As an educator and freelance journalist, I am extremely disappointed in the February 28, 2007, issue of The Colonel. It lacks depth, respect and truth, (attributes that must be instilled in today’s youth). Allow me to elaborate.

February is nationally recognized as the month in which the accomplishment and contributions of African American citizens are to be acknowledged, The Colonel failed to do so on two main levels: 1. The date of publication shows lack of sincerity in addressing issues of importance in Kent’s African American community. We do not appreciate being an after-thought; and 2. There was no acknowledgment of any achievements made by Americans of African descent.

The only thing The Colonel succeeded in doing was perpetuating racist stereotypes. Especially disappointing was the feature on Mr. Braheem Wahid. Braheem is a very respectful young man that I know personally as a student. Can you tell me why the only things found noteworthy for publication about this young man were the facts that he is a talented dancer, singer and athlete? He is not the poster child for stereotypes. He is a fine orator and scholar-in-the-making. Was the omission of these facts by the interviewers or the editor?

The notion that the African American students who gather along “The Wall” are to be feared is just down right insulting! The quote I am referring to states it thus, “They look like they are going to hurt you.” Please. Frankly, most adolescents look a bit scary to those of us in the over-30 population. I wonder if this same student is fearful of Goths, or just those that fit this particular racial profile.

Lets discuss statistics. If you want to use them, then use them in context and with full citation. As the saying goes: “statistics don’t lie, but liars know statistics”. Anyone who has taken a statistics course knows, numbers can be, and often are, manipulated to prove one’s point. If you are going to tell the story, then tell the whole story: the reality of white privilege in America as well as continued racism and discrimination.

It is irresponsible journalism, especially in the 21st century, to continue to publish biased information that is really no more than someone’s narrow-minded opinion. What are the students learning? What happened to providing the who-what-when-where-and-why of a story?