Newspapers / Chowan University Student Newspaper / June 1, 1992, edition 1 / Page 8
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Chowan reacts to crisis in our cities In the aftermath of the riots in inner cities across America, and the disturbing events sur rounding the jury verdict in the Rodney King case (videotaped account of King beaten by L. A. police officers), Chowan reactions, varied and plentiful, add perspective to the events. Dr. John Gosnell, sociologist who teaches sociology and psychology, stresses that the Rodney King verdict did not cause the rioting in Los Angeles. Gosnell "It was what the sociologists would call the precipitating event The rioting was the result of generations of discrimination and exploitation. The underprivileged resort to violence when the channels to legitimate redress are closed to them, as was the case with Mr. King and many others." Dr. Gosnell explains that rioting occurs, not necessarily when the conditions are the worst, but because there is no hope of anything better. "It is most likely to occur when conditions improve, and hopes are high, and then the progress stops, as it did in the 1980's, and people's hopes are dashed." The sociologist believes the responsibility for the "not guilty" verdict rests more with the lawyers than with the jury. "They stacked the case against Rodney King by moving the trial to a predominantly white area, ind by picking an all-white jury, not a jury of his peers', says Dr. Gosnell. "By giving the jury a biased interpretation of the events in the videotape, Rodney King was on trial as much as the police men." According to Qayton Lewis, director of corporate relations, policemen often find them selves in no-win situations and agrees that profes sionals should not let racism, hate or anger influ ence their responses to on-the-job situations. "Although I do not condone the behavior of these police officers involved in the Rodney King incident, I understand how the conduct of Rodney King provoked the unprofessional display of anger "The underprivileged resort to violence when the channels to legitimate redress are closed to them, as was the case with Mr. King and many others." and loss of self-control by the officers," said Lewis. "My hope is that the Rodney King incident will be used as a lesson of experience by govem- ment officials to prevent similar episodes in other cities. Police officers will encounter others like Rodney King whose behavior was not worthy of respect at the time of his arrest. To make a hero of Rodney King would be a mistake." Lewis Lewis, who teaches history at Chowan, also points out the very real fact that a new United States has been bom and is coming of age. Many Americans of Anglo-Saxon descent have not yet realized that Latinos, Blacks and Asians are changing the personality of the United States. By the year 2030, Anglo-Saxons of the United States will be outnumbered by other ethnic groups. Lewis believes, as Christians and humanists, we must seek ways to improve conditions in our worid cities and small towns. Such a noble goal connot be accomplished quickly or easily. We can no longer be divided by racism, ethnicity and economic conditions. The gap between the rich and the poor is evident in Los Angeles. Racial and ethnic relations are complex in Los Angeles. Nearly 100 languages are spoken in the public schools of Los Angeles, a world city. "A world nation carmot afford to be divided from within and be a dynamic force economically, socially and politically," stresses Lewis. "In short, if Americans unite, we can survive and continue as a viable nation. If we try to continue amid social fragmentation, we will very likely destroy our selves." Bruce Moore, vice president for student r' Keeping in touch with our Chowan alumni Please use this form to give the Alumni Office your change of address or to inform us of any news, or provide names of prospective students. Name _Oass Year. _Social Security No._ TITLE: Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Dr. Rev. STATUS: Married Single Widowed Divorced Spouse's Name Home Phone Address Business Phone PERSONAL NEWS (family, avocations, achievements). CAREER NEWS_ development, joined with others in being appalled by the decision reached by the jury and by the reaction of some of the residents of Los Angeles. "I strongly disagree with the verdict reached by the jury and I strongly disagree with the de structive action taken by some," he said. "I did not know what to expect in terms of reactions and actions by our students. There was no apparent act of violence by any of our students. I made it a point to talk with a number of Chowan students - - male and female, black and white - - to get their reactions to both of these issues. I was proud of their mature, intelligent responses. I sensed concern, caring, and regret over what took place in L.A." Moore Chowan's student body has been approxi mately 25% minority for many years. Moore points out there is a strong degree of health on this campus from a racial standpoint due to the fact that if racism were rampant here, these figures would not hold up. "Race relations are better on this campus than any other place I have lived," said Moore. "I did graduate study on Martin Luther King and Afro- American Christianity under Dr. John Fleming at Shaw University. One of my life’s heroes is Martin Luther King and he said 'an eye for an eye leaves everyone blind!'. Unfortunately opening people's eyes to race relations will always be a life-long process. I have much hope and encouragement for the future based upon the maimer in which the majority of our students interact and accept one another." I PAGE 8 — Chowan Today — Summer, 1992 .J Distinguished Alumni 1992 Nominations If you would like to suggest someone to the Distinguished Alumni Selection Commit tee, please complete and mail the form below to: Director of Alumni Services CHOWAN COLLEGE P.O. Box 1848 Murfreesboro, NC 27855 Nominee: Class Year: Briefly explain your reason for this nomination and attach: Your Name Address, City State _Zip_
Chowan University Student Newspaper
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June 1, 1992, edition 1
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