Exhibit criticism unfair

I was at the “Innocence Under Siege” exhibit this week and… Exhibit criticism unfair

I was at the “Innocence Under Siege” exhibit this week and talked with some who expressed pro-Zionist sentiments and criticized the art show for being biased and anti-Israel. The great thing about America is the protection that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights give us. The right to free speech is precious and we treasure it. Many that counter-protested told me that Palestinians had to “earn the right” to freedom and an end to the occupation (several even argued that there was no occupation).

The Declaration of Independence begins with the phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” What I say to those of you who criticize is this: We ask for an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories (yes occupation does exist). We ask for human rights for everyone. There is no excuse for suicide bombing as well as military collective punishment.

Dr. Boothby talked about the growing despair of both Palestinians and Israelis Monday night and we are witnessing acts of extreme despair on both sides. Human rights in Palestine is not an “extreme” position nor is it anti-Jewish or Israeli. We ask that these truths be self evident in Palestine.

Julie A. Hakim

President, Arab Cultural Organization

Ph.D. student, cultural and critical studies

BlackLine editor clarifies statements

I was flattered to be interviewed by Jessica McCullough of The Pitt News a few days ago (“Talk: BlackLine Editor Maria Smith,” Oct 16). I think it is a great move by The Pitt News to feature students on campus who are active and making a positive impact through student organizations.

I was not misquoted, however certain phrases were taken out of context and just to clarify what was said, I would like the following to be printed or addressed in the next issue of The Pitt News:

“Black people knowing about black people are not helping anything.” I did not say this as a statement on its own, because it is a false statement. In regards to spreading cultural diversity throughout the entire campus, it is imperative that black people learn from each other and spread the education around to those outside the race, as other ethnicities should also do.

“I’m not downplaying the seriousness of the issues that face us on campus, but I’d like everyone to be able to calm down and laugh through it too.” This statement was made in regards to the readability of BlackLine. I didn’t want to produce a one-sided paper. Not everyone wants all politics and news all the time. If there is an issue that is raised and requires action, such as racial profiling, I for one will not calm down. That is not a laughable matter. The humor included in BlackLine is my own personal touch to the publication. Every volume of BlackLine has a signature mark from its editor. The humor in this issue is mine, however, and in no way is it to make light of relevant issues facing black and other minority groups on campus, and I often refrain from any humor regarding such issues.

Again, I thank you for the interview, and I reiterate that I was not misquoted, but I believe for the sake of space and formatting some background information was omitted from my quotes making the contextual comments vulnerable to misinterpretation.

Maria Nicole Smith

BAS BlackLine Chair

CAS sophomore