Jokes perpetuate
racist stereotypes
As someone of Native American and Celtic descent, I find it very disturbing that there are people in this community who say they are not racist because they have friends with skin colors different than theirs and are from other cultures. Many people with bigoted points of view often use this as a way to excuse racist comments and jokes they make.
“Oh, well it’s just a joke. I didn’t mean anything by it. See, I have friends of that race/culture that I made the joke about. They don’t mind. I’ve heard them say the same things about themselves.”
This is how hate is perpetuated — how it hides in society and becomes slowly acceptable. Racism has more forms than just openly racist views and violent actions.
As a community we need to be aware and not perpetuate stereotypes in any form, or tolerate jokes or comments that mock or poke fun at any race, culture, religion, sexual preference, origin or way of life. When we tolerate these things, we accept them and teach our children to accept them. It is time to break the cycle.
Marie Black
senior
business
New Microsoft policy
plays Big Brother
Many PC users may not realize it, but Windows XP and the Windows Media Player are bringing your computer into the Big Brother world of George Orwell’s novel, “1984.”
When you use the latest versions of these, you give permission to Microsoft to disable any other software they don’t like. In particular, these programs may disable programs which convert a CD track to an MP3, even though it’s both legal and very convenient to play some music while you work.
To be exact, you agree, “These security related updates may disable your ability to copy and/or play Secure Content and use other software on your computer” (in MS End User License Agreement for XP(SP1) and WMF).
It’s like having your own personal policeman sitting in your computer, except the policeman enforces Microsoft’s laws, rather than your government’s. Microsoft should publicize their new policy: “What will we prevent you from doing today?”
We finally know Big Brother’s name. It is Bill Gates.
Tom Trottier
Ottowa, Canada