Once upon a time, the United States enslaved part of its population for 225 years. There was no way to escape slavery, and the slaves were treated in inhumane ways. This way of life remained intact for centuries because slavery was the basis of the Southern economy. Fortunately, the mobilization of black America and the challenging of values by white America worked together to overcome what we now see as one of the most embarrassing businesses in our country’s history.

Thus, I was saddened when Brian Kutzley stated in his column Tuesday that “There really and truly is something at stake in the debate on everyday values” [“The Alarming Revolution,” Sept. 25]. To hear an educated man imply that to even talk about these aforementioned issues could be a bad thing is heartbreaking and discrediting to the University as a whole.

To improve, one must change. Without change, one cannot improve. For example, if a team loses all of their games, season after season, the only way they are going to start winning is if they change their game plan. If they decide there is nothing wrong with the way they are playing the game, they will continue to fail as other teams continue to exploit their weaknesses.

Naturally, some issues are harder than others to dissect because of the different ways people view life in general. Kutzley brings up the concept of gay marriage, which is a perfect example of this problem. It’s a battle between the idea that all humans are entitled to equal rights that can’t be violated by those in power, versus the idea that homosexuality is a sinful deviance that should not be condoned by the institution of marriage. Both sides have their speaking points, and everyone believes one side has more legitimacy than the other. With that said, the debate rages on.

The problem at hand, however, is not whether gay marriage is right or wrong, but that Kutzley believes there is something at stake by even debating these values. He finds the whole trend of rebuilding our culture as “terrifying.” These are his words I am simply repeating; I am not making this up.

Perhaps the most ironic part of this is that the column was found in an academic newspaper. Why go to college if you are content to leave the status quo as it is? We don’t live in a perfect world, so it’s up to those who have the opportunity to continue to learn who should continue to push the envelope and initiate change. Not prevent it.

Let’s continue to be open to discussion about everyday issues. America has benefited from the debate (and as a result, the change) of everyday values. Domestic rape is now a crime. Employers are now required to provide good working conditions for their workers. Food is now regulated by a commission to help prevent sickness. All of these things occurred when someone looked at something taken for granted in their everyday lives and said, “this could be better.”

Ethan Morningside lives in Bowling Green. Send responses to his column to [email protected].