Race relations still obviously tense
Recent allegations surrounding the Tigerland bars have reminded us that the painful issue of race and race relations remain a divisive topic among our community. Subsequently, reactions have been charged with emotion and occasional ineptitude. Aside from the letters to the editor, nameless cowards have posted some of the most racist bigotries to the Reveille’s Web site. Regardless on which side of the issue you stand, many of us can agree that the mudslinging and the lack of critical thought miss the point that is ultimately being addressed.
Discrimination still exists. While everything is not about race, it is often about something. Racism, sexism and ageism, among others, are real to those who have experienced it. As humans, we are creatures of habit who innately gravitate to people who look, think and behave as we do. However, discrimination is taught. We think as we do because someone or something has directly or indirectly socialized us to believe it. Moreover, discussion about “-isms” are further complicated because they evolve with time. We are much smarter than we used to be. Few people dare to be blatantly prejudiced these days; so, we’ve mastered the skill of discretion. As a result, discrimination, in some aspects, has become so institutionalized that it becomes commonplace.
I challenge our generation to break away from the traditional approach of addressing discrimination. We get so caught up in our socialized belief systems and cannot think outside the box. Communication works wonders. We could dutifully acquaint ourselves to understand our similarities and appreciate our differences or we can continue to wait for incidents to charge our emotions and pull us further in our corners.
I’ll end with this quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke these words into the history of humanity. As the LSU community struggles to deal with recent events, I encourage you to remember that you are either a part of the problem or part of the solution.
Brandon M. Smith
Sophomore — Political Science and International Studies
SHA does promote sexual health at LSU
As the Primary Chair of the Sexual Health Advocates at LSU, I was surprised to read Lindsay Hellwig’s column in Thursday’s Reveille. In this column she stated that she would “like to see LSU directly address sex issues.” This school year alone, the Sexual Health Advocates have organized programs at various locations throughout campus a total of 33 times and been present in Free-Speech Alley seven times. Additionally, the Wellness Education Department has organized 24 events and lectures pertaining to sexual health. For World AIDS Day in December, SHA brought in Friends for Life, an outreach organization in the Baton Rouge community, to administer free HIV testing in the Union; this was advertised in the Reveille. The Sexual Health Advocates address issues such as, but not limited to, abstinence, safer sex, sexually transmitted diseases, contraception and breast and testicular cancer. The Sexual Health Advocates are present and active at LSU. For any further information, please contact the Wellness Education Department in the basement of the Student Health Center.
Anna DesOrmeaux
Junior — Art History/Psychology
Tigerland bar issue taken too far
I have been reading all of these articles over the last few days on racism and it really makes me sick! Ok let me give you an example of racism: FUBU stands for, “For Us By Us,” does it not? If ONLY African-American males wear these then they are presenting racial slurs every time they are seen in public.
About the “white tennis shoes”: The main reason that white shoes are not let into these Tigerland Bars is that when a drunk person steps on these white shoes or a drink gets spilt by accident (God forbid alcohol abuse) then the one wearing the now dirty shoes is more likely to be upset and start a fight. The reason that “Mr. T starter kits” (chains) are not allowed is for safety reasons only. I know I would not want to be strangled by my own jewelry. OK and we all know why baggy pants are not allowed; I mean who wants to see a guy dancing and slowly his pants are going down to his ankles? And the beeper issue is a personal statement given by the bar, saying that the bar is not responsible if your beeper or cell phone gets stolen or lost. These dress codes are not racist by any means; they are put there for one’s safety and well being. I think that this issue is being way too far looked into and that everyone should just go on with their lives and study for finals next week. Said and done with!
Connor Ingram
Freshman — Management
Bars help jeopardize women’s safety
The recent clamor over racial discrimination in Tigerland bars has opened an essential dialogue around campus. We should, and we must, voice our opinions when injustice is done.
Unfortunately discrimination doesn’t discriminate. Beside ethnic discrimination, sexism seems to be a problem also. Bars that designate “Ladies’ Night” are discriminatory at the most basic level. Now, I know the males don’t go thirsty at any of these establishments, but this technically discriminates against them. Furthermore, the underlying reason to draw more females is suspect. The obvious intent is to encourage women to drink their fill — or to push their limit.
As a community living in fear because of a serial killer who stalks women, we can’t afford to undermine any woman’s safety. Becoming drunk makes a potential target far more vulnerable.
When bars make females an accessory, something is wrong. Bars care more about money than safety. Going to a bar is supposed to be fun, but discrimination isn’t fun for anyone. LSU has a reputation for being a party school with a rich tradition. Maybe now is the time to break a few old traditions and move the party elsewhere.
Michael Tortorich
Senior — Mass Communication
Racism not limited to the South
I know people are tired of this issue, but I think this is something that needs to be said. Racism isn’t limited to the South. Trust me. I’m not a “Southerner,” but I have experienced racism in many other parts of the country. For instance, in Podunksville Illinois. Sure, it’s easy for them to say, “Hey we are smarter and more informed than the South, just because of our locality.”
But from my experience they too are ignorant to the racial issues we all face in today’s world. Racism isn’t just a southern issue, it’s a global issue. How is it any better than those terrorists on Sept. 11? Attacking us for the sole reason of being American … It’s a sad thing.
I just think that we should band together and form an understanding. Not all people are raised in a home that promotes and fosters racial understanding. I think if you want to change something you should teach people what it means to be an African-American or Mexican-American or even Irish-American. We all come from different crazy backgrounds. It should be your mission to educator others, not ridicule them for being uneducated. All the anger and hate isn’t helping the situation.
Megan Taflinger
Freshman — Political Science
Bar owners catering to racist patrons
It is ridiculous to say that bar owners are racist when it is obvious they are really intelligent. They know that the white middle to upper class patrons are the racist ones. Truth is they are scared of black people and are less likely to visit a club where blacks make up a large number. Oh, I’m sure all the white people will say “I’m not racist, I have 12 black friends.” If you know how many black friends you have, you’re racist.
White people are still telling jokes when black people aren’t around, or refering to them as “Canadians” instead of “niggers.” I know because I am white and I see racism still today. No longer to anyone’s face, but when their backs are turned.
Truth is, society is still racist, not just the club owners. And the solution is not a boycott, but a stand-in. If the clubs don’t want blacks then why not go? I say the NAACP and BSU and any other organizations should get together and plan a night where they all dress in proper dress code, pay their charge and go in the clubs and just stand there all around the club. Pay the cover charge — that’s not where the bars make their money — but don’t buy drinks.
Imagine going to a club one night and seeing 50 or 60 people just standing there. Not dancing or drinking or anything to stop others from doing so. When they told Rosa Parks go to the back of the bus she didn’t get off the bus, she stayed in her spot.
Travis Holland
Junior — Political Science