To the editor:
Initially, we thought the problem with Frontier Fiesta was the name, but now we are coming to believe the problem extends beyond the event's title.
The name "Frontier Fiesta" can mean many things, and the more people there are to interpret it, the more meanings the name can have. Some people say, "It's just a name - it doesn't mean anything."
But words are symbols we use to describe everything - events, places, others and ourselves. Symbols are important. Most of these same people will argue against flag burning. But flags, like words, are symbols, descriptors, and in this country we are supposed to be free to use those symbols or descriptors in any way we choose, as long as we do not infringe upon the freedom of others. And the name of the event now called Frontier Fiesta should be OK, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.
A frontier is "a new field for exploitative or developmental activity," something to be conquered or tamed. An innate part of conquering is oppression. The two cannot be separated. And, indeed, pairing the words "frontier" and "fiesta" imply that this is a celebration of conquering and, thus, oppression.
The "indiscretions" of the event go beyond the name. In his column, Steve Thomas mentioned horrors such as "painting faces black and having slave auctions."
In trying to defend the event's modern form, Thomas says it is better because it "has morphed into a beer-swilling, ass-grabbing, barbecue-eating good time." The very fact Thomas would say "ass-grabbing" as if it were a positive thing is regressive and oppressive because it says the disrespect of others' bodies is acceptable.
Further, he equates this with fun. Disrespectful behavior is not fun - it is a serious problem in today's society. It seems the event has created and continues to create oppression.
Also, his statement that people should "forget about the thousands of years of victimization (they) have suffered" is preposterous! This statement trivializes genuine and painful experiences. His continuation is even more inappropriate: "You can continue the letter writing and anti-everything Anglo campaign next Monday."
This statement denies the validity of the remarks of the respondents. It says their grievances have no foundation or substance except for a need to blame or complain.
A frontier is also "a line of division between different or opposed things." The UH community has come to this "line of division." There is a choice to be made: We can either regress or progress. The oppression engendered by Frontier Fiesta is regressive, and if we want to progress, we need to change the event.
Whether this means "simply" changing the name (the symbolic
representation of the event) or the event altogether, some sort of change must take place before we can put this problem to rest.
Hanh Nguyen
senior, creative writing major Kathryne Lane
junior, creative writing major
To the Editor:
What bugs me about the entire Frontier Fiesta debate is that those organizing and in favor of it are not listening to the needs of those they claim they are representing (the student body).
I am sure we can all concede that, bloodshed or not, arriving to some new Frontier is never a peaceful procession. I am also sure we can concede that UH's Frontier Fiesta also does not wish to perpetrate the ideas of any type of hostile takeover (even though, in many respects, it does). It is simply a party.
But why participate or belong to an event if thoughts of denigration of sexism, racism and rape are conjured up?
This university claims to be liberal and open to the roles of different diversities and their needs, so why marginalize their perspectives/claims when they are voiced?
Mr. Thomas needs a class in cultural sensitivity. It is because of people like him that we need to raise our concerns towards events that aren't diversified. What Mr. Thomas doesn't see is it isn't a question about "catering to the needs of a particular ethnic group" but a need to cater to all groups, especially if the event is to cater to all UH students.
This debate, may I add, is not about UH's ability to keep score. I do not even think that is the issue. The issue is cultural/ethnic/gender diversity overall!
I think it is very hard for those who do not belong to any particular minority group (race, gender, age, sexuality or otherwise) to see and understand the needs of those who do belong.
Astonishingly enough, Mr. Thomas may be correct in claiming that the problem lies in the title of the event and not the event itself. "Frontier Fiesta," in his eyes, may be simply to drink beer and eat barbecue, but in doing that all participants must feel they are welcome.
We talk about racism and other types of discrimination and how much has changed, but we're still arguing. It is obvious to me that many things still aren't being addressed.
I don't think much will change until all of us are willing to deal with the different types of discrimination all the time. Until now, most of general America has dealt with these issues in a more sporadic form, when the issue is more obvious, like national murder cases, national radio or televised outbursts.
But what about behind the scenes with friends? Do we laugh at racial/ethnic, homosexual, gender identity and age jokes? When we hear a racist (or any other discriminative form) comment, do we sit there, immobile and idle because it isn't about us, and allow the comment to slide by?
If this continues as it has, change will only be superficial and the real work will continually be delayed!
Rachel Ann Gomez
senior, accounting
To the editor:
The Daily Cougar has shown a remarkable ignorance of the history of this country and the world in their Campus Spotlight on April 9.
The Cougar lists a number of historical events that occurred on that day, but glaringly ignored one of the most important ever to occur: the surrender of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. This event, which closed four years of the bloodiest war in U.S. history, marked by the end of slavery, 600,000 dead and, later, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, was omitted by the Cougar in favor of celebrity birthdays and sports trivia.
Next time, I suggest The Daily Cougar do more research before insulting this country's history with glaring historical omissions.
Chris Danielson
junior, history
Editor's note: We apologize for any inconvenience this lapse may have caused. By the way, since there's no "this day in history" in Campus today, we thought we'd point out for all you history buffs that on this day in 1934, Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead became the proud parents of a baby boy, Alexander (or, as he was known then, "Baby Dumpling") in the much-beloved comic strip "Blondie."
To the editor:
I often wonder if writers like Arik Wolf use derogatory language to describe others for mere sensationalism. His descriptions of people attending the March 20 NOW meeting remind me of similar descriptions of feminists presented by Phyllis Schaefly in the 1970s.
One reason women (and men) join organizations such as NOW is to combat the stereotypes presented by Mr. Wolf and his ilk. The ideological intent of "tattoos and flesh-piercing silver," "gentle flower of femininity," "demonization of men" and the assumption that women's natural roles are found in the domestic arena is to combat the power of women and make "feminism" a dirty word.
As long as voices of oppression (no matter what their gender) exist, women and men will resist, both as individuals and in groups.
Janice Haynes
UH alumnus and adjunct faculty, School of Communication
To the editor:
I was encouraged by Al Greenwood's article in the April 14 Daily Cougar about missing 12-year-old Laura Smither from Pearland.
Along with my father and sisters, I have been a part of the effort to find Laura since the Saturday after her disappearance. It has been a long, frustrating search with little evidence of Laura's whereabouts to show for it.
I awaken every day and ask myself if I should get out and continue searching or give into my frustrations and quit. Then I think of how I would feel if it were my little boy.
I know I would want the whole world searching for him, no matter how long it took, so I go and pass out flyers, not allowing myself to think the worst for her sake.
I never knew Laura, but I feel I owe her my best effort to help find her. How can I allow myself to give up hope when hope may be all she has left if, in fact, she is still alive?
Thank you for the article. Laura needs all the help she can get.
Michelle Mower
junior, communication