Bad words?

Author: MAX NARDINI '08

The SGA Diversity Committee recently sponsored a forum on diversity which included placing large pieces of plywood covered in derogatory words outside the dining halls. As written on the plywood, these are "words we do not tolerate at Middlebury." This emphasis on words is misleading and warrants discussion.

It is the sentiment with which a word is expressed, not the word itself, that is important. Take the word "boy." Innocuous in most individuals' lexicons, it was once commonly used to pejoratively refer to adult black males. Listing all the words that could be used to discriminate or subjugate would take far more space than the entrances of Proctor, Ross and Atwater provide - and would serve little purpose.

There are certain words that, due to their historical roles, we should all be wary of using colloquially. This respectful caution applies, to a lesser degree, to unattractive slang. However, if you happen to hear a derogatory word while walking down your dorm hallway, your first reaction should be inquisitive, not indignant. Without knowing a word's context, you cannot properly ascertain the speaker's intent.

The alternative is a knee-jerk indignancy, which quickly leads to a hypersensitive environment detrimental to open discussion. Such an environment would not mesh with Middlebury's passionate and outspoken student body.

Still, I have heard complaints from those who feel they must be overly cautious when discussing matters of diversity for fear of being labeled negatively. From the other perspective, in such discussions I have observed individuals bombastically and irrationally attack perfectly germane comments as being discriminatory. Open discourse requires a willingness to grant the benefit of the doubt and listen. Otherwise the student body will be perpetually walking on eggshells.

There is a related, and far more pernicious, danger to creating such a hypersensitive climate. While curtailing overt discrimination, it does little to foster true acceptance. Middlebury brings together people of many different racial, ethnic, cultural, ideological and spiritual backgrounds. It is understandable that exposure to foreign backgrounds may cause initial discomfort. We must allow ourselves the time to learn from each other.

I have used the Diversity Committee's event as a startingpoint for a larger discussion. As I understand it, their event was less about banning words than stating that Middlebury does not tolerate sexism, homophobia, racism or any other examples of subjugation. Nevertheless, as a symbol these poster boards send the wrong message. We cannot eliminate prejudice in the mind simply by outlawing it on our campus.

Striving for diversity in all its forms is a constant process. Diversity Committee initiatives such as discussions with President Liebowitz are important aspects of this ongoing mission. Most crucial, however, is that students give each other the chance to understand one another. Then, an only then, will our College be the community wto which we all aspire.