A Call For Sensitivity

Several days ago I received in the mail, among other things, my copy of the March 16, 1992, issue of The Scientist.Also in the mail was a copy of a sales catalog from a Maryland-based supplier of science-related products. What linked these two mailings was their front pages. A lead article in The Scientist noted that Native Americans are making slow, but forward, progress in joining the ranks of doctoral-level scientists. The article makes a strong point for role models for Native American stud

Lawrence Coleman

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Unfortunately, the sales catalog from the company does more harm than The Scientist's article may do good. Its cover shows two people in "red face" as a parody of "natives" adorned with a variety of the company's products. The insensitivity of this photo is astounding. It reinforces negative stereotypes and is insulting not only to Native Americans, but also to other groups.

The company may argue that I am unfair, that it did not intend to demean anyone. However, it is my hope that by bringing this lack of sensitivity to their attention, companies such as the Maryland firm will be enlightened.

I encourage The Scientist's readers to communicate to companies such as this one that such insensitivity will result in their taking their business here.

LAWRENCE B. COLEMAN
Professor of Physics
Acting Vice Provost
Academic Programs
Dean, Undergraduate Studies
University of California
Davis, Calif.

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