I am writing in response to Amos Posner's column, \Giving thanks for a Madison perspective"" (Features Column, Dec. 2). I am a proud UW grad student and also a proud Oberlin alum and I'll be damned if I let someone rip on my beloved alma mater. Them is fightin' words, Amos.
First, making generalizations about a community based on six people in an airport is just wrong (is this part of the Madison perspective of which you speak?). I went to Oberlin, and yes, there are ""trustafarians,"" and yes, they're really annoying. But dude, there's trustafarians in Madison too. I've heard plenty a vapid conversation from various undergrads here.
Second, your implication that everyone at Oberlin is exactly alike is totally incorrect. Just because Oberlin skews liberal does not mean everyone at Oberlin is exactly alike.
Let's break out some statistics shall we? Using numbers from both the Oberlin and UW Web sites: Oberlin's student body is 6 percent black to UW's 2.3 percent. There are 7.5 percent Asian American students and only 4.4 percent at UW. And there are 4.8 percent Latino students at Oberlin to UW's 2.5 percent. Not to mention 62 percent of UW-Madison's student body is from Wisconsin while 90 percent of Oberlin's student body is from out-of-state. Hmm, which place is starting to look more diverse now?
Here is my challenge to you Amos: Instead of making shallow assumptions about the world around you, make a conscious effort to open your mind and learn something real. It is a mission Oberlin students share and if you think we are all alike for this quirk, we will proudly admit you are right.
Besides, being judgmental and asocial just ain't that sexy.
