Style of 'The Invasian' Needlessly Offensive

To the editors:

I will not completely disagree with Justin G. Fong's opinions (Magazine, "The Invasian," March 15). After all, I sincerely believe that his goal was not merely to insult Asians but rather to enlighten. However, he could have expressed his opinions at a more respectable level rather than his apparent unwarranted judgments based upon simple observations. Like he said, criticism is best received from within, but his style of execution is distasteful and obviously ineffective. Who does he think he can convince by setting an aggressive tone? All he had accomplished is that he has established himself as a narrow-minded individual, influenced by his lack of understanding and denial of his ethnicity.

It's a shame that he has bravely addressed the faults of his peers while failing to identify his. True, Asians do tend to stick together and share similar tastes in music, clothes, etc. But, what group doesn't? Even so, who cares? Besides, when did this "sticking to your own" concept become an exclusively Asian phenomenon? Look at the other groups in various campuses. Honestly, don't they tend to stick with their own? Nevertheless, it's called a clique and the rest of the world, even Fong, belongs to one. It's a common occurrence, neither positive nor negative, that extends to all varying cultures and ethnicity.

Fong also mentioned that, "You're only Asian because you think you are!" That's an awesome mindset, but realistically, it is far more complicated. There are obstacles like prejudice that are still rampant on the planet and especially within the United States, obstacles that overwhelm even the best of us. Nevertheless, I suggest that Fong try mingling with Asian people; he'll realize that they are not so strange.

Our society has not yet progressed to a level that it no longer judges people by their looks. So, don't pretend that it has.

J. Patrick Gatdula

Olathe, Kansas