Letters to the editor

Posted on November 19, 2007

A different definition of heroism

As much as I admire Peter Weems’ call for American admiration of active heroes, I cannot help but think he was missing the point on why we remember victims of tragedy. Remembrance and awareness seek to educate people on issues of inequality in society. Matthew Shepard, for example, was killed for openly being gay. Rachel Scott responded “yes” to her killers when they asked her whether or not she believed in God, and was subsequently shot in the head at point-blank range. These two individuals did not have a single moment of action that showed their heroism. They were simply individuals living their lives, and for that they were brutally murdered.

Whether or not these individuals are heroes for being themselves despite the risk to their lives is debatable. I would argue that in a country of people striving to be the ideal, powerful or wealthy or attractive, simply being yourself is heroic. But bringing awareness to differences can have nothing but positive outcomes. No one is saying that wearing a bracelet or ribbon to show support for a cause is not the least that a person can do in support of that cause, but if the bracelet sparks a discussion or inspires inquisition it has served its purpose.

Overt activism is powerful. Why else would people pay to see four different “Die Hard”s? But there is a quiet strength and power to those who choose to be themselves despite social unpopularity. It takes daily activism, and the results can be fatal. That strength is rightly honored.

Nicole Patterson
senior, interdisciplinary social science

Another outlook on dating

Being a super-senior who has dated some of JMU’s finest (and not-so-finest) over the past five years, I’d like to provide a viewpoint that was absent in last Monday’s “Battle of the Sexes” symposium. In finding a desirable mate, both writers believe that older is better. From Stewart’s perspective, an older woman will have higher standards, making one a better person in the struggle to live up to her. From Strachan’s perspective, an older man equates to security and constant flattery.

Successful relationships involve two people who are self-confident enough with themselves that they can be comfortable with each other. These people do not rely on “The Chase” or compliments to keep the relationship alive, but on the ability to be honest with themselves and with each other. I’d call this maturity, and fortunately, it’s not limited to people of the opposite sex born before you. But if you’re still looking for someone to hold you to standards that you can’t manage to hold yourself to, give your mother a call. Not only will she be thrilled to hear from you, but you will have finally found the woman of your dreams.

Carolyn Stewart
alumna, class of 2007