March 13, 1997

Race, Rape, OJ, and Dixie
Viewpoint
Ryan Price
Editorials Editor

From O.J. Simpson and the alleged gang rape on campus, to the more recent debate over the Confederate flag, the emergence of race onto the scene has often clouded the true issue at hand .

Relevant or not, race always seems to weasel its way into the forum, regardless of the topic. In some instances, skin color is not even relevant; in another it is the main theme.

Race is an interesting topic, because it has so many effects on people. It divides and separates our society on the sole basis of skin color.

By being a virtually all white institution, students here at Appalachian are not forced to deal with race the way that students at more diverse universities are.

On a campus that is 94 percent white and three percent black, it is reasonable to presume that many students have had limited contact with few people that are non-white.

Yet most white students claim to have that obligatory "one of my best friends in high school was black" stories tucked away for convenient use whenever anyone accuses them of racism, or they feel the need to show empathy for blacks.

I find this very interesting, since some of the same students also think that using the word "nigger" does not have any racial connotations whatsoever, and claim to also use that word when referring to lazy whites. Uh-huh.

All of these factors add up as to how our community deals with race and reacts to societal pressures. For the most part, Appalachian deals with its problems like the rest of society when it comes to race. There is much room for improvement, but given the history of the South and the minuscule non-white student body, the situation could definitely be worse.

The differences between the Simpson murder case and the alleged rape case are vast, but there are two main similarities; violence and race.

Whites and blacks had vastly difference opinions of the criminal verdict, and it was as obvious here on campus as it was elsewhere.

I'll never forget watching a black female Los Angeles resident on TV declaring after the reading of the verdict that blacks as a whole, were "free at last, free at last. We are finally free at last."

Give me a break. Free of what? O.J. got off because he was a millionaire and had one of the finest legal teams ever assembled.

A lot of white people were upset that somebody, in particular a black male, got off on double murder charges. But c'mon, if ole' black Orenthal James had been ole' white Frank Gifford accused of murdering his wife and her male friend (Hello Regis), well, the whole country would've probably rejoiced. Okay, bad example.

Economics, not race played a major role in the verdict, just as it does in every other facet of our society. Remember that old colorblind American adage, "Those who can, get away with it."

In no way do the various reactions provide a definable concept of the racial divide in America. If our problems were that easily identifiable, then perhaps a solution could be reached.

The racial can o' worms at Appalachian were opened by a black male who wrote a racist and sexist letter to the editor that resulted in several equally racist white responses that clouded the key issue of rape.

Sexual violence was the subject, yet somehow the matter of skin color became the hot topic and according to the volume of responses to The Appalachian, raised the interest level of the student body. Legitimate questions also arose as to why The Appalachian and the Watauga Democrat ran head shots of the six accused black males, but did not run a photo or even the name of the equally accused (in civil court) white female.

If the males had been white, would the newspapers still have run their photos? Probably. Still, seeing six black faces accused of a violent crime leads most people to one conclusion: guilty.

This is due to individual stereotypes and unfortunately, societal ones as well. If the faces were white, it is possible that many people on this campus and in the media may not have rushed to such a hasty judgment in their own minds.

The passionate debate over whether the Confederate flag should be displayed has obvious racial overtones as well.

To many in the South, the flag is a symbol of pride and remembrance of their heritage. "Heritage, not hate," is a common slogan for defending the display of this flag.

I agree with this statement somewhat, for people should never forget their heritage for whatever reasons. But just because you view the flag as a symbol of pride does not mean that you should blatantly use it for the sole purpose of shock value.

If you view the flag as offensive, don't revile the person displaying it and neglect their intentions. This is just as bad as white people discriminating against those who take pride in the legacy of Malcolm X (who many whites find offensive).

Heritage is history, and many people find positive aspects in various objects, whether it be Dixie or Malcolm.

Members of our generation must all work together to overcome the stereotypes that are still dominate our society, no matter how hidden they are.

I have met far more lazy, trashy, ignorant white people in my life than people of color, and I refuse to be a non-participant when it comes to confronting someone involving race.

This works both ways, of course. Reverse discrimination exists and is just as wrong as when whites do it. Bigotry of any sort is the result of insecurities and inferiorities, so some people feel that they have to tear down others to make themselves feel worthwhile. What easier way to do that than to focus on the most obvious distinguishing physical characteristic of much of the population?

Race is a complicated issue, with several facets that must be confronted, not only between races, but within them as well.

We must help put a stop to discrimination, both black and white. We mustn't let overt racism become common in our society again and we must stop the growing amount of closet racism as well. Everyone must become active participants in diffusing a worsening situation. It is up to the individual to do this, but if everyone puts forth some effort, progress can be made.

Perhaps we can pull ourselves out of this racial quagmire that our country is treading further into, and replace the mean-spiritedness that is pervasiveness in our country with a feeling of amicability and hope.

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Our Opinion

It's that zany time of year again when campaign posters wave from every tree standing and candidates are in your face in the Student Union 24-7.

This year's race offers something Appalachian hasn't had in a few years- three vastly different tickets that offer very different things.

We're actually excited about this year's race. All three tickets seem promising and we bet it will be a close call next week when students have to pick one party to vote for.

It's important for everyone here at Appalachian to really think about what SGA means to them and how it affects their lives as students here.

Think SGA doesn't have anything to do with you? You're wrong.

SGA is the student body the administration goes to first with questions and concerns.

This year SGA helped decide what to do about the ailing Mountaineer Escort program and student fees. These issues are important to all students.

Who runs SGA, namely which platform of goals get worked toward, is decided by all of you- the voters.

Don't allow a popularity contest to influence your vote. Take the time to find out what each ticket stands for and determine who you vote for by how well these goals align with what you would like to see done.

This election is your main chance as students to have a direct, and constructive way of affecting policy here at Appalachian.

Do you want to make this campus safer? Each of these tickets has their own ideas about what needs to be done. Protesting the chancellor will only have so much of an affect, if any. If you want to see this campus become a safer place then find out where the candidates stand on the issue and vote.

Safety is not the only issue on the platform of the three tickets. Everything from diversity to parking costs to the environment is covered by one or more of the tickets running this year.

We know that everybody might not have enough time to go to all the debates or find everything there is to know about all the candidates, but it doesn't take long to pick up a pamphlet on each ticket a read it. All you have to do is go by each of the booths for each candidate on the first floor of the Student Union and pick up a pamphlet.

In last year's campaign approximately 2100 students voted. That is really sad considering Appalachian has about 21,000 students. How hard is it to vote on your way to your room or while walking through the student union.

If you care at all about what is happening or what will be happening on this campus it doesn't take very much effort to vote and let your voice be heard. If you don't go out and vote you only have yourself to blame next year when SGA does something you hate.

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Letters to the Editor

ID signs of suicide

To the Editor,

Over spring break, I lost a friend, this university lost a student and the world lost a very special soul. He probably felt lost and alone and trapped in a hopeless cycle but I can't know the exact thoughts that went through his mind when he decided to take his own life.

I do know that I have had many of the same feelings and thoughts but there was a difference, I am still here and he is gone.

I will miss him forever.

The signs of depression are varied but there are many clues for friends to look for: a change in personal habits, withdrawal from friends and family, the inability to deal with emotions (excessive crying, increased agitation, etc), sleeps excessively, always tired even when engaging in a minimum of activity. Many people turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to self-medicate. Some will openly discuss suicide, others will not.

Please, if you feel that you are depressed or know someone that may be

experiencing depression--talk to them, talk to an RA. Call the counseling center! There is help available!

As an adult student at this university, I feel that the needs of non-traditional and adult students are ignored by the university especially in the areas of medical and mental health since both services are only available during "normal" business hours when many students are their busiest in classes, at work or dealing with their families.

ASU was for many of us the only contact we had with other students in similar situations since we are scattered across the various curricula and at different points in the educational process, while this group was functional it served as a valuable link in our lives.

Susanne Davis Faircloth
ASU Box 7337

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Grrrls need to grow up

To the editor,

"You Live Among Rapists." "If you are raped, you might as well enjoy it because no one will believe you." Give Me a Break!

Why does it seem like everytime something happens around here, some vigilante group plasters ridiculous posters all over campus and downtown Boone? Groups like these do nothing but undermine the legitimate action groups such as NOW and the NAACP.

These are the type people that started the fires in L.A. after the Rodney King decision. These "Grrrls" must have these posters pre-printed just in case of a non-favorable decision. Instead of making fools of themselves and giving me something to laugh about (which I'm grateful for on a Monday morning), why don't they devote their energies toward something that will do some good?

These are probably the same people that defaced the Justice Hall sign. Vandalism solves about as much as Violence does. So to the "Guerrilla Grrrls"...l say grow up. I was totally outraged by the photo of the sign of Justice Hall with the word "in" written in front of Justice. It has been 6 days since I have heard anything about was going on about the NOW rally, and

all the upset people about the decision about the football players.

I really wish that the picture was not published. We need to leave well-enough alone, and try to get back to normal. While, we are on the subject about the recent events, I would like to leave two thoughts about the recent events in Justice. I am very outraged about the rapes, but yet some people have the philosophy of guilty into proven innocent, when it should be innocent into proven guilty. My last thought on this issue is that people in Justice have feelings too.

Thomas Wall
ASU Box 11110

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Slavery wasn't only issue

To the editor,

I must confess that Renee Cagle's "Counterpoint" on February 25 was one of the shoddiest pieces of journalism I have seen in The Appalachian. Ms. Cagle's main concern in her article is that we shouldn't "separate ourselves" by displaying the Confederate flag.

What she fails to realize is that the United States prides itself on being a diverse and culturally rich nation. The myriad of heritages and cultures contained within our country are what give it strength, and the suppression of such an expression of that diversity as the Confederate flag would serve only to weaken our national pride.

Furthermore, Ms. Cagle's assertion that the only thing the Civil War was fought over was "the right to keep slaves" blatantly disregards historical fact. Yes, slavery was an issue in the conflict. However, economic conflicts between the North and the South, such as the North's promotion of protective tariffs, federal subsidies for shipping and internal improvements, and homestead acts for the Northwest did far more to bring about this terrible war.

Also, the issues of states' rights, the lack of Southern representation in Congress, and the split of the Democratic party played huge roles in the mounting friction between North and South before 1861 (and on a technical note, the Civil War will have been over for 132 years this April 9, not 300 years).

Lastly, I think that Ms. Cagle needs to take into account the fact that just because a person is proud to be a native of Dixie and can look upon the "Stars and Bars" with pride does not mean that that person must necessarily condone slavery.

The next time Ms. Cagle looks upon the Confederate flag with disgust and labels it a despicable icon, I would ask her to visit the Cherokee Indian reservation and ask what their eyes see when they look upon our beloved Stars and Stripes.

Sincerely,

Michael Bell
ASU Box 11496

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Quit whining about flag

To the editor,

I would like to express my opinion of the Confederate flag.

First off, to those who are offended by the flag, stop whining! There will not be a day in your life when you do not find something offensive.

I would also like to uncover for you the guise of "state's rights" being the reason for the Civil War. The primary state right the South wanted to keep was the right to own slaves. Anyone who tells you different is ignorant or lying.

I was raised on the coast of North Carolina. I am white. "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys", I love country music, and I do drive a beat up, old pickup truck. I am also very proud of being Southern.

To me it means being hardworking, honest, down-to-earth, well-mannered, laid- back, and family oriented. This pride permeates from my actions, it is not and does not need to be evoked from a symbol. Those who need a symbol to be reminded of their heritage cannot be truly proud of it.

Russell Evans Minatel
ASU Box 18601

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Check accuracy of dates

To the editor,

In the Feb. 25 opinion column, Managing Editor Renee Cagle remarks, and I quote, "It seems to me that flying the confederate flag over state houses implies it is still about the South against the North. Guess what? The war has been over for more than 300 years."

Well, guess what? Last time I checked, this country was founded in 1776, making the USA only 221 years old this coming July. The "War of Northern Aggression" happened nearly 100 years later.

I don't know if this was a typographical or a copy error, but if it wasn't, in my opinion, this statement served to discredit anything she has to say.

"Fairness, Accuracy and Public Service since 1934." Need to double check that accuracy part every now and then.

Jeff Cabell
ASU Box 17799

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Alcohol impairs judgement

To the editor,

Recently, the newspapers have been inundated with a story about six males and one female. I am not immune to the emotions of this story. Also, I do not pretend to know exactly what went on in this encounter. Having said that, let us pretend for a moment that she was willing to engage in a sexual encounter with these six young men.

There is a question that keeps coming to my mind. Did any of those young men question what was best for this fellow human being? After all, can not most of us say that we have needed others to care for us? The idea that perhaps this person would make different decisions in a more coherent state of mind should not seem ludicrous and should never elude us.

Hundreds of inebriated individuals decide to drive their automobiles home nightly. You do not need to be a rocket scientist to see that this is a mistake. If we let others make or participate in this mistake, we can kill or seriously injure someone. However, it is a mistake that a lot of us have prevented people from making. Can we not see the similarities between these two situations?

Please do not misunderstand. I do believe that above all, individuals are responsible for their own actions. This rule not only applies to the young woman in this situation, it applies to the young men as well. I feel some amount of responsibility to lead my male human counterparts towards a more compassionate and respectful view of others.

Thank you,

Steven Blinsink/ alumnus
P.O. Box 381
Boone. NC. 28607-038

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Channel energy for positive purposes

To the editor,

As I have watched the recent events unfold over what has come to be known as "The Rape Case," I am steadily filled with disgust. A very unfortunate incident has occurred here on campus and it is not the first of this year. Different "camps" have begun to spring up on this issue and they are quickly taking on this fight as though it were theirs.

What is going on here? We are fighting with each other and no one is getting anywhere. Instead of reading speeches proclaiming your personal disgust (or that of your organization), standing in windows and indecently exposing yourself to make a statement, or insulting others by tagging names such as "freaky white girls" to others, why not turn this energy to help heal the campus on this issue?

Certainly, no one can be a proponent of rape. Therefore, we should be dealing with the problems by discussing and educating ways to eradicate it. Instead of shouting and yelling with no direction, let's calm our voices and begin an effective discussion on ways to resolve the situation.

Jon Parks
ASU Box 15071

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