ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, April 12, 1997 TAG: 9704140117
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
Prejudicial attitudes are with us still
ROBERT F. Boyd refers to ``Schindler's List'' and asks why it's necessary to be reminded that 6 million Jews were murdered during World War II (March 23 letter to the editor, ``Constant reminders aren't necessary'').
I didn't see ``Schindler's List'' or the piece on Steven Speilberg's motivations for telling the story, and I am not a sociologist. However, I think the message of the Holocaust is fairly plain: how simple it is for one group of people, usually the majority, to hate and persecute another group.
The scenario is usually the same: A particular characteristic of an otherwise diverse group of people is focused upon, thereby lumping those people together as the object of hatred, irrespective of the individuals' other qualities.
The arbitrary nature of hatred and persecution was clearly depicted in an experiment performed by an elementary-school teacher in the 1960s.
She told her class that all brown-eyed children were inferior to those with blue eyes. The children initially thought it was all good fun, but after a few days, the blue-eyed angels began persecuting the brown-eyed children. Then, the children were told that it was all a mistake. The blue-eyed children were really inferior to the brown-eyed ones. Soon the brown-eyed dolls began persecuting the blue-eyed children.
A documentary of this experiment has been shown on television many times. Why? I suspect for the same reason we're continually reminded about the Holocaust. It's clear that attitudes that spawn such prejudice, persecution and sometimes genocide are still prevalent today, and must be guarded against at all costs, over and over and over.
BRADLEY G. KLEIN
BLACKSBURG
Roanoke's fledgling arts workshop
MARCIA L. Obenshain's letter to the editor (March 3, ``Arts project would be welcome'') and an earlier letter by Judith M. Baumgardner (Feb. 18, ``Roanoke needs an arts workshop'') echoed the need for an arts center where artists teach and learn from one another. Richmond's Handwork Shop was described in both letters as a model worth considering.
I'm not familiar with the Handwork Shop. But I've studied for five years at the Studio School, Roanoke's very own arts center. Now located at the Jefferson Center, the school offers a full range of classes in drawing, painting and mixed media.
Recently, Friends of the Studio School was formed to help support the faculty's efforts to expand programs to print-making and sculpture, big-ticket items in terms of equipment and space needs.
Yes, Roanoke needs the arts-workshop concept and support for a cooperative studio. The Studio School faculty members - Vera Dickerson, Peyton Klein, Jane Winders Frank and Suzanne Ross - are to be commended for seven years of excellence in arts education and for managing the school without assistance from grants and public funds.
To fulfill regional artists' dreams for work space and a showplace, substantial support is needed from the artists, communities and The Roanoke Times. Expanding your coverage to include timely reviews and commentary on art exhibits, shows and openings will help develop a wider awareness of art in this area.
ANN E. HALE
ROANOKE
Kids' achievements deserve more notice
I ATTENDED a ceremony, sponsored March 16 by Phi Delta Kappa Inc.-Alpha Tau Chapter, called ``Brother to Brother.''
This ceremony's purpose was to recognize African-American male students in middle schools and high schools of the Roanoke Valley who are achieving academically and socially, and are considered to be future role models.
I congratulate those who received awards. It's important that we as adults continue to support and commend our youth on a job well done.
I am upset that there was no media coverage of this event. At a time when more than 200 youth are recognized for doing something positive in the community, our media were nowhere to be found. If a youth makes a mistake, the media are there to cover it.
Thanks to the 400-plus who attended for being true supporters of our future leaders.
ANTHONY DRAKEFORD
ROANOKE
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