Cho's Statement Displays Racism

In the article "Student Leaders Want Input Into Dean Search" (news story, Nov. 15, 1994), Alex H. Cho '96, co-president of the Asian American Association, was quoted as saying, in regard to the committee searching for a new Dean of Faculty, "If there aren't students of color sitting on that committee, the pressure to consider candidates of color for that position won't be there either."

Underlying this statement are two assumptions that are essentially racist. The first is that non-minorities on the committee would automatically exclude minority candidates from consideration because they are not of the same "color," and that minorities in turn would automatically push for candidates of the same "color." By this reasoning, one wonder how any minority got anywhere in the first place. The second assumption is that minorities can best represent other minorities--as if "color" determines kinship of views and values monolithically.

I am sure Mr. Cho is not consciously racist. And I am sure he would agree that, given the choice between choosing someone not of his "color" but of his political creed to represent him or someone like, say, me, he would choose the former, Given the choice between Mr. Cho and anyone of any color whose views were less racist. I certainly would not choose Mr. Cho.

If racism is as pervasive in our society as some vocal minority mol-contents say it is, then perhaps, before bothering the rest of us with demands, protests and accusations, they should turn their attention within. --Joseph T. Thai '95