To the Editor:

Re: “Budget Cut Bingo,” Halloween Special Section, Oct. 31

I found the Budget Cut Bingo board to be highly offensive. Sure, plenty of economic downfall references and jokes are thrown around here and there, but for anyone to say “Bear Necessities will accept FOOD STAMPS” is downright inappropriate. Do you know just how extreme emotions can run with the little tickets?

The experience can be humbling, embarrassing, frustrating; but is something that those who use them are consistently grateful for. And it’s not even just about the stamps themselves — it’s about all the societal implications of social stratification and worth that comes along with it. Everyone is hurting from the recession, but low-income students and families have been in their economic positions for years, if not all their lives. Yet we remain resilient and do what we can to survive and do better for ourselves. I don’t expect anyone’s empathy, pity, etc. — but unless you really understand the reality that is “food stamps” and all that comes along with it, you probably shouldn’t be making any references for a few chuckles.

Mony Sarkar ’10