I was baffled upon reading Wann’s letter concerning the Essence of Ebony Chapel presentation on Friday.

My difficulty lay in the fact that he claimed the presentation, a comparison of Dr. King and Malcolm X, was an attack on him and all other "Caucasian, middle-class American[s]."   It puzzled me that he could think a piece ending with a song about how people with differing viewpoints should come together and support each other because "we’re all a part of God’s body" could be such an attack. 

I personally thought the message was quite clear: those with opposing opinions ought not to tear each other down or try to hurt each other but rather should recognize they need each other "to survive."  In fact, I think the presentation was making a lot of the same points Wann made about loving one another in Christ without regard for our differences.

If Wann attended the production on Friday or Saturday night, he must have understood that it proposed to portray the many varying influences that have shaped African Americans in the United States over the years.  Of course the production brought up slavery, racism and oppression.  These have been extremely significant factors in the history of both African Americans and of the United States.  I did not feel  these subjects were broached lightly or with an intent to shame or hurt anyone.  They were brought up because of their importance and impact, so simply denying one’s personal responsibility for them does not change the fact they occurred or they have greatly affected who we are as a country.

I do not have a problem with the expression of options. However, I do think that if one is going to criticize another’s ideas, they should at least pay them the courtesy of listening to what they have to say.

Sara Martinez
senior Spanish major from Victoria