An interesting thing happened to me today. A very cold day drove me to take the bus, and I occupied one of the two remaining seats. The next stop just so happened to leave a black woman looking for a seat with the only one remaining next to me, a white male. She approached, and I moved myself and my belongings aside to allow her to sit. After a second she muttered a quiet "I'd rather sit with one of my own people."

What exactly does that mean? Though I think this comment was racist, it does not constitute racism. I personally believe Americans should be colorblind and judged solely on achievements and personality. Incidents like this certainly do put an ironic spin on things. On both sides of the fence, there are embarrassments. The Collegian publishes some of these. Most cases, there are drunken, confused or just plain stupid students saying things, both directly and indirectly, that embarrass people from their entire group. We often make the mistake of letting the outspoken few represent us as a whole.

This is just such a case. Last week, Mr. Tsai wrote in to say he was proud of being Chinese despite receiving insults. I commend him, for not associating his antagonists with their groups as well as maintaining his dignity and not letting it affect him. I don't feel this is a racist incident; rather, I simply had to deal with stupidity.