Dear Editor:

Alright, who did it? Who conjured up the homecoming theme of “All-American SMU?” Isn’t anyone tired of seeing the bloody American flag shoved in his face every time he wants to do something?

The current SMU student body consists of “689 international students from 101 countries,” comprising 6.8 percent of the student population, which is more than the Asian-American figure of 622; and more than 100 people greater than the African-American population at 584 students. Now does the “All-American SMU” theme seem fair?

I can promise you that the international students at SMU are fed up with the myriad American flags and the jingoistic mantras frequent in society, and they do not need it promulgated further at SMU!

The overall problem, sadly enough, is that SMU has seemingly contracted the perpetual myopia of American society, and is not embracing the advantages diversity has to offer. As a center of erudition, which we all know SMU is, the student body should work to exploit its differences; for it would be stunned at what the outcome would be.

I end this with a challenge to everyone at SMU. From now on, try and think before you act, and reflect on if what you are doing is discriminating or offensive toward a group. By doing this, students at SMU will learn more about themselves, and be prepared to go into the world and cure the American myopia.

Benjamin Bingman-Tennant
Sophomore history major