I wouldn't say I'm an activist, but I’m opposed to people being silent on this issue because it's easier — especially at an educational institution. The whole university suffers from a lack of honest, public dialogue.
Last week’s anger is the reflection of the pain afflicted by microaggressions that continuously get swept under the rug. As stated several times before, no one hates Chloe Anagnos, but we hate how the flag makes us feel like we are not a part of this campus.
It’s sad that people are trying to make it about her again because it becomes a repeating course of sympathy for the white privilege she has and minorities’ voices fading into the background. While it is unfortunate that Chloe got the brunt of it all, it is a part of being a public figure that gets to enjoy the benefits of the recognition from our peers.
Public figures have to deal with people assuming bad things about their character all the time. Like all good leaders do when they make a mistake: say it and WORK toward public forgiveness. Many pointed out how Chloe’s official statement to the DN excluded an apology and never showed her becoming proactive about empowering the minority community that she offended.
I have sacrificed my own social status on this campus in order for an honest, public dialogue to happen. I have had many students and faculty thank me for starting the discussion on microaggressions at BSU — and that’s what it should be about, being the voice for others, not just myself.
I encourage for her to use her unique experience to become a voice for the minority community and fight for something other than herself and what’s mislabelled as “bullying.” It’s not too late for her to use her privilege to change the oppressive views of so many people.
I challenge everyone to take the focus off of Chloe and myself to be productive. The same way that we praise the most amazing deeds on campus is the same way that we should shed the light on what is taking away from our campus culture.
DJ Pulce
djpulce@bsu.edu
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