Re: Misunderstood Irony

I hope you don't leave the list.  It's important to have a diversity of
views--how else can we learn anything unless we listen to different
perspectives?

I think the students selling those ribbons and raising money for the Red
Cross are honestly trying to do something positive in response to this
awful tragedy.  At the same time, it is true that the number of different
ribbons and colors can be confusing.  You would have to have a rainbow of
colors on your shirt or blouse to support all of these causes.

But right now, most people have one subject on their minds--the loss of
so many people's lives this week.

One more point: Can't we be patriotic Americans and also recognize that
we are members of a global community?  In a vigil on campus, my Chancellor
today pointed out that this tragedy should not cause American students to
feel hostile towards all international students.  We cannot generalize,
that leads to the kind of stereotyping that placed Japanese-Americans in
camps during WW II.

My patriotism is one based on America's  noble principles that make this
country so great--with liberty and justice for all.

Rachel, please continue sharing your thoughts and continue the dialogue.

Glenn Hutchinson
Charlotte, NC   

On Thu, 13 Sep 2001 Rigolinr@aol.com wrote:

> Everyone, 
> This is my last post as I have been told my views are not welcome. 
> My earlier post about our great men and women who risk their lives through 
>service to their country was meant as a critique - - not of those men and 
>women - - but a critique of the academy, where patriotism is usually viewed 
>with suspicion. No one has even suggested we wear American flags instead of 
>ribbons, which in light of what has happened seems somewhat curious but par 
>for the course among "educated" people such as ourselves. 
> The truth is that thousands of inncent men, women, and children were murdered 
>precisely and only because they were Americans. 
> Talk about hate crimes.
> Rachel Rigolino
> SUNY New Paltz
> 
>