Regarding the Oct. 24 article, "'Blackout Reser' raises racial issues":

I am writing as president of the Corvallis-Albany NAACP chapter to express concerns regarding some Caucasians wearing blackface and Afro-style wigs at Oct. 6 Oregon State University school spirit event.

The article mentions welcoming, consideration and friendliness towards black people on campus. It quotes people on campus who did not think about historical blackface and then states "We are sensitive to the issue now that we are aware of it … we do want to talk about it." While people are talking about it, here are some things they might wish to consider:

• Consider history. If OSU students are representing educated young people, they should be aware of the historical intent of blackface falsely characterizing black people as lazy, cowardly, lying, stealing and uneducated. Even if it is not the intent, once these attitudes are accepted, it is an easy reach to then act as if the stereotype is true.

Blackface has been associated with gross stereotypes, having proliferated and cemented racial images, some of which still exist in this community today. We continue to struggle with these stereotypes leading to unacceptable behavior. These stereotypes have resulted in justification for treating people badly through thoughtlessness or deliberate malicious attitudes and actions.

• Think. If we want to promote Corvallis as a wonderful place to live, this message falls short when people from other areas of the country or world wonder what this community is really like when consequences of actions are not adequately thought out. What is the message to other areas of the country when viewing an image of whites in blackface and Afro wigs?

I have had several opportunities to speak with people from around the world about Corvallis. This kind of event makes it an uphill struggle to speak about the virtues of our community. I recently attended a football game where the overwhelming majority of OSU football players on the field were minorities. What message do black-faced Caucasians wearing Afro-style wigs give to them?

This is not fun. Don't minimalize it.

• Where was the mentoring and advising? When activities are planned, there should be some dialogue. When an undesirable activity is repeated, it really deserves a response. We are asked to excuse behavior because of intent.

NO WAY.

We are told that "it was meant to bring unity" to do this.

IT DIDN'T.

It is not OK to ignore this issue or to hope it will go away.

Zel Brook of Corvallis is president of the Corvallis-Albany NAACP.