2008 Woodie Awards
Childish
Flier shows those responsible are cowards, ignorant
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Editorial
- Page 1 of 1
It's natural for many people to disagree on issues regarding culture and religion.
But a flier distributed in Anspach Hall two weeks ago targeting Muslim professors or those teaching classes involving Islam wasn't about a disagreement over religion - it was about generalizing people and choosing to hate them.
Most of the people on this campus are tolerant and choose to treat one another with respect.
The people who distributed these fliers, however, are cowards; they can't even stand behind their own hateful attacks against people who are different from them to say it to them in person.
It's shameful that people seeking to become educated would act this way. But it doesn't change the fact that they do.
Students are the only people who can make a difference in situations like this. It's up to students to take note of and combat issues of racism and hate whenever they see them. Those who distribute fliers like this won't have anywhere to hide if the people who know them let them know what this campus thinks about racism.
Until then, those of us who are disgusted by people who peddle hate can take solace knowing they are too afraid to own up to their own beliefs. They are hiding and issuing their messages from anonymity precisely because they are the minority.
But only by calling people out on their racism can we hope to stamp it out. Only by choosing to shine light on those hiding places can we leave those people who choose to hate and try to make others do the same no place to cower.
It requires we all do our part.
CMU doesn't tolerate those who hate. This campus doesn't pity people who are too cowardly to show themselves when they have something to say.
And we don't want to hear from people who choose to be ignorant and to hurt others.
But a flier distributed in Anspach Hall two weeks ago targeting Muslim professors or those teaching classes involving Islam wasn't about a disagreement over religion - it was about generalizing people and choosing to hate them.
Most of the people on this campus are tolerant and choose to treat one another with respect.
The people who distributed these fliers, however, are cowards; they can't even stand behind their own hateful attacks against people who are different from them to say it to them in person.
It's shameful that people seeking to become educated would act this way. But it doesn't change the fact that they do.
Students are the only people who can make a difference in situations like this. It's up to students to take note of and combat issues of racism and hate whenever they see them. Those who distribute fliers like this won't have anywhere to hide if the people who know them let them know what this campus thinks about racism.
Until then, those of us who are disgusted by people who peddle hate can take solace knowing they are too afraid to own up to their own beliefs. They are hiding and issuing their messages from anonymity precisely because they are the minority.
But only by calling people out on their racism can we hope to stamp it out. Only by choosing to shine light on those hiding places can we leave those people who choose to hate and try to make others do the same no place to cower.
It requires we all do our part.
CMU doesn't tolerate those who hate. This campus doesn't pity people who are too cowardly to show themselves when they have something to say.
And we don't want to hear from people who choose to be ignorant and to hurt others.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 9
Pol Pot
posted 11/14/07 @ 8:48 AM EST
I think it is important to understand that free speech stops at the campus door. I beleive I quote Voltair when I say "Freedom of speech is dying for ones right to never offend anybody. (Continued…)
BP
posted 11/14/07 @ 1:19 PM EST
This crosses beyond offensive; there comes a point in which an immature child touting ignorant comments generalizing an entire culture of which he is obviously not acquainted with is seeking to spread hate - and why? Because he is afraid of that which is unknown - he fears something he has only heard about, but has never fully immersed himself in. (Continued…)
Mom of 3 college students
posted 11/14/07 @ 4:52 PM EST
I agree with the editorial, but look at the responses or lack thereof. Seventeen people opted to take a stand about Western Michigan University v. two people to the editorial about a racial/ethnic hate flier. (Continued…)
Student
posted 11/14/07 @ 5:01 PM EST
I was one of several students who passed out the item in question, but Central Michigan Life is wrong on every controversial count.
These weren't flyers, they were educational booklets with well-sourced information. (Continued…)
Pol Pot
posted 11/14/07 @ 10:48 PM EST
BP is right. Any matter of principal even if it is of a controversal nature can be overcome by simply meeting with someone who represents the opposition. (Continued…)
benji
posted 11/15/07 @ 12:33 AM EST
When does "racism = freedom of speech"? How about, hopefully always.
Should there not be freedom of speech even and especially when the speech is "unsightly"? If the majority decides that insulting minorities is good, but that any speech against the majority is harmful, should that be what is eliminated?
The elimination of speech the majority wants denies the minority of speech. (Continued…)
BP
posted 11/16/07 @ 1:58 AM EST
honestly, this isn't about freedom of speech or other little monikers we like to place on the ongoings of human beings.
people who constantly spend their lives belittling and criticizing others by generalizing them according to their physical attributes are extremely unhappy and sad with their own lives. (Continued…)
Mom of 3 college students
posted 11/19/07 @ 2:18 PM EST
If you wish to make a statement and you want to stand up and be counted, ladies and gentlemen, you must put your name on it or a face to it.
If your message is so relevant and significant and well-founded in research, why wouldn't you be willing to directly hand professors and students your fliers/pamphlets?
The only reason you do not either put your name to it is because you are afraid of the repercussions (social, academic, personal, professional), you aren't certain of your beliefs, or you are a poser or trying to instigate something. (Continued…)
CMU Junior
posted 11/21/07 @ 12:34 PM EST
Most of these posts are from people who actually haven't seen the booklets. They were produced by a major conservative group in America. They are mostly made up of quotes from people such as Ahmadinejad (Iran) himself. (Continued…)
Post a Comment