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'JAP' column offensive

Kate Epstein's piece in Monday's Daily ("Crossroads of oppression: The JAP," 4/8/96) was extremely offensive. While seemingly written with the intention of dispelling a damaging ethnic stereotype, it actually perpetuated it.

I'm terribly sorry if Epstein grew up feeling contempt for people based on their geographical origin (the suburbs) or the clothing they wear. Calling it "fairly legitimate" to resent people because of their greater material fortune is nonsense.

So is the implication that the disparity among income levels is more obvious at the University than in other places. So is the notion that women are the only consumers in this nation. And no one, not the women of Long Island or anyone else, is a good target for scapegoating. A common target, maybe. But good? I beg to differ. I take issue with statements like, "We all hate the women of Long Island because ... they're rich."

Include yourself, Kate, but do not think you can speak for all people.

Also, contrary to Epstein's belief, not all Long Islanders are Jewish, even if there is a large Jewish population in New York. Nor are all Long Islanders rich. (While I'm at it, I might add that not all rich people are "refined.") And although Jews may have historically been accused of monetary greed, this is not to say that we actually are greedy.

I will not go into a long explanation of the reasons Jews were forced into moneylending occupations for many centuries, but it is important to make a clear distinction between stereotype and reality. The editors of the Daily should also know never to presume that one's readers share one's assumptions.

I certainly agree with Epstein that "so long as we accept the hidden presence of misogyny and anti-Semitism, they are perpetuated." But I am dismayed that she (did not have) the discretion to realize that her words directly contradicted her stated intentions. Shame on you, Daily.

P.S. I am not from Long Island.

AMY BETH KLEIN

UNIVERSITY ALUM