THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, January 1, 1997 TAG: 9612310004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 33 lines
Too often I seek to understand the rationale utilized in condoning events that are repugnant to the heart, mind and spirit of people truly convinced that racism has no useful life within any community. It bugs me no end that people write letters to the editor in justification of these despicable acts with catch phrases such as ``right to privacy,'' ``political correctness'' and ``diversity,'' to name a few.
Would the words of executives at Texaco have been accepted as truth, regarding a comfort zone relative to racist attitudes, had there not been audio? Would the senseless beating of Rodney King have been looked upon as a wake-up call regarding our views on law and order had there not been actual videotaped footage of this beating? Would there be a condemnation of Louis Farrakhan for his accusation that whites are devils and that Jewish people are bloodsuckers had there not been video?
Looking at these examples of negative attitudes does not make them right or acceptable had they been made in the privacy of one's home, with a group of like minds, or in a joking manner, for that matter. We must hold those in positions of power, influence and stature to a higher standard, although we all must show sensitivity toward the varied cultures and peoples within the American culture.
We know that the negative acts or insinuations thrust at people unlike oneself are meant to bring about hurt and pain. Thus, from my perspective, the excuses provided as justification are inexcusable.
RICHARD WINN
Virginia Beach, Dec. 24, 1996