Letter from Andrea 
 

Dear Mr. Holdt, 
                                     
I attended your slide presentation at Westminster College on November 12, 1991. I must admit that I was quite surprised at first. I was not expecting such a biased presentation on the subject of oppression on American society. However, this approach was very effective. 

I have never considered myself a racist. In fact, some of my closest friends are black. Many times I find myself defending blacks to comments from both adults and peers. I found that these people were not very open-minded because they only saw things from one point of view, the white. I have always tried to be open-minded and view blacks for what they are, people. 

Your presentation opened my eyes to many problems which I did not know existed in our nation. I now have a better understanding for what blacks have gone through and continue to go through. I was indeed sheltered! I am now certain that many people in this nation are racist partly because of their ignorance of the history and present conditions regarding the lives of blacks. During the presentation, for instance, a few people around me chuckled when "the three things you can't give a nigger" were discussed. I'm sorry to say that I am ashamed of many of my classmates and friends. 

Once again, I would like to emphasize that your presentation was very effective. I just hope that it has helped other people who attended your slide show. Not many people would physically endure the hardships that you have for a cause that they believe in. You are truly a great human being. 

Sincerely, 
Andrea