To the Editor,
After hearing about the recent racist occurrences here at Dartmouth, I, as a Korean-American, of course was appalled. However, it did not surprise me, as I know that ignorance and prejudice are prevalent, even here at Dartmouth. What I have to disagree with and am writing about are the actions of the Korean American Students Association and other members of the Asian community to put an end to this racism. Of course, I believe that racism should be obliterated, but honestly, would having a big rally and other public events really put an end to it? Granted, these racist offenses should not be ignored, but I believe that the manner in which this issue is approached would only instigate more trouble. Don't get me wrong, I am a firm believer in activism for the right causes, but the message that these public displays of activism convey are "We won't let you get away with this. Of course, we won't do anything to change your frame of mind, but we are just showing that we won't tolerate it." And I think people's racist attitudes are more important to change than their overtly racist actions, since their actions are the results of their attitudes.
Having this rally seems to me more of a display of Asian pride and I find that the minority that I belong to and other ones of this community perpetrate much of the very racism that they preach against. There is nothing inherently wrong with associating predominately with people of your own culture -- that is due to common interests, beliefs, etc. shared within a given race. Many people outside of the minority fail to understand this, but as a member of one, I can. What I am talking about is when the minority is too narrow-minded to see the community beyond their own race, holding silent prejudices against the majority which prevent them from being open-minded. I see a lot of that happening at Dartmouth. I also find that many of groups that supposedly promote open-mindedness and the advancement of their own race do the exact opposite. Several of these groups are mere social cliques, that shun members who do not fit into the "typical mold" of their race. Those shunned members usually become ex-members. I see a lot more racism here, from within.
I believe the perpetrators of the blatant racist acts should be punished, but I know if that the punishment would change their ignorant way of thinking. It would only prevent them from committing more blatant racist acts, if anything. What I believe this community needs to realize is that change does not come from rallies, discussion panels, minority clubs, etc. Change comes from within, a cliche many people do not think about. Those people who are fighting against racism -- stop and think about your own actions. Are you being just as racist by being so separatist? Change your line of thinking and your attitude, and perhaps others will catch on too, not out of any compulsion or fear, but because they want to. In the words of a character from Spike Lee's "School Daze," I say "Wake Up!" Open your eyes, and stop the hypocrisy. Silent prejudice is just as bad as open prejudice.
