Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1998
Handbook scenario could be misleading
This letter is in response to the article, "Handbook offers minority students guide to life on campus," which appeared in Thursday's edition of The Daily Collegian. The article begins with the statement, "Imagine a white student at the University of Ghana. Walking around campus or sitting in the classrooms, it would be a struggle for the student to blend in, fit in or feel comfortable."
Marc Levey, an author of the handbook, creates this scenario to
encourage whites to consider what it feels like to be a member
of the visible minority. Unfortunately, all he succeeds in doing
is promoting misconceptions about Ghana and minorities in the
United States.
Last semester I studied abroad. I was a white student at the University
of Ghana. Although my fair skin and blond hair made me quite noticeable
on campus, I NEVER struggled to fit in or feel comfortable.
Hospitality is a very important aspect of Ghanaian culture. Individuals
recognized that I was a foreigner, so everybody wanted to ensure
that my stay in Ghana was enjoyable. My classmates were interested
in getting to know me and learn about my culture.
While traveling throughout Ghana, the people I met would graciously
invite me into their homes to share in their meals. When lost
in Accra, the capital of Ghana, strangers would stop to offer
help, then escort me to my desired location.
These are just a few examples of the hospitality I encountered
while in Ghana. My experiences are very different from the experiences
of visible minorities in the United States. Marc Levey's depiction
of Ghana is totally misleading.
It is important for whites to consider what it may feel like to
be a minority in a nation controlled by the white majority. This
should not come at the price of misinformation.
I encourage all students to take a class in African or African
American studies to better understand these issues. Understanding
will come through education, not imagination.
Laura A. Hennessey
junior-African and African American studies
Students must urge budget approval
As most of you are already aware, Gov. Tom Ridge proposed in his budget a $9.4 million increase for Penn State and about $17.5 million for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants statewide.
The 3.25 percent increase that we receive is a definite improvement
from past years and will almost completely cover the University's
basic operating costs.
Furthermore, the $17.5 million that will allow for 1,700 more
PHEAA grants will be a help for many struggling students. However,
we must not forget that this is an election year, which may account
for the governor's "generosity."
Keeping that in mind, the state legislature must approve Gov.
Ridge's proposal, probably sometimes in June. In the meantime,
student have the opportunity to help acquire that funding by taking
the initiative and voicing their concerns to "the powers
that be."
It is a fairly simple thing to do: Call a legislator from your
home county, E-mail them, write them a brief letter or ask your
parents to. If you need help finding who to contact, I can be
reached via the feedback form on the Council of Commonwealth Student
Governments World Wide Webpage (www.clubs.psu.edu/ccsg).
If you are an out-of-state student, you are not helpless. You
can also write a letter or an E-mail as a concerned Penn State
student.
There are 70,000 students within the Penn State system. If half
of you, a quarter of you or one-eighth of you make an effort,
it will not be ignored.
Beth Dombroski
CCSG Director of Governmental Affairs
