UNFORTUNATELY, in Laura Parcells' attempt to straddle the fence in her March 25 column "No steps forward, two steps back," she fell off and bumped her head on Anthony Dick's "imaginary wall of racism" ("Phantoms of racism," March 20). While many of her points were valid - for instance, we need to "find a new way to approach the problem of racism" - Parcells also lets elements of racism manifest themselves in her column.
THIS IS the speech I gave on Oct. 30 at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Office of African-American Affairs. On the first day of lecture The professor instantly recognizes me But then again how hard is it To remember just two or three? Self conscious when I speak - Trying not to make one mistake For fear that everything I say Is representative of the race Classes on my culture Taught by people unlike me I've lived your lectures But I still get a "C"? Constantly surrounded by you And when I want to take a break You misinterpret my cultural pride For white rejection and hate When Jefferson built his Academical Village I wasn't in the plan Although the blood of my ancestors Mowed, plowed and tilled this land I'm not here by way of my own merit But your expectations I exceed Overlooking the affirmative action Of your daddy's legacy When I choose to eat at B.E.T. You call it self-segregation But when you own Rugby Road It's mere socialization My little black boat Navigating this big white sea Racial harmony at U.Va.
