Joke at fair was inappropriate

To the editor:

For many years I've enjoyed going to the East Perry Community Fair in Altenburg, Mo. The authentic rural atmosphere is a nice contrast with the larger, more commercialized SEMO District Fair.

This year, though, I was disappointed to hear the announcer at the mule jump make a mean-spirited joke: A local farmer sees someone dipping water out of a cow pond with his hand and drinking it. In German, he warns the man that the pond water isn't safe to drink. The man explains that he's a Muslim and speaks only Arabic and English, so if the farmer doesn't speak Arabic, he should speak English to him. The farmer tells him in English, "Use both hands, you'll get more."

It's not a particularly funny joke, and especially not to any of my Muslim friends. The point seems to be "Ha, ha, we hate Muslims."

I have always encouraged newcomers to the area to attend the Altenburg fair for a taste of real Southeast Missouri life. After this year's fair, though, I think I'll have to warn them that they're likely to encounter some real Southeast Missouri intolerance as well.

ALLEN GATHMAN, Pocahontas