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8The Daily Tar HeelMonday, March 23, 1992 Established in 1893 I jT year of editorial freedom Peter Wallsten, Edtor DACIA Toll, Managing Editor STEVE POUT!, University Editor SHEA RicCSBEE, Editorial Page Editor Amber Nimocks, City Editor ANNA GRIFFIN, State and National Editor Warren Hynes, Sports Editor BETH TaTUM, Features Editor Amy SEELEY, Copy Desk Editor ANDREW Cline, Photography Editor Jennifer Dickens, Layout Editor Alex De Grand, Cartoon Editor VlCKI HYMAN, Omnibus Editor Editor in chief's office hours: Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Sbuljahs speech detrimental to race relations Sister Souljah would have been better suited to give a speech during Racial Divisiveness Week, if such an event existed. Wednesday the rap artist gave the keynote address for Race Relations Week, an annual event sponsored primarily by Students for the Advancement of Race Relations.' Sister Souljah's message did not fulfill her role as keynote speaker for Race Relations Week. By defi nition, a keynote address expresses the message of the sponsoring group or the purpose for the occasion. At the very least, a keynote address is supposed to set the tone of the gathering. But Sister Souljah's speech met none of these expectations. SARR succeeded in bringing a well-known speaker to the campus by inviting Souljah (born Lisa Williamson), a member of the rap group Public Enijmy, to speak. According to Essence magazine (December, 1 99 1 ) "Souljah is best known as a soul-stirring public speaker who never shies away from controversial statements on racial issues." Wednesday evening was no exception. Campus Y leaders believed she was appropriate because of how she' challenged listeners to think. Certainly that is valuable, and no one should dispute her right to express her opinions. Yet her message was not an appropriate keynote address for "Unity Through Diversity," the theme for Race Relations Week. Organizers of the week may not have known cxadtly what she was going to say, but they were very aware of her motivations and primary messages. For example, Souljah has said repeatedly that she be lieves blacks in America are at war. At war with whom? It's clear that Souljah's declaration of war is aimed at whites and other races in America. S ARR believes that "acceptance and appreciation of cultural diversity are imperative if racism is to be eradicated," according to the Race Relations Week pamphlet. It is impossible to be accepting and appre ciative of a group with whom you are at war. Souljah criticized the very foundation of events such as Race Relations Week and the recent coalition protests outside South Building. Souljah said the only reason African Americans should participate in concert with other races is if there is a tangible benefit for black people. SARR Co-chairwoman Genie Walker earlier de scribed the group as pluralistic and multicultural "It's not just black and white, she said. Souljah sees more distinct dividing lines. In her speech, she made clear that any reference to "we' meant only blacks. This week, Campus Y and SARR representatives will meet to schedule at least two open discussions on racial issues, with a focus on Race Relations Week. Ideally, these discussions will explain the reason ing behind choosing a keynote speaker that has a very different if not opposite message than the event itself. It is clear that Souljah's notoriety did not make up for the confusion she created about the true meaning of Race Relations Week. Israeli election reform could ease tensions ::Despite the inflammation of violence that is jeop ardizing the Middle East peace process, recent elec toral reform in Israel may prove to have a positive effect on long term peace efforts. In short, the electoral reform approved by the Knesset, Israel's parliament, on Wednesday pro vides for the direct election of the prime minister. Although national elections are set for June 23, the new law will only take effect beginning in 1996. The demand for instituting such reform rises from the growing frustration among many politicians and the Israeli people over the government's increasing deadlock in setting policy, especially foreign policy. The root of this problem is Israel's hyper-multiparty system. ' Because Israel's two largest parties, Likud (now in power) and Labor, can never carry a parliamentary majority large enough to form a government, they are forced to form coalitions with various other political parties. As a result, small religious parties can back out of coalitions, taking away a coalition's vote of confidence and possibly cause the govern ment to fall. This gives such parties a disproportion ate amount of power. In addition, these religious parties' undemocratic influence ties the hands of any prime minister in forming policy. For example, Prime Minister Shamir presently refuses to compromise on the construction of settlements in the occupied territories because of several religious parties' threats to withdraw from the present governing coalition. By making the prime minister more responsible to the people than to coalition members, the new law will provide him or her with more flexibility in carrying out domestic and foreign relations policies. Regarding Middle East peace efforts, one would hope the electoral reform will encourage the prime minister to reconsider proposals such as "land-for-peace" and direct negotiations with all Arab states two themes that largely have been suppressed and discredited by the overbearing influence of tiny religious parties in coalition governments. It is tempting to blame Shamir for Israel's refusal to compromise on settlement activity in the occupied territories and its timid role in the Middle East peace process. However, the undemocratic power allotted to fanatical religious parties is equally at fault. The new electoral law addresses this issue and should have positive long term effects for both Israel and the Middle East. UiPWiMHElHIItegJ Buttons and advertising: Kevin Schwartz, directorgeneral manager Bob Bates, tdvertisina director. Leslie Humphrey, classified ad manager Allison Ashworth. business manager. Basinets staff: Michelle Gray, assistant manager Glna Berardlno, and Laurie Davis, office assistants: Chrlssy Davis, promotions manager. 'Classified advertising: Amy Dew, Becky Marquette, Lorrie Pate, Leah Richards and Jennifer Terry, representatives.Cha6 Campbell, production assistant Display advertising: Ashleioh Heath, advertising manaoen Milton Arris. Marcle Bailev. Laurie Baron. Robert Lee Carson. Carrie Gradv. Anaela Grav. Joanna Hutchlns. lynne Sandridge, Brooks Spradling, and Ginger Wagoner, account executives; Michelle Buckner, Jessica Frank, Pam Horkan and Mariea Miller, assistant account executives; Charlotte Weaver, Nlckl Blair, proofreaders; Sherri Cockrum, creative director. Mvenising proouciion: dim Leslie, managersystem administrator; Anita uentiey ana Lorne rate, assistants. ', Assistant editors: Anne Michaud, arts coordinator; Dana Pope, city; Jennifer Ounlap and JoAnn Rodak, copy; Karen Dietrich, edit page; Yl-Hsin Chang, featow.Chip Sudderth. graphics coordinatorMAue Long, Omnibus: Stewart Chisam. Eric David and Brvan Strickland, sports; Rebecah Moore, state and national: Birch DeVauiL Martv Minciiin and Bonnie Rochman, university. Newteiem: Kevin Brennan. Edltarlsl writers: Ashley Fogle, Adam Ford, Steve Harris, Alan Martin, Mike Murray and Mark Shelbume. University: Michael Bradley, John Broadfoot, Megan Brown, Shannon Crownover. Deborah Greenwood. Heather Harreld. Valerie Holbert. Teesha Holiadav. Kathleen Keener, Chandra McLean, Jenny Mclnnis, Maricia Moye, Jennifer Mueller, Anuradha Seth, Maria Sweeney, Jennifer Talhelm, Marcy Walsh, Jon Whisenant and Michael Workman. Crty: Tiffany Ashhurst, Jennifer Brett, Andrea Bruce, Kim Cable, Maile Carpenter, Andrew Clint, Carol Davis, Julie Flick, Chris Goodson, Christy Hardee, Jackie Henhkowib, Grant Holland, Emily Russ, Kelly Ryan and Brendan Smith. i Slate and National: Eric Link, seniorwritiniom Boyer, Alisa DeMao, Tare Duncan, Brandy Fisher, Gillam Hall, Vickl Hyman, Karen Lakey, Laura Laxton, Brian McJunkin, Lars Munson, Adrienne Parker, Jason Richardson, Bruce Robinson Pete Simpkinson and Chris Trahan. The-Oallv Tar Heel is published bv the DTH Publishing Com., a non-Drofit North Carolina corporation. Mondav-Fridav. according to the University calendar. Callers with questions about billing or display advertising should dial 962-1163 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Classified ads can be reached at 962-0252. Editorial questions should be directed to 962-02450246. ; Ca'mptt mall address: CBI 5210 boi 49. Carolina Union Office: Sails 104 Carolina Union U.S. Mall address: P.O. Bos 3267, Chapel Hill, HC 27818-3257 jfW -111 -III IH iu fmtgmmrMl R1CE RELATIONS . nebk: UNITEV W STAND... XfDZVED WBFAU." On ; SISTER "rwtaTW: SOULUHH with oeeuzNd- ACT: AFMPGE SereK-h;o Vow. NEXT VE4J?: "ArmrHExv: TW eyypeeWTD soc3.au TO Fear of changing stifles imaginative lifestyle I used to have a hard time just driving by his house. Until one day last De cember, it had been my house, too, my first real home away from my par ents' home. Earlier in this semester as I would approach the house, I would tell myself not to turn my head to look. Now, more than three months after he broke up with me, the little yellow house in Carrboro has become a seamless part of the scenery. All the invisible meanings and im ages attached to the house have become secondary. Things like that Saturday I sat with him on the porch in the sun and dried my hair in the breeze while he lured a wandering cat. The evenings I would hear his crunching footsteps com ing closer and closer down the gravel driveway. And the moment he held out his hand and asked for the house key back. But these days, passing the house doesn't force the memories and desola tion on me. It amazes me that this change has happened. The week after the breakup, right after finals last semester, I could not stay away from the house. It didn't make sense that I didn't live there any more. Nearly every day I went there to hear his voice and to look at him. He would let me in, and I would sit in the sunny living room in a deep, nest-like chair and cry. He would tell me that I should put on a good face and go through my day as if I were fine. All this crying and despera tion was pointless, he would say. I never took his advice, but I kept going back there, partly because I was hoping for an answer. He never said why "it felt right" to him to end a relationship that had lasted nearly five years, although I can guess plenty of reasons. The main purpose of seeing him, this ' man who had changed his mind about Arati Korwar Plunging Into Traffic wanting to live out his life with me, was for some transition. I couldn't figure out how to manage this sudden, monstrous hole in my life. How could I be expected to go from eating dinner while watching the news every night with him, stopping by at his office on the way to the library and sipping coffee in the mornings to gether to not seeing him at all? Not only had I lost the structure of my present daily life, but I'd also lost a cornerstone of my future. I went from having a future husband, in this time when it seems that all of my friends are getting married, to being at Square Zero. Change is one of the recurrent things in life, like rejection and falling in love. You have to learn to deal with them because they will keep showing up. The people who can deal with change when it presents itself are the ones who can truly pursue their happiness and growth. Those who fear change tend to lead static and complacent lives. I know people who don't leave jobs or careers they hate because they are afraid of what it would mean. Leaving their friends or family behind, losing the daily rhythm of ajob, moving to a strange city with a different subway system or becoming a student again after many years are so terrify ing that they settle for incompleteness. Some stay in romantic relationships because they are afraid there might be no one else for them or because it is difficult and scary to meet people. My ex-boyfriend and I used to say, "Isn't it great that we found each other? Now we don't have to be single and be 'out there' anymore." Fearing change also can mean lead ing a less imaginative life. When I was with my ex, I had one vision of what I would do after I finished my degree. I would to go to whatever university town he got a job in and work as a journalist there. After a while, I would go back to school for my Ph.D., and the two of us would be happy academics forever. I never even thought of mov ing to a big city or going off to India for two years because that meant he would not be a part of my life. So, oddly, I have to thank my ex for ending our relationship. I will never again lull myself into believing I'm immune from a breakup. And though I cried a lot for two months in public and private places, lost my appetite and had sad dreams, and though I can't live in my little yellow house, I'm better off in many ways. I've made some extraordi nary friends whom I might not have known well otherwise. I found out what things I had been doing to please my boyfriend and what th ings I real ly cared about. My mentor and good friend in Massachusetts Maddy Blais told me at Christmastime that soon I would ap preciate being alone. She said that spending almost five years with some one is no great feat because five years is really not a long time. I thought that she was being callous then, that she'd lost touch with what it means to love and lose because she's married and has kids. But three months later, I think she's right. I may be at Square Zero, but it's not such a bad place to be. When I doubt this, seeing all the springtime lovers around, I remember a couplet from my friend Derek Powers' newest poem: 'Tumble gently prosper guess Rise to swallow life's unrest." Arati Korwar is a graduate student in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. il'S. 1.1 ill j'WawllJk -I.V.t 'Fascist' remarks should be prohibited on campus To the editor Recently there has been a great deal of controversy over inappropriate and offensive remarks made by the elected fascists in our university community. This must stop, and to combat this, we have compiled a few suggestions to purge our campus community of any wrong-thinkers: 1. Make political correctness a pre requisite for admission that way UNC will have a student body with a homoge neous train of thought the correct train of thought! 2. Establish a University committee (we will be willing toco-chair) in charge of finding those persons who say mean things. This committee shall be called Search and Destroy." 3. Ban or bum literature that hurts anyone's feelings well, anyone's feel ings as long as their feelings are like our (the campus community's) feelings. 4. Require indoctrination sessions for any current students whose thinking does not fall in line. S. Force all homophobic students to be friends with at least two homosexuals. 6. Allow students to associate only with those who are politically right thinking (political correctness will be determined by a standardized test). 7. Make more political cartoons ridi culing those right-wing fascists who dare think out of line (boy, those will NEVER get old!) We think that by following these simple rules, our campus can be one that is truly open-minded, "liberal and will ing to embrace all sorts of diversity as long as they're not too different. WESLEY DEATON Freshman Journalism CHRISTOPHER MCGEE Freshman Political Science Bible records Jesus' claim that he was true Messiah To the editor: This letter is in response to Paul Jensen's March 18 letter, "Christians misinterpret life of Jesus of Nazareth." Mr. Jensen makes several errors in his statements concerning who Jesus claimed to be. First, Mr. Jensen states that Jesus never claimed to be a Messiah while he was still alive. In fact, there are several instances recorded in the New Testament when Jesus acknowledges that he is indeed the Messiah. In Mat thew 1 6: 1 3-20, Mark 8:27-30 and Luke 9:18-22, the disciple Peter calls Jesus the Messiah, or Christ, which Jesus ac knowledges to be true. In Mark 14:60 64 when Jesus is facing crucifixion, he is asked by a high priest if he is the Christ and answers unequivocally that he is. Mr. Jensen also says that Jesus never would have claimed to be God, and that "there is no place in the New Testament that attests to the doctrine of the Trin ity." Once again, the Bible gives evi dence to the contrary. In John 10:30, Jesus claimed, "I and the Father are one," and in verse 38 of the same chap ter, he says that "the Father is in me, and I in the Father." Also, in John 5:16-18, Matthew 9:3, Mark 2:5-7 and Luke 5:20 21, Jesus is castigated by Jewish au thorities for personally offering the for giveness of sins and thus making him self equal with God. Finally, in Mat thew 28:19, Jesus commands his dis ciples to go forth and evangelize in the name of the Trinity. The point of this letter is not to rebuke the points made by Mr. Jensen, who was no doubt earnest in the beliefs he es poused. Rather, it is to encourage him and every one of us to consider seri ously the claims Jesus makes for him self in the Bible. It is every individual's right to reject Jesus as Saviour if he or she desires, but one should not base such an important decision on faulty notions of who Jesus himself claimed to be. CHUCK WILLIAMS Senior 1 History GSU rally to advocate health insurance funding Editor's note: The authors of this letter are co-chairs of the Graduate Students United. To the editor: In these times of rapidly rising health care costs, health insurance is a neces sity, not a luxury a necessity that many graduate students cannot afford. (On average, at least a tenth of our annual stipend must be devoted to meet ing the costs of health insurance an amount that is prohibitive to many graduate students who must also pay tuition, rent and other expenses out of this stipend.) Graduate students orga nized GRADUATE STUDENTS UNITED three years ago to address the issues of salaries, benefits and working conditions for graduate students at UNC. One of these issues has always been health insurance. At the begin ning of this academic year, GSU mem bers voted primarily to focus our atten tion on convincing the University to provide health insurance coverage for all graduate student employees. We are not asking for anything ex traordinary in seeing health insurance. Under our country's health-care sys tem, employers are expected to be the primary providers of health insurance benefits. The University employs graduate students; therefore, it should provide us with health insurance ben efits. A number of other public univer sities, such as the University of Wis consin at Madison and the University of Minnesota, already provide such coverage for their graduate student employees. The full faculty council has unanimously endorsed a resolution in support of our proposal. We recognize the present financial constraints on the University. How ever, we believe that this money can be found, and we call on the University administration to work with us to find the funds. GSU is holding a rally today on the steps of South Building at noon to publicize this issue. We urge the Uni versity community to attend. ROBIN LORSCH Graduate Classics KATHY NASSTROM Graduate History Letters policy Letters should be limited to 400 words, although longer letters are accepted. Shorter letters have a bet ter chance of running. The DTH reserves the right to edit letters for space, clarity and vulgarity. I
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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March 23, 1992, edition 1
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