Dear Editor,
Whereas Williamson claims that she is tired of “picking up a copy of The DM and seeing people outraged about absolutely inane topics,” I am admittedly tired of something else. I am tired of apologizing. I am tired of being under the magnifying glass. I am tired of making overt gestures of political correctness to try and justify my university and my character as an extension of that university.
After this past election night’s “riots” (another inflated term the national media used to shape the story into a narrative of Jim Crow racial tension in modern times), the university held a candlelight vigil of reconciliation the following night. Ultimately, the gesture served its purpose – an unsatisfactory puppet show of racial unity that satiated the media’s cravings for a wholesome conclusion to this torrid affair of divisive politics and archetypal Mississippian racism.
In the sheer superficiality of these actions is where I find my problems with the removal of our traditions. I feel as though our university is only aggravating these tensions by attempting to jump through hoops to please the national media and this generalized population of offended students. I agree with Williamson that there are more important events in the world than the preservation of these traditions. However, these traditions are engrained in the fabric of this university and its supporters, including me, and I simply do not believe that taking these customs away will signify any real progress. In this age of sickeningly over-the-top political correctness, the campaign against traditions carries deeper implications of these empty crusades for tolerant sensitivity. So, you’re right, Alexandra. We and our university do need to accomplish something real.
Reid Posey
English Freshman
