Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Editorial: Swastikas latest in string of signs UND must confront predjudice
By Editorial Board
Dakota Student U. North Dakota
April 25, 2008

As arguably the largest player in the unofficial bloc of countries defined as "Western," we generally think of ourselves as more advanced than other nations around the world in terms of civil liberties. We may recognize the existence of unfettered racial and ethnical conflict and discrimination globally, but the idea of bigotry as a problem in the United States, much less in North Dakota, puts a collective burr in the throats of our nation.

An important step to addressing such an issue is to first make the admission that, on some level, almost all of us maintain shreds of prejudice born of our socialization. It's often the case that people absorb certain attitudes at impressionable ages, whether through their close relationships or via the media- that these stereotypes persist as we grow up is a fact that must simply be accepted.

One of the most critical functions of attending college is the experience gained through interaction with other cultures. Meeting peers from different backgrounds should act to break down the preconceived outlooks we have on topics such as race, ethnicity, and religion. Through education, we should learn that our prejudices are born of ignorance and are, frankly, quite silly.

That's why it is upsetting to see the string of culturally insensitive events that have occurred of late both on our campus and at NDSU. I'm sure most are familiar with the sanctions levied against Gamma Phi Beta for the "Cowboys & Indians" party held in November, as well as with the crude play put on at NDSU involving Barack Obama and blackface. In addition, there have been comments from users on the Dakota Student website espousing racially intolerant viewpoints while directly attacking other members of the UND campus.

Then, recently, reports have surfaced concerning anti-Semitic acts aimed directly at members of the Jewish community on campus. There have been several incidents of swastikas being drawn on the walls of dorm halls along with equally offensive graffiti, and a large portion of the attacks have been directed personally at specific residents. The University Police Department has become involved in the situation, and the incidents have negatively impacted some of our peers on campus.

Fortunately, we find ourselves in a great position to challenge such intolerance. It would be blind ignorance to say that it is within our capability to cure racism; such issues have plagued our species for millennia. What is within our reach, however, are the means with which we can challenge these sensitive issues locally. The University, through a host of classes and a wide variety of organizations, provides a wide berth of outlets in which we can both educate ourselves and express our opinions in respectful ways.

Perhaps the first and most important step that must be taken involves personal admissions of our own prejudices, no matter how subconsciously hidden they may be. Only from there can we begin to address the problems that have surfaced through recent incidents in our area on an open, civilized playing field.

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