Editor:

As one person who did attend the presentation by Dr. Cornel West this past weekend, I have to say how inspired and proud I am to have heard such words of wisdom and knowledge and ways of expression.

In my contemplation about what he said concerning the issue of racism: the word retard would be an accurate description of what racism does to the mind. To speak about racism today reminds me of the continuum and vestiges of European expansionism on thes e lands as well as in other parts of the world. As a descendant of the "Indian," I understand what role racism played to build this society: destroying languages, religions and beliefs. Having to deal with this white society whose history has primarily be en built on lies (fueled by avarice), and continues to occupy my former space, I find it frustrating to understand that the problems of race continues even after 500 years after the occupation.

What more is there to understand about racism, institutionalized racism (education systems, environmental) and all other forms of racism used in the extermination of native peoples? Regardless of the extent of indifference and ignorance that continues to exist about understanding racism, I agree with Dr. Cornel West about how some sectors in today's society are inept in dealing with the situation, perceptions and history of racism.

Lastly, as an indigenous person, I must respect those before me and continue in the struggle for cultural self preservation through our traditions (history) to learn about myself; and to survive in my own culture's pride, integrity and dignity.

I leave this confusion with a quote: "We know that the white man does not understand our ways ... Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see. One thing we know, which the white man may one day discover-our God is the same God. You may think now that you own Him as you wish to own our land; but you cannot. He is the God of man and his compassion is equal for the red man and the white. The earth is precious to him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt upon its Creator. The whites, too, shall pass; perhaps sooner than all other tribes. Contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste." Chief Seattle, Washington D .C., 1854.

ANAHUAC, 1996 Love it-or-Leave it!

Henry J. Vega
political science/Mexican American studies senior