To the Editor:

“They’re missing out on some great people,” said an international student. Her friend and she were enjoying a walk down Coshocton Avenue on a beautiful day when insults and obscenities were hurled at them from people who drove by slowly.

She is right. For too long, some Americans have been discounting people of color, Jews and single moms, responding to propaganda. Enough.

The ugly stereotyping of the “other” is promoted by a few politicians greedy for power and scapegoats. They appeal to the worst in us. Not acceptable. People remember kindness and cruelty. Choose the former.

Years ago, our son, then 12, the only American in his English school, was blamed for Reagan’s land-based missiles in England. By whom? A few bullies who beat him up harassed him regularly. He never told us. A visiting English friend told us the following year.

In addition to his English friends, our son was drawn to two Australians and a Welsh student who had also been treated as outsiders. Different.

Speak up. Be kind. Don’t let ignorant bullies rule on the streets or in state legislatures and Congress.

Cruelty has nothing to do with greatness.

Jill Grubb

Gambier