Empathy — A false hope for integration!

The oppression of women throughout both history and current societies is an utter disgrace to us all. I, however, will not express empathy for your cause. I believe empathy to be weak and instead attempt to not only educate myself, but also abstain from discourse that is both unproductive and touches on issues that I am more or less ignorant of. While Ms. Cox was both witty and inflammatory, her Nov. 17 op−ed "With empathy and perspective for us all" attacks me specifically. As a result I shall conclude that my main topic of racial inequality was just a bit too much for her to handle. She in fact says, "Why is it, exactly, that his oppression as a man of color is somehow more valid and worthy of a voice than my oppression as a woman?"

While I agree that women fall low on the social hierarchy within patriarchal world society, the issue I am most interested in is racial inequality. While perhaps this is of no concern to you, as you have expressed that you find your oppression as a woman to not only be substantial, you seem to argue with some level of complacency, as you suggest the "world is a rough place" and your base allegation that I am angry. But in response, I ask you: shouldn't you be angry? Although anger only breeds further frustration and perhaps more ignorance, I can assure you that my intentions were pure and not nearly as aggressive as you have perceived. To specify, the intentions of my first op−ed were primarily to (1) raise awareness of racial inequality on campus and (2) alleviate some of the tensions around discussing issues of race and inequalities that are present on campus. However, in the response by Ms. Tralins, she seemed to have formed an unrealistic opinion that (1) minorities fight for assimilation and that is essentially true integration, (2) that empathy is perhaps the best path in dissipating inequality and (3) that minorities who argue in favor of universal privilege, in comparison to white privilege are culturally confused or suffer from identity crises. While perhaps my last message was misconstrued in my attempts to defend myself from the previous critic, I am vexed by your shallow blows that portray my opinions as no more than mere rants, or attempts to cause a ruckus; which they surely are not.

Additionally, as a male, I apologize for the subjugation that you have either experienced, or feel that you will experience. To further more stimulating conversation as you suggest, I will refrain from petty discourse and ask for you to do the same. Instead, I am genuinely sympathetic about your oppression. As both a brother and a son, brought up in a single−parent matriarchal household, I understand the hardships of femaleness. Furthermore, I hope to use my maleness to combat gender inequality through study and future activism. Additionally, I have written numerous papers on women's inequality, which you are more than welcome to read, so that you may know I respect and understand your inequality and believe that is one that demands urgency.

It seems we all agree that we should divulge in dialogue, and that this is perhaps the best method in understanding the more specific nuances of each other's arguments. With that being said, I propose that perhaps Ms. Tralins, Ms. Cox, any others and I set an official meeting time as to discuss our issues.

Furthermore, I am quite offended by many of your comments, especially when you said, "However, when I am having an ‘injustice' shoved down my throat, and someone else is telling me, without ever having met me, that his or her oppression has somehow been greater than mine, it does nothing but make me defensive and angry." I have not made any attempts to shove any injustice down your throat, primarily because I do not know you.

Again, my attempt to expose inequality within the Tufts community is my only intention. I am elated that you have exposed another. I suggest that in your critiques of me, that you take your own advice and not burn bridges or rant and rail, and furthermore, not shove you gender inequality down anyone else's throat.

Despite your numerous jabs, I not only respect your opinion, but also have decided to abstain from public discourse. If my messages are not clear and do not encourage my original intention of eliminating exclusion and racial tensions, I have failed on my part as a social activist. On that note, I sincerely hope that you will take me up on my offer and join me for a friendly conversation at a place of equal comfort to the both of us.

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