By Dennis Riordan
Letter to the Editor
Last week, the urban artwork displayed in our chapel as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King ceremony was destroyed. The perpetrator(s) left behind a mean-spirited note. Many are shocked and disappointed by what happened. We never thought an act of such ignorance could happen here.
St. Bonaventure is a community that shows solidarity with the poor and the forgotten, and challenges injustice. How could such an assault happen here? What led the perpetrator(s) to insult the legacy of Dr. King, an act that has offended our entire community? Was it hatred, ignorance, fear, or all three? We can only speculate on the reasons. Important now is how we respond. I believe we should “turn the other cheek,” just as Dr. King did so many times.
Yes, restraint is hard. It is difficult not to respond with anger when our natural reaction is so emotional. We are inclined to condemn those responsible. However, it would be better to resist that urge, choosing instead a thoughtful and restrained response.
Yes, we must challenge vigorously what this offensive act represents. However, our response must be rooted in love and mercy, not anger or hate. If we continue to spread Dr. King’s dream with our heads held high, we can send a powerful and hope-filled message that erodes the walls of intolerance and injustice. We can strengthen our commitment to the welfare of every student on campus regardless of race, gender, or social-economic background.
We have a chance to send a message and make a difference. Do we have the courage and will to model our lives after St. Francis and Dr. King, recognizing and celebrating the dignity and worth of all people, of all of God’s children? I believe we do. So together, let us use our time at St. Bonaventure wisely. Let us seize the opportunity to do great things.
Lastly, let me invite the people responsible for this transgression to a debate on campus about the critical role of Dr. King in U.S. history, the importance of human rights to our culture, or whatever other “message” the perpetrators intended. My bet is they won’t have the guts to step forward and defend their views, if in fact they have any. That, in turn, will only highlight an ignorance that deserves pity more than anger.
riordada14@bonaventure.edu
