Greetings George,

I want to weigh in on the recent issue surrounding certain terminology usage at UVa. Following is the subject and text of a recent e-mail I distributed; which I wish to share with you and your readers.

"Subject: By any other name...

Synonyms: "An Audacious Faith"
"The Muddy Floor Report"
UVa EOP annual reports to EEOC

Within these documents, articulated as "cold" statistics and their "warm, presumably well intentioned" associated rationalizations, are unconscionable descriptions and "name calling" of African Americans as employees of the University of Virginia. Euphemisms are used for the explicit terminology referred to in the recent "N"-word flap. Credit for the inroads African Americans have made into the power structure of the University of Virginia goes not merely to their unimpeachable qualifications, but to the fullness of time, and the inevitability of unwelcome exposure of unjust hiring practices. The University of Virginia has lost its opportunity to be characterized as an institution that applies its higher learning to its practices, absent the threat of a legal or civil disturbance. From the largely cosmetic responses to the recent "N"-word flap, I want to deduce that there is still hope for the power of inculcation. However, when the name calling truly stops, the statistics will reflect it." (end of e-mail)

Empathetically, I wonder what equally objectionable, functional, broad brush term the Transportation supervisor could have used in reference to her own racial and cultural background to illustrate her point. The legacy of disrespect and unfairness towards African Americans may be so deeply entrenched, pervasive and generally accepted around here that no such term exists in her mind. She is not alone.

GWKing, III (electronic mail, December 6, 2003)