Zubatov column unsubstantiated

To the Editor:

In the past few weeks, I have grown disturbed by the increasingly twisted nature of Alexander Zubatov's articles. Unable to make a clear point, Mr. Zubatov's sole apparent purpose in his latest article [Creation of an all-about-me major, 2/14/97, YH] is to offend ethnic and minority groups.

The argument of Mr. Zubatov's article centers on the fact that we could "make Yale declare a major in comic books if we spent enough time marching in front of President Levin's house." This claim itself, and Mr. Zubatov's poor attempt at sarcasm when devising his own "major," are so farcical that I do not know how to respond. Never does Mr. Zubatov attempt to show why an ethnic studies major is unnecessary. Nor does he ever show how an expansion of ethnic studies will or could lead to the formation of a major in comic books.

Perhaps covering up for his lack of pertinent or
interesting points, Mr. Zubatov provides us with pos-
sibly the most offensive article I have read in a Yale newspaper. When attacking "the ethnic studies gestapo," apparently "a group of pestering, radical student interest groups," does Mr. Zubatov refer to faculty supporters like Pro-fessor Rogers Smith? I am sure I need not remind readers of the uncomfortable connotations of the word "gestapo."

Continuing in this tone, Mr. Zubatov terms the ethnic studies major "I have no self-esteem, and I need to study my heritage." Would he make a similar statement to American Studies majors? How about most history majors? The low point of the article occurs when he chillingly asks "Is it all right to physically abuse your child in order to make her a lesbian?"

According to Mr. Zubatov, ethnic studies supporters "are all a bunch of spoiled rich kids playing war games because [they've] never seen the real thing." What does this mean? Only Mr. Zubatov himself appears to know.

Happily, there is a bright side to Mr. Zubatov's articles. Their perplexing and cryptic nature continues to provide inspiration for all of us who never thought we were talented enough to become journalists.

In closing, I would ask Mr. Zubatov to think rationally before writing his next article. It might help.

--Aditya Bamzai, SM '00

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