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Opinion | Targeting ignorance with ignorance

Cordelia Moore, moorecb2@muohio.edu

It's a sad day when a state institution finds itself compelled to interfere in the private affairs of its students by publicly reprimanding any activity that would hinder the university's path to political correctness. Who could have imagined that the same institution that supports freedom of dialogue has somehow smiled with favor upon words and actions which cut to the heart of precisely what Miami University students aim to cherish: their role as responsible individuals in a world that is in a state of constant ethnic evolution. It is the marginalization of the Miami students that is most offensive about these various letters and declarations by the university. In seeking to clear the administration's name, these self-appointed crusaders have narrow-mindedly divided the Miami student culture far more than a 222-attendee party could have ever accomplished. Congratulations. Perhaps next we should focus on toga parties, as they stereotype and create a culture of ignorance surrounding the ancient Greek and Roman cultures. After that, I'm sure ugly "holiday" sweater parties should be on the list for making fun of the fashion choices pursued by middle-age balding white males. I believe Green Beer Day dishonors all native Irish and Oktoberfest parties marginalize German culture. While we're at it, perhaps the local dining halls wouldn't mind re-naming some of their food. Oriental Vegetable Blend, San Francisco Vegetable Blend, Singapore Pasta and General Tso's Sauce all seem a bit outdated to me. Finally, I would appreciate it if Ms. Mosely-Howard would send out an e-mail evaluating my personal choices uptown and how they reflect negatively upon the university since it seems as though her job description now includes critiquing what Miami students do while not under affiliation with the university. These e-mails, letters and declarations target ignorance with ignorance. It should be obvious that administrative comments rationing the amount a person can support or not support a tradition is a direct restriction on speech. It is no different from a declaration limiting the way a student can spend his or her time outside the classroom. To be told professors are "allowing" me to make personal choices uptown, "allowing" me to skip the class that I'm paying for and acing, "allowing" me to use the crosswalks constructed to be utilized for students, "allowing" me to exist as a non-homogenized piece of Miami culture is quite frankly disturbing. I was not aware the Miami administration and professors existed as Big Brother to benevolently permit the actions of Miami students. The rationale that whatever a student does even outside of Miami's grounds will always reflect back on the university may be true when applied to school organizations, but once the entire administration sees fit to follow me home and play watchdog to my out-of-Miami experiences, I draw the line.