In Melanie Graysmith's letter about the "sad state" of ethnic studies at SF State (Golder Gater, April 27), she relates the fact that Yuko Franklin wasn't re-hired by the Asian American studies department to her own unsubstantiated charges of nepotism and racism in the department to further bolster her support for Franklin, without knowing the full details of Franklin's situation.
Apparently, Graysmith saw this as an opportunity to voice her own dissatisfaction with the department.
"An atmosphere of hatred," she says caused "quite a few students" she spoke with to "routinely (feel) attacked, resented and fearful," in Asian American studies classes because of their different ethnic -- presumably white -- background.
The College of ethnic studies evolved through a struggle for the need for Americans of color to learn about their history. With this information, students could acquire a sense of pride in their people and their experiences (be them Asian, African, Latino or Native American).
Over the years, the scope of the Asian American studies courses available has expanded, bringing more non-Asian students into the classrooms. This is positive, since it fosters understanding of non-white cultures, but the presence of non-Asian students should by no means change the initial focus of these classes.
Asian American history includes laws targeting all Asian groups to restrict their immigration to U.S. exploitation of Asian people at the hands of white people and violence against Asain Americans by racist mobs are also part of history. But more importantly, American Asian studies courses teach about our accomplishments as people, something missing from most U.S. history text books. Is it possible that justifiably harsh words regarding the perpetrators of violence and racism against Asian Americans could be misinterpreted as "anti-white" or "racist?"
Perhaps Graysmith should search for what it is about her that causes the discomfort she feels.
Does learning about my people's history (which sadly include acts of hate and racism by non-Asian people) lead one to believe that I or other Asian Americans will be compelled to verbally or physically attack? I can only speak for myself in saying that Asian American studies courses help me come to the same conclusions about myself. Does it do the same for you?