Word: mansfield
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...without doubt his comments were inflammatory. Nobody likes to have their achievements brought into question, especially because of race. Mansfield's lack of proof and his reputation made his theories and his motives suspect...
...Mansfield explained his comments as a method of broadening debate on campus, expanding the frontiers of what can be said. Opening up new avenues of discussion is a noble pursuit. All too often on college campuses and in society as a whole people avoid issues that are uncomfortable, including many involving race relations. But Mansfield methods were clumsy and harmful. A crusade for open discussion requires tact as much as brute force...
...Mansfield seemingly off-the-cuff comment was hardly tactful. If, as it now appears, his intention was to question the validity of affirmative action, there were better ways. Many better ways. Mansfield could have written a piece for a campus publication outlining his questions about or opposition to affirmative action. Or he could have done so in an interview...
...Mansfield was trying to open rational discussion on campus, he should have provided an example of such discussion himself. Instead he created a useless, damaging incident that left bruised feelings all around...
Pursuing both truth and better race relations is possible. Mansfield seemed more interested in publicity than either of them. He is not the only...