Crimson Responsibility

WITHOUT question, a scholar could write volumes exposing what some may euphemistically label "racially insensitive," or realists may more appropriately characterize as racist accusations and generalizations leveled against minority student organizations in Albert Hsia's editorial of March 9, 1989, "Minority Group Self-Segregation." The points that could be made would undoubtedly be quite valid, yet there is a deeper issue that might be addressed, Crimson responsibility.

A number of articles written by The Crimson over the past few years have borne the scars of inaccurate, and indeed, unskillful treatment of issues pertaining to the minority community. Pieces both this year and last year on Black History Month and an offensive article on minorities written two years ago by the Undergraduate Council President, can be included among their ranks.

The articles and editorials were not based upon fact and, therefore, were inaccurate. Moreover, by failing to verify the contents of the works so as to distinguish between inaccurate subjectivity and objective conclusions drawn from facts, the authors and editors demonstrated a lack of true journalistic professionalism.

Did the editor of the piece not notice the cruel racism implied when Hsia spoke of "normal, integrated activity"? Surely, logic does not demand that a person can only be considered well-adjusted or "normal" when socializing with a person of a different racial or social background. Of course, if that is the case, then there are multitudes of athletes, or professors, who are maladjusted, for many can often be seen dining among themselves.

Unfortunately, it was one of The Crimson's highest ranking editors who was in charge of the editorial page that included Hsia's insulting journalistic effort. If this official of The Crimson, a publication so prestigious as to warrant a feature aricle in the New England Monthly, could allow such an article to be printed, exactly how dangerously uninformed are those of a lower rank who oversee the publication of similar articles or editorials dealing with the minority community? Clearly, this is unacceptable.

AS the main Harvard newspaper and its only daily, the Crimson has an obligation to provide its readership with responsible and accurate journalism. I salute the free press and the important role that it plays in our society. Accordingly, I encourage newspapers like The Crimson to strive for the high degree of excellence and professionalism so vital to the well-being of our community.

In particular, the senior-level editors could participate in a race awareness workshop, not unlike those in which many large corporations engage. Hopefully, this would broaden the editors' perception and interpretation of issues relating to minorities while helping them to distinguish between fact and racist, or "racially insensitive" fiction. To secure facts more adequately, an editorial liason position could be established to maintain communication with minority student groups, so that if an article such as Hsia's should come before the liason he would be able to edit it accordingly.

In addition, a concerted effort between The Crimson and minority student groups could be made to encourage more minority students who are in touch with the minority community to join the paper's staff. Perhaps they could lend a more comprehensive view of stories being covered, as well as assist in the location of factual information.

Of course, these are merely a few suggestions, but they demonstrate the minority community's sincere interest in working with The Crimson and any other group to eradicate misperceptions and inaccurate stereotypes. Although The Crimson does not necessarily have to be a force to increase intercultural understanding and improve race relations, at the very least it must live up to its responsibility to present professional journalism, free of misperceptions and inaccuracies.

Robert L. Henry '90 is president of the Black Students' Association (BSA). Carlos R. Watson '91 is the BSA representative to the Harvard Foundation.