Slave reparations account for historical racism
I am responding to the “Speaks Out” on reparations for
slavery and redress to minorities for past injustices that appeared
in The Bruin (Viewpoint, May 14). It is very interesting to see how
non-black people respond to black issues in the United States. It
is absurd for a people to forget its past and equally hideous and
insensitive for others to dismiss another’s past as if it
were nothing. For those of you who don’t know, black people
in America were not immigrants, meaning, there was no choice of
where and how to live in the American continent. To understand why
reparations are an issue is to understand the history of the United
States’ racial hate policies. Black Americans were bred into
existence just like horse breeders are still trying to create the
next Seattle Slew. Black Americans were property not seen as human.
Laws were enacted to keep black folks from congregating, marrying,
learning, speaking native languages and playing instruments. These
are part of the Slave Codes, which also allowed for any white
person to do physical harm, including rape, maiming and murder, to
any black person without punishment. Militia patrols were formed to
participate in these human rights violations. These patrols are now
called your local police. So, you say bury the past; forget about
slavery ““ it happened a long time ago; we are equals now. I
have news for you. Some of the aforementioned laws are still legal
in many states. Let’s think for a moment. Are citizens of a
free country allowed to vote (if it is a democratic society)? Then
why must black people force the government to acknowledge them as
the legal citizens they are, so that they can vote? That took place
only 40 years ago. It is extremely ignorant, insensitive and
unconscionable for one to even consider erasing another
person’s past. But then again, this is what we as black folks
have come to expect from people who are not of color and are not
disenfranchised. So tell me Elham Gheytanchi, Mitul Jambusaria,
Monica Kitt, Michael Paratore and Mikal Rogers, what makes your
progressive attitudes different than Andrew Jackson and
“Bull” Conner? Bottom line ““ how dare you tell me
to forget my heritage.
Dwayne Case Fourth-year History
Past injustices shouldn’t affect UCLA
sports The U.S. has endured a Civil War, a Civil Rights
Movement, loss of lives, riots and countless stories of hate
crimes. Despite this, Scott Schultz in “UCLA basketball can
seal legacy by not playing NCAA tournament,” (Daily Bruin,
Sports, May 9) seems to have found a way to stop racial oppression,
social injustice and to cure the ills of American society. Schultz
does not propose legislation or educational programs, but he
attacks the core of the United States’ problems ““ the
NCAA tournament. This event represents the honest passion of every
true American sports fan: 64 teams all battling for one crown.
Personally, I think we should go a step further and disallow any
confederate states to play those who at one time made up the Union.
They simply bring back too much tension. Wrong! We are talking
about a sporting event. When there is a Big 12 match up, I
don’t immediately think of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. When Todd
Von Poppel strikes out Shawn Green, I do not see an encore of the
Holocaust. Sports make up an important part of American culture and
healthy competition. In no way do they contribute to racial
tensions and injustices. If UCLA were to not play in the
tournament, it would be terrible for college basketball. We are the
most heralded basketball institution in the Union, attendance is
mandatory. Protesting the NCAA tournament as Schultz suggests would
not solve the world’s problems. Georgia has chosen to raise a
flag that has a controversial history; however, this flag
represents one of the most core values of a Republic ““
state’s rights. In fact, according to a poll conducted by ABC
News, a large percentage of the African American population in the
state of Georgia, voted to keep the confederate flag because of its
importance to the history of their ancestry. No man should ever
tamper with the enlightening experience that turns every
fanatic’s heart soft during March. Whether you’re Bryce
Drew hitting the game-winner or Mike Hampton’s coach
collapsing in his players’ arms, March brings out the best in
school pride and strength of character. These buzzer-beating upsets
give me chills, and Schultz believes that this triumphant event
somehow impedes social progress. March Madness builds character,
turns students into men and educates athletes on healthy and
friendly competition. We will not tamper with this institution of
college basketball, because it is the culmination of the regular
season with 64 teams, one champion, one nation with liberty and
justice for all.
Ryan Wagner Second-year Political science