Editor:In the last issue of The Maroon, a letter to the editor titled “One acts slated for controversy” questioned the appropriateness of an upcoming play at Loyola University. The play in question, “The Turner Diaries,” was cited because of its racist and treasonous content. The letter concluded by asking readers if they wanted this production banned. As the adaptor and director of the play, I feel the need to respond.
A larger percentage of the population should be aware of the existence and implications of white power literature. The lack of protest from the students is proof that our community should be better informed about this subject. If writings such as “The Turner Diaries” are removed from the public eye, it is far more likely that these subversive racist groups will be able to continue ripping apart the fabric of society without opposition.
By bringing this piece to the stage, audiences will become exposed to the basic beliefs of white supremacists as well as to stimulate ideas about how one might stop these groups. It is understandable that one might conclude that this piece has negative intentions, for this was the original intent of the novel. It contains material about both white supremacy and anti-government terrorism. However, it is not my intention to either reinforce or glorify any of the beliefs or the events that are contained in the text.
The piece was chosen because of its particularly extreme views on racism. I intend to use the material to demonstrate that one must be completely dehumanized in order to commit genocide. As the main character, Earl Turner, climbs his way up the ranks of the Organization, a fictional revolutionary white-power group. His views become less compassionate and more utilitarian. The human race is broken down into numbers instead of individuals. It is my intention to support this theme through my staging as well as all of the technical elements of the play.
A full proposal, as well as the script, was submitted to the Department of Drama and Speech last November. A board of faculty members reviewed and subsequently approved the production proposal. It meets the academic requirements and does not exceed the stipulations of profanity.
I hope this letter has quelled any fears of prejudicial attitudes from myself, the Department of Drama and Speech or the university. “The Turner Diaries” will be a unique, insightful and provocative look at racism.
John HarrisDrama senior
Editor:I am responding to the students who have written in expressing their views against Loyola’s offering of bus tours to the devastated areas of New Orleans. I too am a victim. My home was near the Robert E. Lee-London Avenue Canal break, and I had 10 feet of water – six feet of water remained for three weeks. My home, my neighborhood, my way of life, all destroyed. Many Loyola students, faculty and staff suffered the same kind of devastation to their lives.
I say, bring on the tours. It is absolutely essential to our recovery and rebuilding that the entire Loyola community experiences seeing the devastation firsthand. Pictures do not tell the story. You have to see it to get it. Yes, I was heartbroken. Yes, I dropped to my knees and sobbed when I saw my house and every ruined picture of my life’s precious memories. Everything I had worked so hard to achieve is gone. All of my son’s treasures: gone.
But, I welcomed the “tourists” who stopped by my house and asked if they could tour my house and take pictures. I was wearing the traditional hazard suit and did not look my best with my tear stained face. I posed for pictures with them and gave them an up-close and personal tour. I found the experience comforting.
Yes, we need personal time to heal and grieve. But if sharing my pain and grief with a perfect stranger helps the world understand the enormous task our city has in front of us, then bring on the tours. If tours bring the people and legislators that can provide needed assistance, bring on the tours. If tours bring much needed business commerce to our city, bring on the tours. If local tour owners can keep their businesses open, stay in business and stay in New Orleans, bring on the tours. We must continue to do everything possible to let others understand what it is going to take to rebuild and recover.
I am more than my possessions. I am honored that my work here at Loyola enables me to be part of the recovery and rebuilding process. And I am humbled at being a part of one of the greatest significant historical events our country has ever experienced.
Carmen SundaDirector, Loyola Small Business Development Center
