LETTERS

Dear Editor:

I love Temple and Philadelphia. Though I’ve only been here for a short time, since day one I realized there is a great sense of community among students here. This feeling of common love can be felt especially at events here on campus.

I have been to a number of on-campus events here, and many of the dance parties usually held at McGonigle Hall. However, I am always somewhat reluctant to attend – and even complacent toward involvement here.

The reason is a reoccurring problem; which is probably part personal and part societal or cultural: I am never enough.

I am never hippie enough for a Jethro Tull concert, though they are my favorite band. I am never thuggish enough for an M.O.P. concert, though they are also one of my favorite groups. At many campus events, especially the dances, I am not enough, I know I don’t belong, mostly because I’m white.

This is not an issue that angers or pisses me off in any way; it’s merely frustrating as hell. I suppose one could ask, “How do you know you don’t belong at some events here?” Really, there is no simple answer to the question, I just know – there is a feeling, a sense. I get those ‘what are you doing here looks,’ nothing malicious whatsoever, just surprise and questioning.

For a balanced evaluation, it is the exact opposite at most frat parties; most black people aren’t inclined to attend frat parties. Why? I have completely no idea.

Although, I believe this issue is on a national scale, so maybe it is a general societal issue.

Maybe we as students, a nation, or even humans want so badly for everything to be easily explained, scientific almost, and pseudo-segregation is a byproduct. White folks should listen to rock and country music and smoke Marlboros. Black folks should listen to hip-hop and soul music and smoke Newports. Going outside set stands like these may cause discomfort for some.

Even any attempt at racial categorization is becoming more implausible day by day. How can this be remedied? Who knows, but I, and maybe we, should understand there is some type of issue going on.

A Temple Senior

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Dear Editor:

In regard to the article “Former Owl Read takes on hero’s role” in the April 19 of the Temple News some of the information was incorrect. Rod Bierhuizen, current captain for the men’s crew team found the young girl in a ditch returning to school following a morning practice session. The information concerning the girl’s condition was accurate and she is currently in good health.

Regarding Jason Read, he has being training with the US team in Princeton NJ and will be stroking the men’s eight at this weekend’s World Cup event at Mercer Lake in New Jersey.

Rod Bierhuizen
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