2008 Woodie Awards
Combat racism with education rather than with trivial actions
The Editorial Board
Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: Opinions
So just when we thought the Forrest Hall debate was over, it returns with a vengeance. Granted, from a slightly different perspective.
MTSU, and later the City of Murfreesboro, will host informational lectures on Nathan Bedford Forrest. Sadly, the historical facts surrounding the Ku Klux Klan and Forrest went all but unnoticed last semester as Student Against Forrest Hall petitioned to remove the war general's name from the ROTC building.
Regardless of whether the university decided to hold the lecture due to a Nov. 20 Sidelines editorial board ["Hasty Forrest decision causes more problems than it solves"] that encouraged informed discussion on the matter, we applaud the initiative.
In fact, we think all the students who signed their names on the initial petition to have the building's name changed - all the real names at least - should feel obligated to sit through the lecture. If students are going to nobly stand up against tyranny and racism, they should at least make an effort to be informed on the matter they so fervently oppose.
These days, it seems, all one has to do is cry "racism!" to get attention and possibly cause change. Judging by the statewide media coverage and reaction of the MTSU community and administration, Students Against Forrest Hall were very aware of the fact.
It's likely that the group was more interested in proving a point than changing a supposedly offensive name.
No one wants to be labeled a racist, especially a distinguished university in the South. But racism in the United States today is like the elephant in the room. We all know it's there, waiting patiently in our not-so-subconscious to pop out and be quickly politically corrected away.
Should we then adjust our history and portrayal thereof to fit the hypersensitive P.C. nature of the 21st century? It seems as though we already are. Indian mascots are being removed from schools, terms of reference to race are being eliminated and official apologies are being issued.
However, in the long run, how many problems is this solving? Perhaps it is just enabling Americans to ignore the said elephant for just a little while longer rather than facing and eliminating it head-on.
At least for now, MTSU has the right idea: Combat racism with education rather than ultimately insignificant actions. We can only hope it sticks.
MTSU, and later the City of Murfreesboro, will host informational lectures on Nathan Bedford Forrest. Sadly, the historical facts surrounding the Ku Klux Klan and Forrest went all but unnoticed last semester as Student Against Forrest Hall petitioned to remove the war general's name from the ROTC building.
Regardless of whether the university decided to hold the lecture due to a Nov. 20 Sidelines editorial board ["Hasty Forrest decision causes more problems than it solves"] that encouraged informed discussion on the matter, we applaud the initiative.
In fact, we think all the students who signed their names on the initial petition to have the building's name changed - all the real names at least - should feel obligated to sit through the lecture. If students are going to nobly stand up against tyranny and racism, they should at least make an effort to be informed on the matter they so fervently oppose.
These days, it seems, all one has to do is cry "racism!" to get attention and possibly cause change. Judging by the statewide media coverage and reaction of the MTSU community and administration, Students Against Forrest Hall were very aware of the fact.
It's likely that the group was more interested in proving a point than changing a supposedly offensive name.
No one wants to be labeled a racist, especially a distinguished university in the South. But racism in the United States today is like the elephant in the room. We all know it's there, waiting patiently in our not-so-subconscious to pop out and be quickly politically corrected away.
Should we then adjust our history and portrayal thereof to fit the hypersensitive P.C. nature of the 21st century? It seems as though we already are. Indian mascots are being removed from schools, terms of reference to race are being eliminated and official apologies are being issued.
However, in the long run, how many problems is this solving? Perhaps it is just enabling Americans to ignore the said elephant for just a little while longer rather than facing and eliminating it head-on.
At least for now, MTSU has the right idea: Combat racism with education rather than ultimately insignificant actions. We can only hope it sticks.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Matthew Hurtt
posted 3/25/07 @ 10:15 PM CST
Gosh... this is beautiful.
Nick Zamudio
posted 3/26/07 @ 5:38 PM CST
When are the lectures? Will there be a debate forum?
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