ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, September 1, 1996 TAG: 9609040032
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUGLAS CROUSE
I WAS very disappointed, though not at all surprised, to read that Joe Nash lost his bid for a position on the Roanoke City School Board. I was disappointed, though even less surprised, to learn that his loss may have been attributed in part to his hair length - or, more directly put, to the ignorance and prejudice of a sizeable percentage of the public with regard to a man's freedom of choice to wear his hair in a ponytail.
I would think, in my more wistfully idealistic moments, that, as the world approaches the 21st century, the good citizens of this "All-America city" would finally abandon their 19th-century mentalities.
Though they rhyme quite well, redneck and high-tech don't complement each other in practice. But prejudice has always been a part of the American way of life. It matters little that the practice has become a bit more selective in recent years. Current social and political correctness vehemently forbids the public voicing of derogatory remarks pertaining to "niggers,'' "faggots" and other past favorites of the ineloquently fearful mind. Yet, a segment of society steadfastly retains its needful "right" to direct bias and hatred toward any convenient segment of society (preferably a minority, and particularly one with no connection to any organization retaining a staff of attorneys specializing in civil-rights violations).
The male City Council members' alleged remarks concerning Nash's hair length are as blatant as a burning cross. Typical, too, of prejudice is the complete denial of it.
The question, obviously, isn't whether a "hippie" belongs on the School Board, but whether minds and attitudes such as those exhibited by the councilmen belong on the School Board. What other prejudices do such minds harbor? What other social judgments are whispered at a safe distance from the public ear? Do we really want such men in such positions of responsibility? This is the School Board, not a rod-and-gun club!
The saving grace of the article, however, is Vice Mayor Linda Wyatt: a shining example of why men should enlighten themselves, or step aside. It's individuals such as Wyatt who represent our hope that students will be properly educated in an environment free of prejudice and discrimination. It should be obvious that we need more teachers and parents (such as Wyatt and Nash, respectively) on the School Board, and fewer men with experience in politics and finance.
As we enter the 21st century, perhaps we will witness a dispensation of concern with appearance and a heightening of respect for the intelligence, talents and rights of the individual. Some of us still have a dream.
Douglas Crouse of Roanoke is a consultant at a local copy center.
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