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Editor:
I was profoundly disturbed by the ignorant "whining" of Jeff McCuen ("Minorities' should just stop whining," Sept. 11). He is, as he says, "disturbed by the severe amount of reverse racism in the community here."
First of all, Mr. McCuen, how in this country can you, as a white male, feel "a severe amount of reverse racism" simply because you had difficulty getting assistance? Is it really the fault of all minorities and do you honestly believe that every minority on this campus has assistance? By the way, affirmative action was instituted to help address the ramifications of slavery and gender-based hiring strategies. But did you realize that white women have benefited the most from affirmative action?
And to answer your question: "How much is enough?" It will never be enough as long as minorities are considered Strangers in the Village, (a book by James Baldwin, if you are interested). Try living the reality of a black man, Hispanic woman or Japanese child in America and then attempt to write that you are given less opportunities to succeed in this country.
You are a white male, whose identity has never been underscored by slavery, or being renamed over and over "slaves," "Negroes," "colored" and finally "African-American." You will never have to deal with the color of your skin preventing you from getting a job or renting an apartment.
My advice to you is diversify your historical knowledge and attempt to understand the plight of the minority in America, before you make minorities the scapegoat to any problems.
Tiffany D. Staten
journalism senior
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