I am extremely disappointed in our community's response to Julia Sharpe's recent article ("June bug," Feb. 9). And though Meredyth Gilmore's "Biting Back" (Feb. 11) definitely shines some light on the story beneath the 50-something Cavalier Daily Web site comments and excessive letters-to-the-editor, I think we need to look even further.
To be honest, I do not in the least find the article offensive. The thing is, I just refuse to judge someone merely for sharing a perspective or an opinion when it is done so free of malice.
Sharpe was narrating a travel experience and reflecting on the impact of this trip. I am impressed with the fact that she took noted time to reflect at all. A more superficial traveler would offer no consideration for her cultural impact.
We cannot expect every student to be a scholar on African socioeconomic history or be so learned as to be able to nail down the exact socioeconomic impact of her role in this picture. We can expect, however, to be impressed by someone's honest attempt to make sense of a cultural experience and comprehend one's place in the world. That act is admirable indeed - and I am not just saying that. The Cavalier Daily, in publishing this article, acknowledges, if anything, the intellectual quality that can be found in sincere personal reflection.
But what can we say about the extensive jabs at Sharpe's intellect and morals? Admirable may not be the word. Hordes of students who have never met Sharpe are calling her ignorant. I have not met her, and will pass no judgment, but I am absolutely positive that ignorance is not her only quality, be it a quality of her character at all.
In talking to her, I am sure that I would find someone kind, mature, and at least as much human as the rest of us. One article can in no way be a damning testament to the whole of someone's [or some publication's] character and intellectual maturity. It does not speak much to our intellectual maturity to ream someone with only 500 words worth of her world views and opinion. I am sorry, but somehow, I just do not quite think Sharpe is the ultimate world enemy in the fight for racial understanding.
I agree with what Gilmore has already said: We should all take this opportunity to look in the mirror. This unproductive Hollywood Roast of someone in our own community speaks volumes about our own moral character and frankly, immaturity.
What are the motives behind such a relentless attack at someone and some publication?
Have we done so to prove how oh-so-much we know about the world?
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