Editor,
The letter by Peter Lynch published in the Daily Lobo on Tuesday regarding separate ceremonies and events based on race raises a valid question: "Are you doing more harm than good by these actions?"
It took many years and great courage to finally end the injustice of segregation based on race. Now it seems to be making a comeback. By having a separate ceremony based on race, you are promoting the idea that these people are different. You are stating that it is beyond the norm for these individuals to have achieved these honors.
By celebrating with others, you promote the idea that these individuals are the norm in society, not special within their race. What does a child perceive who asks why is there another graduation ceremony?
Not even the child, the teenager or the young adult sees something made special because of race. Since the event is given greater prominence, you are stating that it is not normal. It promotes the idea that you are less because of your race.
I am not proud of an African-American or a person of Hispanic heritage getting a degree. I am proud of the person who demonstrates dedication and perseverance to achieve.
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Those who do so should all be praised and honored, not separately based on race but collectively as a society. And the automated response to any question on such activities - "You're a racist" - is quickly growing old.
If you cannot objectively engage in serious debate about an issue, then you do a poor service to academia -- unless you are pursuing a political career and are developing your I'm-a-victim mentality and polishing your rebuttals based on name-calling and attacks.
Luke Marczak
CNM student
