I would like to respond to Brittany Moore's assertion that racism is not prevalent on our campus ("Racism not prevalent among PSU students," Sept. 29).

It is worth noting that it is difficult to give much credence to a response to the column which dismisses differing, yet valid views as idiotic.

Perhaps what Moore fails to understand is that racism isn't limited to offensive slurs and hurtful jokes based on unfair stereotypes.

As Mei noted, it is also the sub-conscious and often unintentional assessments we make just by looking at the color of a classmate's skin.

It is the unwillingness to leave your comfort zone and embrace difference.

Accepting this as true isn't easy or fun; it means addressing shortcomings and making fundamental changes. It means having to put yourself out there.

The alternative, however, is to continue to ignore the social divides on the Penn State campus, which currently offers a level of diversity that many of us are unlikely to ever experience again in our lives.

I hope that Moore and others who dismissed Mei's article as the raving of an "idiot" take the time to really consider what racism is, and how they can begin taking advantage of Penn State's unique social setting.

While I was the first in line to disagree with Mei's column last week, I would like to thank him for confronting this issue in such an insightful and thought-provoking manner.