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1992 The olC lege News 1992-9-24 Vol.14 No. 1 Students of Bryn Mawr College
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For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE COLLEGE NEWS VOLUME XIVOV NUMBER 1 FOUNDED ^ 1914 BRYN MAWR COLLEGE SEPTEMBEFSEPTEMBER 24, 1992 Lynn Yeakel: a view of women in politics By Erika Merschrod In her opening remarks, Yeakel men- time) seeking funds and creating a re- Women entering the field of politics tioned that the Qarence Thomas hear- source network. For a woman, as one today have very different backgrounds This past weekend, the Bryn Mawr ings (or rather, their transformation into could well imagine, the time needed to than do men in similar positions. The community had the exciting opportu- the Anita Hill hearings) inspired her to raise an equivalent amount of money as women often have families, and thus nity to participate in a panel discussion join the senatorial race in January. At the compared to her male counterparts is so many know first-hand about working involving some very important women time, she said, she didn't know that so disproportionate that this alone discour- high pressure jobs on a limited time (and a couple of men) from today's po- many other women would also be run- ages many women from becoming in- schedule and budget. litical scene. Among the more famous ning, which shows how lacking we volved in running for elected offices and They many not have experience in guests invited were Hillary Clinton, a women are when it comes to networking prevents many of those who do run from politics, but, to quote Ms. Yeakel, they no-show due tocampaign demands, and in politics. obtaining those offices. have the "politics of experience." They Lynn Yeakel, candidate for the United Ms. Yeakel stressed the importance of Despite setbacks produced by scarce bring to their jobs a different set of skills, States Senate. coalitions and the power in numbers, funds for women candidates, lack of skills often overlooked because they were Lynn Yeakel, a resident of Rosemont, citing as an example the great success strong, female backing or "old girl" net- gained in a volunteer capacity. Most of is familiar with the public service scene that she had in taking Women's Way works, and blatant sexism, not to men- all, according to Yeakel, women bring a both on a local and national level, so she from a struggling group of fund-raisers tion a history of frightened men who sense of integrity to their positions, and a is well acquainted with both the hin- to a strong coalition that provides much- have quelled our every move toward an responsibility (often wrapped up in guilt drances and the advantages to being a needed assistance to women in this area equality of the sexes, there are a few brought about by a patriarchal "women woman in the male-dominated political and nationwide. advantages to being a woman in politics. are the caretakers" mentality as d iscussed arena. She was, therefore, a natural choice Which brings us to the issue of money. In Lynn Yeakel's case specifically, by Allyson Schwarz, another speaker in to introduce Saturday morning's panel As Clare Wofford said later in the day, being a newcomer and an "outsider" this panel and a state senator) to their on "Getting Elected: Advantages and politicians spend mostof their campaign- (most women being viewed as outsid- constituents that they will represent them Obstacles." ing time (and a large part of their elected ers) has made her a symbol of change all. and hope. As a member of an oppressed In summary, Lynn Yeakel expressed a majority (namely women), she will most feeling that women have a very impor- probably sympathize with other disen- tant place in politics as women and as franchised groups such as the elderly. promoters of change. All issues are All of this can be extended to a more women's issues, and so-called "women's general view of a woman challenging a issues" are actually issues that affect our male incumbent. whole society. Fear of a campus of color? Admissions1 reassessment By Tania Sloan and of a campus of color. Instead of saying Lourdes-marie Prophete we do not need to focus on their recruit- ment, why not recruit from "under-rep- o A very complicated and powerful resented" Asian-American communi- agency of Bryn Mawr has made serious ties? a Clare Wofford expounds on a woman's place in politics at the symposium on decisions that affect the whole student This is part of a larger issue. How does Saturday, September 19 in Thomas Great Hall, as Mary Pat looks on. body— every race and class. The "quiet" Admissions' recruitment, especially decision made by the Admissions Office minority recruitment, actually work? to no longer consider Asian-Americans What is Bryn Mawr's policy on diver- "Women in Politics" at Bryn Mawr as minorities in the recruitment process sity? Is there a quota of minorities they By Elizabeth Lyzenga and this departure from the format was inter- has left many people stunned, and many want to reach and then no more? Erika Merschrod rupted almost immediately, but not be- more unaware of this change. Most of the students at Bryn Mawr fore two opinions had been presented as The Admissions Office's exact policy come from very similar socioeconomic "Should we fight not to be special but being in opposition, namely whether the on how Asians are considered in recruit- backgrounds,eventheminority students. equal, or fight to be special and articulate woman or the politician is the moving ment is unclear. Even within the Admis- Admissions officers will explain to you in the ways in which we have been spe- force of a woman politician. sions Office there exists conflicting sto- that, because many high schools consist- cial?" This question was raised by Billie Continuing in this vein, in another ries. Someofficers will tell you that Asian- ing mainly of minority students have a Gaines, moderator of the first discussion panel Clare Wofford, wifeof U.S. senator Americans are a "grey area" right now— lower quality of education (i.e. no for- panel, "In and Out: Do Women Have a Harris Wofford, suggested that women we are not sure how to classify them. eign language) and therefore lower SAT Special Role in Politics?" of this week- politicians, more so than their male Others will tell you that they are no longer scores, they are having to make excep- end's symposium, "Leaders — Born or counterparts, are honest and concerned "priority." Still others will say that yes, tions to bring them here. Made? Women in Politics." It continued with domestic issues. Marjorie Margo- Asian-Americans are minorities, but Does the Admissions Office have a to be an important topic of debate for the lies Mezvinsky, candidate for US repre- minority recruitment will focus on Afri- Minority Recruitment plan? The Minor- remainder of the weekend, as many sentative, agreed that a woman's per- can-American and Latino students since ity "Coordinator" (not recruiter) has two women (and two men) who hold politi- spective is different than a man's, but she the Asians are "over-represented" at Bryn and a half geographic regions to cover cal positions in the professional and proposed that the difference lies in the Mawr. and knows that her position is very volunteer arenas convened to salute the popular perception of women as outsid- Some extremely serious issues arise temporary. The office is planning to hire growing presence of females in power. ers and elements of change. from this decision. Why should the His- a recruiter by June. Until then what is The first panel involved three women, The dispute continues over whether panic and African-American students' being done for theclass of 1997 and 1998, two of whom could be seen as having a or not we, as women, have something gain be the Asian-American students' besides searching through a few com- direct conflict of ideals: Kathryn Roth is special to offer the political scene in the loss? This policy pits group against group. puter databases of minority students? working for the Clinton campaign while United States and around the world. Who has the power to decide what ethnic Three student intern positions were another, Lisa Shiffren, writes speeches Although the symposium was tedious group will be considered "minorities" formed. At $400 a semester (an impor- for Dan Quay le. An interesting diversion and inconclusive at times, it brought for the year or how many of an ethnic tant position obviously, at that pay), these occurred when, in response to an audi- exciting people to Bryn Mawr and group is considered enough? Admissions students will assist the Minority Coordi- ence question, Shiffren stated that gen- prompted some interesting debate both seems to think that Asian-American stu- nator. The Admissions Office expresses der was a non-issue when women formed in and out of the panel-discussion for- dents are doing quite well at Bryn Mawr. the hope that the positions will be filled their political opinions. mat. Well, if this same reasoning were by one African-American, one Asian- Roth countered with her own opinion Hopefully we will continue to explore applied to theCaucasian population, then American and one Latino student, but that a woman's perspective must neces- these issues, because they affect all of us, why aren't we cutting back on their re- also point out that, in the interview proc- sarily be different than a man's, and a men and women, aspiring politicians or cruitment and focusing completely on ess, such a neat result is not guaranteed. brief argument ensued. Unfortunately not. other minority groups? I guess it's a fear see Admissions reassessment on pg. 3 m iving our own private Bryn Mawr see centerspread on pages six and seven Page 2 The College News September 24,1992 Gary Garber's "Disorientation Guide"— the Bi-college answer to consumer reports 9 To the Community: classrooms between professors and stu- dents. We and our parents pay through Editors note 1 Sept 1992 the nose for the privilege of attending these institutions and are humiliated and We want to take this opportunity to invite I have read Gary Garber's "Disorien- frustrated by Financial Aid and the tation Guide" for Haverford and Bryn Comptrollers for our trouble (apologies all interested Bryn Mawr women— undergratu- Mawr very carefully, some parts of it to Ms. Monnich and Ms. Mangano). As ate, graduate, Post-bac and McBride— to write several times. Concerning the practical the custodians of our hard-earned edu- aspects: maps, restaurant guides and so cation, professors are critical to success- forThe College News. Meanwhile, if there are is- forth, I have few comments. If s an excel- ful learning. Students are responsible for sues that are being overlooked that you would lent idea, and it is certainly more interest- their own behavior, but what isn't taught ing and useful than anything I have seen can t be learned. This should be obvious, like to see addressed in very specific terms, please put out by either college. Readability but sometimes I wonder. bring them to our notice. might be improved by changing layout, Because of their power over students' but that's a picky detail. learning process, professors and admin- We are interested in rinding a Sports Editor, I am making my comments public for istrators need to know the effects of their several reasons. I understand that our methods, and what students have to say to help us inform, excite, and celebrate with one beloved and fearless leaders, the admin- about these effects. I don't mean in the another the wealth of athletic activities and victo- istrators of both colleges, are less than language students use for them, but in pleased with the Guide. Therefore, it the language they use for each other. ries that go on here. Please call us if you are inter- would come as no surprise to me if there Even anonymous classroom evaluations ested in the position. was an effort to "discourage" its re-pub- can be influenced by fear for a grade, to lication. It would be a pity to dampen the say nothing of comments made directly We would also like to urge all photogra- fbrcefulness of the Guide, and to sup- to professors. I realize that the Guide is phers on campus to send us your "quintessential press it would be censorship. not meant for professors and adminis- The Guide is by no means the best trators; however, in a small community Bryn Mawr" pics to be printed in the paper. As thing since free dental dams. The com- they are bound to hear about it, even if Bryn Mawr is so many different things to differ- ments about professors' personal lives they don't own a copy. are unnecessary and give the Guide a While a mere student's opinion may ent people, we'd like to display some of the tabloid feel, reducing its credibility. I be set aside, I would like to point out that unique views that students have. If you are inter- also feel that including the names of colleges are primarily for students. Again, specific students is a bad idea. Professors this should be an obvious statement, not ested in working on the photography staff, con- and administrators are public figures and a radical revelation. The Guide is by a no-holds-barred approach is fair. De- students, for students. In the crudest tact the photo editor, Amy (box cl227). claring open season on fellow students is possible terms, the clientele are evaluat- Our weekly editorial meetings are opportu- not fair. While I know that careful and ing the commodity. The Disorientation thorough efforts were made in this vein, Guide is Consumer Reports. nities for interested students to discuss the things I would like to point out that potentially It lets students know which professors that affect, amuse and/or enrage them (both on inflammatory material requires extraor- are respected and which ones are not and dinarily careful editing: more quotation why. Done properly, such a publication campus and off) and to delve deeper into the marks. can help keep us all honest. It is not issues that matter to us as a community. Our aim My personal objections aside, I think meant to be the absolute guideline for the Guide is a necessary publication, not determining one's academic career. That is to continue a tradition of open dialogue be- just as a vehicle of free speech, or a good is explicitly stated. However, it is a prac- tween and among students and, more generally, laugh. I am starting my fourth year at tical tool and may be an effective vehicle Bryn Mawr, and while there are many for changes which are necessary at both women. We invite any and all interested students things about it that I love and value, there Colleges. to drop by Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. in the are certainly things which I actively hate. There have been many times when f feel Elleanor H. Chin, news office (x7340) in Denbigh Hall. that the College does not respect its stu- BMC '93 dents, either intellectually or emotion- ally. While I am less familiar with Haver- Copies of this will be sent to: ford, I know of people who have similar President Mary Patterson McPher- feelings about it. son— Bryn Mawr College; Tom Kessin- The Disorientation Guide is a power- ger— President of Haverford College; ful voice which directly addresses the Karen Tidmarsh— Dean of the Under- alleged purpose of both institutions: the graduate College, Bryn Mawr; The Bi- education process which takes place in College News; Gary Garber HC '93.
THE BRYN MAWRCOLLEGE e©LLEGE VOLUME XTV. NO. NEWSI. SEPT. 24,1992 Editors NadineAllaf c-7, 649-5098 anuiain c-166, x5560 Non-smoker's demand for Editorial Board Farhanah Akikwala, Smriti Belbase, Laura Brower, Idil Cakim, Miriam Cope, action, for all of our rights Alessandra Djurklou, Nina Ellis, Christine Hufschmid, To the community: sponses by some non-smokers. They Lena Kopelow, Michelle Lenox, seem to feel vindicated, righteous, and Jennifer Lotz, Elizabeth Do we really need more discussion on almost vicious in their glee about the Lyzenga, Erika Merschrod, the new smoking policy? Yuko Nakaniwa, 'smokers getting kicked out of the Lourdes-marie Prophete, Julia Do I need to point out that the admini- smoker/ A solution I have heard of is for Rivellino, Suh Kyung Yoon stration TOTALLY disregarded our the individual smoker to step outside rights with the policy? That they waited and smoke when they feel the need. Yes, Photo Editor Amy Cavelier for those couple of weeks between the well, that would mean traipsing through end of Summer-Session and the start of Graphics Editor Monica Farrow Erdman, breaking upa meal and usually Fall Semester so that there wouldn't be a conversation, to go and smoke in an Emapthic Suffer Brooks Constantine any dissension from us pesky students? uncomfortable setting and then coming It shouldn't matter whether or not you all the way back. Saturdi./-nite Erica Merschrod are a smoker, you should stand up and special What a lot of people at Bryn Mawr demand that the administration apolo- don't realize is that, for the most part, the gize for their under-handed tactics. campus is closed to smokers. They have Regardless. I can understand the en- very few places where they can just kick Tfcis is the first issue of the semester. The deadline for the October 8 issue forcement of the policy in the Cafe and in back, relax with their friends, and smoke. of The College News is Friday, October 2 at 5 p.m. Letters and articles Haff ner. In both of those areas, there is Yes, they know what they do is danger- should be left in front of our Denbigh office or put in our mailbox (cl716 ). All submissions should.be on a Mac disk; disks will be returned (we no way to enclose the smoking section. ous to their health, but that is their choice promise). We will accept articles written by women and letters from men. But I am unable to comprehend why the and, if there is an enclosed room for them All opinions expressed in articles and letters are those of the authors only Erdman smoker has been changed to to use, no one else would be bothered. and are not representative of the opinions of the Ed board. Come to the Thursday night meetings at 9:00 p.m., or call one of the editors if you are non-smoking. I sat in there for most of One thing that cannot be discounted is interested in contributing to the news. last year. The doors were sometimes open the petition that had over 400 signatures. and sometimes not. It all depended on STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The College News is a feminist Not all of the people who signed it are newsjournal which serve* as a source of information and how people felt and if those by the doors smokers demanding their right to smoke self-expression for the Bryn Mawr community. Recognizing that were bothered by the smoke; if they were, but Mawrters of all stripes safeguarding feminism is a collective process, we attempt to explore issues of interest to all women, both as members of this college and of the then the doors were promptly shut. End all of our rights. larger world community. Through this continuing dialogue, we of problem. seek to promote communication and understanding and. to foster As a non-smoker and a Mawrter I have self-confidence and independence in expression. been surprised and worried at the re- Brooks Constantine, BMC '94 September 24,1992 The College News Page 3 Admissions' reassessment Many things will be occurring will react and fight for campus-wide article continued from page one soon to help bring about important change. Thus, the positions could potentially be Native American, and mixed popula- changes. On Tuesday, September A committee will also be formed filled by, say, two Asian-Americans and tions on this campus. 28th, from 8 pm-lOpm, a "i ishbowl" to help bring about change and com- one African-American: this leaves one or However, don't do it by hurting one discussion will take place in the munication within the student com- possibly two groups unrepresented, minority ethnic groupto supposedly help Campus Center to talk about the munity. What changes and how to something with which minority students another. Students must rethink how their Admissions' Office policy and mi- bring them about will be discussed on this campus are not comfortable. organizations are working to bring about nority student status, as well as other on Tuesday and on the committee. Just how much control or support change. issues. This committee will also discuss these students are given will be interest- The practice-of 'looking out for our Students must communicate with ways to improve multiculturalism ing to see. Yet, who do they have to work own" only supports the present practice one another and let the people run- with? Most Admissions Officers aregone of recruitment. Students will never over- in the community. Every facet of during the year recruiting. After Per- come this "Minority Ceiling" that is in ning this "business" know that they Bryn Mawr will be examined. spectives Weekend, all Admissions Offi- place by fighting one another. cers will supposedly be out for quite A solution will not present itself over- some time, except one. night, but even if a small dent is made in The Admissions Office has increased the established system, something will BECHDELBECHDELBECHD the tension between the students of color have been accomplished. Question those organizations. What students must re- in power*, be willing to work with them, member is that when any ethnic group is and communicate with one another. In hurt, all of us are harmed. We do need to other words, put yourdamnbooks aside, Dykes To Watch Out For increase the African-American, Latino, and unite to conquer the establishment. The smoking debate analyzed UIDCO By Laura Brower for a cup of coffee and a cigarette at the DISPLAY Cafe\ Indeed, the Cate had become their Though Bryn Mawr College smokers social gathering area in many ways. looked forward to lighting up with their However, non-smokers and smokers friends in Haffner and Erdman Dining alike contested the way in which the Halls and the Care upon their return to decision to ban smoking in eating areas college this year, they were soon to be was made. The signs appeared during disappointed. Indeed, they were to find the month of August, while students were 'no smoking' signs posted in those places. away for the summer. Patti Gadicke Within the first few days of classes, a points out, "The administration was in- petition, initiated by Sarah Rockwell and considerate. They just went ahead and Micki McElya among others, began to did it without consulting the students." circulate on campus questioning not only All were amazed and confused in light of the decision itself but also the manner in Bryn Mawr's tradition of dialogue, com- which it was made. munication, and compromise. According to Heather Diehl in the Bi- Information soon came to light as to College News, the petition and an accom- why thedecision had been made. Thede- panying letter, were submitted on Sep- cision to ban smoking in the three areas tember 4th to President Mc Pherson, Dean was based on a 1988 Lower Merion Tidmarsh, and several Dining Services Township ordinance. The students who Officials. On September 6th, Sarah Rock- started the petition raised questions con- well announced to the Student Associa- cerning the delay between the passage of tion Assembly (SGA) that about 460 the ordinance and its application to Bryn Mawrters had signed the petition. Com- Mawr. They pointed out that the ordi- munity concern on the issue was obvi- nance did not ban smoking but merefy ously significant. restricted it. As smokers and non-smokers ex- The administration responded through pressed their opinions, the sources of Debra Thomas, chair of the Ordinance this concern came to the surface. Smok- Smoking Policy Committeeat Bryn Mawr ers were astonished and, in some cases, College, created in 1988 in order to con- hurt by the decision. The letter accompa- form to the new regulations. According nying the petition revealed these feel- to Diehl, Thomas explained that the Office ings. The decision of Occupational was characterized Safety and by smokers as in- Health at Bryn tolerant and un- That the issue of Mawr College fair. smoking has been had decided BECHDELBECHDELBECHD PattiCadicke,a upon new venti- 'once-in-a-while- festering on lation require- smoker', de- ments, with clared, "I was campus now seems which the three Petition begs tolerance surprised because smoking areas Editors' note: The following is a petition We seriously doubt that the new ban is I had seen Bryn obvious. The did not conform. drawn up by some concerned parties who the result of this old ordinance. Perhaps Mawr as more Not only this, wanted a redress of the decision to make the those responsible have chosen to blame tolerant and will- administration's but Dining Serv- smoking areas in Haffner, Erdman, and the others in an attempt to avoid a confron- ing to buck the ices had also re- Cafi non-smoking; it was signed by over 450 tation with students, employees and mainstream." decision merely ceived com- people on the Bryn Mawr campus. faculty. Referring to plaints from Where is the tradition of tolerance that neighboring Hav- fueled a debate that non-smoking September 1,1992 makes Bryn Mawr a pluralistic commu- erford College's students, staff nity? It is still here, among us, but seems new restrictive had been waiting to and faculty. To President McPherson, Dean to be disappearing at the administrative smoking policy, Arati Vasan, Tidmarsh, Dining Services and other level. Smokers and non-smokers have Gadicke also said, happen. SGA President, friends: always respected each other in our com- "We're not Hav- offered more For years, the smoking section in the munity, and in fact, many of us signing erford; there are explanation to Cate has been a meeting place for smok- this petition are non-smokers. This new many smokers here." the SGA Assembly on September 6th. ers and non-smokers alike. This is also ban acts to destroy that harmony and Unaware, sometimes, of any problem Craig Goodrich, Head of Dining Serv- true for the smoking sections in Haffner isolate smokers from the community. relating to smoking on campus, smokers ices, informed Arati that, in view of the and Erdman. While we were away, the Smokers cannot always choose to eat or felt suddenly alienated from a commu- complaints received, Thomas had ad- derision was made to close them without drink coffee off campus and many of us nity where previously they had felt vised him to protect non-smokers' rights consulting students and employees con- must eat in the dining halls. With so few comfortable. A meal followed with a cup in full. Indeed the text of the Lower cerning the implications of such action. available alternatives, this ban is quite of coffee and a cigarette is a social staple Merion Township Ordinance states, "The The posted signs assert that the ban is exclusionary. for many smokers, and many felt that right of a non-smoker to smoke-free air the result of a Lower Merion Township Let us remember that the members of their right to that simple pleasure had will prevail over an employee's [here, Ordinance. We believe this to be a mis- this community, pioneers in so many been robbed. read student's] desire to smoke." Before leading claim that borders on a blatant areas, were responsible for the landmark The three eating areas mentioned the polemic around smoking began, the lie. The Ordinance clearly defines " eat- decision of 1925 that allowed, for the first above had become traditional socializ- existence of such complaints had been ing and drinking places" as areas where time in this country, women to smoke at ing areas, of which there are few on unknown to the community as a whole. smoking must be restricted, not prohib- a college. campus, as Sarah Rockwell mentioned Now, however, non-smokers seem to be ited. Our goal is to see the smoking sections to the SGA assembly on the 6th. Carol voicing their concern. Throughout Lower Merion there are in the dining halls and the CaW returned Oglesby, the Mc Bride Student Represen- Before the SGA Assembly, Jessica Jer- many restaurants and cafeterias that to their smoking status. We request a tative at SGA, in turn expressed the nigan argued that the Erdman smoker permit smoking and do not seem to have meeting with those administrators who concern of fellow commuting McBride should not have become non-smoking, any problems with the Township. The are involved with this ban to discuss our students, who regretted the loss of the as it was a separate room, with its own ordinance is dated March 15,1988, and concerns. Thank you for your immediate time when they could simply sit down see Smoking debate on page 8 but only now does it effect Bryn Mawr. attention to this matter.
" Page 4 The College News September 24,1992 Boot up, log in, drop out: Neo-hyper cyber madness
By Nina Karp now at GuildThe triumphant Hall entrance of Unix marks a new era of technological sophistication Yes, paving the way towards your at Bryn Ma wr, one in which we are much thesis, English paper or lab report are much less than ten years behind the times. five brand new computing machines, Also quivering at the bit are 7 Macin- shiny, ergonometrically designed and tosh LC2s and one Ilsi, all primarily for just itching to serve you. computer science and math applications. By name, they are two DEC 5000/240, For MS-DOS lovers, a flock of new Gate- fondly known as hobbes and "cc." Three way 386s and even a few golden 486s Sun SPARCstations, kelvin, hopper and, have settled upon us. sentimentally, "math", round out the new These new machines are linked to the family, with 2 Silicon Graphics Indigo Internet, so e-mail is again available. To workstations expected in the near fu- open up your account, bring a 3.5" disk ture. (that's the little plastic ones, guys, which Workstations? you may ask. DEC? are incidentally not the same as a hard Sun? The callow youth may even ask disk) to the Center, ask your friendly Op- "Guild Hall? What's that?" on-duty what to do, and link yourself in Will new FDA legislation take vitamins Guild (pronounced Guy-ild and com- to a worldwide network. monly mispronounced Gild, as in Ye Olde All of the new systems are extremely and herbs away from consumers? Computing Guild) is the computing cen- easy touse, sodon't be intimidated.Tech- By Emily Cotlier of chemical medicinesand invasivetreat- ter. Nestled be- nology is your ments that do not work for them. tween Daltor friend. Imagine this: in the fall of 1993, you get The only people who would benefit and Denbigh, However, a cold. You go to the drugstore to get from the three FDA bills are those in- traditionally those who some Vitamin C tablets. However, at the volved in the established pharmaceuti- Mawrters have would like to be local Thrift Drug the shelves that used to cal industry, the FDA, and some doctors. traveled to this guided through hold vitamins are filled with chemical In several cases, the FDA has systemati- quaint building the dizzying depilatories and hair crimpers. You ask cally harassed doctors who did nutri- to kneel in front world of word the pharmacist, "Do you have any Vita- tional therapy using allergen-free B-12 of one of the processing and min C?" and amino acids. After searching their many terminals, e-mail should "Certainly," she says, "may I see your offices and records and making threat- to collect elec- call Eileen at prescription?" ening statements, the FDA declined to tronic mail or x5002; you may There are three Food and Drug Ad- press charges. type up a paper. still be able to get ministration (FDA) bills currently The FDA has also been seizing herbal But the winds a slot in one our pending in Congress— HR-3642, S-2135, remedies such as Evening Primrose Oil of change have workshops for and S-1982— that could make (EPO). EPO was seized the grounds that swept through the technologi- the above scenario a reality. Currently, it is an unsafe and unapproved food Guild. The old cally curious, with those three bills, the FDA is trying additive. EPO has been the subject of VT100 terminals are find ing employment which will be conducted over the next to increase the power that the Nutrition clinical studies because it contains gam ma as planters and modern art (see back of week. Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) of linolenic acid and has proven very useful old VAX bay for exhibition.) The When asked to comment upon the 1990 gives them over dietary supple- in alleviating the discomfort associated VAX8350 casing has been converted to switchover, the DEC 5000 whirred enig- ments. with menopause. It is widely used here low-rent housing for several families. matically and said, "login:". The NLEA bill allows certain products and abroad as a supplement: the cap- to make health claims based on nutri- sules are not broken open and mixed tion, under the FDA's supervision. (The with food, as a food additive would be. BECHDELBECHDELBECHD FDA has been notably reluctant to act on A few months after the FDA legisla- this bill, refusing, for example, a tion was proposed, Senator Orrin Kellogg's bran cereal the right to include Hatch of Utah introduced the Health on its packaging the information that a Freedom Act of 1992, S-2835. This bill Dykes To Watch Out For high-fiber diet helps prevent colon can- was created to support freedom of access cer.) to dietary supplements. It prohibits the Dietary supplements are a wide range FDA from regulating dietary supple- of products that straddle the line be- ments, either as drugs or food additives. tween "food" and "drug": vitamin and It would also permit health claims for mineral pills, herbal extracts, pills, and such products that are not misleading teas, and hyper-nutritious drink pow- and that have good scientific basis. ders. As consumer awareness of alterna- A companion bill, H.R. 5748, has been tive medicine and nutrition science introduced in the House of Representa- grows, so does the demand for dietary tives. If these acts pass, the makers and supplements. users of dietary supplements will have If the three FDA sponsored bills pass, more access to information about them dietary supplements will become much and will be protected from further FDA more difficult to obtain.The FDA would harassment. You will continue to be able have the authority to recall "food, drug, to choose to use supplements as a boost cosmetic and medical devices" without during exam time, a treatment when ill, any tangible proof of the substance's or an aid for athletic training. harmfulness. The FDA could also seize Neither of the two sets of bills has been and/or embargo products without sci- passed yet. They will be voted on before entific evidence or judicial review, and the year is over. If you want to make a issue subpoenas and tremendous fines difference, write these members of con- when there is "reason to believe" that gress (names and addresses listed be- violations have occurred. low) and tell them where you stand on If the three bills pass, these measures the issue, or get involved in a volunteer could be set in motion at the discretion of group. FDA inspectors— a level of power unset- tlingly close to that of police-state enforc- In the House of Representatives: ers. Due to the nature of civil and admin- -Bill Richardson, NM, 332 Cannon Bldg., istrative lawsuits, the burden of obtain- Wash, DC. 20515-3103 ing legal and judicial responses to any -Peter M. Kostmayer, PA, 2346 Rayburn FDA action will be shunted onto the House Office Bdg., Wash, DC, citizens and businesses they aggrieve. 20515-3808 What does this mean for you? The main issue at stake here istheright In the Senate: to try and heal yourself or improve your -Barbara A. Mikulski, MD, 320 Hart Office own health, at your own discretion, in Bldg, Wash, DC, 20510-2003 the way you want. Many nutritionists, •Christopher Dodd, CT, 440 Russel Sen- dieticians, and doctors give advice on ate Office Bldg, Wash,DC,20510-0702 what supplements to take for everything from bodybuilding to cancer and AIDS. To Volunteer. Individuals read books about herbal- -Citizens Alliance for Progressive Health ism and nutrition, and get the supple- Awareness, Box 394, Wayne, ments to treat themselves. Often, people PA, 19087,609-845-8263 who turn to this kind of alternative medicine are fed up with the conven- Information sources for this article are lM,m£l2&XPJMZ&iQ. tional medical establishment, and tired available if requested. September 24,1992 The College News Page 5 Prouldy presenting the Traditions'Mistresses: The new and somewhat non-traditional mistresses of our hallowed campus rituals have decided to forego the usual traditions' column in favor of the following:
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Why Don't Girls Play With Trucks and Boys Play With Dolls ? What Does It Really Mean to Call Someone A Faggot? Thomas Great How Many Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People Do you Know? Hall, after Why Are Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Harassed? extensive What Can You Do About It? renovation, is now once again open to students. Presently housing CHANGE! a sculpture Campus Homophobia Action and Greater Education exhibit, the hall should now once Let's make changes in our community and our lives! We are again be a regular an alliance of people of all sexualities and backgrounds space for lectures, committed to educating the college community about homo- phobia and heterosexism. Become a peer educator, an activist, parties, and for or just a member of CHANGE. Join now! students to study in more elegant Meetings are currently Saturdays at 5:30 pm for dinner in the surroundings Erdman Front Smoker. than Canaday Contact Catherine Herne, box C-1329. X7519 for more info. has to offer.
Dykes To Watch Out For Page 6 The College News September 24,1992 W e a re all 1 i vi ngouro First imp| a freshwoman':
By Nina Ellis
As the bus drove through the small but quaint towns of Haverford, Ardmore, and Bryn Mawr, with their stone buildings and beautiful, large houses, I thought to myself, "Thisdefinitely is not Southern California'." The autobus that everyone referred to as the "Blue Bus" turned into a little parking lot in Bryn Mawr College. I began to get a bit nervous. Everyone was told to get off and get their keys. We all crammed into a little room at the front of a building labeled "Public Safety." I felt like a herded animal at that point, but I, nevertheless, wrote my name, dorm, and room number on the green card handed to me. While I waited for my key, a uniformed man asked me for the sunglasses I was wear- ing. I was shocked that he talked to me. I must have looked stupefied or scared because a third year Mawrter stepped in and said, "That's just...," she called him by name. That confirmed my initial suspicions: everyone here knew everyone else and I knew nobody. They were one big circle outside of which I was trapped. I reboarded the bus. It rolled forward a few Are Women, Womyn or Wimmin? hundred feet. I was told to get off and take my luggage. I dragged all of my bags off and By Lena Kopelow Some of the posters did in fact read door. This year a male Haverford senior, who looked up at the large stone arch before me. "womyn's party" but mentioned nothing failed to gain entrance when he first arrived, It read Denbigh Hall. The front door was On the evening of Saturday, September about sexual orientation. Although another dealt with the gender barrier by returning a open, so I walked in and up the steps. When twelfth, Bryn Mawr senior Meghan Smith Mawrter made no mention of sexual prefer- little later dressed as a woman. He summed I finally made it to my room, on the third and sophomore Inga Henson threw the ence, she also considered this spelling elitist. up the experience as "pretty fun." floor, I was convinced that this was not the women's party, an unofficial yet notorious "I'm not going because those people wouldn't Another Haverford man anticipated prob- place for me. First, I felt like an outcast, then college tradition. As in the past, the party consider me woman with a y. And anyway, lems at the door and arrived in a gold lame I found I had to walk up a thousand steps to took place in the Erdman living room. people always take off their shirts at these dress. Hetold me that the bouncers conceded get to a room that felt like the inside of a Halfway into the party the chips and soda parties." to let him in only after another Mawrter heating duct. ran out but— by no means due to an over vouched for him: "After all, he did After attending a few classes, I noticed whelming attendance; the crowd re-j make an effort," she pointed out. mained sparse and reached a peak of While at first the idea of an all about thirty people at 12:30 A.M. women's party may not sound prob- The hostesses featured eighties pop as lematic, the fact that it evokes such a the musical genre of the evening. Famil- variety of responses in our commu- iarclassicssuchasCyndiLauper's "Girls nity raises some provocative ques- Just Wanna Have Fun" wafted out of a tions. Why did the party divide women small tape player on one side of the room rather than uniting them? In theory and quickly dissipated into the cavern- the whole school should have showed ous space. The sole decoration, a lava up. lamp next to the radio, did little to en- Equally ironically, the two men at hance Erdman's well-known somber the party attained "womynhood" by interior. simply putting on dresses and lipstick Despite the small crowd and disap- while some Mawrters, who had the pointing ambiance, the party-goers en- added advantage of already being thusiastically danced and sang along to women, still felt that the term tinny-sounding Prince and Madonna "womyn" didn't apply to them. songs. One senior speculated that this Clearly, there's some confusion about women's party seemed less spectacular the meaning of the word and stigma than previous ones because it was only which it carries. In short, it all depends the beginning of the year. "There isn't upon whom you ask. any tension to let go of yet. People get I wonder if sometimes we're exclu- wild and crazy at these things later into sive in our attempt to foster an inclu- the year when they' re under more pres- sive community. On the other hand sure. Also, the Freshmen haven't been maybe certain students themselves are initiated into this women's stuff yet." at fault for perceiving an elite called Indeed, Juniors and Seniors made up "womyn." Does the college, also an all the bulk of the crowd. But what exactly women's environment, experience
offend one another. "Political Correctness" was a big deal. This was new to me. Back home, people did not really worry about stepping on toes. Here, everyone walked on egg shells— they all seemed so intense, so anal; I definitely felt out of place.
I walked around feeling this way for a couple of weeks. Then, one night, after work- ing in the Cafe, I went to the bathroom in the ' Campus Center. There was a sign in the stall I was using. It read: "The College News, our first meeting... All interested are welcome." In thecorner,someoneelsehad written, "don't you mean 'except for men' since you don't allow them to write for your newspaper." Definite reinforcement, I thought, to my the- ory of an anal retentive Majority. But then I noticed the obvious r%pflies: "Let's take a deep breath and CHILL!! It's only SEPTEM- BER!" "So what? What is the percentage of male writers in 'regular' newspapers?" "Oh whine, whine, whine. Is it just me or is this a WOMEN'S College, 'wo' being theoperative Another familiar sight at Bryn Mawr. Ma wrters salute each other on Parade Night. syllable?" I must say I was really quite impressed. I was becoming a part of a school who's writ- ing-on-the-bathroom-wall was even logical and reasonable (not to mention comical). I finally had to realize, no, this was not my And four years later... comfortable city where everybody was basi- cally in the same mind set. But then again, By Alessandra Djurklou slightly more visible, since I had hung out in certain places, casually go down the senior that was why I had traveled across the coun- with them the year before. Most of the clubs steps of Taylor, thus saving the 2.7 seconds it try to live at a school I had never even visited. Well, I guess I'm a senior. Finally. Only it were dropped, free time mostly spent work- would take if rerouted to another exit. Then From the literature I had read and the people didn't quite hit me until I was in my major ing or with friends. Second semester I felt there is theobvious hero-worship of the fresh- I had talked to, I felt as if Bryn Mawr could adviser's office, whining and wailing over my slight pangs of discomfort at hearing words women on the hall (at least during the first challenge me and help me grow. What I had future, and he smiled and said, "It sounds like like thesis, orGRE's, but these uncomfortable week.) not realized all this time was that the chal- you have a classic case of senior anxiety." Also, Professors are suddenly human lenge had already begun. That's when I realized, "Oh, I'm a senior. beings, with failings like everyone else, and Hmm..." And I just thought it was a general ... I just thought it was you can skillfully contradict them in such a early twenties angst, of the variety that con- general early twenties way now that they are forced to either agree tinually crops up on those hip new shows on or be silent. Not to mention a plethora of in- Fox...but no, it's just that I'm a senior, and in a angst, of the variety vitations from Mary Pat, the alumnae asso- few months (provided all goes well and the ciation, and major departments, to come to dean's office doesn't kindly suggest that I that continually crops special senior dinners. And of course, know- should take some time off), Bryn Mawr will be ing ways of getting around minor rules with- giving me the ceremonial, flower-clad, di- up on those new shows out breaking the honor code, but most impor- ploma-toting boot. on Fox... tant of all, walking casually out of the dining As a fresh woman, I was anxious not to fail in hall holding more than one piece of hand my first semester,and I wascompletely intimi- fruit. dated by all of the strong, opinionated, com- words were distant by some months, and I pletely together wimmin. knew if I didn't think about them they would I think, by the time I graduate from Bryn Asa sophomore, I was ready to carve a niche go away. Mawr, I will be splendid litigator and devil's for myself in the community. I started clubs. I And now it's September '92, and people advocate...maybe law school then, is the was involved in as many activities as possible. are asking me what I'm going to do next year. answer...? I hung out with groups of cool women. I was as My mother wants me to check on the reserva- Oh well. So much for the embryonic stages helpful as possible to the fresh women, proba- tionsshe made in Wyndham September fresh- of seniorhood. I will go forth, with a sense of bly almost patronizing in my sympathy. I was woman year for this May. We were seventh confidence achieved by surviving here for blissfully a ware (or rather, unaware) of the fact on the waiting list then, and she wants to three years, that is, until someone asks me the that there was life after college. know if we've crept up a notch. quintessential senior question..."What are And finally, junior year. Last year, fresh- But there are, of course, the privileges of your plans for next year?" women were nonexistent. Sophomores only seniorhood. I get to sing certain songs, walk AAARRRGCGHHH!
0£AC't3 [a of B/nc £* I* xm l/$l$W& WffH 7no fopk 6 WJ. *-4 >'r •'t«.. e nr* V< \ */ 5FH0L tab .5r ^t. T71 ' <'N„ dl \A I \-' -y '? CCWA/ ft oNE if WB~B&>'ii"Ttf£o/ 10/«<#>-wk'-THP/ Mt tEUlABENT IN W£/ty$.TT/M£-ftWED MO a>M$®K fate To HAVE.5FX- A&tfiW&.A6*N£RSmN, pfL $W1 Itilr CAN 4&lre INTO $£X A ^]M^S REVEAl-EP'. Pag© 8 The College News September 24,1992 Bryn Mawr College Performing Art Series presents: The smoking debate Donald Byrd/The Group article continued fronrpage three windows. Erdman residents, however, Fanburg suggests that long-term solu- in the world premier of Drastic Cuts, on Friday, complained by leaving notes in Erdman tions should be considered, especially Dining Hall. They contended that ciga- concerning ventilation. September 25,1992 in Goodhart Hall at 8:00 p.m. rette smoke rises into their rooms and Important, at this point, is that discus- Admission for Tri-College students is $1. There is a pervades their breathing space. sion should take place between the Julie Fanburg, who is allergic to ciga- administration and the student body. The master class for Intermediate and Advanced levels on rette smoke, strongly affirmed that smoke concern of most members oft he commu- Thursday, September 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Schwartz spread through the air of the Cafe and nity is that Bryn Maw College's faith in Haffner Dining Hall, so much so that she respect and dialogue, as expressed in its Gymnasium. For tickets or information, call x5210 said the air was "contaminated" with Honor Code, should be seen as an inher- smoke. Jennifer Simpson was quoted in ent part of these discussions. weekdays from 9 a.m .to 3 p.m. the Bi-Colkge News as having said, "I feel that if people want to smoke they can do it outdoors instead of subjecting others to their smoke." Michele Magrino added that she simply "does not like smoke in her food." In light of scientific discover- ies concerning the dangers of second- hand smoke, it seems indeed clear that non-smokers' dissatisfaction was legiti- mate. That the issue of smoking has been festering on campus now seems obvious; the administration's decision merely fueled a debate that had been waiting to happen. Action has been taken to ensure discussion between smokers, non-smok- ers and the administration.SG A has formed a group of four students (Marlies Bull, Micki McElya, Julie Fanburg and Sarah Rockwell), who spoke with Debra Thomas, and plan to meet with Craig Goodrich and Phyllis Lachs, the College attorney, before the end of this month. Although smokers hope to see their smoking areas returned, it seems more likely that some form of compromise will be reached. What this compromise will be is unclear at the moment. Julie Dykes To Watch Out For BECHDELBECHDELBECHDELBECHD Dykes To Watch Out For September 24,1992 The College News Page 9 The Pink Melon Joy Experience Ambiguity, intertextuality^ and stunning visuals By Don Tunstall of the Game ). The pleasure and under- standing of Pink Melon Joy came from "If you enjoy it, you understand it," watching and discovering the permuta- wrote Gertrude Stein. This phrase was tions and intertextuality of the charac- the key to understanding (enjoying) the ters and their situations. It is the same experience called Pink Melon Joy written pleasure obtained from watching Casa- by Stein and performed by Mark Lord's blanca— the pleasure of the intellectual Potlatch (plays and spectacles) at the and emotional responses to generic arche- Philadelphia Art Alliance. types of character, situation, and mood. Directed by Mark Lord and designed I spent the last third of the play enrap- by Hiroshi Iwasaki and Jonathan Sher, tured by the stunning visuals and the Pink Melon Joy was a joy in its cinematic verbal virtuoso of the experience that theatricality. In a fashion similar to Mark was Pink Melon Joy. I could not tell you if Lord's production of Hamlet, the play I understood it or even if I knew what was presented in a series of vignettes was going on. All I can tell you is that I with the audience moving from each enjoyed it. And in that sense, Pink Melon exquisitely designed room to room. Joy was all the understanding I needed. From the opening scene, which be- gins with a woman crossing the street and entering the play from the theater entrance and playing a game of checkers Notes on confusion and angst on a black and white checkered floor By Lourdes-marie Prophete have a plot or a point in any traditional no clue where we were going. There with photographs of the characters, sense. So I knew what I was getting into. were six characters, including a couple of played by BMC alumnae Cheryl Gilbert I can't writea review of Pink Melon Joy. If I couldn't get Death of a Salesman with the actors I had seen perform in Death of and Janet Finegar (which we later find I can't get past the feeling that I should a plot, ho w was I going to get Melon with- a Salesman. I should say that a friend, out are guests at some strange party), I understand something if I want to cri- out one? Maybe I wanted the challenge, with whom I saw this play, liked it so thought that this was going to be an tique it— especially since this is public maybe because it sounded like a college much that she went to see it again. She is experience of semantic projectiles where writing. But, I can write about my expe- thing to do, maybe it's because there's a the author of the other review of this the meaning of everything goes over my rience of seeing this Production. part of me that wants to wear all black play. head. Before I even went to the play, I pre- (black lipstick, too) and talk about things There was no plot and there were no I, like the rest of the audience, spent pared myself. I had seen Death of a Sales- that make sense to only a select group of conversations in the traditional sense. I the first third of the play exchanging man, another play directed by Mark Lord, people. Anyway, I went to the play. I sat never knew what they were doing. I got looks of incomprehension with others as last year and didn't want the same thing down and read the playbill. There was a the feeling that the performers worked we attempted to discover not only the that happened then to happen again. At quotebyGertrudeStein that said, "If you very hard to say their lines exactly how plot, but also the relationships between Death of Rahman, I spent most of my enjoy it, you understood it." That really they said it and when. It definitely felt as the four main characters: a femme fatale, time thiraang "What the hell are they fired me up. I was determined to enjoy if they had choreographed everything to played by Andrea Fortes, BMC '93; the doing?" I kept feeling myself. near split second timing. Every word androgynous hostess, played by Bea that if I was just a little I spent the was uttered in a precise manner, with a Swedlow BMC '92; Alfy (a character remi- smarter I would know. rest of the evening studied tone and inflexion. It felt me- niscent of Buster Keaton from Lord's It was very stressful. thinking: I will un- chanical. It is as if the director told them, Buster Keaton's Trip), played by Eliot Someone mentioned to derstand, I will enjoy "Three seconds after he says 1 want to Angle HC '91; and a detective, played by me later that it was sup- [j-myself. I will! Darn go' in a confident sad tone, you will say F. Jack Ban tree. posed to be a very good it to heck! I will! And in a happy, quiet tone T like pictures,' During the second third of the play I comedy. Then I really then there were then you will walk three steps, stop, and realized that these relationships were felt lost, because I could |{ about five people say to the ceiling, 'I could wearred shoes,' purposely ambiguous (was the femme count on one hand how who laughed often, in a melancholy voice. (And, yes, this is fatale involved with the Hostess, or Alfy, many times I laughed. § and seemed to un- what the dialogue was like). or the Detective? What kind of bizarre This time, I told myself, ^ derstand everything. The actors showed very little of them- party were we witnessing? ) and quit I am not going to try to That was really frus- selves in the performance. I know that is trying to figure things out. understand anything; I trating. If everybody usually a compliment, but I don't mean it That was the moment the play came will just let "art wash looked like they were in that way. They seemed to be vehicles alive. Each vignette became a mood re- all over me." This is a just as confused as for the ideas and words of someone else. calling recognizable images from cin- phrase that I have me, it would have I remember wondering sometimes if in ema and literature. The femme fatale, picked up, and I thought it would be the been much easier for me to just sit back the future Mark Lord would have had deftly played Portes, became a caricature perfect attitude to have when seeing a and watch, but the fact that there were robots play this. I didn't feel like their of Betty Davis', then Gloria Swanson's, Mark Lord production. It didn't work. five odd people who laughed uproari- interpretation of the character and their femme fatale. Bantree's engaging detec- As soon as the play started I spent most ously with the play, and not at the play, feelings about the play were expressed. tive was Bogart's Philip Marlowe, and of my time searching for a clue. made me feel like there was something I Maybe that is one of the reasons I had a every detective from the 1940s genre of Potlatch (plays and spectacles) must be missing, that I should try harder hard time becoming involved with the detective stories. Angle's Alfy was every performed Pink Melon Joy, a play written to understand. play. I felt like there were a lot of ideas endearingly pathetic lover from the age by Gertrude Stein. The Play was directed The Experience and thoughts shot out at me, but that of black and white film. Swedlow's rivet- by the head of our theater department, The play moved around the building there was little emotional involvement ing hostess/host captured the essence of Mark Lord, and presented by the Phila- and the audience, limited to 30, followed with those words. Emotional involve- the man/woman of power and influence delphia Art Alliance. I was told before I them. I just realized how symbolic that ment must come from the actor not from found in thecinema. (I thinkespecially of went to the play that Gertrude Stein is a was. I was following them, but, in both a the words. a character from Jean Renoir's The Rules weird writer, and that this play doesn't physical and metaphysical sense, I had See Notes on angst on pg. 12 Breaking bread, Ethiopian style: A restaurant review By Yuko Nakaniwa More than that, you'll just find their The following are just a few entrees try their original Tomato Salad ($3.00) or foodsimply IRRESISTIBLE. Most entrees you wouldn't want to miss: TheShrimp the Ethiopian Potato Salad ($350). If you're one of those people who can are served with injera, a traditional bread Alicha— shrimp cooked in a mild sauce So why not spend your next weekend only think about food right around five that looks like a large crepe. Many stew- with garlic, onion, butter and spices with satisfying your appetite with some de- o'clock, or if you're just the type of per- like dishes are also served upon a sheet sour cream ($6.75). The Yedoro Ataklt— lightful Ethiopian food at Dahlak located son who enjoys a good conversation over of injera. The ritual of breaking injera and tender chicken cooked with niter kibbch on 4708 Baltimore Avenue!! an enlightening meal, or if you simply eating from the same plate with fingers (it's a sort of spice, I think), green pep- More information: like to eat, you're in the right spot. Think signifies the bonds of loyalty and friend- pers, broccoli, carrots, onion, garlic and •Dahlak is open daily, Tuesday through about all the fabulous restaurants await- ship among the people sharing the same ginger ($650). The Dahlak Tibs— tender Sunday, from 4 pm. An all-you-can-eat buf- ing your visit! table. The stew-like dishes are served in beef cubes sauteed with pepper, onions, fet is offered from5pmto7 pm on Tuesdays Dahlak is definitely such a restaurant. beef, lamb, chicken and vegetable vari- fresh tomatoes and special house spices and Saturdays. Being one of the two places in Philadel- ations, which are characterized by spices ($6.75). If you can't decide, order the •Direciions:Take the highspeed line to 69th phia serving Ethiopian food, Dahlak that range from spicy (with berbere, a combination platter ($9.00 per person, Street Terminal, change to the blue lien, get evokes visions of a country rich in natu- typical Ethiopian red pepper) to very $16.50 for two) offered in beef, chicken, off at 40th, xoalk over to Baltimore Avenue ral resources and magnificent scenery. mild. lamb or vegetarian. And don't forget to and find your way to Dahlak up the Avenue. Page 10 The College News September 24,1992 Possessing the Secret ofjoy- An Alice Walker book By Ellis Avery and decided, growing older, to return and kill M'lissa, the elder who had cir- Possessing the Secret ofJoy,by Alice Walker. cumcised her, now an Olinkan national Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992. Avail- treasure. able at Canaday. Possessing the Secret of ]oy describes From the dedication page I could tell two journeys. It follows Tashi/Evelyn Alice Walker had a project in mind: This though her madness and treatment, and book is dedicated/ with tenderness and re- it follows the scholarly path of Pierre, her spect/ to the blameless/ vulva. What follows stepson, as he tries to uncover the mythi- is a powerful story, by turns beautiful cal and historical basis for the initiation and grisly, of an African woman's search ritual. for sanity and the secret of joy, after a life Walker does a lot of explication in America traumatized by childhood through Pierre; his studies, though they ritual circumcision. At the same time, supply necessary information, are the Possessing... is a passionate and articulate least seamless element of the book. This argument against female genital mutila- research, combined with the Olinkans, a tion. It's not a comfortable book to read. fictional people invented to articulate a The characters in the novel are famil- real situation, sometimes makes the book iar: Tashi, who takes the name Evelyn feel over-constructed. when she comes to America, first ap- I suppose, though, that the problem pears as the friend of Celie's two children with writing the unwritten, with creat- in The Color Purple ; Celie's daughter ing an unconventional novel, is that one Olivia has a place in The Temple of My has to go through the awkward process Familiar. The present of the story is simi- of setting forth one's new conventions: lar to that of Camus' The Stranger. Tashi/ no one said expanding the literary world Evelyn is looking back over her life as she was going to be slick. awaits execution. As a girl, her village, The title of the book,.Possessing the Olinka, was dispersed by European Secret offoy, is part of a proud, eloquent businessmen. Her people fled and formed reply to the epigraph, a quote from a guerilla enclave, and she joined them, Mirella Ricciardi's African Saga— "Black undergoing the initiation ritual of people are natural, they possess the se- clitorodectomy. By maintaining the tra- cret of joy, which is why they can survive ditional practice, she was assured, she the suffering and humiliation inflicted kept her people alive as Olinkans. upon them." In response to this and As she healed, her childhood friend similar sentiments, in response to Tashi/ Sculptor explores roles Adam, the American missionary's son, Evelyn's trauma, in response to the came to find her, and they left for Amer- Olinkan struggle for independence, the ica tomarry.Outsideof the context which book ends with with Tashi/ Evelyn's last of women, new and old justified it, her mutilated body and the sight. Just before she is shot, all the people stories it bore began to haunt her. She dear to her open up a banner: By Erika Merschrod As a woman for whom talking about lived in America for maybetwenty years, RESISTANCE IS THE SECRET OF JOY! smelly feet is taboo, 1 was rather un- You'd think that after being at Bryn settled yet pleasantly surprised by such Mawr for a year 1 would not feel intimi- stark yet eloquent expressions of sub- Enchanted April, dated by being in an elegant hall (a Great jects like aging (and sagging breasts) and Hall) surrounded by women saying some the sexual exploitation and objectifica- very powerful things. Yet intimidation is tion of women. a transformation the only word I can think of to describe Not only were Engman's pieces intel- my emotions as I looked at and- experi- lectually and emotionally stimulating; By Sharon Cleary salvation. Hmmm... As the film pro- enced Kerstin Engman's sculpture exhi- they were all incredibly beautiful. The gresses, hair is unbraided, undergar- bition entitled "Daughters." most amazing part of the exhibit for me "Enchanted April" is a film adaptation ments are discarded (along with them On the one hand were the small sculp- was to be able to look at Tlie Burden of the of Elizabeth Von Armin's novel, in which inhibition) until it begins to resemble a tures, some of which were fully clothed Egg or Persephone and not feel like there sun-drenched Italy rescues a quartet of subtly orgiastic Victorian fantasy. The and relativelyharmless;ontheotherhand was anything wrong with either one. women from the dreary, industrial land- film is best when it is converting an array was Picking Up, a powerful statue in it's After getting over the feeling that scape of post-World War 1 London. It's of London stereotypes into the free spir- size alone. (I still haven't decided exactly somehow I shouldn't be seeing "these uncannily reminiscent of Merchant- its evidently created by the poppy-be- what else makes it such a disturbing things", I was able to step back and look Ivory's, "A Room with a View," but all is sieged castle. Afterwards, it quickly slips piece. Any suggestions?) at the exhibit as a whole without losing forgiven once we acknowledge our de- into syrupy sentimentality, which is, The most disturbing pieces, however, sight of the individual pieces. Then I sire for yet another chronicle of love and sometimes, a necessary drug. were those that fell in the middle, liter- understood what Kerstin Engman means rebirth in the Italian hills. In conclusion, "Enchanted April" is ally; they fell into your middle, your when she writes, "Each piece is autono- The villa which inspires this renais- shameless, slightly calculated fun, but most vulnerable spot. They were rela- mous and quiet." sance of spirit is, remarkably, named San your better half rebukes you for enjoying tively small and one could look over Salvatore; Salvatore, meaning, of course, it. I saw it twice. them at the attractive panelling on the The exhibit will be showing in the walls or at the flower-bearing Athena in Great Hall through October 12. Come see I Li/tif/ C I 3 **-»__£ the corner. Yet one couldn't overlook it, if only to admire the strength and them. balance of Sisypha. Singles and Seattle kick ass By Jsa-Jsa Gibson and the acoustic guitar weave so inti- mately around one another that at times Cameron Crowe knows good music they seem like one and the same thing. If when he hears it. "Singles" is the newest you did not read the cover, it would seem soundtrack from the writer/director impossible that the soft spoken on track who's previous films include "Say Any- number three, becomes the deep voiced, thing" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont and at the refrain, almost satanic front High." Two great films with equally great man for Soundgarden. Track seven is soundtracks. "Singles" is no exception. Soundgarden's "Birth Ritual." It kicks cr WAy k ■Fa.iU'TT) oji-ioj-/- Donald Byrd/The Group (DANCE performance). Bryn Mawr College Performing Every Wednesday Arts Series. Goodhart, Bryn Mawr College, 8:00pm. Call 526-5210, tickets also at the Make It A Night! Selected Center City STORES open late. Sidewalk musicians, door (students $1). store discounts, free parking! ■Mother Love Bone has an over 8- harshly when I am aware that Top 40 him. minute song called "Chloe Dancers/ See Singles and Seattle on pg. 12 Dykes To Watch Out For V Jt Page 12 The College News September 24,1992 A Woman in Politics we didn't get to see: Hillary Clinton explains why September 18,1992 women's progress. 1992 can be a historic year for women and for America if we To those in attendance at "Leaders— are wiling to work for it. THfc M'l&HT Born or Made? Women in Politics:" I hope that every person here helps make history this November, so that at I am sorry I could not be here with you future symposia we remember 1992 as a today at Bryn Mawr, one of the greatest turning not only for women, but for colleges in America. Although my sched- u re-... America. ule would not allow me the pleasure of With best wishes for today and be- returning today, my spirit is with you as yond, I am you open this symposium on the status Sincerely yours, of women in politics. The media has been calling 1992 the Year of the Woman. The truth is that IM«* Qtfll^ tfftkt, every year is the Year of the Woman, be- cause every year women break new Hillary Rodham Clinton ground and explore unchartered. We need only consider how far women have come in the last ninety-two years to real- Singles and Seattle ize the success that our collective struggle continued from pg. 11 has had. Thanks to the courageous and stations may, at this moment in time, be caring women who have gone before us playing it.) this century— Eleanor Roosevelt and Ella And just to give the final touches to the Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer and Frances Seattle sound, a couple of earlier "na- Perkins, Susan B. Anthony and Septima tives," as we refer to ourselves, are thrown Clark, Mary Mcleod Bethune and Eliza- in. The first is Jimi Hendrix and "May beth Cady Stanton—women have come This Be Love." Jimi is, was, and always out of the shadows and into the spotlight will be, the definition of kick ass. Also of American political life. there is a track by a group called the @ *fc*Nfr COVP0N And while women have been blessed Lovemongers, who are the newest band by the contributions and legacy of our of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart fame. VAVtO UNTIV. 9/rt foremothers, we know that we cannot (Nancy also happens to be Crowe's wife.) rest on their achievements. This election They do an absolutely perfect version of year, women across America must cast Led Zeppelin's, "Battle of Evermore." off their cynicism and participate actively After all that said, I have to give some to shape their own and their country's time to the Midwest. Both Westerberg future. Women must make an effort to songs are commercial and fun (read in— Notes on confusion and angst register and take the time to vote, be- slightly annoying) and Smashing Pump- cause America depends on it. kin's "Drown" is mesmerizing. atrticle continued from page nine If women make the effort this month "Singles" is worth your money. There Often I was tempted to close my eyes ing painting. and take the time in November, 1992 will is not one "B-side" on the whole album. and just let the words wash over me. I did Did I enjoy it? Not really. Which means witness the election of a new group of You may have to skip over the hard stuff a few times. It felt like a poem. And like I didn't understand it either. Why? I don't pioneers— among them Lynn Yeakel, or skip over the Westerberg stuff, but poems, sometimes I can't get the connec- know. Society. Family values. Bad en- Carol Moseley Braun, Barbara Boxer, and undoubtedly you will find something tion between the words, though I can counters with melons when I was very Diane Feinstein. It will also see the elec- that suits your own personal "kick ass" appreciate the sound of the language. young. It was definitely interesting and I tion of a President who will be a positive taste. Don't miss Chris Cornell. He is And I mustn't forget to mention that it figured out a lot about what I like and force rather than a stumbling block for brilliant. was very beautiful to watch, like a mov- don't like about art from Pink Melon Joy. THE HORNED TOADS KARATE! KARATE! KARATE! KAR RUGBY SCHEDULE It's fun, it's powerful, it's exciting...it's the FALL 1992 Harmony With Nature Karate Club! DATE: TEAM/EVENT: Have you always wanted to learn karate...? •September 25 •Swarthmore Have you studied a martial art before...? •October 3 •U. of Scranton Do you have no idea what karate is about (but are •October 4 •Franklin & Marshall curious)...? •October 17 •Penn State Then you are welcome to practice and learn at the •October 24 •Playoffs Harmony With Nature Karate Club! Come anytime] •November 7 •West Chester U. uring the semester; no experience necessary. All of the above are away games, but Monday and Thursday 7:00—8:30 p.m. in the Pett: people interested in going to watch and Studio of Schwartz Gym. (There will possibly be weekend hours also.) cheer on the Horned Toads can call Eleni Varitimous or Renata Razza about arrang- ing transportaion. Be sure to check out the Catherine Herne, black belt instructor, games; last season, they kicked some serious X7519, box C-1329 butt and hopefully will do keep up the tra- dition this season. ATE! KARATE! KARATE! KARATE!