many people from all nationalities and creeds have experienced discrimination, not just black males and your “own” women.

Looks like you categorize your “own” women as possessions which is analogous to the cyclical ideas that slavery revolves around.

Thirdly, I’m not very familiar with the organization, B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S.

If this organization supports this highly intellectual and educated community and strives to achieve university excellence in education and citizenship, then I’m in support of this association.

However, if this organization involves itself with activities and ideas that are harmful to the welfare and derogatory to the educational stature of the students, faculty, and administrators of this university, then I am opposed and unsupportive of any such radically-motivated organization.‘

Furthermore, “Based on Fears” was supported by regurgitated facts and was geared unjustly towards all white males.

Bob Mendralla

Senior

Political science