Letters Page
I enjoyed Black Hawk Down, and felt that Daniel Cormack was using the review space for voicing his opinions on American hypocrisy rather than the film.
Could your reviewers take the films they are reviewing less personally in the future? At least this one gives a fairly honest description of the circumstances if not the tone. It's a step up from U-571.
Ian Hardingham Oriel
I was a little disturbed by the advertisement for OUSU Diversity Week that you published last week, which caricatures the brains of racists, homophobes, sexists etc as being smaller than those of 'normal' people. The idea is nothing new - I think it's based on a previous national campaign - but it really doesn't seem to fit with the message they're trying to get across: 'different but equal' reads the tag line, right beneath a blaring depiction of inequality.
I suppose the paradox of a tolerant society is that it cannot tolerate intolerance. Still, couldn't we do this in a mature, informed way, rather than fighting prejudice with prejudice?
Yours, Nick Ashley (St.Catz)
I am sorry to have offended Angela Saini, but nevertheless I feel that her charge of 'ignorance' is unjust. Her condemnation suggests that I have got my facts wrong about arranged marriage and other issues (which I haven't) and that my defence of David Blunkett is flawed (which it isn't).
The freedoms enshrined by human rights in this country mean that everyone must be treated the same, without prejudice, discrimination, or concession. This is why they are 'universal' human rights. They respect the dignity of the individual's freedom, regardless of accepted cultural practices such as, for instance, 'arranged' marriages which frequently are implicitly coercive in nature.
The call for immigrants to abide by the human rights we enjoy in this country is not 'ignorance' Miss Saini; on the contrary, it is truly enlightened.
Yours faithfully, John Townsend University College
Is your sore throat any better? Dr Thomas Stuttaford (in The Times) says that taking multivitamins stops you getting colds, so now it's official. Mind you I wouldn't say that if I disagreed with him.
It's market day again today, which is handy because I picked up a pair of cheap, washable trousers. I saw Arthur poring over the plant stall, and he came back with a tray of primulas for £5. Apparently that's good value.
We were in Edinburgh for Burns night - and celebrated by having a curry! At the place in Dundas Street, which was quite good, but very expensive. Your father did some serious shopping in the sales, and then had to work out how he would get it all back in a small wheelie case. I stuck to small sparkly items and had no problems. The train back was very crowded so it was just as well I had insisted on bringing sandwiches and mineral water as usual, although I was unimpressed when I found out that I had to climb over three backpacks to get to your father's which were in his briefcase four seats away.
Love Mummy xxx
Did you watch that discussion on the TV the other night? I ended up shouting at the panel over their answers. Your father walked out of the room in disgust, but I think it was at me, rather than the television. Oh dear.
I was in town the other night and bought a four-pack of white T-shirts for you; I also picked up a really nice lambswool jumper to keep you warm. I'll put the receipt into the parcel if you don't like it, but if you do change it then tell me what you're buying!
Dad is out at the moment visiting his brother. I thought it best not to go over after the Boxing Day incident. I don't think your aunt has forgiven me, but the dog seems to have got over it, even if it did take four weeks.
Well, your sister is calling so I'd better go and see what she wants. She's offered to make dinner tonight, so I'm sure she's after something, but I was too tired to cook so I just said yes.
Mum xx
The author of the best letter will receive a pair of free tickets to see the film of their choice at the Phoenix.
31st Jan 2002