To the Editor:
In the article "Rich '96 used support from former nonvoters," (April 11, 1995) the first sentence claims that Rich "mobilized the majority of the Dartmouth student body -- white, Greek, and politically moderate." The article continues to say that Rich "appealed not to the left, not to the right, but to Dartmouth."
From these statements, we are led to believe that "Dartmouth" is white, Greek and politically moderate. This divisive assumption is utterly false and perpetuates the historical stereotype of Dartmouth's student body. What about those who do not fall under these categories or did not support Jim Rich in the election? Are we to consider ourselves not a part of Dartmouth?
To claim that any one person or idea appeals to the whole of Dartmouth denies the diversity of thought, culture and experience on this campus. In addition, such generalizations about our community are what turn prospective students away from Dartmouth -- particularly women, students of color and students with no inclination towards the Greek system. Dartmouth should and can be a college that offers wonderful experiences for everyone. But because of stereotypes like the one in the article, and especially because they are perpetuated from within, Dartmouth appears to be an exclusive social club to those not associated with the community.
It was irresponsible ofThe Dartmouth, our own daily newspaper, to publish a statement which affirms and perpetuates the white, Greek and politically moderate stereotype. How are students who are not these three things supposed to feel when they read this? Statements like this aggravate division in our community between Greeks and non-Greeks, whites and non-whites, conservatives and liberals.
