The organizers of Wednesdays forum at Western Kentucky University dealing with nigger, one of the most offensive and racist terms in the English language, are to be applauded for being willing to address the issues, attitudes and the language of racism. Considering the attendance at the forum, its obvious that our community is making strides in facing sometimes painful situations of racism that are divisive and bring no good results. Making progress begins with recognizing the issues involved, including the way people think about and respond to those of a different skin color, religion or culture. Once the issues are out on the table, they can and should be dealt with in openness and frankness. Several at Wednesdays forum shared their experiences, including Lexington junior Keya Ritchie, whose candor is appreciated and needed. Ritchie, who is black, told her story about how she did not experience racism until she moved to Kentucky from Chicago when she was 15 years old. From Ritchies experiences, its obvious that racism is still an issue that needs to be dealt with across the country. She pointed out that racism still happens in Bowling Green; no one is disputing the fact. We saw flashes of such acrimony following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when frustration was directed at those of the Muslim culture. We heard about peaceful Muslims across the country experiencing the backlash that came in response to the actions of a relatively few radicals. All of which goes to show that seeds of racism do not grow in the soil of skin color but rather in ground fertilized by hatred. That hatred covers the specter of ethnicity and usually is accompanied by ignorance. Its the same kind of hatred and ignorance that has created the most undesirable remnants of our nations past, as well. However, we do not completely share Ritchies pessimism that racist attitudes borne out in degrading name-calling and speech is not going to change no matter what people do.Considering her personal experience with racism, the discouragement is understandable but somewhat dispelled just by the fact that she and 150 fellow citizens were able to make their contributions to strengthening and protecting our communitys diversity.Just by encouraging discussion about and raising awareness of racist terms and attitudes, we take another step forward as a community in affecting real and lasting change.