Recognize the positive in South Bend
Jourdan Sorrell
junior
There are not enough words in the English vernacular to describe my feelings after reading the Aug. 30 editorial entitled, "Life outside the bubble draws students into danger." The editorial was the most morally unethical piece of literature that I read to date. It is unfair and an injustice to demonstrate how one incident reflects an entire community. South Bend is like any other city in the United States.
Criminal activity occurs daily across the country at an alarming rate. I find it interesting that one robbery or series of events over a short period of time can shape an editorial staff's opinion about a community that they have little to limited knowledge. Besides the usual areas that students hangout at or community programs that they participate in, the average Notre Dame student has limited exposure to the South Bend community.
Frequently I have overheard negative comments about the community including the so-called "townies." What people fail to recognize is that South Bend is more than Boat Club, Corby's, Heartland or any other place that is regularly patronized. South Bend is attempting to establish its identity, but growing nevertheless. There are extraordinary community organizations and people attempting to make a difference and create a world that we can all appreciate.
People never see or hear about the good that occurs in the community, only the bad. Individuals need to recognize that South Bend has a lot to offer if they take the chance and see it. Things do not appear miraculously.
It takes a process of self-discovery and exploration. This will not occur without the initial stepping out of one's own comfort zone and attempting to understand a culture and community unlike their own. I sympathize with the individuals who were robbed but understand that criminal activity can occur at any moment or time.
The Notre Dame campus is not immune to crime either. The campus is relatively safe from the outside community, creating a bubble environment which many neglect to burst. This editorial does not aid in the process, for more students will probably remain in their comfort zones, never exploring the possibilities or opportunities that South Bend has to offer.
To first-year students and the community, do not believe everything that you hear or read as the truth, discover it for yourselves.
Jourdan Sorrell
junior
Siegfried Hall
Sept. 1
All Viewpoint Stories for Monday, September 2, 2002
