In the Nov. 5 letter to the editor, Americans should stop thinking by race alone, Bill Mamer proposes a plan to rid our nation of segregation and inequality. This is a truly noble cause, and I applaud his courageous efforts. Mr. Mamer, however, seems to make some implications and suggestions that amplify the very problem he seeks to eliminate.

He fails to realize that we live in a society where race matters. It is not a simple task to ask a minority to leave a box under race unchecked. My ethnicity is a vital part of my culture, identity and existence. Asking me not to acknowledge that I am Asian-American strips me of who I am.

Mr. Mamer’s letter also insults and disrespects all minorities by accusing us of segregating ourselves. He states that there are exclusive minority organizations throughout this campus and the nation all with the advancement of their respective minority in mind as if that were part of the problem. Obviously, it can be argued that these support groups for race A, B or C, as he states it, contribute to segregation. But, he again fails to understand that these groups often are essential for minorities to survive in this society.

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His perspective clearly shows a lack of insight into minority issues and concerns. He claims to believe that diversity is only a good thing if we hold mutual respect and work together as equals. However, he does not seem to practice what he preaches. Asking minorities to ignore their culture and to abolish organizations that promote their livelihood does not show proper respect. And while I’m not sure how minority organizations are run at SIUC, everyone at my undergraduate organization was welcomed to attend minority organization meetings, functions and events regardless of their race.

While I agree with Mr. Mamer that affirmative action has its share of maladies, remember there have been very positive consequences as well. We cannot just forget about the improvements that have come about from affirmative action. Affirmative action needs to be reformed and adjusted not thrown out with the trash.