University Daliv Kansan / Fridav. October 5. 1990
5
Pasco column shows ignorance of facts, history
As president of the Black Student Union, I am appalled that Kansas staff columnist Brand Pasco attacked the efforts of African-American students; the Black Student Union's newsletter, the Black Perspective; and myself. Not only did he attempt to undermine our efforts and to discredit our work; he showed a complete lack of moral integrity in what he Put not researched or understood. As a result, I am compelled to respond and to expose his ignorance of reality.
In his Oct. 2 column, Pasco criticized the President's Corner column that was printed in the September issue of the Black Perspective. It is surprising that, as a Kansas staff member, Pasco thought that it was his responsibility to discredit the newsletter of a student organization. It is ironic that he was ignorant enough to try to discredit my article without researching the facts.
Pascal implied that the reason African-Americans had not achieved greater status in U.S. society was because they didn't work hard enough. He suggested that we "keep working until you are beyond the reach of those who would discriminate against them." For handouts and trying to get ahead without working. To that assume assumption, I offer the following questions: if you are running on a treadmill, will running harder get you anywhere? Similarly, if you are in a system that erects barriers, can you improve your posture by simply working harder. The answer is both questions no is.
The only way to gain equality is to reinforce your hard work by attacking institutional racism and the racists who perpetuate racial inequality. It is true that one must work hard in order to succeed in our society. However, it is equally important to eradicate the barriers to equal opportunity. If we followed Pasco's jaded advice to just 'work harder', we would be more likely to sit and ride in the back of the bus. By combating racism, we have made advances that have brought us closer to equality.
Pasco also disputed the statistical data that I included in my column. He could have saved
Cedric Lockett
Guest columnist
himself embarrassment if he had researched my data before assuming the information was incorrect. Most of the information can be found in March (korea 7, 1988), and USA Today (Peb, 26, 1988).
Pasco accused me of not promoting racial harmony by telling selouths to wake up. Pasco interprets this as a call to turn away from one's White friends. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Before I go on, I would like to mention that there are many White individuals who sincerely strive to combat racism, and indeed there are several who, in times of need, will stand by the side of their African-American friends. However, there also are those who smile in your face but, when persecution arises, are unable to stand up to their racist peers. At those times it is exceedingly important to have friends with similar experiences to lean on.
Sellouats are people who have completely turned their backs on their culture and are actively attempting to alienate themselves from their race and their heritage. It is important for these individuals to re-evaluate their attitudes so that they do not become part of racial assault arrests. Pasco will hold his accusation with the familiar racist defense, "I have several friends from various backgrounds. One is Black."
It is nice that Pasco has a friend who is Black. But it appears that he proudly showcases his African-American friend, just as some country club hosts of their token Black member. If Pasco was black, he would be happy to explain that African Americans are not working to improve themselves? Perhaps it is because he doesn't know what he's talking about and is trying to hide behind his association with one African-
Next. I would like to refute Pasco's claim that "there have been few racial groups more heavily persuaded than the Jews." That statement struck me like a slap in the face. African-Americans suffered the cruelest form of slavery of any group since the time of the slave trade. America. According to "Before the Mayflower," a book by Lerone Bennett Jr., there were "so many dead people thrown overboard on slavers that sharks picked up ships off the coast of Africa and followed them to America." The era of slavery was ended by a period of severe racial apartheid similar to the that exists today in South Africa.
American individual.
Seeking to make this country a land of opportunity doesn't make me militant. On the contrary, it makes me a patriot who notices that our country isn't fulfilling its promise of liberty and justice for
Don't take me wrong. The atrocities that the Jews experienced were equally appalling. The persecution of any group is wrong. To dismiss the atrocities of the Holocaust by elevating the flight of another group is insensitive.
Finally, I would like to respond to Pasco's insinuations that I am militant, with "a chip on my shoulder," and that I "would do well to study history."
To his suggestion that I need to study history a little more, I reply that he should follow his own advice. He then would realize that America isn't the rosy, fantasy world that he would like to believe it is. Racism, bigotry and discrimination are serious problems that won't be solved just by working harder and hoping things will turn out all right.
In conclusion, I hope that this editorial will help Pasco and all other like-minded individuals realize that life isn't as easy and error-free as they believe. Racism still exists. And improvements can't be made without confronting and combating racists and their institutions.
Cedric Lockett is a Fredonia junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Billiards and Video Games
We're more than just bowling
The Kansas Union Jaybowl Level One/ 864-3545
Flavors
701 W. 9th (Across from Pup's)
Ice-Cream
- Yogurt •
Ice-Cream Popcorn
Popcorn
- Cookies -
BLUEPRINTS
FOURTH ANNUAL UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENE Saturday, October 13, 1990 8:30AM-4PM, Kansas Union Register now at the Organizations and Activities Center, 400 Kansas Union, 864-4861. Costs: $10/student if registered Oct. 4-10.
Attention All Student Organizations
There will be a Treasurer's Workshop Saturday, October 6 10:00-12:00, Kansas Room-Union
Find out information on Student Senate Funding and setting up events with the University.
MASS. STREET DELI INC.
941 MASSACHUSETTS
HOMEMADE cherry-blueberry-chocolate-lemon CHEESECAKE
offer
expires
10.31-90
Whole Cheesecakes $11.88
YOU DON'T NEED A COUPON!
Legal Services Available Free With Valid KU ID
Legal Services for Students
--be there or be square!
OUR FALL FITNESS SHOE SALE IS NOW IN FULL SWING.
Enjoy savings up to 35% off top athletic footwear, but this sale ends soon. Hurry down to the Athlete's Foot today.
NOBODY KNOWS THE ATHLETE'S FOOT LINE THE ATHLETE'S FOOT. 942 Mass. 841-6966
KANSAS
for information on membership call:
JOE-CREAT
MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE
1-800-365-5222
EMERGENCY ROUTING SERVICE
Oct. 5
11am- Union
2 pm Lobby
Hoola Hoop & Bubble Gum Blowing Contests
Bubble Gum Giveaway
CENTENNIAL
Elvis
Look-Alike
Root beer
Floats
$.85
main lobby
KS. Union
ANTIQUE
JUKEBOX
PLAYING
50s
TUNES!
Why Buy 10" for More? Buy 12" for Less!
12" , one topping- 3.75- Extra Toppings $ 7 5^{\circ} $
16" , one topping- 7.50- Extra Toppings 1.00
Free 16 oz. Drink with 12" 2 topping pizza
Hours
M-S, 11-2 p.m., 4:1:30 a.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. 12 midnight
FREE DELIVERY 843-9111