Nothing to Fear

To the editor:

It is obvious when opinions, such as those expressed by 
Frederick Martinson and William Moore (November 1994 and 
February 1995 Iowa Stater, respectively), originate from a 
place of ignorance and fear. Multiculturalism is simply the 
view that the various cultures in a society merit equal 
respect and scholarly interest. So what is there to fear? A 
more balanced work force and society? A wider array of talent 
and contributions? A more full/ accurate education and 
historical context?

Arguments against multiculturalism are filled with tremendous 
ironies and hypocrisies. For example, Martinson and Moore 
spoke of the "agenda" and victim mentality of people in 
support of multiculturalism. However, the only agendas and 
self-pity I observed were their own. Under-represented groups 
find little comfort in the fact that programs and services 
exist to address inequity and would like nothing more than to 
see the day when all people really are considered equal and 
such programs and services are no longer necessary. It is not 
the under-represented groups that exclude, create the 
inequities and maintain the need for such programs. On the 
contrary, the very people who are most opposed to the concept 
of multiculturalism are the same individuals whose words and 
actions most illuminate the need for multicultural 
initiatives and maintain their momentum.

To Mr. Martinson and Mr. Moore, I can only say that humanity 
is not well served by oppression and that power, in its true 
and positive sense, is not gained through the cowardly act of 
disempowering others. If the value of multiculturalism still 
eludes you and you naively believe that white, heterosexual 
men account for all the discoveries and contributions in 
science, math, engineering, history, agriculture, law, 
education, medicine, literature, the arts, etc., I suggest 
you go back to school. You still have volumes to learn.

-- Melanie McCulley (MS '88), Troy, N.Y.

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