Consider the source

This month, as we celebrate black history, let’s take a moment to consider the implications of our celebration. Black History Month started off as “Negro History Week” in 1926, the inception of a humble black teacher, Carter G. Woodson. After noticing the omission of African American contributions in public school textbooks, Mr. Woodson determined that through “Negro History Week” and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he personally founded, that America would recognize the African American contribution.

Caught in the spirit of what is now Black History Month, we have lost sight of the concept behind the institution. Yes, it is ideal to separate time to acknowledge such a vital part of this country’s heritage. And yes even I admit finding pleasure in the redundant recognition of a select few historical blacks during February. However, we must still work toward the integration of black culture into mainstream America. We cannot forget the “American” in the title “African American.” Allowing this country to accept the dynamic experience of blacks for only 28 days and then reverting to the ignorant freedom that James Baldwin warned against serves only as a disservice to our entire society.

Only when programs honoring black history as an integral part of American history are emphasized throughout the year, and are run not only by black organizations and individuals, can we even begin to truly celebrate black history. Only when we don’t have to justify taking a moment to honor a great African American and then wonder why it seemed such a deliberate effort and not an everyday event to do so, can we be comfortable with black history’s role in society. As members of such a progressive university, we have a responsibility to develop and continue the incorporation of every cultural contribution to this country’s history, of which we are now co-authors. Let us choose not to write such a discrepant history as our predecessors.

-Sharry Gonzales, sophomore

Address issues

Last semester, I did a piece on GWorld fraud for The Source, SMPA’s news magazine show. At that time, I informed GWorld and Rice Hall officials (for example, Eric Hougen, who The Hatchet interviewed for its article) about these amazingly obvious problems. They did not care in the slightest bit. I videotaped my walk through J Street, collecting receipts from Wendy’s that clearly show the entire GWorld number and balance. As I did months ago, I again urge people to boycott the GWorld program. They have absolutely no interest in investing to protect your money. I would like to say how unfortunate it is more people are being duped by the university they assume they can trust.

-David Angelo, alumnus

Stop snitching

I wanted to address my peers on a worrisome group who seem to be too prevalent on our campus: tattletales. In the past few weeks, too many arrests in the Crime Log or stories in The Hatchet or from friends about students being busted are the result of other students anonymously tipping off CLLC or UPD. I believe that informing the authorities of dangerous activity has its place in, for example, witnessing domestic violence or extreme levels of intoxication. However, notifying the UPD because you smelled marijuana smoke from under someone else’s door is not only none of your business, but also not a very threatening issue.

If one felt so passionate about the law to rat out one’s peers and classmates, so be it. But why would anyone go out of their way to get another student in trouble or possibly kicked out of school just because these students want to sit in their rooms with their friends and get high? If you are tired of the same kids on your floor making the hallway smell like weed, why don’t you knock on their door, talk to them, and warn them that next time you will report them. If you do not want to confront them, at least ask your CF or CD to issue a warning, not UPD. I’m neither condoning nor encouraging the sale or use of illegal drugs or alcohol. Nevertheless, I must ask my fellow students to refrain from snitching to the authorities unless it is a dangerous situation.

-Seth Glick, sophomore