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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 7, 1994)
mmm Page 8 The Battalion Monday, February?, Quanell X, Alpha Phi Alpha inspire reaction • To my concerned friends, students and faculty of Texas A&M University, be well aware that there have been dis crepancies in the covering of the Quanell X speech. Be also aware that you have been misled in the intent and topic of our speaker's message, which was "Do For Self, Or Suffer The Consequences." Recent articles have only extracted minute portions of Mr. X's speech and perpetrated them as if the speech was a racist one. If you know the Nation of Islam and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., you would know and understand that neither organization has any racist roots. In con trary to what The Battalion depicted, we are not the hand that lit the match to blow up race relations. Race relations have been here since 1876. It is programs, like ours last week, that combat this problem by giving a different perspective of a much talked about topic. Before making thoughtless comments or hasty judgments, I ask you to please open your mind and hear the entire speech of a guest speaker of Alpha Phi Alpha. Please do not let differences in opinion overshadow fact and truth. To the writers in the Mail Call section, I am not at all upset by your comments, but I do wish that you will devote the same energy and fire into understanding what Mr. X was really saying. Also, I hope that anyone who comments on our pro grams are there to hear them personally. Don't get it from The Battalion! with the right of all Americans to their freedom of speech. Without any attempt at becoming deep and insightful, I would simply like to offer my comments to my fellow Aggies. If a predominantly white fraternity, or any other organization for that matter, invited a speaker who contin- ually degraded any racial or ethnic group, there would be an uproar on campus. The fact that the University sponsored such a speech, whether indirectly or not, shows a severe lack of judgment on Texas A&M. I believe that Quanell X's statements were in extremely poor taste, and anyone who degrades others based on race or ethnicity is ignorant. Ags, racism is ignorance. advocated the superiority of the black race through violence. Whenever some one inspires hate in an individual, they also inspire violence. It's terrible to think what can result from one man's prejudice and ignorance. Let history be the lesson. I'd like to say to the Alpha Phi Al pha's that it is extremely embarrassing that a group affiliated with a university supporting multiculturalism can also support a bigoted presentation of racial superiority. When will you understand that it's not about black and white? Our country is about Americans; our school is about Aggies. Matthew Somers Class of'97 Chad E. Coleman Class of '94 Accompanied by two signatures Kenneth Robinson Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Editor's note: The views expressed by Quanell X do not necessarily reflect the views of Alpha Phi Alpha. • I am writing concerning the speech which was sponsored by Alpha Phi Al pha, and given by Quanell X at Rudder Tower. I would first like to preface this short letter by saying that I fervently agree • Quanell X in my opinion is a poor excuse for a leader, and I cannot under stand how anyone could follow such a man. It is very disappointing that our university or any affiliated organization would sponsor such a vile and racist presentation. Quanell X was quoted as saying, "The present generation of whites need to turn the injustice of their parents around and make a joint effort in pulling us together, otherwise get out of our way." It is comments like these, and placing blame for the past on today's genera tion, that cause separation of the races. He speaks of togetherness and yet every word he says talks of segregation. 1 have no intention and see no need to apolo gize to anyone for what happened one hundred years ago. The only message he's sending is one of resentment and self-pity. I'll never understand how anyone can support a man who encour ages prejudice by his race and resents the prejudice he inspires against them. A speech similar to his was being giv en more than thirty years ago. The audi ence was a small group of black men dressed in black hoods and robes calling themselves "The Black Panthers." They • I am writing in response to the Jan. 27 article about the visit A&M received from "Minister" Quanell X. I am not sure that the title fits someone who pre sents such a negative message for both blacks and whites. I would only like to get a message across to Quanell X and others who preach negativity — Helen Keller once said, "There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his." This should be remem bered. just as guilty of racism and bigotry as the horrendous perpetrators of the deeds you so articulately condemned. Your statements are riddled with hypocrisy whether you choose to accept it or not. Allow me to clear something up for you. Racism is not something that only whites can practice. It is not exclusive to any race, color, or creed. Let me suggest to you that the best way for us to elimi nate racism is to promote racial or color blindness, not to practice the exact evil that you denounce all whites of perpe trating. Most people understand this, and this is why when you or any other spokesman for the Nation makes such statements, nobody gives you any credi bility. Let me also suggest you take a pil grimage to Mecca as Malcolm X did. Learn the true Islamic faith. Once con fronted with this I believe you would not be such an outspoken racist. Howev er, I doubt you will take the time to go. You would rather remain angry and hateful. It is all you have left. nation" when this is not the case at all. I It's ridiculous that some people! (African, Caucasian, Hispanic, and! Asian Americans) support prejudiced! beliefs. It is not going to get any betted I one keep^s fighting the other - ora; Quanell X would like it, remain separate and apart. We're all Aggies, we're all equal, were all American. Period. That's thewayit should be, and that's the way it is. |Vol. 9c Maggie Smit! Class o/'Se B ]ennifer Weatheri Class of‘it Whose place is it to define good, moral? James R. Staley Class of '95 Lisa Keating Class of '94 • Quanell X , I first saw you two years ago as you spoke and opened for State Representative Ron Wilson. Wilson had come to further efforts for the multi cultural curriculum and to respond to what he called a racist cartoon in The Battalion that had portrayed Wilson in a less than complimentary light. But the theme of your speech was an entirely different topic. You espoused the view point that all white people, including me, were to blame for the plight of African Americans. You traced the steps of America's evolution in discriminating against African Americans to support your claim. There is a lot of truth to what you had said about the dismal record that white America had accumu lated throughout history in its treatment of not only African Americans but other minorities too. But you are wrong today, as you were two years ago, in your categorical and absolute condemnation of all whites. In making such a statement and advocating such a viewpoint you are • The article on Quanell X made me think about the injustices we as Ameri cans are doing to each other today. There is no need to be punished for what people's ancestors ended over 100 years ago. It's amazing how many peo ple seem to have forgotten this. If we agree (which I do not) that descendants should be punished, don't forget Quanell X's. His crude and degrading comments made in his speech in refer ence to some African Americans (for making what he considers a wrong choice) and Caucasian American women (we must be politically correct) definite ly deserve some sort of punishment. I don't understand how he can stand up in front of thousands of people and say he deserves an apology for the wrongs done to "his people" when he himself is discriminating against all who are not African American. He's as much of a bigot as any Klan member I've ever heard of. Americans are Americans and it's very obvious that some people have yet to realize this. What's wrong with an African American attending Texas A&M University? Nothing! However, Quanell X would like all African Americans to attend TSU and Prairie View. Well, if this were the case, who would be to blame? TAMU, no doubt, for "discrimi This letter is in response to al written by John D. Brown. Mr. Brown your grasp on Christian rhetoric isobvi ously very good, but your closemindeo ness and obvious fear of homosexualiti reveal your true character. If you hon estly wish to believe that what someon; is doing is immoral, that is your right But, when you begin to infringe upoi someone else's right to do what thet please in their own bedroom, you ati going against what it means tobea; American as well as a Christian. You wish for all those like you tojoia together and make society a morf wholesome and moral place. Whotb fines morality? Who defines good?lsiti wonderful piece of historical literature (the Bible), or is it oneself? Homosexuals do not pose a physical risk to society; they do not go arouni willingly exposing heterosexuals to their so called "physical risks." Homosexual' deserve no special rights, but they do deserve the right to pursue life and i erty in the manner in which they seefit Just because your church or your preacher may say what they dois wrong, doesn't make it wrong. I myseS am a strong heterosexual, but that doesn't mean that everyone else has to be that way. And what of "god-fearing" peoplea; you call them? It sounds to me as if you live your life in constant fear of forcesot which you have no control. But that lifestyle, Mr. Brown, is your choice,and I will not limit your right to live it. Ryan J. Hensla Class of FOB pleadei sharge: was de Judj oretria said "c rial ur A p< Farrant ff's dej The il, but esters. Hen udge" Hut about ( were ex Two olockec he boi J Monday, February 7, 1994 'k Rec Facility Hotline 845-0731 ★ Read Court Reservations 845-2624 ★ Intramural Rain Out Info 845-2625 ★ Penberthy Golf Range 845-9655 -k Outdoor Equipment Rental ...845-4511 ★ Rec Sports Office 845-71 de Exercise Classes Informal Recreation Instructional Clinics Intramurals Sport Clubs TAMU Outdoors Week At A Glance Mon., Feb. 7 'fc Entries Open: ir Racquetball Singles Slam Dunk Hiking Day Trip Backpacking & Rafting- Smoky Mountains Sea Kayaking - Baja, Mexico Intramurals * * it Tues., Feb. 8 ★ Entries Close; ix Preseason Softball 'k Softball Wed., Feb. 9 ★ Preseason Softball Brackets Posted-3 p.m. Rec Sports presents the Sweetheart Run on Mon., Feb. 14. Free registration. Race T- shirts are available for $6. Teams are two-person CoRec. Participants predict their run/ walk time and the pair with the closest time will be the winners. No watches allowed. Partners do not need to run/ walk together. The course is two miles. Registration is being held in 159 Read, or at the race site, G. Rollie White, at 4:30 p.m. on race day. Winners receive gifts from local sponsors. Listed below are the intramural sports opening for the rest of February. If you need more information, come to the Rec Sports Office, 159 Read, or call 845-7826. Sport Open Close Fee Racquetball Singles TODAY Feb. 15 Free Slam Dunk TODAY Feb.15 Free Eight-Ball Doubles Feb. 14 Feb.22 $4 Free Throw Feb. 14 Feb. 22 Free Horseshoe Singles Feb. 21 March 1 Free Superstars Feb. 21 March 1 Free Outdoor Volleyball Triples Feb. 21 March 1 $20 Badminton Doubles Feb. 28 March 8 Free Handball Doubles Feb. 28 March 8 Free Inner Tube Water Basketball Feb. 28 March 8 $20 Registration and fees are taken in 159 Read, Mon. - Thurs., 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and Fri., 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover welcome. Sport Club Action •V Thurs., Feb. 10 ~k Team Captains’ Mtg. Softball, 5 p.m., 201 MSC Mon., Feb. 14 Happy Valentine's Day! k Entries Open: k Free Throw k Eight-ball Doubles k Rock Climbing Trip k Sweetheart Run, 5 p.m. Late entries to be taken at the site. Meet in front of G. Rollie White. The 18th Annual Valentine's Day Classic hosted by the Texas A&M Men's Volleyball team. Play begins on 8:30 a.m., Sat., Feb. 12. You're invited to see the highest level of club volleyball played in the state. Championship rounds will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m. For more information, please call Doug Hinton, 764-1718. The Triathlon Club will be hosting the Aggie Dualthlon (biking and running event). Race begins at 8 a.m, Sat., Feb. 12 at Olsen Field. For more information, please call Kristine Jerko, 693-0341. PENBERTHY (jOLF RANGE Spring Opening Weekend Special Feb. 10, II, 12,13 Buy a large bucket of bolls for the price of a small bucket! Spring Hours rionday - Thursday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday - Sunday I p.m. - 9p.m. Located west of Olsen Field. For more information and golf range states during inclement weather, please call 545-9655. -- \:V5® v.- Registration for intramural softball closes tomorrow. TAM u 3 0 t d o^ o r S Ca: Listed below are the trips currently open. If you ne^re information. for please call Patsy, 845-3093. Trip Trig-Pate Entries Onen Entries Close Fee ; A ca Hiking Day Trip Feb. 27 TODAY Feb. 21 $10*/12** Chapel Horseback Riding - and farr Big Bend March 12-16 NOW Feb. 28 $318*/333" Ever- Sea Kayaking - Matagorda to light.’ The c the disc Hves of Wildfe Refuge March 17-19 NOW Feb. 28 $193*/205'‘ Backpacing & Rafting - Smoky Mountains Sea Kayaking - May 15-21 TODAY April 25 $225*/270" Baja, Mexico May 21-28 TODAY April 4 $598'ieti" Briar tor of A ’Students & faculty/staff with a rec membership I Thex **Facuity/staff without a rec membership & the Bryan/College Station community