The final perspective

Well, here goes the last one. I have no all-encompassing insight into the world, nor a lasting phrase by which you can remember me. You might not want to remember me. I am here to say good-bye. No more deadlines, papers, lectures, mandatory meetings or final exams. No more arguments, disagreements, uncomfortable moments or unpleasant glances. Back into the work force, from whence I came - eager to reclaim an income not yet forgotten and a refrigerator full of groceries.

I do wonder about the impact I might have made, if any. We all want to make a difference, for what other reason would we do what we do? The quick and obvious retort is "money!", but most of us choose our major course of study out of interest and destination; money is just part of it. We envision our destiny under many landscapes and the road is never straight. The impact I would hope to make would add another turn to your path. I pray that you eagerly seek what is around the bend.

I spoke a great deal about race in my weekly columns, affirmative action being a hot topic. But I am sure you realize that the world is more than black and white, male and female. From each of us comes a vision that overlaps with the other, intermingling viewpoints and directions, making reality a collective endeavor, not one of sole authorship. Race is something that I live everyday. It is something that you may or may not live or understand, but that I hope you are willing to respect and accept, for my perspective is different from yours as much as it is the same. I have never wanted the issue of race to be divisive (us against them), but more informative and instructive (we are in this together). Not everything is a "black thing" or a "white thing" or a "Hispanic thing," but there are enough "things" that are, so no one can simply ignore it and hope it disappears into a forgotten past.

Never forget, African American people want healthy families, beautiful homes, and safe neighborhoods. Hipanics want a good education, accessible and affordable healthcare, and secure retirement plans. Asian Americans want stable employment, crime-free parks and beaches, affordable transportation, and a safe place to worship. We all want clean air, drug-free communities, and an end to homelessness, poverty, unemployment and sickness. We ALL want the same things. By the same token, we all want the same things to end -- discrimination, bigotry and hatred.

Each perspective, from whomever it originates, is a new turn in the road, a never-before-seen twist in a well-laid-out plan. I wanted to bring to you another way of seeing, a different way of experiencing. That difference happens for me each time I decide to write. The words follow one another, each sentence leads to the next, and each new paragraph, a horizon on a journey that is as enlightening for me as I hope it is for you. Many times, my ideas are not clear until I write them down. I just know, I have a feeling something is out there, and I want everyone else to feel it too. I hope my column did that for you, helped you see what I saw, added another horizon to attain. I just wanted to give you another perspective.

I would like to thank all of you who wrote me, telling me what you think. When you tell me, you teach me. It matters. I would like to thank all of you who approached me and said your peace: "I understand you point" or " I have a problem with..." It matters. I would like to thank all of my editors; they have made me a better writer and a thorough thinker.

When you are out there cutting your path through the thick, lush overgrowth of life, making your way to new destinations, and staking a claim on the future - remember, this is another perspective, and it just may be your own. Have a good life.

David H. Benton was a third-year law student, member of the ASUA President's Cabinet and Arizona Students' Association board member. This is the last of his column, 'Another Perspective.'

By David H. Benton (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
April 29, 1997