My first reaction when I read Andrew Nesi's "Moving beyond 'us' and 'them'," (Sept. 18) was anger.
"It is exactly that kind of elitist attitude that gives Notre Dame a bad name in South Bend," I thought from the security of my high rise office, 20 years removed from my life as a student.
But as I thought more about it, I actually felt bad for him. Here's a guy that sees the differences and has at least some desire to bridge the culture gap between "Domer" and "Townie," between "haves" and "have-nots," between "us" and "them." They're the same differences we face every day out here in the "real world."
Thankfully, Andrew, in your current role you have the blessing of being able to do something about it. Since you don't know Mailbox Man's name, it is obvious that you have never introduced yourself to your own neighbors.
Why not? Surely your differences should not stop you from paying them even this minimum courtesy. If they were students, wouldn't you have done so by now?
And, believe it or not, you do have similarities. You live in the same neighborhood. You get up every morning and slug it out at your own challenges. You're likely praying to the same God. You both want to succeed. You both want your neighborhoods to be safe. You've both got families, dreams, fears, likes, dislikes. The fact that your specific circumstances are different does not mean that you cannot share those things.
Yes, Notre Dame has a tendency to exist in a bubble. But you, as an off campus resident, have the best opportunity to break through that bubble, even just a little at a time, because you could interact with "them" everyday.
(By the way, there is a good chance that "they" - or at least some of their family members - are serving you in the Huddle or cleaning your classrooms while you sleep. It is likely that you are interacting with them every day and don't even know it).
How do you know they wouldn't enjoy Kegs and Eggs? Have you invited them? Have you ever asked them to share a meal with you? Invited them over for Monday Night Football? Asked to borrow a cup of milk or a ladder? Volunteered to pick something up for them on your next trip to Martin's or Belmont Beverage?
These are the things neighbors do. They are your neighbors. What's stopping you? You don't need to think alike or dress alike to bridge the gap.
You're absolutely right: if you live segregated lives, you will never bridge the gap. But you don't live segregated lives - or at least you don't need to.
Do you want to break out of the bubble? Do you want to diversify? Then, you do it. You take the lead. You can make a difference right now, today. We don't need to change admissions policies or debate diversity or appoint a panel or do any of the other things that stop people from going beyond musing about their differences to actually making a difference.
When they come home from their jobs tonight, go over and introduce yourself and apologize for not having done so sooner. Ask them their names, about their families, their jobs, the neighborhood.
And then, care about them. Really care about them. Love them as Christ commands us. If you do, you'll find the differences are not that big a deal at all and you'll do more to burst the bubble than you ever could have imagined. Who knows, you may even come to enjoy NASCAR.
Mike Wilkins
alumnus
Class of 1985
Sept. 18
