Ethnicity of Soviets

I am responding to the article written about Prof. Rein Taagepera by Times staff writer David Reyes (May 9). I have only fond recollections of being a student of such a wonderful man.

I took my first class with Prof. Taagepera approximately seven years ago during the Brezhnev years. I learned how important it was to understand that the Soviet Union is made up of many different nationalities, not just Russians. Many ethnic groups suffered a lack of identity under the socialist structure of Soviet society that favored the people of Russian descent.

I was particularly moved by Prof. Taagepera’s personal attachment to Estonia and how important it was to him to make us understand the history of his country being reduced from an independent nation to a Soviet Republic. He feared the language and culture of his people were in serious danger due to internal oppression.

Prof. Taagepera did criticize Soviet policies. However, he spoke not just for the Estonians, but for all the oppressed groups: Jews, Georgians, Armenians, Moldavians, Muslims, etc. He never failed to address the concerns of the many other ethnic groups that make up the U.S.S.R. I often marveled at his calm and reserved manner, even while describing the unfortunate trials of oppressed people. Nevertheless, I never doubted his empathy and compassion.

As a student of Prof. Taagepera, I learned about the politics and society of a fascinating and interestingly diverse country. Today, his lifelong dream is coming true, and he has a chance to be a part of the process that will re-establish Estonia as an independent nation.

If he leaves UC Irvine, the school will lose the best teacher in the social science department. His office door is always open, and he truly takes great delight in discussing the many issues and topics of his classes. He loves teaching; he loves his students, but he also loves his country.

REBECCA ARVIZU

Cypress