After picking up a recent edition of the Primary Source by mistake, I read the article "The War on Tradition," which both appalled and offended me, not as a liberal college student, but as a citizen of the United States and a child of its virtues. In the opening letter from the editor, in what was apparently a Thanksgiving edition, Nicholas Boyd attempted to redefine the values and sentiments that this nation looks forward to celebrating each November.
In his article, the editor attacked an undefined assembly, the "modern Left," by claiming that they wish to divide America somehow; mainly because the "Left" is upset at the unification of the American population. In support of the Left "prov[ing] America unjust and racist, the Left emphasizes multiculturalism."
Now here's where I confess: not only did I go to public schools in the Midwest (East Lansing, Mich. to be exact), but I am thankfully only a cross-register Tufts student for the semester until I can return to New Orleans to complete my third-world education. But I have somehow always been under the impression that multiculturalism is a principle that this country has not only supported but embraced ever since it's founding, which as I recall was in part based on the ideas of diversity, acceptance and cordiality.
Somewhere along the way, I must have missed the lecture or sneezed when my parents told me that multiculturalism is "a theory advocating a destructive practice and an unattainable ideal." It shocks me that not only would someone in this day and age think such a close-minded thought but would have the audacity to circulate it in a Tufts University publication.
Within a week of being forced from my school, friends, possessions and new home, Tufts University offered me not only an education, but a place of residence: a room in their on-campus Spanish Language House. I was enthralled not only at the idea of not having to live in dorms again but also being surrounded by variety of cultures many with vast differences from my own. In the Chandler House, as it's known by the University, there are more than a dozen Tufts students representing at least five distinct nations and cultures.
I applaud Tufts for not only promoting multiculturalism but taking the initiative to educate their students about what a privilege it is to celebrate diversity and tolerance. Boyd seems reasonable when he declares that "the fabric of America will not survive unless tolerance is a two-way street." Sadly though, he defines that two-way street with examples such as, "Blacks must tolerate confederate flags," and "foreign residents must tolerate patriotism..."
Demanding that one must tolerate intolerance is a mockery of the word and what it stands for. To be tolerant, one must not just "put up with" others' feelings, beliefs, attitudes and actions, but also learn to respect and appreciate them. That principle is one that helped to create this country and continues to unite us in growth as well.
Completely overlooking "tolerance" in this context, Boyd goes on to declare that the Left is attacking "everything that unifies America." In the subsequent paragraph, Boyd clarifies "everything," as God, the military and holidays: holidays such as Thanksgiving and Columbus Day, which he affirms the Left attacks as "celebrations of oppression and massacre."
I don't know how Nicholas Boyd will spend his Thanksgiving ,but I am thankful that around our Thanksgiving dinner table we will celebrate those that have been freed from oppression and mourn those that have been massacred: something Boyd suggests those who are "sensible enough" should not do, so as to "lend strength to a nation" instead.
Boyd seemed frightened as he forecasted that, "Once all the bonds that hold Americans together are severed, the leftist dream will come true." This might sound threatening until one realizes Boyd must have clearly mistaken the "leftist dream" for what I would refer to as the American Dream: "a random concoction of groups simply sharing a large North American plot of land."
Since the day I was born, and especially since watching School House Rock's "Great American Melting Pot," I have cherished the conglomeration of ideas, cultures, beliefs, practices and most of all the people, that make up this wonderful American Medley that is the United States.
Doing whatever it is that you do this Thursday is what makes America so great. Whether it be a white linen turkey dinner, a backyard barbeque, or even just a day off of classes, try to appreciate the wonderful opportunities provided to you and some 250 million other people, fortunate enough to live in such a diverse country as the United States. This year, however, maybe give a little thought to a tradition that seems all but forgotten by too many of our peers - a tradition of tolerance. Let us not just celebrate what is old and traditional but, in addition, all that is new and different. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Adam Saper is a sophomore, cross-registrant from New Orleans who has not yet declared a major.
