ENG 215 FD#4: A New Perspective

Kristine Asato

ENG 215

RD#4

A New Perspective

The Bill of Rights as well as the First Amendment states that, under the Constitution of the United States people are able to express themselves without government interference.   There are people who at times seem to disagree with the Amendment because of the commotion it presents.  But just as there are opponents to the Freedom of Speech, there are many people in this country that use it to its fullest extent. These people are writing articles in newspapers and tabloids, taking and publishing pictures of nude actresses at a strip club.  Many of these people have a lot to say about politics and religion, and are free to do so under the Constitution.  [THESIS] These people, some who are veered as activists as well, are unveiling another part of the world around us that we are unable to see. [THESIS]

One man in particular has a very strong voice, and is known for some of his recognizable statements on particular subjects.  Ward Churchill is an activist, an author, and most importantly, a citizen of the United States.  Churchill exercises his right as an American Citizen by expressing his views, however controversial, to those willing to listen.  Recently referring to the victims of September 11, as “little Eichmann” Churchill claims that he was just trying to make a point.  Churchill’s statement has caused quite an uproar of protests from the families of the World Trade Center victims.  Upon further readings, Churchill does have a point.  It would do some of us good to listen and be open to a new perspective.

Churchill has not apologized for his statement, an action he should not have to do.  Like many outspoken people, Churchill is only trying make people see things differently.  Simply speaking Churchill believes that the employees of the World Trade Center were responsible for their own deaths because of their support for unfair U.S. foreign policies.  In a sense it is true.  Here in the United States, we cannot cause havoc to other countries and not expect any consequences to come from it.  We as a nation can’t just go to Iraq or Afghanistan and force people to change their ways of life or kill them if they refuse, and go on living our lives.  In many conferences Churchill is asked whether or not he feels sympathy for the victims.  Churchill’s statement was not a personal attack on anyone, but a different outlook on such a one-sided issue. 

Classmate Ryan Watanabe who has family in the military expresses his outrage towards Churchill by saying that “Professor Ward Churchill misuses the first amendment to hide behind their obnoxious claims”.  Watanabe goes on to say what can only be assumed the initial reaction to a statement such as Churchill’s, that he should be punished for such disrespect to his country.  It is clear that because of his ties to the military, Watanabe may be blinded by his emotions to see that what Churchill is saying is not a misuse of the First Amendment or any disrespect to the United States.  Many people make crude statements about our government, and our nation.  John Stewart host of The Daily Show, and Steven Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, make a living out of mocking our government; they are not being punished.  On the contrary, John Steward has been awarded a total of fourteen Emmy Awards for his show.  Steward and Colbert are just like Churchill, they are merely presenting the situation with a different perspective.  The only difference is Steward and Colbert’s reports are funny because we know they are true and we hardly any personal connection to those being reported on.  However, Churchill is doing the same thing in a more deliberate tone.  People who feel the way Watanabe does, is influenced by their personal feelings to see that Churchill is simply making a point.  Churchill wants us to know that we, as well as the victims are not innocent. 

Through a brief discussion, a classmate Patricia Miller-Ho states that “as a professor Churchill is in part accountable for the sound development of the minds that will influence our nation years after his resignation and death”.   Miller-Ho goes on to explain that if this was Churchill’s belief, he should have said so in a more concise manner, and that he has no right to impose these beliefs in such an offensive manner.  In rebuttal and support for Churchill, he has a right to say what he wishes, and to say otherwise would be implying that Churchill is not apart of the United States, and oppressive.  Also to refer to Churchill’s statements as his own personal beliefs is an inaccuracy.  It’s as if to say that when a news reporter states that a person convicted of murder is innocent, is their personal belief.  As far as being accountable for developing the minds for our future generation, Churchill is doing the future generation a favor by allowing us to see a whole new perspective of a situation that unanimously seems to be simply one sided.

The attack on September 11, 2001 was mainly remembered for the destruction of the World Trade Centers because it was the only fully successful attack.  Many people seem to have forgetten that two other planes were aimed for the White House and the Pentagon.  These places were not selected at random.  These locations are the heart of command for the United States.  Each monument was a representation of oppressive power to other countries.  We are the bullies of the world, and the assailants of the September 11 attack the rebellious geeks we pick on in the playground.  Ward Churchill’s statement was nothing appropriate.  By referencing Colonial Eichmann, who took part in the holocaust, Churchill has a right to say that we as Americans are also taking part of a holocaust of Middle-Eastern society.  Those who died on all four flights, as well as the respected landmarks, represented their country as bullies, and died because their government was too arrogant to believe that they were untouchable. 

In 2005, Ward Churchill was invited to speak at the University of Hawaii despite the University President David McClain’s discontent with Churchill’s statement.  McClain has shown a lot of courage in bringing in such a controversial speaker, but can be respected for his reason.  McClain was quoted from a written statement that "Freedom of inquiry and of expression are what universities are all about”.  Although it seemed not many of the faculty members were thrilled to have Churchill speak, McClain found a way to draw a crowd and find funding for Churchill’s visit.  Despite conflicting views, McClain supports Churchill’s rightful freedom of speech.  This is what we seem to lack in this great nation, an open-mind such as David McClain.  These great men are what make progress in this world possible.  There are the people who have the power to can introduce a new perspective on things and change the way you look at it forever.  There are also people who despite any personal controversy can swallow any pride or emotions that might get in the way, and allow others to forge a pathway for the next generation. 

Martin Luther King Jr., also an activist, was also an outspoken gentleman who used the Constitution in his favor.  Speaking out for the African American community, King Jr. was met with much resistance.  King Jr., and his outspoken words, promoted the acceptance for African American’s for civil rights in the United States. No longer seen as, blacks, or niggers, or a disease brought on mankind, those of a different skin color, have added the American to their name, and are politically known as African American’s.  King Jr. has forever changed the perspective we have had towards our African American neighbors, co-workers, and most importantly, fellow American’s.  During a bus boycott, action was taken towards the outspoken King Jr.  It was reported that during a boycott, “King was arrested, his home was bombed, he was subjected to personal abuse, but at the same time he emerged as a Negro leader of the first rank.”  These activists, or leaders, such as Churchill and King Jr., can’t be stopped.  They will stop at nothing to be heard, so people might as wells stop and listen. 

Another prime example of outspoken people is comedians.  Littering the Comedy Central Channel are outspoken comedians of every race, using any form of religious, bad tasting, unpatriotic punch line.  One particular comedian is named Ralphie May, who has created humor through real life situations people would not normally think funny.  “That’s the only place fun is, you know. “ May begins to explain,  “When I get to push the boundaries, and make people laugh at things that they probably didn’t want to laugh at.” Shortly following this remark he segued into a bit about the Pope passing on.  Throughout this particular television special, May goes on to say “Was he [the Pope] a saint when he was moving pedophile from church to church so they could rape kids, was that saintly?”  The funny thing about this is, no one seems to be getting as worked up about May’s remark as that made by Churchill.  No one is picketing outside of May’s home, making death threats, or wants to see him go to jail.  May is seen a person who has the capability to take a serious situation and unveil the humor in it.   

The things that outspoken people such as Ward Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr., and Ralphie May have to say are not insensitive or disrespectful.  Churchill is an insightful human being who hopes that one day we can no longer be naïve to the truth.  We are all entitled to our own beliefs.  Ward Churchill simply presents another option of belief.  Who are we to say that he is wrong.  In the case of Martin Luther King Jr., he was revered as a hero to many, and is honored by our nation.  King has changed our perspective on people as we know it.  Ralphie May is not trying to change things, he’s not attempting to make a statement.  May is simply finding the humor in things, and presenting them in a more burlesque nature.  Many believe that those who are blunt with their words or actions, are bad people or considered wrong.  But the truth is, that we are unable to accept just that; the truth.  We need to take responsibility for our own actions and listen to those who might be speaking the truth.  The only way to do that is to be able to see why it is we are wrong, and be open to every perspective.

Log of Completed Activities
X  Nov 9t- Intro to Paper #4. Read the Guidelines for Paper #4. (Confirmation reply required.)
X  Nov 15M- Complete readings for paper #4. (Confirmation reply required.)
X  Nov 22M- Laulima Discussion: Attack Ward Churchill
X  Nov 29M- Laulima Discussion: Defend Ward Churchill
X  Dec 3F- RD4 due. [50 pts] Review the Review the guidelines. (Confirmation reply required.)
X  Dec 6M- RD4 evaluations due [50 pts] Review the guidelines. (Confirmation reply required.)
X  Dec 9-12- FD4 due [150 pts] Review the guidelines. (Confirmation reply required.)

WORK CITED:

Creamer, Beverly. "UH Takes Heat Over Visit by Professor." HonoluluAdvertiser.com 19 Feb. 2005. 19 Feb. 2005 [<http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Feb/19/ln/ln22p.html>.]

Miller-Ho, Patricia. “Class Discussion: Attack Ward Churchill.”  Laulima: My Workplace.  22 Nov.  2010.  3 Dec. 2010.

[<https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201110/page/580d9883-374c-4194-bb60-e4e1fe68988c>]

Ralphie May- Video Clips.  “Ralphie May- The Pope.”  ComedyCentralJokes.com 26 Nov. 2006.  11 Dec. 2010. 

[<http://comedians.jokes.com/ralphie-may/videos/ralphie-may---the-pope>]

Steers, Stuart. "Churchill, the Man, an Enigma." RockyMountainNews.com 2 Feb. 2005. 19 Feb. 2005 [<http://www.insidedenver.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_3516107,00.html>.]

King Jr., Martin Luther.  “The Nobel Peace Price 1964.”  Nobelprize.org.  1964.  10 Dec. 2010.    

[<http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html>]

Watanabe, Ryan.  “Class Discussion: Attack Ward Churchill.”  Laulima: My Workspace 19 Nov. 2010.  3 Dec. 2010. 

[<https://laulima.hawaii.edu/portal/site/KAP.XLSENG215js.201110/page/580d9883-374c-4194-bb60-e4e1fe68988c>]