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Opinion
 

Letters to the Editor

Sleep-out's purpose misconstrued

To the editor:

As coordinator of the AMSA Premedical chapter's Sleep-out commented on in Monday's issue, I want to present information faithfully. 

The event did not occur Nov.16 because of circumstances beyond our control. No one slept outside the M.D. Anderson Library or "brought tents, snacks, and sleeping bags … pretending to be homeless" to the effect of camping. We apologize for any inconvenience this cancellation caused and hope students will join us in the spring for this event.

Moreover, the purpose of a sleep-out is not to give participants the impression that they know what it is like to be homeless or to offend homeless persons. The event provides students the opportunity to become aware of and contemplate the reasons why individuals become/are homeless and the difficulties and emotions they face daily. We intend that students bring only the items they feel are essential. However, security and food/restroom access are measures, endorsed by the University, that ensure the safety and well-being of our participants and will not be compromised. We are aware that this event does not directly benefit the homeless; it is purely educational.

Coming closer to understanding the homeless experience is possible and worthwhile, especially for students of a university surrounded by disparity. Developing such empathy should be encouraged, not avoided for fear of being politically incorrect. And, while donating clothing and hygiene products is helpful, cultivating a deeper and truer understanding of the problem we seek to reduce breeds the ability and motivation to affect greater change. This event may only last one night, but what students take away will serve them and their community into the future.

Michelle Tang
biology senior and UH-AMSA Premed Chair of Community and Public Health

Column a little too atheist

To the editor: 

And I thought I was a cynical atheist. Austin Havican's column "Feel free not to celebrate this year" isn't the way to go if you want to talk about being an atheist during the holiday season. 

Not-so-subtle hostility towards religious celebrations and beliefs (and especially the Christian type, I notice) is never a good way to approach putting a point across. Holiday consumerism may be "sicken[ing]," but if you get right down to it, most Americans don't love Christmas solely because of shopping and getting gifts. 

As a fellow atheist, I love Christmas because I love spending time with my friends and my family. I love getting people gifts and sending cards. If gift-giving turns into a disappointing "obligation," then it's probably because you approach generosity and affection with such a cynical attitude; gifts are supposed to be about showing someone you love them enough that you want them to be happy. 

Capitalism may have removed the Christ from Christmas, but at its core, it's still about the same goodwill toward men (despite their religious affiliations or lack thereof) and love that I never learned about in church. That doesn't mean I can't be generous and loving around Christmastime instead of contemptuous and pessimistic.

Kerry Ingram
Graphic communications sophomore

Letters to the editor are welcome from all members of the UH community and should focus on issues, not personalities. Letters must be typed and must include the author's name, telephone number and affiliation with the University. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, language and space. Letters may be delivered in person to Room 151, Communication; e-mailed to dclettrs@mail.uh.edu ; or faxed to (713) 743-5384.