University of Virginia Library

Letters To The Editor

Dream Sacrificed To Unfeeling Realism

Without condemning him to
the fate recently befallen
Provost David Shannon
(although he'll probably
achieve it anyway), I would
like to note that Mr. R.S.
Sindha's recent letter belittling
Utopian ideals at the
University is a superb example
of the unfeeling,
shallow-minded realism to
which Mr. Jefferson's dream is
being sacrificed. The author
has not only lost his idealism:
he has apparently forsaken his
common sense. If the longing
for "freedom from crowds,
from dirt...from impossible
prices...decaying city,...
demonstrates elitist tendencies,
then I take unbounded pride in
being an unequivocal
elitist...

Likewise, I am something
less than impressed with the
logic of the argument that
"Every person, institution,
nation and species is
modernizing these days, and
hence, there should not be a
grievance against it."
Obviously, the author has
never been widely acclaimed
for his originality,
individuality, and personal
pride. The most disturbing
aspect of his letter, however, is
the contention that stolen
wrist-watches and unreturned
jackets-i.e., the decay of the
honor system -is desirable
since it provides the student
with valuable "training" for a
life ahead where "less respect
for mutual values exist."

This University, Mr. Sindha,
was one place where such a
respect could be preserved,
regardless of national trends;
or, to quote a more sane
colloquium from the same
issue, this is not just a state
university: it is Mr. Jefferson's
state university. Without
becoming absolutely libelous, I
must conclude by
acknowledging a strong
suspicion that the author of
such a "contribution" would
have to be one of those less
idealistic, less intelligent, less
honorable members of society
who, out of pure jealousy,
cannot tolerate any individual
or institution who, against all
odds, attempts to be otherwise.
He has all my sympathy.