While it is perfectly reasonable to assume that the events happened just as you reported them, and in fact the photographer was discriminated against because of her race — a situation which sadly still occurs too often — it is also quite possible that in the rush of the first few days of the showcase, the host/hostess would have been intolerant to anyone, and it was only a coincidence that it was directed that it was directed to a woman of color. Although racial discrimination is all too frequent, I think we are often overly sensitive about the issue and tend to jump to conclusions. I do not mean to dismiss the behavior and explain it away; I simply feel that it is just as easy to jump to one conclusion as it is to jump to another.

In addition, I feat that many who read your comments will not be aware of the fact that the Harrisburg Symphony Association and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra are separate entities. The Harrisburg Symphony Association is simply a fundraising organization, and the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is not responsible for their actions. I happen to know that the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra goes to great lengths to insure that members are not discriminated against. When a new orchestra member is auditioned, the audition is held behind a screen, so that the judges are not aware of the gender or ethnicity of the potential candidate. I have always been impressed with this dedication to equality on their part, and hope that they are not unjustly associated with the Harrisburg Symphony Association as a result of your Editor’s column.

Julie Moffitt,
Music Instructor, HACC

Therefore, I do not understand your satirizing those who would organize to prevent the death of children! Does Planned Parenthood advertise in your publication? I can imagine no other reason for such foolishness to grace the cover of an otherwise fine publication.

Dr. Anthony L. Blair,
Thesis Advisor
School of Professional Studies
Eastern College