I don't understand why so many people like Ed Goldenberg, whose letter appeared in Friday's opinion page, have such a problem with terms like African American. Do they not acknowledge that ethnic diversity is a major feature of our country, and do they want to hide that fact? We should strive to recognize and celebrate one another's differences as a source of strength and beauty instead of trying to homogenize our communities.

Racism and discrimination continue to shape the American experience had by people of color. Consequently, even if a person wasn't born in Africa, Asia or Latin America, his or her heritage could play an integral role in his identity. If your background is key to your sense of self, then why not include that in whatever you choose to call yourself. There should be no problem with a person feeling connected to his roots.

Racist crimes, like the heinous threat directed at a black student leader, serve to divide communities far more than a little ethnic pride. If those people who waste so much time trying to convince everyone to refer to themselves as just plain American would spend that energy fighting racism, then Penn State would be a much safer place.