Editor:

I would like to congratulate Adam Djurdjulov on his column printed in the Feb. 15 edition of the Wildcat. People in general do spend too much time accentuating the negative. But, when it comes right down to it, our society functions on a negative level. W hen we talk about environmentalism or politics, we talk of what is wrong. "The ozone layer is depleting. The unemployment rates are up. I missed 10 on my test today."

Now, I am not saying that that in itself is bad. This constructive negativism which Djurdjulov mentioned can be used as a force of change. We see things wrong, so we attempt to fix them. After all, I am using this form of constructivism in this letter, ir onic as it might be. If it ain't broken, don't fix it. Right?

But this negative attitude, even when used for positive change, sets a trap easy to fall into. We learn to seek out the negative and for some, that leads to a lowered self-esteem. We are trained from the time we are in grade school that there is perfectio n, and the lack of perfection. Even "Sesame Street" shows this attitude. I love this show and think it is a wonderful educational tool, but when a song with lyrics "Which of these things do not belong..." comes up, I have to question what we value in soci ety. When was the last time someone walked up to you and said, "You know, you handled this situation right. I think you are a positive example and people should emulate your particular trait." All it takes is a slight adjustment in attitude. There is only a subtle difference between problem-oriented and solution-oriented. Now I'm not saying that people should see the world as all sunshine and flowers, because that simply would be putting on reality blinders. I am not calling for the blatant disregard of a ll conflict in this world. Instead, learn to turn around and look at things from a different perspective. Let's use a little positive motivation as well as constructive negativism.

Angela Horvath
anthropology freshman