Published on Monday, April 7, 2008

Flavor columnist was justified in his critique

By LETTER WRITER

First, to clarify, Patrick Battle’s opinion piece was not a review of the Apollo talent show; thus, the standard procedures of writing a review were obviously not applicable to his editorial. Some readers seem to have a problem understanding that. His main purpose was to broach the subject of the overt ignorance that has stricken our campus, its source unfortunately stemming from a portion of our black community. As a black male, I was deeply concerned by the events Patrick Battle observed at the Apollo “talent” show. They are a deeper reflection of the ignorant behavior that sadly defines a good portion of the black community here.

Sometimes, I admit, I am ashamed to be in the presence of certain fellow black students who behave with overt ignorance in public view. There are times that I wish I didn’t go to school here so that I could avoid being associated with this particular group of blacks who seem so intent on disparaging the image of our people. I understand that many of them do not know better, and that is probably the worst tragedy of all.

My parents are also appalled at the clientele the school has chosen to fill its ranks; they are appalled that their son, after leaving home to go to place of learning, is surrounded by the same behaviors that plague the worst areas of Chicago.

Many African-Americans here are very intelligent and respectable; however, it is those who drag down our community that must be singled out and criticized for their actions until they decide to comport themselves in such a manner as to reflect their deservedness to attend an institution of learning. There is no sensitive way to present this issue, and I’m glad that Patrick Battle had the courage to broach this topic.

David Sky
Junior, international politics, economics