Dear Writer of the Satirical Works Section,
I would like to respectfully write a few comments about your article “Tacoma Moon Festival honors the bare beauty of butts” that was published on The Trail’s website on September 24, 2013. First and foremost, I would like to write that I understand that this portion of The Trail is for joking and laughs. Also, I have noted that there is a disclaimer.
As a Perspectives Leader that has gone through Puget Sound’s Diversity Summit, this article came as a shock. Even more, as a campus that is attempting to promote increased diversity and inclusiveness, the article came across as very demeaning, cold, and ostracizing. In addition, as an Asian American UPS student, this article was nothing short of offensive on many levels.
The Tacoma Moon Festival’s purpose is to educate individuals of all backgrounds about Asian culture. The Festival hosted a number of different Asian ethnic groups including, but not limited to, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The Festival also aimed to preserve culture. Especially, for those like me, that did not learn a significant amount about my culture growing up. This festival was a way for me to learn about my culture and understand how to preserve it.
By making light of the Tacoma Moon Festival, the individuals who were represented there were also mocked.
Most importantly, the event was held at the Chinese Reconciliation Park. The Chinese Reconciliation Park was built in order to bring reconciliation. It aims to bring people of all races and socioeconomic statuses together with the intention of peace instead of separation or hatred. The park was built in the city we are living in to not only honor the Chinese that were driven out of Tacoma, but also to reach out to individuals living in Tacoma.
I kindly and with all due respect ask that future publications be more thoughtful and considerate. The Trail, being the power of the pen, reaches many individuals. These individuals include current students, Alumni, prospective students, and the Tacoma community. Even though The Trail does not represent the opinions of all students, a Prospective Student finding and reading a copy of The Trail could read this section and be deterred from attending the university. Because of the nature of the article and its implications for my culture, I was offended by this article and hope that the Trail will continue being mindful to avoid dismissing minority groups on campus.
Sincerely,
Ariana Lim
