Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / Jan. 21, 1992, edition 1 / Page 8
Part of Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
8The Daily Tar HeelTuesday, January 21, 1992 Saily QJar IM 98th year of editorial freedom Jennifer Wing, Editor Steve Poim, University Editor CULLEN FERGUSON, Editorial Page Editor NEIL AMATO, Sports Editor Christina Nifong, Features Editor Alex De Grand, Cartoon Editor MlTCH KOKAI, Copy Desk Editor Grant HalverSON, Photography Editor Amber Nimocks, City Editor ERIC LUSK, State and National Editor MONDY Lamb, Omnibus Editor Jennifer Dickens, Layout Editor JoAnn RODAK, Managing Editor Amy SEELEY, Copy Desk Editor KATHY MICHEL, Photography Editor Lend an ear to message of MLK On that fateful day in 1 968, Martin Luther King died for his dream a dream of peacefully attaining harmony within the African-American race and of equality for all races. Today, in a political atmosphere where affirmative action, race-related gang activity and renewed debate about organi zations like the Ku Klux Klan continue to keep race relations issues alive, we all owe it to this society and to the memory of Dr. King to continue (or perhaps to begin) listening, learning and thinking about the injustices that still exist in this society. This week, various campus organiza tions are providing opportunities to do just that. In celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday, and in an effort to improve race relations further, students of all back grounds and races should make an effort to attend some of the scheduled events. Tuesday's lecture, "Celebrate the Dif ferences One Size Does Not Fit All," by Patricia Russell-McCloud, promises to be an inspiring event. Russell-McCloud, who owns a law and consulting firm in Atlanta, is nationally recognized for her unique lectures. She is known for her frankness about the very real issues affecting African Americans today. Her lecture will address various issues involving black culture and focus on recognizing and appreciating the differences between people and cultures. Russell-McCloud's lecture will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hanes Art Center Audito rium. A second lecture honoring Martin Luther King will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday in Memorial Hall. William H. Gray HI, presi dent of the United Negro College Fund and former U.S. House of Representatives majority whip, will speak about "Histori cally Black Colleges and Universities: How They Fulfill the King Dream of Equality." This lecture, addressing the levels of inte gration of African Americans at various universities, should help put into perspec tive the integration issues at UNC as com pared with other schools. Following the lecture, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., a fraternity of which Dr. King was a member, will host a reception for Gray, also a member of the organization. To cap off the week-long celebration, the BlackStudentMovement issponsoring a concert by The Winans, a contemporary gospel group from Detroit. The Winans, who are four-time Grammy Award win ners, are expected to put on a very emo tional show in support of King's own peace ful efforts by espousing a message of love and hope for all people. The Charlotte group Deliverance will open for The Winans at 8 p.m. Friday in Memorial Hall. Some additional events scheduled in memory of Dr. King include: DiscussionsForums about King's dreams and about contemporary issues af fecting the African-American community will be held at the Sonja H. Stone Black Cultural Center at noon every day this week. Tonight at 6:30 p.m. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will sponsor a candlelight vigil in the Pit. On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the Campus Y will sponsor "A Show of Hands" at 11:45 a.m. in Polk Place. Also on Wednesday, the Residence Hall Association will hold programs on Dr. King's contributions at 7 p.m. On Friday at 7:30 p.m., the Black Greek Council will present "I, Too, Sing America," in the Great Hall. Heyd gives student voice to BOT J ii a move that could give students greater influence in shaping University policy, Student Body President Matt Heyd has recommended three people to replace Board of Trustees member William Darity, who left the BOT in December. Heyd has exercised his responsibility to students by recommending Anne Cates, Billy Armfield and Richard Epps to the Board of Governors as potential replace ments for Darity. Instead of allowing the BOG to make this decision without student input, Heyd has boldly submitted his own recommendation, made from a student per spective, to accompany those made by BOG and BOT members and others in the Uni versity community. Heyd has firsthand knowledge of these candidates and their involvement with the campus and its students. He should be congratulated for taking the initiative to make his own recommendations. If any of Heyd's nominees are selected by the BOG, they will come into office with the stu dents' mandate. As an ex-officio member of the BOT, Heyd is aware of the BOT's influence over issues affecting the University and the im portance of having members who identify with student needs. His recommendation of Richard Epps, the first student to serve on the BOT and the first black student body president, reflects Heyd's unique insight. While Epps may only have an outside chance at winning a spot on the board, his former involvement with both University students and the BOT merits the consideration he will receive with Heyd's support. Heyd expects Cates and Armfield, who are closely involved with the University's Bicentennial Campaign, to be recom mended by others for the board. A student recommendation will only strengthen their chances of being selected. This University exists because of stu dents. Officials sometimes seem to forget that when involved with the red tapes of bureaucracy, politics and appointments. Because Heyd took the initiative to be come involved in the process as a student amas aBOTmember.he may have pushed the door of administration a little wider open for student voices. Correction In the Jan. 17elitorial,4'lnearchofa8implergovcrnment,',The Daily Tar Heel incorrectly stated that Student Congress redisricting had created one district for a graduate student to be elected at large. The bill passed actually allows two at-large graduate students to be elected. The DTH regrets the error. Business and advertising: Kevin Schwartz, directorgeneral manager Bob Bates, advertising director: Leslie Humphrey, classified ad manager, wuson Asnwonn, Business manager. BiisinmslaH:MichelleGray,(satofmufwGlnafo Classified advertising: Amy Dew, Becky Marquette, Lorrie Pate, Leah Richards and Jennifer Terry, representatives.CUai Campbell, production assistant Display advertising: Ashlelah Heath, advirtisino manaoar. Milton Artis. Marcie Bailev. Robert Lee Carson. Carrie Gradv. Anoela Grav. David Hoffmann, Joanna Hutchins, Lynne Sandridge, Brooks Spradiing, and Ginger Wagoner, account executives;Matiea Miller, assistant account executive, tnanone weaver, mien oiair, prootreaoers. Advertising production: Bill Leslie, managersystem administrator: Anita Bentley and Lorrie Pate, assistants. Assistant editors: Anne Mlchaud, arts coordinator Htnty Floyd and Aimee Hobbs, copy; Dana Pope, cfy; Belh Tatum, features; Valerie Fields, managing; VTckl Hyman and Mike Long, Omnibus; Andrew Cline, photo; Stewart Chisam, Eric David, Warren Hynes and Bryan amcKiano, sports; Anna iirrmn, saw ana naaonai; mrcn uevaurt, Asniey rogie, Karen uieincn, ana Bonnie Hocnman, university. Newicltrk: Kevin Brennan. Editorial writers: David Etchison, Adam Ford and Will Spears. University: John Broadfoot, Beth Broodno, Micah Cover, Sovla Ellison. Amy Esllnaer. Heather Harreld. Jenny Mclnnis. Matthew Mielke Marty Minchin, Jennifer Mueller, Cathy Oberle, Shea Riggsbee, Karen Schwartz, Peter Smith, Sarah Suiter, Jennifer Talhelm, Jon Whisenant ana Micnaei workman. City: Tiffany Ashhurst, Jennifer Brett Sally Bright. Kim Cable. Maile Carpenter. Andrew Cline. Carol Davis. Julie Flick. Chris Goodson. Jackie Hershkowitz, Grant Holland, Amle Lane, Amber Nimocks. Liz Parker, Dana Pope, Emily Russ, Kelly Ryan and Chris Trahan. Stat and National: Josh Boyer. Karen Dietrich, Brandy Fisher, Glllam Hall, Vicki Hyman, Laura Laxton, Beth McNichol, Rebeccah Moore, Jason Richardson and Pete Simkinson. Special Assignments: Alisa DeMao, Anna Griffin, Mara Lee, Jennifer Mueller and Gillian Murphy. Art: Layion Croft. Ned Oirtik. Beth Formy-Duval, Laura Guy, Grant HaJverson, Ashley Harris, Melissa MankowsU, Charles Marshall, Rahul Merita. Greg Miller, Susie Rickard, Salty Stryker and Ian Williams. Features: Yi-Hsin Chang. Jackie Herskowitz. Thomas King. Mara Lee. Robin Lowe. Kelly Novas. Mary Moore Parham. Kimberty Perry and Winifred Sease. Sports: Mark Anderson, senior writer Jason Bates. Jennifer Dunlao. Jav Emm. Stuart Gordan. Dave Helser. Doua Hooaervorst. Matt Johnson, David J. Kupstas, Mary Lafferty, John C. Manuel, Amy McCaffrey, Bobby McCroskey, David Monroe, Jay Stroble and Carter Toole. rnoiosrapny: Brian jones, senior pnotograpner Mtmnan Anceson, Jamie Barren, Kevin unignen, Andrew wine, aieve txum, bann ron, Horian Hanig, Scott Lansing, Erin Randall, Evie Sandlln, Debbie Stengel and Susan Tebbens. Copy EdltorcAndv Bechtel. Amy Cummins. Michael Gaudlo. Rama Kawall. Jennifer Kurfees. Mara Lee. Vikki Mercer. Susan Pearsall. Jennifer ReW, Christie Saleh, John Staton, Jacqueline Torok, RIckTwomey, Kenyatta Upchurch, Sara Watson, Amy Waller and Nancy West. unpnici: uiip auuorein. Cartoonists: Mandy Brame, Lem Butter, Chris DePree, Jake McNelly, Jason Torchlnsky. Layout Shane Klein, Ian Leong, Headier Modlln, Teresa Rucker and Sheila Terrell. Edltorlai Product! oa: Stacy Wynn, manager, Usa Reichle, assistant Distribution anal Priming: Village Printing Company The Daily Tar Heel is published by the DTH Publishing Corp.. a non-profit North Carolina corporation, Monday-Friday, according to the University calendar. Callers with questions about billing ordlsplay advertising should dial 962-11Mbetvwn8:30a.m.and5p.m.Classlfled ads can be reached at 962-0252. Editorial questions should be directed to 962-02450248. Office: tall 104 Carolina Ualon Campos anil address: CM 5210 koi 40, Caroline Unleo U.S. IM address: P.O. Box 3257, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-3257 There can be no rest until dream is realized for all As a privileged white man born in the South, I could say that Martin Luther King doesn't mean that much to me. If anything, his teachings would seem to pose a serious threat to my way of living. In govern ment, in the workplace, in the home white men have never had to live in fear of racism or sexism. They have never, had to fear walking alone on the streets at night or drinking from the wrong water fountain. But as a white Southern man who happens to be gay, the teachings of Martin Luther King take on a whole new meaning. You see. Dr. King was not only a crusader against racial injustice. He fought against injustice in every form. He believed in equality for all people. Many African Americans would have pre ferred that King had limited his fight to the racial front. Who could blame them? When King took up the battle cry against the Vietnam War, American policy in the Third World and apartheid, there was still much progress to be made right here at home black men and women were still being lynched in the South, and many universities continued to flaunt all white enrollments. But King had a broader vision. If he argued for equality, he couldn't just advocate equality for blacks. If he demanded justice, it couldn't be for a select few. King knew that no man or woman could be completely free until everyone was free. No one can be truly liberated until we all are. The battle for equality and justice cannot end until the last person fettered by the bonds of oppres- Cullen Ferguson Editorial Page Editor sion is set free. Since King's death, much progress has been made toward disarming the weapons of racism. There are laws weak though they may be that prohibit discrimination against people of color in the workplace, in housing and in the armed forces. There are powerful organiza tions that look out for the needs of racial mi norities. King would be pleased with the posi tive steps that have been taken. But if King were alive, he would not be satisfied. There are many battles left unfought, not only for people with skin of a different hue, but also for the countless others who suffer from oppression. Whether they are women, the dis abled, or the homeless, there are too many people who still know injustice. There are too many people who are still in need of Martin Luther King. Homosexuals and bisexuals are among those people. There are those who profess to uphold the ideals of Martin Luther King but would like to exclude people like me from the dream he meant for everyone. My culture is not natural, they claim. My ways are not their ways. Even the Bible speaks out against me, and who can argue with the word of God? Perhaps without realizing it, they utter the same words oppressors have used for genera tions to justify slavery, discrimination, oppres sion. They make the same arguments that have been made throughout history to place one person under the dominance of another. They use religion as a weapon against a whole class of people, just as religion was once used to justify slavery. Friends of Martin Luther King have said King would have taken up the cause of homo sexuals and bisexuals if the time had been right. And now that the time has come, there is a need for men and women to rekindle his dream. There is a need for people to realize as King did that justice is for everyone. For selfish reasons, I can't help but wish King had lived to see this day, to help me fight my Tight. I cannot serve in the armed forces to defend my country. I can still be Fired from my job or kicked out of my home just because of a trivial difference. There are no Constitutional amendments protecting me. My battle has only just begun. I can't help but fear there will always be a need for Martin Luther King. People seem to need a reason to hate: They ' seem to need someone to feel superior to; Will there always be someone to grind beneath our heels? For the sake and memory of Martin Luther King and all he stood for, I sincerely hope not. ' Cullen Ferguson is a junior journalism ma jor from Charlotte. Police Roundup invades privacy of individuals To the editor: I suppose that in this day and age nothing should shock me. How ever, the Police Roundup section seems a bit no extremely absurd. I seldom read more than the educational section (the fun nies); now, I remember why. Is it standard practice to inform the entire reading public of arrestees (who are, if our judicial system hasn't changed, INNOCENT until proven guilty) as well as victim's names and ADDRESSES? I seri ously doubt that these victims sign a release to allow the publishing of the place where they sleep at night. Isn't this an invasion of privacy or a failure of our police officials to protect U.S. citizens fully? On Jan. 15, there is published the name and address of a man who said the suspects assaulted him with their hands and feet." Heaven forbid his assaulters are able to read; if they can, it's unlikely they would decide to pay him a visit at his house. Yeah, right. That s not all. Let s even em barrass these guys who happened to get caught performing "fella tio." Hey, let's even print their names and addresses so you can go to their homes and really "rag" on them. I do have one question, though: Don't the "officers" who witnessed him performing have anything better to do?? Well, they did manage to arrest those sinful young people "with underage pos session of a malt beverage." Yes, we can pick on them, too; their names and night location are in the paper. Maybe I'll even write them a letter tomorrow. RENEE CARRELL Senior Economics Columnist reminds all to keep the dream alive To the editor Thank you, Erika Campbell, for a column ("Service brings life to Martin Luther King's dream," Jan. 15) that shows why heroes are so important, why continuity is a must and why community strength is vital for everyone. Your memory of the church service honoring Martin Luther King Jr. should re mind people of peaceful change and the steps that still need to be taken. ANU MANNAR Senior Journalism Philosophy plays role in evolution theory To the editor: I agree with Mr. Buie ("Cre ationism merits no place in science class," Jan. 13) that "creation sci ence" should not be taught in schools. But I think that he is being naive when he implies that evolu tion is an ordinary theory that is "repeatedly subjected to intense scrutiny and re-evaluation." Scientists are people too, and every person views and interprets the world through a particular phi losophy. Evolution is at least as much philosophy as science. From my own experiences, I would ar gue that it is much more philoso phy than science. The philosophy of Darwinian (and neo-Darwinian) evolution is scientific naturalism. Michael Denton, a molecular biologist by trade, wrote "Evolu tion: A Theory in Crisis" to show how the evidence for evolution is now even less compelling than in Darwin's day. (Darwin himself admitted his theory was full of holes, but thought future fossil dis coveries would give greater evi dence for it. This has not been the case, however, as Denton lucidly illustrates.) Philip Johnson, a Ber keley law professor, has recently written the book "Darwin on Trial" that, in addition to investigating the evidence for the theory, looks at what he calls the "religion of Darwinism" and how this comes to be taught in schools. Both books are excellent, though Johnson's is less technical and probably more suitable for a general audience. Mr. Buie and others who teach science may be interested to know there is a packet distributed by the American Scientific Affiliation called 'Teaching Science in a Cli mate of Controversy," revised most recently in 1989. The ASA is a group of Christians in science who are not advocates of "creation sci ence" and who think the theory of evolution is an open question in this time of dogmatism about evo lution, that can be rather refresh ing. Their address is P.O. Box 668 Ipswich, MA 01938-9980. GENEGODBOLD Graduate Biochemistry Creationism myths fail scientific evaluation To the editor: Mike Kruger, in his letter ("Evo lution, creationism both religious theories," Jan. 15) attempts to de fend teaching creationism along side evolutionary theory in science classes. Apparently an earlier let ter by John Buie ("Creationism merits no place in science class," Jan. 13) suggested that creation ism is religion and evolutionary theory is science, on the grounds that creationism is "untestable and unsupported by direct physical evidence." Mr. Kruger then re sponds that the same can be said of evolutionary theory. There are a couple of issues here that need to be disentangled. First, we should note that, regardless of how creationism developed, it is an attempt to explain how the vari ous species got here, and, thus, it can be evaluated as if it were a scientific theory. To some extent, then, creationism and evolution ary theory are on the same footing: Both are attempts to explain facts about the world. Second, although it is, perhaps, true that neither of the theories in question is easy to test via "direct observation," (though it's not clear what this really means), the mis take Mr. Buie makes, and which Mr. Kruger exploits, is to contend that it is the possibility of such "direct observation" that demar cates good theories, or scientific theories, from others. While "di rect testability" might be a desideratum of theories, many sci entific theories are supported only on the basis of what might be called "indirect observation," or, for in stance, by how well they cohere with other theories that are dis confirmable on the basis of direct observation. However, whilecreationism can be evaluated as one would evalu ate a scientific theory as theo ries go creationism is an appallingly bad one. There are quite a number of creation myths that come down to us from ancient peoples, most involving gods and demons and the like; in some sense each one represents a possible ex planation of the appearance of life on earth. The problem with such myths is not so much that they are unscientific, since there is no clear demarcation of the scientific from the nonscientific; rather, the prob lem is that when we subject them to scientific evaluation, they are invariably found wanting. The Christian variety of the creation myth is no exception it fails because if we treat it as science, it fares very badly indeed. In an at tempt to answer the question of "how did squirrels and so forth get here, anyway?", the creationist essentially answers: "Well, its magic, see. A god did it." Unfortu nately, this explanation is com pletely unsupported by the rest of what we know about the world. Among the problems with such an explanation is that it pushes the real problem back a step, forcing us to then ask: "Where did the god come from? How did hesheit evolve?" On the other hand, evo lutionary theory coheres extremely well with other things science has discovered about the world, in par ticular things we know about chem istry, molecular biology, popula tion genetics and the like. While it is true the fossil record does not show many transitional species, the "punctuated equilibrium" va riety of evolutionary theory ac counts for this reasonably well. Christian creationism, on the other hand, is prima facie incom patible with the fossil record, given that there is no mention of dino saurs and so forth in the Bible. The reason Christian creationism has no place in a science class is not so much that it is unscientific as that it fails so miserably when sub jected to scientific evaluation. It might be used as an example of bad scientific theorizing but, then, there are many other creation myths which could also be stud ied, and there is no reason to privi lege that one in particular. WILLIAM MAX KNORPP Graduate Philosophy
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 21, 1992, edition 1
8
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75