Pertaining to the October 24th article, “We’re tired, and we’re tired of being tired”:

Like Kyle Pierce, I am an Illinois resident. Living most of my life in Rockford, I would agree that our area, very close to Chicago, was definitely diverse. However, I would contend that the racial tensions and conflicts at ISU are common to cities and campuses all over the nation. The assault on Deantrious Mitchell was a blatant and inexcusable act of violence; however, we must not judge all “whites” on the injustice allegedly committed by a few.

I commend the university on its efforts to encourage a more diverse campus. I believe diversity is healthy and can promote respect for other cultures. That remains true only if there is the right attitude. In Sarah Wolf’s article, Kyle Pierce is quoted as saying, “So my whole outlook on racial issues just totally changed because I would rather assume that [whites] are bad instead of assuming that they are good. I hate that that’s the way [ISU] has changed me.”

I sympathize with the animosity that Kyle Pierce has dealt with as a former BSA president; however, his attitude is the type of temperament that breeds the racial tensions that he so adamantly opposes. If we are to be a diverse campus, we cannot be judging each other by color or as an ethnic group. We must consider each person as an individual.

Iowa State does have a racial problem, but as Meron Wondwosen said in Wolf’s article, ignorance breeds ignorance. ISU students need to respect each other as human beings, and then form their opinions on each individual. My life is committed to respecting and loving others, but I would rather not be assumed “bad” because I am a blond, blue-eyed Swede.

Matt Christensen

Junior

Mechanical engineering