Letter to the Editor
In response to last issue’s letter Lily Shuk-Ping Tam
We assure you that what you have interpreted as an atrocious act of cultural discrimination was simply a theme for our project “SU Mastermind.” No more, no less. Student Union members working on projects agree on a particular theme to help promote their project and brand it throughout the university. This is done so that, for example, when people see Chinese decorations around campus they directly relate it to “SU Mastermind.” The theme is designed to make students instantly aware of what the project is promoting. Moreover, the relationship between the projects and their corresponding themes may sometimes be remote or indirect.
In the case of “SU Mastermind,” we linked China to the meaning of the word “Mastermind,” with reference to renowned Chinese philosophers and historical figures.
Therefore, ironically, what we originally meant as a light gesture was interpreted into a racial or cultural slur. Nevertheless, we understand the reason behind your concerns and accordingly, we will try to take cultural sensitivity into consideration in the future. This, however, was a terrible misunderstanding.
Kindly consider our clarification, and please do not hesitate to express future concerns of yours. This is, after all, what we’re here for.
Salma Medhat Soliman
General Manager of the SU Mastermind
Business Administration
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