I think this goes without saying, but just in case anyone was confused, I am not an Oompa-Loopa. I am not a fictional character from the imaginative mind of Roald Dahl. I am a human being; a female of African American and Puerto Rican descent. I am also, in light of recent events, a former staff member of Pipe Dream.

My decision to quit was not because I felt uncomfortable being one of a few minority members on staff, and it certainly wasn’t because I think those who made the decision to publish this article are racist. The decision to publicize such a tactless article came from a naive and irresponsible place and as someone who held absolutely no role in writing, publishing or promoting the article; I don’t want to be attached to it or the organization that published it.

As for Ms. Cuba, I do not think you’re a racist. I think you’re a very mis-educated, ignorant and arrogant young lady.

I’m only speaking for myself when I say these things, not on behalf of all minorities but the costume that Julianne Hough chose to wear wasn’t offensive. I am not hurt by her wearing it. I don’t think it came from a place of hate or maliciousness. I think it was just a very poor execution of a creative choice of costume. Wearing Bantu knots and a jumpsuit without getting a bronzed tan would’ve have sufficed just fine considering the costume was a group costume and others were also dressed as characters from the show.

But your words Ms. Cuba, the words you chose to write, those are much more offensive than Ms. Hough’s costume will ever be. Your dismissive tone and apathetic attitude on a subject area to which you lack the background or understanding to speak upon is appalling.

I will not high five you or thank you because you think having an African American president means things are “good.” Minstrel shows and Jim Crow laws are long gone; however, racism, hate and, most importantly, ignorance are still thriving in our society. I still see these things play out in my life daily.

Your choice of words and your opinion only help to propagate and promote this ignorance further. Pipe Dream’s choice to publish it only makes it worse.

I am not looking for an apology. Although you did provide one, I didn’t really care for it much. You knew your column was controversial, you knew it may cause some backlash, but you said it anyway. You feel bad only because you got in trouble, not because you understand why you are wrong.

I’m not writing this to change your opinion, as I don’t believe I can. It’s very hard to retract a statement such as yours because you believe you’re right. Even though over time you may grow to see the err of your ways, you will never fully understand the implications of the statements you made.

In parting, I’ll only offer one piece of advice to you and anyone else who holds your same sentiment.

The only way to do away with ignorance is education, and although you will never see life through my eyes or live in my skin, you can better educate yourself about the hardships minority groups deal with and use discernment before you make statements such as the one you made.

Shavonna Hinton

Class of 2015