To the Editor:

This letter is in response to “Owed an apology” written by Amy Shell and published on Page 4 on Nov. 2. 1995. I have very intense problems with that letter, and I know that I am speaking for many other people in the “colored community,” as Amy put it (as if our skin is colored with crayons). I have four concerns that I hope Amy will address:

1. What specifically are you angry with society about? Be blunt. If it is that white America has stereotyped the black man as dangerous which caused your fear, say that. Because if that is it, I have a response for you. Now that you are an adult, you cannot blame society for how you feel any longer. You have the power to make your own decisions. If you choose to think like “society,” then do not blame them. That is your fault. If that is not why you hate society, then whatever your issue is, just say it. Do not be scared!!

2. What was the purpose of you writing that letter to the editor? Was it just to apologize to the “colored community?” If so then…

3.Why are you asking for an apology back? Who specifically is supposed to apologize (I hope not the “colored community”)? Who is “society” (I think you meant white America because they are the ones who started the stereotype)? Why do you think they should apologize?

Who is “all of us (that should be the “colored community”because the stereotype is against us)?” In other words, we, the “colored community,” are due a sincere apology from white America for falsely stereotyping us.

4. If you did not think that “‘Black men are going to hurt me'” then how was that fear there nonetheless? That is a contradiction in itself!!

I tell you why I want an answer to these questions. First of all, you are studying to be a elementary educator. I would hate for you to instill these values into the children you have contact with (for example, that just because a person is a woman and is white, she cannot “help the stab of fear that raced through” your body!. Secondly, you put a lot of effort into describing your journey home on that particular Sunday, but you did not put any energy into explaining any of my concerns. However, all of my questions naturally follow after reading your article, especially from a member of the “colored community.” So if you can please answer these questions, it will make us, the “colored community,” feel much better, and maybe we can be “less threatening” as if it is our fault that you are scared of us.

Monic J. Muldrew

Sophomore

Mechanical Engineering