Another angle of race issue

I strongly disagree with Mr. Waldrup’s comments in his column from Nov. 14 [“University response to noose unacceptable”]. To say that all Americans view the noose as a symbol of racism and intimidation toward African Americans is erroneous, especially considering the fact that Caucasian is no longer the prevalent race in our country.

Furthermore, I would think that the misinterpreted attitude of passiveness that has been expressed by students, as well as the chancellor’s tactful response to the incident, shows that we are indeed tolerant when it comes to racial issues. Our disregard of the perpetrator’s behavior shows just how ridiculous we all think his actions were; so ridiculous, in fact, that we feel as though whoever did it doesn’t deserve the time and energy it takes to provoke a retaliation nor the attention he is obviously pining for.

We are showing that we feel as if the rest of us are above this kind of juvenile, cowardly behavior. And the apathetic responses you are receiving are most likely the result of the allegations that are now being made against the University as a whole, suggesting that we support ideas of racism. Please remember this was one individual’s actions, and by insinuating that the rest of us are “racist” by default because of our reaction is just as offensive as any of you being called the “N-word.”

Kathleen MongeroJunior, Biology

Religious realms overlap, response

Dear Technician,

I’m glad to see such articles as these in the newspaper. I agree that we should hold more events on the topic of religions and spirituality in general. I also found the religion in movies article [“Religion establishes role in movie scripts,” Nov. 14, Morgan McCormick] to be informative and a good read, higher than the usual quality for this publication. It is refreshing, as well, to hear how students of differing religious backgrounds can live in harmony under one roof [“Faith crosses boundaries,” Nov. 14, Alison Harman]. I look forward to conversation about this subject with my peers in the future.

One thing I must stress, though, is what was alluded to a few times in the article [“Keeping, losing the faith,” Nov. 14, Shannon Mante]. Faith is not something you can just inherit from your parents by going to church. Faith is something you must strive for, something you must achieve. A faith not your own is no faith at all. The only thing the college environment does is separate real faith from the faith people haven’t earned. I disagree with the preacher who said in the article that students become lost when they go to college. Lost is not the same thing as searching.

Just my three cents.

Jordan ParsonsSenior, Sociology