racial slurs at UVA

Wapo's article about increased racist incidents (in the first few weeks of the semester) on UVA's campus was nothing new. At my own alma mater there was an incident of racist graffiti and then a mass reaction, which seemed to provoke even more graffiti. Single incidents seem to have the power to open the lid of a pot that is always boiling. What struck me as the only interesting thing in the article was a quote from Professor Paul M. Gaston. He said "This is more than a few jerks; it's part of a cultural movement."

A point well taken and one to keep in mind as we read about new anti-feminist groups on campus and the rise of racial harassment faced by students of color. This isn't some age old racism rearing it's head, the right has been trying to reinvigorate racism and sexism -- to replant its seeds and to instigate a backlash against responsibility and thoughtfulness. Just wanted you to think about that before you derogatorily label something "PC" next time.