Outrage toward Miss America winner unfounded, un-American

On Sept. 15, 2013, Nina Davuluri made history when she was crowned Miss America 2014. Davuluri, a graduate of the University of Michigan, is the first Indian-American to hold the title of Miss America. Although born in Syracuse, New York – which is in the United States, for those who are not aware — certain individuals were outraged by the fact that the winner was not the “typical American” due to her race.

Partially, they’re right. A “typical American” does not graduate with many academic awards from a prestigious university with a degree in Brain Behavior and Cognitive Science. A “typical American” does not look beautiful on the outside and on the inside, where her personality is one of the most genuine you can find.

Oh no, these ignorant people on social media know what being a “true American” is. To them, a “true American” has to be Caucasian. Not only that, but she has to have the brain of a squirrel and the morals of a nun. God forbid we have an extraordinary, diverse and intelligent woman win Miss America. It must be the end of America as we know it.

“I don’t understand why there is outrage,” says creative writing freshman Lydia Mousa.

Her statement is true. There is no reasoning behind calling someone un-American due to their skin color. A person should be called un-American if they are being prejudiced toward another American on something they cannot change.

There is a stereotype in America that to be the true American woman or man, one must look and act like Barbie or Ken. Newsflash: sometimes, people can be different. Yes, a person can be blonde, brunette, ginger, fat, tall, skinny, short, white, black, brown or even magenta. There is diversity here in America. Our anthem says “Land of the free, home of the brave,” not “Land of the white man, home of the ignorant.”

It is absolutely tragic that this article even needs to be written about the prejudice that is still alive and kicking in this country rather than about how talented, sweet and elegant Davuluri is and how much of a role model she is for young girls.

Opinion columnist Blake Mudd is a journalism freshman and may be reached at [email protected]