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just imagine what a bunch of real, intimidating, committed students
of color could do."
1 wonder why this statement was seen as inflammatory since it
was written as a plea to get students involved in the "massive student
movement building across the nation." Why weren't there any ques–
tions about how students can change universities or why students of
color are typically seen to be more involved in activism than main–
stream students?
"My response is, 'Kiss my Black behind.'
In
the BSU, to be at–
tacked is to be effective, since most of the attackers are the very peo–
ple we are trying to change."
Obviously, this statement is more than controversial, it is ob–
noxious, but then so am I when people become vicious in their
attacks upon a community. The appropriate response is "Kiss my
African-American derriere." 1 wonder why no one asked what would
lead a normally discreet spokesperson to respond so flippantly. 1
think when dissenting students are called "militant, radical rabble–
rousers" by people who have not met or been involved in discussions
with them, the only appropriate response is a facetious one .
"I am about to say something which will be misquoted and
misunderstood . . . ready . .. I do not like most white people... .
Most white students at Stanford don't care or act upon anything ex–
cept their own experience, and I don't like people who don't care ."
This statement is obviously easily misunderstood, therefore I
took great pains to make readers aware that the statement should be
read within the context of the whole letter. I would ask those
thoughtful readers who have read this statement out of context to
reread my letter. I am attempting to describe in glaring black and
white two major problems in race relations-prejudice and apathy.
1 have observed prejudice and apathy in very severe forms this
year, especially among mainstream students. The student body has
reacted to intense arguments within the University by labeling them
"black," "feminist" or "radical" agitation, yet these discussions have
continually involved a huge diversity of people and viewpoints. By
saying "I don't like most white people who don't care," I am trying to
tell the apathetic mainstream community (which is primarily white)
to start caring about the problems that affect people unlike them–
selves .
If
anyone's viewpoint is offensive, ask two questions. The first
is, "Why does he or she hold that offensive viewpoint and can I help
change that point of view?" The more important question is, "How
