Letters

Wednesday, November 12, 1997

Letters

LETTERS

Paying attention to those ignored

In MacLane Key’s letter "Ethnic studies for whom?" (Nov. 4) he
states that ethnic studies should be abandoned at UCLA. Ethnic
studies originated because within academia and our society, the
contributions of Asian Pacific Americans, Chicanos/Latinos, Native
Americans and African Americans to the creation of this country are
sorely overlooked. If our education was inclusive to the
contributions of all Americans, there would not be a need for
ethnic studies. It is for this reason that ethnic studies "ignores"
European Americans: As young Americans of all different ethnic
origins, we have no choice but to grow up with an education
centered around the experiences of European Americans. Mr. Key’s
labels of ethnic studies majors are offensive and disrespectful. To
live in harmony Mr. Key demands we live solely in a Eurocentric
society. As ethnic studies majors we recognize difference so that
we can gain mutual understanding and respect, working to transform
our society so that we all can live in harmony to work together,
live together, and be together in a society where all people are
recognized.

Cory Jong

Third-year

English/Asian American Studies

Consider women’s position

This is a response to Andres Chang’s article "Killing fetuses
inhumane" on Nov. 7. I agree that abortion is wrong when it serves
as a kind of birth control. What I reject most about your article
is that you don’t see abortion justified when it comes to medical
issues concerning the mother. This, Andres, would be her choice
since giving birth would mean her life. Once again men terrain
issues about women were they should never venture. If your wife,
mother or sister would die if she gave birth, would you be so
strong in your argument then? I do not think so. If you were a
woman, would you be so self sacrificing as to die to give life?
Haven’t women sacrificed enough in the past trying to gain
equality? Do you want to push women back 50 years in suggesting
that we should just die while giving birth? Are our own lives less
important than perhaps a man’s only chance of offspring? Please
rethink your extreme argument. I know you feel strongly about this
issue, as do I, but enough is enough.

Francesca Heimer

Third-year

Anthropology