I am writing in response to Carrie Hoover’s column “Separation doesn’t promote unity” (SN 10/25) and Nathan Top’s letter to the editor “Columnist brave to make honest points” (SN 10/28). I was appalled at the bigotry and ignorance these authors presented.

Pretending that racism ended in the 1960s is ignoring the power structure in which we live today.

White men occupy the vast majority of powerful government positions. Students of color are treated differently in elementary and high school classrooms. People of color are subject to racial profiling and job discrimination.

These disparities exist not because people of color are somehow deficient, but because we live in a society that privileges certain groups over others. Therefore, programs such as affirmative action are necessary to combat the daily discrimination and oppression that people of color face at the hands of bigots and those who chose to ignore social injustice.

Support and activist groups for people of color are also necessary to combat discrimination on MSU’s campus. Most of these groups are open to anyone committed to combating racism.

But those that are not open to white people aren’t denying them some unalienable right. It is never the responsibility of the less-privileged group to reach out to its oppressors. Rather, it is the responsibility of those with privilege to educate themselves and offer themselves as allies, if they are welcome.

If you are in the majority and not welcome to participate in a meeting or event, step back and think about it before lashing out.

Natalie Furrow
social relations junior