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Page Four
THE MAROON TIGER
and respectability. It is doubtful whether even
this would have happened without the impetus of
war.
These instances taken from history have a
subtle but forceful message in them. They tell us
that war, despite its blood, destruction, and chaos,
has a knack of “kicking out” undesirable institu
tions, and sort of setting things in order. Now,
Negroes of all peoples, should remember this.
They should remember it because they have rea
son to be dissatisfied with many of the conditions
they find about them. But more than this! They
should remember it as a safeguard against being
educated into believing that nothing good ever re
sults from war.
Peace is beautiful; it is heavenly, and it is con
structive. Yet, on the other hand, it can be cowar
dice; it can be indolence, and it can mean an ac
ceptance of existing conditions. One often won
ders if Negro promotors of the peace doctrine
ever think of these things. In what manner and
by what means do they hope to change the pres
ent status of the Negro in the South? Perhaps
it is that they think a few more resolutions, duly
passed by august Negro gatherings, will do it; or
is it that they plan to file a few more protests?
In either case one cannot help doubting the suc
cess of their venture. Let it be repeated that peace
can mean an acceptance of existing conditions.
Does the South need a better justification for its
policy of discrimination against the Negro than
that the Negro is satisfied with his condition and
that life moves peacefully and evenly onward in
the land of sun and flowers ? One fears that as
long as this contentment prevails, just so long
will the Negro be a political and social football.
Continued passiveness is highly undesirable.
What is needed is some real resentment. Resent
ment highly flavored with dissatisfaction. We
ask for more points of conflict. Points of conflict
along the race relation front which will unmistak
ably tell the world that Negroes, too, are human
and that they have rights which must be respect
ed.
Who are those who advocate peace? Well,
among the nations, we find Great Britian an ex
pansive and rich empire on which the sun never
sets. Next, we find the United States, a country
adequately supplied with territory and natural
resources. Following these, France and others who
find themselves, rather snugly situated and are
accordingly interested in maintaining the “status
quo.” Now, let us look at Germany. Germany has
no inclinations for peace. She has reason, and a
very good reason, to be displeased about her pres
ent situation. Moreover, Italy has given the peace
lovers no little trouble. Therefore she is trying to
adjust things more to her liking. Strikes occur
because workers are not pleased with the returns
they receive from their labor, and capitalists dis
like strikes because they do not wish to make their
ditions as they exist.
Peace at any price is an injunction which
should be protected against the vulgar eye of in
spection. An eye that will see that the price at
times can be much too dear for intelligent people
to pay. If the price of peace is debasement, keen
embarrassment, discrimination, and disfranchise
ment, then, away with peace. Negroes need fewer
peace demonstrations. They need much more
acutely, the cultivation of a militant, critical and
helpful selfish attitude about life.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Atlanta University players announce the
third annual play writing contest open to the
members of the faculties and student bodies of
Atlanta ‘University, Morehouse and Spelman Col
leges.
Rules of the contest:
1. Plays may be either one act or more than one
act.
2. Plays must deal with themes of Negro life.
3. Best plays, selected by judges, will be pro
duced by the University Players.
4. Any play produced becomes the property of
the University Players.
5. All manuscripts must be type written.
6. Contest closes March 15, 1937.
7. Place manuscripts in hands of Miss Hazel
Washington on or before March 15.
The University Players
THINGS WE’D LIKE TO KNOW
What is the real reason behind the postpone
ment of the Morehouse Musical Comedy. . . .Who
is responsible for the rudeness shown in chapel
on certain occasions Why the Atlanta Negro
Chamber of Commerce is not effective Why
colleges whose profs are always talking about a
just and equitable wage, seldom pay above the
prevailing wage for work done Who is re
sponsible for the rule prohibiting “frat” houses.
.... When will Atlanta have a decent ballroom.. .
. . Why there are is no colored superintendent of
Nurses at Grady Hospital Why student con
tinue to purloin magazine from periodical room.