To Some, Culture Is Everything

I am writing in reponse to the letter "Celebrate Unity Over Difference," (March 7, 1994). After reading the letter, I was sad and angered to see such an uninformed viewpoint.

First of all, where does Jenkins get the idea that the Asian American Association (AAA) is just one "small ideological step removed from the Ku Klux Klan?" The notion that the KKK is only taking "the next small step," by believing that its view is "superior" is nonsense. I think he is just searching for something that is nonexistent.

How can a person compare an organization that promotes cultural awareness to a predominantly culturally insensitive atmosphere to one that promotes racial superiority through violence and oppression? I do not know of what kind of diluted KKK literature he is promotes a "multicultural society with unique historical determinations and distinctions." Through this flawed comparison, Jenkins attempts only to undermine the understanding that the AAA is trying to promote.

Next, he states that "despite many diverse pasts, we must recognize that we have one present, and one future." Does Jenkins realize that America's demographics are constantly changing, and will continue to change due to the steady inlfow of immigrants from throughout the world? And s a result of this immigration, the rich culture added to this country will not be denied, and the homogeneous "present" and "future" he calls for will not be merited.

"Celebrate with me, and those who still cherish justice, freedom, and quality the unity that transcends petty difference," I do not believe that the AAA, nor myself, has ever lost the desire for these ideals. I do think, however, that Jenkins does not truly understand the idea of true equality, because as it stands, these rights are not affored to minorities on an equitable level.

As a Chicano, I also know the value of having a sense of culture. And to have ethnic diversity called "petty difference" is to say that retention of cultural identity is not worthwhile. Well, just because there are some who choose to lose their culture does not mean we have to conform and give up ours as well. My culture is everything to me, and if I were to lose it, I would die inside.

Jenkins finally states that we should "Recognize an imperfect world." and basically deal with it. What to him is an imperfect world, is to me a racist world, and I feel compelled to combat it. And that I will. Martin F. Chavez '96