I would like to thank Amanda Rosenblum '07 for her positive, negative and abstract feedback on the SEC slate for class marshals, historians and orator ("Gratitude and Curiosity," May 8). I have to, however, respectfully disagree with her close-minded approach to the holistic process and penchant to destroy entire traditions that have been around for hundreds of years in one fell swoop.
Though it is nice to see that the system is continually questioned, its ultimate destruction is not the solution and Rosenblum's suggestion of such raises a greater issue that affects Dartmouth and even the United States. What of destroying the system? What then? So we have no one to lead us into graduation? Why not get rid of the president of the College as well since he can not possibly be heterosexual, homosexual, eight different races and male/female all at once? Anarchy now!
I truly believe that political correctness is one of the worst battles America will face in the coming years. People are becoming too scared to ask questions for fear of being called anti-gay or racist. Growing up outside of Washington, D.C., Dartmouth was the first place where I have felt pressured as a white female to grant positions based on racial or sexual background as opposed to true merit. Those feelings got the best of me only once and I will never let it happen again. The development of a system that is so focused on diversity will ultimately fail for it will leave out those who have the credentials to deserve a spot. Would you tell a white male that he was not allowed to be a marshal because of his race and gender? Is that not reverse racism and sexism? Merit should take precedence. Period.
Colin Powell, for example, should not be seen as a great black man, or a great politician, but as a great person and leader of our nation. As a leader of this country his race and sexual orientation are inconsequential; instead, his character and wealth of experience are the qualities that define him as a person. As they should.
Those who were chosen for the positions of class marshals, historians and orator were chosen because their merits, skills and contributions to the College deserved recognition. For example, I am sure there are those who do not know Dan Schneider '07 (though there are a great many who do). He has been behind the building of our bonfire and our winter carnival sculpture, in addition to numerous other activities on campus. Personal connections in this instance do not matter -- he contributed to several milestones for the Class of 2007. As a female I am proud that he will be carrying the Dartmouth flag. As a female I have no problem with two flag bearers because the other effectively led his team to their first national championship in decades. Like Rosenblum, their leadership has effectively contributed to the Dartmouth experience and to Dartmouth's connection with the entire United States of America. I have to wonder if Rosenblum would tell them both they were not worthy of this honor simply because they lack a uterus.
Institutions such as the SEC are imperfect; however, focusing on the negatives will not move us forward as people, as a culture and as a nation. It is time to look beyond Republican, Democrat, white, black, male, female, homosexual and heterosexual to recognize people for having outstanding character and love for this institution. Rosenblum is one of those people, and though she is modest, she has every right to be in the class marshal position.
