Here is a letter to the editor of The Daily Tar Heel, UNC-Chapel Hill’s student newspaper. Assuming it’s not a plausible fiction, the letter is from Chancellor James Moeser. Emphasis is added:
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender-Straight Alliance is hosting activities this week to highlight the need for allies in their efforts to fight discrimination.
I am happy to be listed as an ally.
In doing so, I think back to the darkest days of World War II and the German occupation of Denmark. When the Nazis tried to round up Jews to send them off to the camps, the Danes, led by their king, all wore stars of David to demonstrate their solidarity with the Jews – saying in effect, “We are all Jews.” That required great courage.
It is easier, though no less important, for us to stand in solidarity with those today who might be oppressed.
Thus, I say to my friends and colleagues on this campus, I am your ally. You are part of our community, and we value your presence.
Again, this letter isn’t by some overly emotional, feelings-before-facts freshman. This is written by the leader of one of the major public universities in the United States. The fact that it sounds as if it sprung from the mind of an overly emotional, feelings-before-facts freshman ought to be embarrassing to the chancellor and others at UNC. Surely there is a way to make that point while retaining one’s dignity and sense.
Could it be that the obviousness of the message (Dear members of the community: You are members of the community) requires lame, ginned-up Nazi comparisons to make it appear necessary?
