What follows is an e-mail correspondence I received in response to my last column "Diminish your own stereotypes by learning black culture," which ran on Feb. 23. While it is a somewhat unsettling reality check, it's important for us to know what's going on in our community, and learn about the views of our neighbors. I have decided to include the entire first e-mail I received from this individual, so that you may decide for yourself what to make of it.

Ms. Hennessey,

I have read your "article" today in the Collegian. Admittedly, I am far from being surprised that a race traitor of your sort has presented an asinine and preposterous idea like yours. I am insulted, livid and yes, opposed to your forceful attack. I am white. I am proud of this. I am aghast that you dare force your perverted view on white individuals. I see no tragedy in not understanding the black culture based on crime, laziness and a gangster mentality. I am personally disgusted by the hordes of whites who have adopted this nigger mentality. The nigger attempts at creating music and invades white America with their subversive violent culture. Dare not impose upon me the task of learning and understanding an underdeveloped, asocial, evil race.

You are plain and simply deceived by the animal nature of the nigger. Of course news and movies pound the characteristics of crime, irresponsibility and laziness ... because the black "culture" is plagued by such realities. What percentage of our population do these miscreants comprise? What percentage of the prison population do blacks comprise? I doubt the excuse of poverty and racism excuse this!

White America, Asian America, etc … without the black factor maintains the lowest crime rate in the world, the best health care and the best economy. Factor in your bucks and coons and we rank behind many world powers.

Sadly, feeble-minded and weak-willed white trash like yourself are defending these barbarians, probably sleep with them, defile yourself and perpetrate their propaganda. I just want you to know … want to reassure you … that I am just one among many white patriots who are determined to fight and oppose people like you and your sick and twisted ideas. We will never submit to the black hordes; we will never be subjugated by your sort who champion the cause of those creatures … as long as we have power and exist:) your articles and platitudes about diversity and multiculturalism are useless…KEEP TRYIN'":) the Patriot

During the past few weeks I have struggled with the most appropriate way to deal with this situation. My first reaction, which stemmed from fear, was to ignore it, as if a response would somehow validate the views of "the Patriot." It wasn't long before I recognized that fear is often the most powerful tool of individuals like this -- and I wasn't about to bend.

I then wrote back to the Patriot, requesting that if he had concerns with my column then he should write a letter to the Collegian. The Patriot refused, stating, "The only way that Americans like myself and the legions I represent will be respected will be thorough warfare and violent resistance."

After my final response, when I told this individual that I would be including portions of the e-mails in my next column, I never heard from the Patriot again. Did I foil his plans to keep me quiet? Have I successfully used his own words against him? Or have I done just the opposite? Have I given this single person the power of many?

I have also struggled with the thought that I am wasting my time thinking about how to fight against these extreme and blatantly prejudiced views. Just how much power do people like this have? Should we do more to combat the subtle institutionalized racist discrimination that individuals struggle with on a daily basis? Is it all the same evil? And how do we fight against it?

These are not rhetorical questions. Your voice has power. Use it.