Leave it to Staha
In response to "The value of family values," Nov. 11: Like most Americans, I'm proud of the American family, regardless of what it looks like. I don't discriminate or judge people who care for one another and provide love, support and nutriment. The American family has changed over time and may function differently than it did 50 years ago, but one thing remains the same: Family values are comprised of love, acceptance and respect. I support any American family, whether it is comprised of gay or lesbian parents, single parents, divorced parents or foster parents, because, at their core, American families are all the same. Most Americans believe in allowing families to set their own standards and values, defeating adversities without moral instruction from government. The American family is a dynamic entity that derives its strength and unity through diversity.
I can't even begin to address many of the "statistics" Nick Staha has cited from obviously biased sources. He can force his family to adhere to a strict moral code derived from "Leave it to Beaver" if he wishes, but he should let other families make up their own minds about what is best. Family values consist of respect, diversity, acceptance, privacy, tolerance and, above all, minding your own business. Garrett Mize Government sophomore
Leave it to Staha II
In response to "The value of family values," Nov. 11: Is Nick Staha suggesting society needs to judge the choices of divorcees? Staha argues that divorce is a perpetuating cycle, that children of divorced parents are more likely to get pregnant and give birth outside of marriage. He argues that the government encourages such behavior because welfare programs subsidize families with single mothers. How, then, can he substantiate that there is not enough social pressure (or tyranny) to discourage such behavior, when he's proven that individual choice is submerged beneath more dominant societal factors.
The question demanded next: How do we promote what Staha refers to as "the optimal family structure?" Perhaps we can restrict a woman's right to divorce an abusive husband, either by abdicating legal progress made during the apex of the era of "optimal family structure," or by ostracizing women who are defiant enough to resist being a human punching bag. This way, not only will women be abused, but the children will have been taught these "optimal" patriarchal values. Indeed, Staha demonstrates that parents inculcate their values into children. His most effective argument depends on a confused causal relationship: He states that "almost half of families with children find themselves in poverty after a divorce." In fact, divorces are more prevalent among families already living with low incomes, according to Bob Birrell's study "Financial Outcomes for Parents After Separation."
Staha has made an admirable attempt to rescue children from the rubbles of broken homes. But coming from a child of divorced parents, any attempt to criticize divorce is dogmatic.
Cody Brittain English and government junior
Pull over your angermobile
This refers to the Nov. 4 incident at West 25th and Rio Grande, in which a bicyclist was called a faggot and beaten up. On Oct. 27 around 3 p.m., I was bicycling on West 26th at Rio Grande, when a full-size, late-model white pickup sped by, and who looked to be an early-20's white male wearing a white baseball cap leaned out of the passenger window and yelled, "Go up on the sidewalk, faggot!"
I was speechless. In my 28 years of bicycling in Austin, I don't ever get yelled at around UT.
Name-callers use labels to devalue people they perceive as vulnerable to make them objects of violence. The perpetrators of the Nov. 4 attack would be wise to ask for psychological help.
Silence may have saved me from a beating, and five seconds after the incident, I was again enjoying the fall afternoon.
David Campbell UT alum
Again, it's Hindi, not Hindu!
In reference to "Professors meet to discuss methods of teaching Hindu, Urdu," Nov. 5: The word "Hindu" refers to a religious construct, whereas the word "Hindi" refers to a language. Unfortunately, this is the third time I have noticed and commented on this exact mix-up in The Daily Texan. They say the third time is the charm and I hope the cliche rings true in this case. What I find most disconcerting is the fact that this "Hindu" for "Hindi" error is not a result of mere typographical incompetence. Rather, it reflects a commonplace ignorance that I am often confronted with when asked if I speak "Indian" or "Hindu," and if I practice the "Hindi" faith. Why is our campus' acclaimed news publication perpetuating such incorrect usages of labels that hold significant value for many people?
Hopefully, the Texan will not commit this error once again or, as we say in Hindi: chashme bad door.
Natasha Raheja Biology and Asian cultures and languages senior
Addressing a hate crime
Homophobia and heterosexism are still very alive in today's society ("Man assaulted in West Campus on Sunday," Nov. 7). I feel no hesitation to label the event as such, for the fact that the student was attacked because of how he identified, or the way that he was perceived to identify makes the assault an act of hatred.
It is awful, but not surprising, for a crime of this nature to happen so close to campus and to involve the UT community directly. Groups and campus resources exist to educate people and fight the spread of hate that has always been present at the university. Organizations such as the Queer Students Alliance and places such as the Gender and Sexuality Center advocate for the LGBTQI community and spread the awareness of prejudices. No one is alone in the fight against violence.
The contempt held by certain members of majority groups is not limited to only the queer community; every community labeled as a minority has felt oppression and violence stemming from such feelings. The hate that is displayed in the actions of the attackers is very real for target communities and should not be taken lightly. Once again, assaulting someone simply because of an identity is a hate crime and needs to be addressed in the campus environment.
It is also important to remember that even words and assumptions are violence, and should not be overlooked. Part of the college experience is learning from each other, not hurting one another.
Elija Jene Oldham Radio-television-film sophomore Public Relations Director Queer Students Alliance
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