Racism cuts both ways

Dear Editor:
As a white Detroiter who has spent my entire adult life in the city, I take exception to the rant of Terry Howcott ("Maladjusted bigotry is not a job description," Oct. 12-18) and all of its racial implications in her Viewpoint article.
Having continuously heard that blacks must demand respect, it is unfortunate that the loud and angry diatribe by Howcott does not show respect of any sort with the multiple demands she has made. One cannot demand respect without showing it, regardless of the ghetto mentality expressed in so many ways by Ms. Howcott Of course there cannot be another side to the story about Affirmations and dismissed employee, Kimya Afi Ayodele once the issue of racism rears its ugly head. An explanation of the true facts will not be permitted.
Since the writer advises that she "could care less than a sweet roll about white organizations and their roles in black communities," perhaps she might wish to jump on the racial bandwagon called New Detroit. Here is an organization that injects racism into every discussion with the full support of the African-American community. Yet, racism will never be reduced in Detroit until education is given more stature in the black community. However, there is no education in the piece by Ms. Howcott, only accusations that reflect how racism cuts both ways.
Robert P. Thibodeau
Detroit