Offensive article in last issue of The Gargoyle
Letter to the Editor
By Annie Schneiderman
I was surprised to notice that after the revision to the paper, Eric Waldron’s article remained unchanged.
Although his headline states “Even abroad, life is always full of quirks,” he relied on hurtful, ignorant stereotypes and clichés instead of saying anything quirky or positive about other cultures.
The statement that stands out most strongly is: “Being a … good looking white kid in an Asian country is … like being a fat girl at last call in a gay bar– you can feel all alone and judged.”
This comment is completely unfounded, and does not improve Waldron’s credibility as a writer. Rather, his many jabs and references to popular culture serve to show how ethnocentric he can be.
He clearly can’t embrace the possibility of diversity in cultures, as is seen in the article’s closing lines: “I can’t say that it has made me into a better person. I just have a lot of stamps in my passport.”
I found the majority of his article offensive and narrow-minded. If it was intended as a joke, it certainly wasn’t funny.
I’d like for Waldron to apologize for his comments, and realize that not everyone shares his opinion of foreign cultures.
Or you need to get a dictionary?
i dont think your letter was necessary for this letter to be writen. whoever wrote the article has the right to say whatever they want. there’s always going to be a stubbern person like whoever wrote this letter who actually give a crap. i think that the white guy with the asains thing is quite humorous… the people who get offended by these thing either have no scence of humor or have nothing better to do than to write a stupid letter because they’re offended.
who ever wrote this letter…. lifes tough get a helmet…. you need to get a scence of humor or a life
Well…ok….as I said…I agree with Waldron;s right to say what he wants. Although I apologize beforehand when I say that that last post was simply rediculous thoughts camouflaged by smart words. I side with the piece here but….Sedaris?…Keillor? Settle down. “Back Off Bovine”, a cruel play on words does not seem to understand that even those who he feels “envy” the author have the right to their opinion. Cruelty and ignorance is still cruelty and ignorance even when it masquerades as intellect.
What his article said to me was, “I don’t deserve these kinds of opportunities.” How can you travel the world and come back with only this to say? Not only could I never take that much time off from my job without losing my house, my insurance, my phone, my electricity, and my water…not to mention getting behind on my student loan…but to spend the money to take the trip? Never.
Maybe I should feel lucky that I am fortunate enough to still enjoy life’s pleasures rather than being so jaded at such a young age.
“I may not agree with what you say but I’ll fight to the death for your right to say it.”
—Voltaire
I agree with a lot of the points raised here. Were some of the lines insensitive? Yes. But it’s opinion. He’s entitled to his. You are entitled to yours. Be upset. Be outraged. But don’t forget that he is as entitled to his thoughts as you are to yours.
Thank you for writing this. I had the exact same feelings while reading the article. I’m glad someone voiced their opinion because I suspect you’re representing a large number of Gargoyle-readers.