To the Editor:
This letter is in response to the Bear Bones cartoon strip that was published in The Dartmouth on Jan. 14, 1997 depicting negative stereotypes of Asian-Americans. Many members of the Korean American Students Association were shocked and dismayed that something so offensive could be published in a campus newspaper, especially with previous objections to the use of these negative stereotypes.
Bear Bones purports to be a satire: "An artistic work that attacks human vice or foolishness with irony, derision, or wit" (The America Heritage Dictionary). Berenson is trying to "educate" the reader by pointing out and attacking certain stereotypes. But whatever well-intended message Berenson tries to convey is lost; instead, the reader is drawn to the image of a naked Asian male implied to have "A SMALL ONE?"
A serious problem with Asian stereotypes is that people generally do not have enough exposure (personally or through the media) to Asians to draw accurate conclusions about them. There aren't enough Asian public figures to dispel these generalizations. We are as diverse and unique as any other ethnic group.
The final, perhaps most damaging stereotype is that Asians are the "perfect minority" group, never publicly expressing their views and concerns; as such, many perceive Asians as "easy" targets, not willing to take a stand for their rights. This cartoon strip follows a series of offenses against the Korean-American community on campus: Last year racial epithets were used to demean Koreans in three separate incidents. We will not accept these affronts; this "perfect minority" stereotype will end.
We hereby formally demand a full-time dean for the Asian-Americans at Dartmouth College. For too long, our voices have been spoken through various intermediaries without the full authority of office. For too long, we've had to work through class deans or through professors sensitive to our needs. We want someone whose job is to look out for our interests. The African-Americans, Native-Americans and Latinos have the support of the administration. We will NOT sit idle while our dignity and pride are trampled upon with blatant perpetuation of stereotypes. Why is it that Asian-Americans are not given the rights of other minorities? Are we beyond the reach of stereotypes? We demand support from the administration. Dartmouth can dispel its own stereotypes with action. Prove it with action that this proud institution will not stand for inequality. Prove it with action that no voice will go unheard, no group gone unnoticed.
Furthermore,we demand an apology from Mr. Berenson for his poor taste and from the Dartmouth for its poor judgment in this matter. Though it may be said that the Dartmouth does not represent the views of its contributors, it still must be held accountable for everything published behind its banner. Goethe wrote, "Men show their characters in what they think laughable." We, the Dartmouth community, should not find these-nor any other-stereotypes droll; comedy is poor excuse for ignorance.
