GAMIT Misguided in Goals

   It is chilling that we now live in an environment where insensitively
   chosen comments are labeled by some as possible hate crimes. The
   behavior of those involved in the vandalism of the Tau Epsilon Phi
   house is certainly reprehensible. The list of crimes committed
   warrants the condemnation of the perpetrators. But the ensuing
   fireball of public outrage defies reason, especially since that
   outrage is focused not on the numerous criminal activities, but rather
   on the choice of a single word, "queer."
   
   The fact of the vandalism should be the target of whatever outrage
   people wish to vent. What was written is largely irrelevant in this
   case, especially since you have to be looking for a homophobic slur in
   the expression on the sidewalk to find one. I have heard no complaints
   about the use of the term "nerd," nor do I expect to, presumably
   because either people agree that they are nerds, or if they disagree,
   simply ignore the characterization. In the present case, it seems
   reasonable to suggest that the term "queer" deserves the same
   treatment. The politics of victimization are clearly in control.
   
   Gays, Lesbian, and Bisexuals at MIT wishes to cast this incident as a
   serious attack on lesbigay individuals in a misguided attempt to
   promote its own goals. The incident at TEP was many things, but it was
   certainly not a serious attack on anyone. Suggesting otherwise only
   serves to desensitize people to real hate crimes.
   
   James W. Reiner '94
   

----
Copyright 1993 by The Tech. All rights reserved.
This story was published on  Tuesday,  November 30, 1993.
Volume  113, Number 61
The story was printed on page  4.
This article may be freely distributed electronically,
provided it is distributed in its entirety and includes
this notice, but may not be reprinted without the
express written permission of The Tech.  Write to
archive@the-tech.mit.edu for additional details.