Skaters deserve respect from UNM's community

Editor,

Perhaps it is the distinct click-clack of a skateboard riding over the seams on a sidewalk that reminds me of childhood summers. Or, perhaps it is the memory of that beat-up skateboard at the door that always meant my brother was home. Or, perhaps it is the surge of pride I felt when my daughter asked for a skateboard for her birthday - a gift I never would have asked for as a little girl. Or, maybe it's simply the joy I find in watching the skateboarders on campus, who actually do pretty amazing tricks when they aren't just going to class. Whatever it is, there is nothing wrong with skateboarding. In fact, it is probably a fairly positive activity for kids and college students to engage in.

Of course, I was shocked and disgusted to hear about the man hit by the skateboarder, who didn't even have the integrity to stop, help and apologize to the man. However, whether we like it or not, idiots come in all shapes and sizes on all types of transportation. Skateboarding isn't any more dangerous than any other way of getting around on campus. A friend of mine was recently hit by a car while at a crosswalk on campus, but we don't talk about banning cars. I've seen more bike and pedestrian wrecks than those involving skateboards, and we don't ban bikes on campus.

It is true that UNM is a community, and that means all types of people have to live together and get along. We should not consider banning activities, ideas or people we don't like; rather, we should strive to become more tolerant. A few inconsiderate and dangerous skateboarders do not warrant banning them all. There are many activities and groups on campus that may be considered dangerous or simply distasteful, but they are part of the community, too.

We should focus on encouraging respect and condemn those who lack it. We must not condemn a whole group of people for the actions of a few. How do we expect to garner respect from a group that has never been shown it?

Please, skateboarders, don't run over people, and if you do, make sure they are all right. And nonskateboarders, try to find appreciation for those different than yourselves. Try to find tolerance, and we will all be better off.

Andrea Cooper

UNM graduate student