Neither letters nor societies should rely on stereotypes

Neither letters nor societies should rely on stereotypes
EDITOR:
As a teacher in the Youngstown City Schools, I was incensed to read the sarcastic and negative letter to the editor May 7, "Maybe parents are a bigger problem than 'hunger.'" The writer insinuated that because children are provided a free breakfast at school, their parents have "abdicated their duty to provide" for them. I feel that his generalization is hurtful and harmful to not only Youngstown's children, but to society as a whole, and that it is based on stereotypes and racism.
The Children's Hunger Alliance states on its Web site that one in every six children in Ohio, or nearly 500,000, goes to bed hungry or is at risk for hunger. These numbers are astounding.
Thankfully, there are alliances, school districts, and state officials that care about the welfare of these children. We know that hunger prevents children from learning and from reaching their full potential.
We also know that these children are not responsible for their parents' financial situations. Should these innocent children be punished and made to go hungry throughout the school day because their parents cannot afford food?
The author states that although these families cannot afford food for their children, they are more than capable of paying for "cell phone bills, jewelry, tattoos, nail decorations, 150 sneakers and 1,000 watt sound systems." I certainly do not know many kindergarten and first graders touting tattoos and stereo systems, but the statement implies that because these families are impoverished, disabled or simply down-on-their luck, their children should enjoy none of the privileges that middle-class and wealthy children enjoy. Should we expect all children who enjoy free breakfast and a free or reduced lunch to wear sacks as clothing and wooden shoes on their feet? Maybe we should require that they wear a scarlet letter 'P' on their shirts so we could more easily identify them as poor.
In the conclusion of his tirade, the author continues by saying, "The fact that your student is an ignorant, annoying, disruptive jerk who either skips class or arrives late is because he didn't eat his Count Chocula." While I understand that the author is not calling all Youngstown's children names, he is once again using dangerous generalizations.
As a teacher in a city high school, I don't know many students who fit his description. I work with Youngstown students who are friendly, respectful and full of energy and enthusiasm. I work with students who have hopes and dreams and are applying for colleges and planning for their futures. And unfortunately, I see students who have been harmed by these generalizing, stereotypical and racist attitudes.
This letter is to remind people not to judge others, especially innocent children, based on the amount of money in their bank accounts or the color of their skin or by the city they live in. Let's not punish children for their parents' situations and for society's ignorant and racist attitudes.
JENNIFER WALKER
Canfield
Many ways to say, 'We care'
EDITOR:
Smoking laws have been enacted for the simple reason that courtesy no longer exists. It's an act of charity to simply ask, "Do you mind?" before lighting up. Taking into consideration another's health is simply saying, "We care." I know I can't spot an asthmatic or emphysema sufferer by looking to see who drops dead each time someone lights up. No, it's a silent suffering that goes unnoticed by most Americans. Going outside or waiting until later says, "We care."
But with this new law it's a two-way caring. Helping to break anothers' addiction is also a statement that, "We care about you."
SYLVIA KOZCWARA
Youngstown