I am reading many letters about how people think “racism” because someone used the word “squinney” and someone else misinterpreted the meaning of it. As an Asian-American not native to this land, I have trouble with many English words and their true meanings. English has double meanings for many words, and I could see how the individual could get offended. But calling the ISU community “racist” and criticizing the Daily for what it stands for is the wrong thing to do. The meaning of the word might be offensive, but as a racist slur? I don’t think so. Sure, racism does exist and people stereotype people every day, and I admit to being guilty of stereotyping people. I think we all stereotype and use offensive slurs every day.

If you called this incident racism, then this should apply to white people too. Calling someone a redneck, hillbilly or a hick should be considered racism too. I hear these words almost daily, and why does no one bring this to others’ attention? Why, when we make fun of white people and call them those names, does nobody say they are racial slurs? But when we use similar words to make fun of minorities, then it is a racial slur? Many of you don’t know this, but the so-called minorities are the “major” minorities now.

So why are we as the minorities are still riding the “minorities” train? I congratulate that individuals that have the courage to speak out. Because speaking out and educating people is the only way to eliminate bigotry and racism. But misinterpreting an English word for a racial slur, or calling it racism, is the wrong way to approach it. “Squinney” might be an insensitive word if you put it in the wrong context or misinterpret the word, but as far as a racial slur or being described as racism? Probably not. Because after all, it is another way to say, “Hey, there is a chipmunk,” or a “squinney.'”