A lot of discussion has risen in the past few days. People assuming money is handed to pay for people of colors’ education simply because they’re not white, the university being too politically correct, white privilege being a thing, and anonymous posters on Yik Yak making negative comments to get imaginary points.

I’m not overly-sensitive, easily-offended, and/or an unappreciative person.

I’m outright furious and sick of it.

Why is it bashed on when minorities want to be able to freely express themselves without side-eye glances or being told to “act American” (whatever that means, I guess to act white and talk English 24/7?) and have it called “complaining”? Yet there are anonymous students on Yik Yak literally complaining on how much minorities supposedly “complain” and making negative remarks about the issues many minority groups bring up but they still get praised and up-voted because #YAASS.

What does that say about Iowa State University?

What does that say about our students and faculty?

What does that say about you?

If you, the reader, are apart of the anonymous posting, or disagree with the LUCHA article or even this one; instead of hiding behind your cellular device or laptop, engage in the conversation. Educate yourself and see if white privilege is a thing (spoiler alert, it is), see how many minority-based scholarships are offered through the university, and see why they’re offered in the first place; learn what political correctness is and what it isn’t, learn to see why these social justice issues that you call “annoying and a bunch of whining” are so prevalent in today’s world.

As much as we wish and want equality, we can’t reach that without having equity, and equity can’t be reached until we start educating ourselves of the social injustices that have occurred since the beginning of time. But that all can’t be achieved if one isn’t willing. I can’t force you to agree with this article, I can’t force you to become an ally, nor can I force you to stop being racist. I can, however, encourage you to participate in conversations so they don’t have to be forced, leading you to write aggressive, negative posts on Yik Yak or a negative letter/comment on the Daily.

Talk to me, talk to us, talk to LUCHA. Talk and listen before you open that tab to ISU Daily or open Yik Yak on your phone. You don’t understand what you don’t know. So take out your headphones and listen.

It isn’t that hard.