Letters to the Editor:

Ethnocentrism Article Sparks Debate

In response to Rabeh Soofi's claim that ethnic-American organizations foster segregation (“Ethnic Clubs Promote Ethnocentrism,” Nov. 3, 1999), I suggest that she is falsely manufacturing a causal relationship that does not exist. Ethnic organizations, contrary to her contention, foster interaction with other groups. These are interactions that would not take place without these student organizations she criticizes.

For example, last year the Encompass show brought together a multitude of truly diverse student groups that organized dances, songs, skits, etc. Each act was sponsored by one organization but featured students from other organizations, ethnic groups, as well. Our organization, an Arab-American one, also had African-American, Latino-American, and Asian-American individuals. The friendships began there remain today.

“Taste of Culture,” which happened earlier this year, was sponsored by many student organizations and brought together 500 students of all ethnic origins. Interaction in this event happened because of these student organizations. People were exposed to other cultures, and interacted with people they normally would not.

Finally, numerous coalitions, such as the Minority Affiars Commission (MAC), bring together representatives of different ethnic groups into an active and interconnected coalition. Also, the United Asian-American Organizations (UAAO) promotes interaction between the diverse students descending from Asia — from Arabia to Indonesia — through programming that is open to the entire University.

From the perspective of someone actually active in the type of organization she criticizes, yet does not even participate in, Soofi's claims are invalid and misguided. She has the causal relationship misconstrued. She sees segregation on campus, observes ethnic organizations, and assumes that the latter causes the former. However, if there were no ethnic student organizations, students would still congregate among their ethnic peers, and all the evidence she cites would still persist.

Unfortunately, her adamant stance against these organizations prohibits her from joining any and having a realistic view into what actually goes on. I suggest to the Review staff in general that it is not un-American to maintain a pride in your roots without impinging on the rights of others to do so. It is American and patriotic to observe and embrace the constitutional rights of free speech and expression granted. I do not think it is fair to condemn others for “abusing” their rights when all they are doing is exercising them.

Finally, I must say that Soofi was correct in her contempt for what is a sad situation dressed up as “diversity.” However, I believe that this is overcome by embracing differences rather then opposing others because of them. It is very possible to be proud of one's own background, and political beliefs, while respecting others' right to have them.

— Will Youmans

President, Arab-American
Anti-Discrimination Committee

Ethnic Groups "Tribalize" Student Body

Many thanks to Rabeh Soofi for thoughtfully and publicly articulating what my co-chair and I have recently recognized ourselves. It is absolutely true that these organizations, in addition to all programs that seek to highlight difference instead of similarity, tend to tribalize rather than unify. We have also seen this tendency in different political organizations on campus. Liberals form organizations that use an ‘us vs. them’ mentality to motivate their members. This attitude does not foster rational dialogue — it allows liberals to make quick and harsh judgements about anyone that does not share their views. We feel that the majority of people are not inherently evil, and participate in certain ideologies because they think that a particular way of life will benefit all. Unfortunately, liberals do not grant us the same understanding.It’s ironic that for all of their talk of diversity and multiplicity of views, all that they really want is for everyone to agree – with them.

— Elizabeth Keslacy

Gabriel Quinnan

Co-chairs, College Libertarians

Ethnic Clubs Only Separate Students More

First of all let me say that I appreciated greatly your article about the misuse of ethnic clubs on the Universtiy of Michigan campus. Being of Hispanic descent and having participated in more than one latino/hispanic student organization, I felt your evaluation was right on. You stated very eloquently what has been my opinion for the last two years here at the Universtiy. I have had many arguments with other minority students about this subject. Most of the time to be shot down and told that I had no idea what I was talking about and in some cases that I was a disgrace to my true culture. Let me tell you it’s very gratifying to see another with the same feelings as mine. I feel that i am American first and a minority second. I am very proud to attend the University of Michigan, but I cannot help but feel frustrated when I see cliques of minority students refusing to associate with the “other” students. I am proud to have friends from many different backgrounds; white, black, asian, indian, hispanic, etc. I have to agree that the representation of minorities on campus is just not realistic. Furthermore I have to agree that many of the “homelands” which our grandparents and parents left behind are just not worthy of being held so close in the formation of our identities as people. I know that my family came to America seeking freedom and a better life, and America has been kind to my family. Therefore I see no necesity to shun this wonderful nation.

— Derek Arciniaga

LSA Student

Hot Dog Stands More Important Than Women's Sports

I am tired of all the women writing in and saying that they should get a million dollars to train them to be half as good at what men can do for free (“U-M Loses $7M to Women’s Sports,” Oct. 6, 1999). I think we should stop funding women’s sports and use that money for something useful, like getting more of those hotdog stands around school. I like those.

— Jesse Herzog

LSA Freshman

Praise for James Yeh

I really enjoyed your article on ROTC and am glad that despite your not completing the program and becoming an Officer, you were still able to learn some valuable lessons about life (“R-O-T-C: Good for You, Good for Me,” Nov. 3, 1999). Thanks again for the article. It was a pleasure to read.

“Hooah!” I also loved the article written by James Yeh entitled “Remember USA’s Protectors on Veterans Day.” The ROTC conducted a ceremony at the VA hospital in honor of Veterans Day, and you would not believe the heartfelt warmth and joy that was shared by both the cadets and veterans. Some of these veterans were too sick to get out of bed, and although they were grateful for our visits, we as a nation should be eternally grateful for what they have given us and our children.

“Freedom!” Thanks Mr. Yeh — you’re the man.

— MSG Michael Lopez, Army ROTC

More Praise for James Yeh

I just wanted to drop you a line to congratulate James Yeh on his Veteran’s Day column. I’m a Somalia Vet myself and it’s good to know that people like him are out there. It cracks me up how some shit-for-brains leftist yahoos just don’t comprehend the fact that it is only because of people like the 18 guys who died Oct 3, 1993, in Mogadishu (six of whom were my buddies) that they are allowed to spout their anti-America drivel.  On behalf Veterans everywhere, thank you Mr. Yeh.

— Branden Sanz

LSA Junior

Review Lacks Journalistic Integrity

“Further, according to the Independent Womens [sic] Forum, between 1960 and 1994, womens [sic] wages grew 10 times as fast as mens [sic] wages” (“The Laundry List of Liberal Lies,” Nov. 3, 1999). Aside from being poor prose, this sentence sums up what’s wrong with your “journalism.” I won’t go into your politics, because I disagree with them. That’s not the point. You cannot use statistics from the IWF, which is a biased right-wing think tank, to support your argument — at least, not unless you look at the integrity of the IWF study.

I was also interested to see that you’ve apparently combined your advertising and editorial departments, as shown in the Horowitz article.

As I’ve said, I disagree with your politics; that’s not why I write. It hasn’t been until recently that I’ve been embarrassed to be seen reading the Review. I have never agreed with your viewpoints, but at least in the past you’ve been able to convey them through journalism. The Review has become a kneejerk paper with little journalistic integrity, and its poorly researched articles are of no more worth than their NWROC counterparts. Responsible journalism reports the story; your paper, on the other hand, finds “stories” to fit its agenda.

—Annie Tomlin

LSA Student

Ms. Tomlin,

You must always make sure to differentiate between news articles and op-ed pieces. The article in question was not intended as objective journalism. Rather, it was an op-ed column reflecting the personal views of the author — similar to what you might find on the op-ed pages of the New York Times or Washington Post.