Newspapers / Fayetteville State University Student … / Sept. 10, 1985, edition 1 / Page 4
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Page 4 The Voice September 10, 1985 Viewpoint “Clarence Pendleton: A 'Great’ Uncle Tom” The great pleasure in watching Clarence Pendleton, Chairman of the Unitd States Commission on Civil Rights, is that you can never tell what he’s likely to say next. Sometime ago Pendleton made headlines by denouncing ‘ he idea of “comparable worth,” lying women and men the s ^me for jobs of equal value. It’s “probably the looniest idea since Looney Tunes came on the screen,” Pendleton declared. Consequently, the Reagan- controlled Commission voted down the doctrine of Compar able worth last April 11. Speaking in Albany, New York and at Cornell University in late July, Pendleton exhibited his rhetorical grace again. The Black Republican was asked whether there was a need for a Civil Rights Commission, which was established in 1957 to monitor civil rights. Couldn’t Congress block future appropriations to the Commission? Pendleton replied: “Sure they can. Not a bad idea, either.” When pressed by one reporter later, Pendleton explained that the Commission might not be necessary after November, 1989, when it is scheduled to expire by law. “If there’s nothing more to study, if our mandate has been satisfied, then why leave the commission around?” Pendleton said. But surely, with the national problems of racism, women’s inequality, anti-Semitism and other forms of social intolerance still existing, certainly some sort of public agency must serve as a conscience on civil rights? Pendleton is not a man who minces words: “I don’t happen to believe that the government owes me anything just because my ancestors were slaves. I think it’s paid that debt. All it owes to me is to keep the doors open.” But how are these proverbial doors to be kept “open” unless a strong civil rights movement continues to fight against social inequality? How can minorities and women acquire economic and political justice without collective demands for greater democracy? Pendelton has a snappy rebuttal: “With this whole process we continue to divide society. It causes more disharmony than it causes harmony.” Inother words, don’t talk about racial and sexual discrimination, and it will quiety go away. Why are we so “fortunate” to liiave Clarence Pendleton as head of the Civil Rights (Commission? The entire retreat from human rights and social justice typified by most of Reagan’s appointees is a manifestation of larger current of race hatred which still exist across the country. According to the Atlanta-based National Atni-Klan Network, over one- thousand acts of Klan and Klan—style violence have been committed during the past five year. Klan leaders endorsed Reagan for President in 1980 and 1984. And ex-Klansman C.P. Ellis recently stated in a congressional hearing: “All Black Progress “Has Black Progress crippled the importance of Black Colleges?” Dr. Kenneth Clark, former Advisor to the Health Education Welfare Department’s office of Civil Rights during the Carter Administration, stated in the New York Times: “Black Colleges perpetuate inferior academic standards for Black students and award Jim Crow degrees that do not meet the standards of the average traditionally White colleges.” The advocates of this liberal attitude maintain that Black Gabble - Gaddy Odds & Ends First, welcome to the new students and hello to the old class. The time has come for students to let the magic happenings of the summer fade into memories and to make a commitment to excellence in their academic studies despite the over-crowded conditions of the dormitories. For, it is a weak student who can’t stand the pressure of adversity. There’s a new organization, called Researchers Evolving Alternative Directions (READ), trying to establish itself on campus. Its purpose is to gather information for the mental, spiritual, physical and cultural stimulation and personal growth of Fayetteville State University. Secondly, to encourage students to publish apathy, to reconstruct a strong academic environment and, above all, raise the level of consciousness of socio- political attitudes of students. So, for goodness sake become a part of this organization. Klansmen don’t wear robes. I see the Klan philosophy in the courtroom, in Congress, and I think I see it in the White House.” Since January, 1981. several hundred thousand Blacks have lost their jobs in the public sector: Blacks’ access to higher education has been sharply curtailed; Black infant mortality rates are up, due to the cutbacks in childcare and family assistance programs; and Black unemployment is still above 14 percent two years after an “economic recovery.” In short, institutional racism, vigilante violence and economic discrimination are thriving under Reagan’s aegis. Colleges foster the theory of “Black Separatism.” These so- called liberal racists are themselves graduates of predominantly Black Colleges and Universities; however, they have assimilated their attitudes toward “White Progressive” desegregation wherein they have attained a level of “SUCCESS” until they’ve forgotten their heritage. Futhermore, these liberal racists masquerade around as friends of Black Colleges in Higher Education throughout the nation, but in actuality they are destroyers of the Black College System. In other words, these liberal racists agree that the only way to achieve integration in Higher But of course, to discuss these issues publicly may provoke “disharmony.” Nearly a century ago, Black America’s leading “Uncle Tom” was William H. Councill, the president of the all-Black state college in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Councill was a notorious toady who gave “oily flattery” to racists. He praised Jim Crow laws, political disfranchisement of Negroes, and was silent about lynchings. He cautioned against civil rights agitation, and opposed “radicals” like Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. Du Bois. Councill believed that accommodation to racism was Education is to get rid of Black Colleges. However, they fail to discuss the success rate of graduates of Black Colleges as compared with White Colleges. Or is it that they are ashamed and insulted by their own ignorance? For further proof, take a look around you; many are working within the Black College System. “There is no conflict between Black Colleges and the goal of equality.” stated Dr. Manning the only means to promote “harmony.” Booker T. Washington, the major Black politician of the era, detested Councill so much that he refused to sit beside him on public platforms. In the great tradition of Councill, we now have Clarence Pendleton: a man whose social oppression. With every pathetic speech and public statement, he takes another dramatic leap into the past. Dr. Manning Marable teaches political sociology at Colgate University. Hamilton, New York. “Along the Color Line” appears in over 140 news papers internationally. Marable, a political sociology professor at Colgate Univer sity. However, I would like to add that a Black university can understand the needs of black students and their develop ment. Michael C. Gaddy Editor-in-Chief This editorial does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Voice Editorial Board, its staff or Fayetteville State University, or its staff. Help Wanted College Rep wanted to distribute “Student Rate” subscription cards at this campus. Good income, no selling involved. For information and application write to: Allen S. Lowrance, Director, 251 Glenwood Drive, Mooresville, N.C. 28115. The Voice Michael C. Gaddy editor Samuel L. Cole BUSINESS MANAGER Margaret E. Phillips (ACTING). Marion Gore advisor Dr. Loigta W. Foster The Voice is a student-run news paper published through the Office of Student Development. Editorial content is determined by The Voice staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Fayetteville State Univers ity, the faculty, staffer student body. The Voice encourages the open exchange of ideas, opinions, and concerns among members of the University Community. Letters should be limited to 250 words; should concentrate on issues; be typed and double spaced, if possible; be signed by the writer and delivered to the editor of The Voice. All letters are subject to editing to protect The Voice against libel, to reduce length if necessary and eliminate violations of the policies and procedures of The Voice.
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Sept. 10, 1985, edition 1
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