April 12, 2002

By Tony Tiu

To the Editor,

This is in response to Conor Friedersdorf’s "Letter from the Editor" of March 8, 2002, on "Discussion of Racism at Pomona Should Be More Focused, Specific".

I agree that merely stating there is racism and white privilege at Pomona with the aim of convincing skeptics "prove inadequate." I also agree that it would be "effective" in changing people’s minds if they were personally exposed to "demonstrable instances of racism" and when they see "racism manifested in actions." However, I suggest two amendments to such a sentiment.

First, what I think most people fail to realize is that racism hurts, quite a lot. It’s no fun to talk about the last time that you were victimized or the last time that something racist happened to you. Look at it this way. If someone told you that he or she were raped, would you demand that he or she prove it and describe it elaborately, and at the same time explore alternative perspectives for what happened? Whatever you do, you’d probably be sensitive about it.

However, in discussions of racism, when people demand specific instances, there’s often no sensitivity to the victim at all. Not only is there no regard to how someone might feel about having been the target of racism or about how someone might feel reliving the experience again by describing the event, often when they do just that what they say is discounted and people only make excuses for what others did, finding other reasons for the mistreatment aside from racism. That’s the shitty thing about racism. First someone mistreats you because of your race. Then others interrogate you about what happened, and mistreat you again. In short, if "demonstrable instances of racism" is what you need, please, be sensitive about it. The sad fact is that the courtesy that’s extended to victims usually isn’t extended to victims of racism.

Mr. Friedersdorf writes "If you have been a victim of racism- overt or covert, in one instance or continually over time- speak out about those instances." Hey man. That can hurt. Consider this: "If you have been molested by your uncle, please, speak out! Otherwise we wouldn’t know that there’s child abuse." Be sensitive.

Additionally, this attitude can dangerously ignore subtler instances of racism, for racism in less extreme forms can be less "demonstrable" and is harder to be seen, especially for people who are convinced that there is no such thing as racism. In cases not as extreme as a KKK rally, people can argue all day about the possibilities why that one cashier never checks for ID when white people use credit cards but asks in a demanding tone for proper and indisputable identification when people of color use credit cards. It’s tough man.

As for the rest of the letter, I’m not sure what the message is in the sixth paragraph, which begins with "effective campus dialogue about racism must focus on specific instances and appropriate remedies." There’s plenty of that dude. There are many campus organizations and events that address "specific instances and appropriate remedies." I’ve been to a good deal of them. However, Conor, I’ve never seen you at any of them. Maybe we’re going to different ones. Conor, I suppose it would help if all these organizations specifically set up office or dorm room hours with you, went up to your door, and talk with you for hours about it. However, that’s just unrealistic.

Tony Tiu