:r 19,1993
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Opinion
Friday, November 19,1993
The Battalion
Page 7
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Does Texas A&M need the
multicultural requirement?
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AGGIE
COLLEGE
DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS
JOSEPH
BRIAN
THOMAS
BECKCOM
Tlhe Faculty
I Senate voted
J. 45 to 27 in fa-
or of U.S. cultures
ind international
equirements ad di
ions to the Univer
ity's Core Curricu-
. The Student
ienate passed a
imilar measure
larlier this semes-
er calling for a 3
lour multicultural
lective.
This sends a
trong signal that
oth students and
iculty as a whole approve of the concept
f multicultural education at Texas A&M.
here is only a small vocal minority who
isagree. It is important to understand that
lese are not multiculturalism classes,
hese courses teach about specific cultural
ackgrounds, histories, and the economic
onditions of individual cultures and coun-
r/es with over 130 courses that meet the re-
uirements. A multiculturalism class
vould attempt to focus on several cultures
nd their collective interaction in one
ourse.
Major corporations hire trained profes-
ionals who specialize in educating their
flow employees about diversity issues.
Additionally, many professional organi-
ations are requiring graduate programs
include multicultural education in their
urriculums. The business world of today
nd tomorrow is vastly diverse and an
xposure to other cultures is extremely
nportant in order to ensure success in
’usiness relations of the future.
Some groups on campus are attempt-
Tg to label multicultural education as an
ttempt to pursue a political correctness
'genda or project false information in the
lassrooms. Nothing could be further
torn the truth. All courses which meet
he requirements of the U.S. cultures and
ntemational cultures requirement are
urrently being taught at Texas A&M.
If any professor even attempts to pur-
ue a political correctness agenda or mis-
ead his or her students, there are proper
hannels already in place to take care of
he situation. Take a moment to look at
he classes, decide for yourself which
'ires would enrich your own education
nd make that decision for yourself. You
nay be surprised by what you learn.
The business world of to
day and tomorrow is vast
ly diverse and an exposure
to other cultures is ex-
[ remely important in order
o ensure success in busi-
less relations of the fu
ture.
It is my hope that the Texas A&M com-
Timity will look at the actions of the Fac-
Ity Senate, Student Senate and over 22 or-
anizations composed of over 1200 stu-
ents who stand firmly behind the concept
f multicultural education. Texas A&M is
iewed as a world-class institution of
gher education with rich traditions.
Well, in keeping with that world-class
htus, it is important to embrace positive
hanges to the curriculum which will en
ure that every Aggie receives a well-
Tunded education filled with a rich
nowledge of the world around them,
exas A&M is taking a major step for-
’’ard into the 21st century and enhancing
s academic reputation.
Take the time to realize that multicul-
ural education gives you a chance to re
size what someone else's background
ud heritage means to them and how rich
°ur own cultural background is with
•story.
,s eph Thomas is president of the Aggie
mocrats
T he College Re
publicans at
Texas A&M
would like to issue
a call to arms to all
free-thinking Ag
gies. The armies of
political correctness
have invaded our
campus in a multi
cultural Trojan
Horse.
They have joined
forces with the lib
eral arts faculty and
have defeated an
outmanned Student
Senate. We must
join forces to halt these insidious individu
als and defeat the Orwellian army before it
is too late.
Perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration,
yet free-thinking Aggies must realize the
importance of these proposed require
ments. Texas A&M stands as one of the last
bastions of free thought and our unique
ness is in dire straits. If we do not voice our
opinions, we will be forced to join the ranks
of "multi-culties," who utilize required
courses to mold formative minds to a par
ticular political path.
True multiculturalism is a
noble concept. Yet, we
must consider two points
before blindly endorsing
the proposal for mandatory
courses. The leaders pro
claim it broadens minds. In
fact it narrows minds.
Harvard has recently been held up as a
model of multicultural mastery, yet closer
examination proves that "multicultural
ism" is deceptive. Harvard has offered an
introductory "women's studies" course
with required readings which include Betty
Friedan's "Feminine Mystique" and Betty
Hooks' "Margin to Center." All of the
books are quality works by quality authors,
yet not one of them is even slightly critical
of the feminist perspective. Harvard de
ceives students and offers them a far left
perspective on women's contributions to
American culture.
True multiculturalism is a noble con
cept. Yet, we must consider two important
points before blindly endorsing the propos
al for mandatory courses. The leaders pro
claim it broadens minds. In fact it narrows
minds.
In the words of Dinesh D'Souza (an In
dian immigrant),"... today's multicultural
curriculum manipulates and amputates the
Third World ... it subordinates the under
standing of Asia, Africa, and Latin America
to Western ideological prejudices ... it re
flects a new cultural imperialism no less
narrow and bigoted
Proponents of the curriculum are using
minorities and multiculturalism as pawns
in order to indoctrinate students into a par
ticular political viewpoint.
We must develop skills that are applica
ble in a highly competitive job market. Cul
tural enlightenment is a valuable character
trait, but will a civil engineer build a better
bridge if he knows the contribution of
Rigoberta Menchu? Will a doctor be better
equipped for surgery if he reads "The Col
or Purple"? We are paying thousands of
dollars to learn job skills, not to be sensi
tized by some holier-than-thou professor.
Multiculturalism is aiming in the wrong
direction. We must concentrate on similari
ties, common experiences and future goals,
not on dividing our campus into a group of
tribal enclaves. We must join together to re
spect, tolerate and embrace the diversity at
Texas A&M as a bipartisan, multi-racial,
multi-ethnic force aiming towards a com
mon goal: the continued success and pros
perity of Texas A&M University.
Brian A. Beckcom is a member of the College
Republicans
For friendship's sake,
don't drink and drive
Friday night some people gathered at
a local bar. There was a great drink spe
cial that night and they all drank,
danced, laughed and enjoyed life.
We've all done it.
It's time to go. Someone asks, "Who's
driving?" "A friend," comes the reply.
Stop! Did you ask if the friend had been
drinking? Did you make sure they had a
safe ride home? Is it your responsibility?
I had to go to a funeral this week be
cause I had a friend that went to a bar
and had a good time.
Two girls climbed into a car and
headed for home, only four miles away.
They never made it.
I didn't get to tell my roommate
goodbye. I want to scream at her, be
mad at her, tell her how stupid it is to
drink and drive or ride with someone
who has been drinking. I want to tell her
she should have had a designated dri
ver, or called a cab or called me to come
pick her up.
Yeah, I wouldn't have been happy
about getting up at 1:00 a.m., but I could
have slept late Saturday. Instead, I was
awakened to learn that my friend had
been in a car wreck and died.
I beg the world to listen the next time
there's a commercial on television or on
the radio saying, "Friends don't let
friends drive drunk."
I want to tell my dearest friend how
much I loved her or how much I'll miss
her now that she is gone.
You never know when your last con
versation with a friend may be.
Please don't put family and friends
through what her family and friends
will be going through for a long time.
Don't drink and drive!
Melissa Wilkerson
College Station
Bonfire originally for
the freshman class
It seems that Cynthia Hernandez,
Barrett Fromme, and the Class of 1994
need to take a little history lesson.
While their sentiment in inviting the
Class of '64 back to campus for this
year's Bonfire is certainly a kind gesture,
and old Ag will tell you that the class of
'64 is the wrong class to be inviting.
Bonfire for 1964 was cancelled (in ret
rospect perhaps a bit unwisely, but it was
an emotional time) due to the assassina
tion of JFK, but Aggie tradition has al
ways stated that Bonfire belongs to the
freshman class for the year it is built.
In other words. Bonfire 1964 was re
ally the bonfire of the class of 1967, and
the Class of '67 is the one which should
be returning to campus. My uncle was
in the Class of '67, and he along with
other old Ags always refer to the Bonfire
as freshman Bonfire.
With all the privileges that the upper
classmen have always received at this
university, it was viewed as one of the
few freshmen privileges to help build
Bonfire and call it theirs. (Remember, 30
years ago when the Corps composed the
huge majority of the student body, the
seniors barely even worked at all at the
cut site; the freshmen and sophomores
did almost all of the grunt work.)
I'm surprised no one in the class of
'64 has brought these points up, but I
suppose I wouldn't argue either if some
one decided to honor me with a bonfire.
Anyway, regardless of the Class of '94's
mistake, I hope everyone at this year's
bonfire has a great time, and that we can
beat the hell outta t.u. the next day.
Brooke L. Small
Class of '94
U.S. firms must enter
global marketplace
In many parts of the world, Americans
tend to have a bad image. They are seen
as ignorant and boastful — always trying
to impose their views on others and
claiming American culture is superior.
After having lived and studied in this
country for more than three years, I
know that this stereotype is wrong.
Many Americans are enlightened, and
almost everyone I have met is curious
about other countries and interested to
learn about my culture.
However, after reading the latest
opinions expressed in Mail Call, I see
there are still people left that fit the
stereotype. It amazes me how strong
the resistance is against learning about
other cultures. I would worry about the
future of American enterprise if every
body had opinions like Mr. McElwain's
in the Nov. 10 Mail Call.
The attitude he portrays is the exact
attitude that has led to other nations tak
ing over in the world market. And to
Mr. McElwain, who claims that if you
are going to work for IBM you only
need technical skills, I would like to say:
Believe it or not, Mr. McElwain, there is
a world outside of the U.S. border. If
you would like to work for IBM (Hint:
the I stands for International), I would
start learning about it right now!
Ninety-five percent of the world's
population is outside the U.S. border,
and still only eight percent of U.S. firms
sell outside the U.S. Luckily, this is
thanging as U.S. firms are beginning to
realize that the world is becoming small
er and that they soon have to b^-able to
compete internationally.
This is reflected in that colleges are
offering more and more international
business and culture classes. Students
should welcome the opportunity to have
their minds broadened and to learn
about other cultures.
As for those who are afraid of having
professors impose their viewpoints on
them who may, God forbid, claim that
other cultures may be just as good as
America's, you should have been away
from Mom and Dad long enough to be
able to form your own opinions and be
thankful for a chance to get educated.
Jan Tore Klepp
Class of '93
French resisted Nazis
in Second World War
You probably have read the column
by Robert Vasquez in the Nov. 9 issue of
the Battalion, discussing the attitude of
French people toward Nazi occupation
during WW II. Like all French students
at Texas A&M, we had to work very
hard not to lose our temper while read
ing this column.
We are very surprised to notice how
many slanderous ideas, which may de
velop hate among different countries, are
contained in an article written by an
A&M senior in journalism. We are also
surprised how a future journalist can base
his comments on facts he obviously did
not check beforehand. Let us state some
basic truths that have been distorted:
Not all German people of that day
were Nazis.
France never built a concentration
camp, although one is located in
France.
The overwhelming majority of
French people of that day were Nazi op
ponents. Most of them joined resistance
groups which suffered heavy losses
fighting Nazis. They also helped U.S.
troops during the Normandy landing.
Our grandfathers were in the Resis
tance during WW II. We are not going to
tell them that someone in America won
dered whether "the French wanted to
exterminate the Jews in gas chambers as
the Germans did."
Gilles Perry
Florian Racine
Graduate students
Not everybody wants
to be awakened early
Now that Bonfire is almost built for
this year, the yellow pots and crew
chiefs will soon stop having loud wake-
up calls. Thus Chad White, the freshman
biomedical engineering student, will not
be disturbed.
But, beginning in the spring semester,
the dorm chaplains and I will blare Chris
tian music for Church wake-up on Sun
day at six in the morning. Hey, we will
even run down the hall and beat our
bibles on the door. Hmmm, would this
make us bible beaters? I am sure that all
Aggies would appreciate this service.
Hey Ags, before you fill my answering
machine with crude remarks, let me ex
plain my sarcasm. First, I am not Against
Bonfire or Christianity, not am I trying to
make everyone go to church.
However, I am trying to make you see
that some Aggies don't build Bonfire.
Thus, they don't want to be awakened by
loud music. And, if you don't participate
in early services, I am sure that you don't
want to be awakened every Sunday at six
in the morning. Finally, for the slow Ags,
No, I am not going to wake you up at six
in the morning next semester!
Thanks Ags, and erect the expletive
outta the log stacks and vanquish the
Devil's home outta The University of
Texas at Austin!!
Gene Kim
Class of '96
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