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Volume 9, Number 4 December 1990 LSA's Road to Insanity

by David J. Powell When Edie Goldenberg became and to design proposals for its im­ tern." ciencies in analytic thinking and writ­ Dean of the College of Uterature, Sci­ provement. The committee's report, "A Michi­ ing, everyone's concern lest the U-M ence, and the Arts (LSA), she had an As Dean Goldenberg explains in gan Education: The Challenges of fall too far behind such "peer" institu­ agenda. the interview: "I see this as a multi­ Undergraduate Education at the Uni­ tions as Harvard and Dartmouth. In an October 1989 interview with year, long-term process to take a look versity of Michigan," identifies three The committee made several pro­ the Reuitw, conducted one month after at undergraduate education and build areas of concern: the d windUng enroll­ posals to address these shortCOmings. she took her job as dean, Goldenberg ronsensus around changes that may be ment in the sciences and mathematics, The first of these is the formation of a already had big plans to investigate recommended. This includes not just the chief concern of those who worry pre-concentration undergraduate col­ what she called the "undergraduate what goes on in the classroom, but also that the U.S. will not be technolOgically lege, the Atheneum, to increase fac­ experience." So she fonned a commit­ the intellectual aspects of residence competitive in the roming century; ulty-5tudent interaction both in the tee. hall life, the intellectual activities out- students' lack of understanding and classroom and out. "TItis committee represents, to my "The Atheneum is a simple idea knowledge, the most comprehensive capable of accommodating any num­ review of the undergraduate experi­ According to the report, one science ber of educational goals," writes ence that has ever taken place," she committee chairman Robert Weisbuch said. professor commented, "Every minute I in a memo issued to student commi ttee ConSisting of nine members se­ members. "Its simplicity, its encom­ lected last fall, the Planning Commit­ spend in an undergraduate classroom passing totality, and its attractiveness tee on the Undergraduate Experience is costing me money and prestige." to students and faculty alike are its and its support staff, who represent the great strengths. It can serve most im­ student body and each of the CoOege's mediately as a symbol that this is one divisions, were commissioned to re­ side the classroom, lectures, and sensitivity towards non-Western student body, one College, divisible view the state of undergraduate edu­ other things that go on campus, such peoples, their cultures, and with mi­ but united in the act of learning." cation at the University of Michigan as the advising and counselling sys- norities in our own society; and defi- Cozy symbolism aside, there are serious doubts among both faculty and students as to whether it will be possible to attract faculty members to the new program's lower paying posi­ Ann Arbor Rent Control Freaks tions. According to the report, one sci-

by Jeff Muir Please See Page 11 When most people think of stu­ that according to experts, the potency homeless or more units of low- income dent activism, certain images and of the marijuana available today has housing. ideas probably come to mind: the increased nearly twenty- fold since Rent control measures have come 19605, protesting war, and fighting for that of the early 1970s. before the voters of Ann Arbor three righteous causes. There is no doubt Thus, the student activism that times. The Human Rights Party (HRP), Inside that student activism has at times helped de-criminalize marijuana in a short-lived party dominated by U-M brought attention to worthy causes. Ann Arbor actually hanned many of students, gained two seats on the city Gender Inclusive But there are instances, right here in the city's residents. A similarly stu­ council in the 1972 election. In 1974 the Language Pro/Con 6 Ann Arbor, where student activism dent-inspired controversy sur­ HRP placed on the ballot a proposal to does much more harm than good. rounds rent control. This issue has regulate Ann Arbor's rents. The meas­ In my last article ('The Pot Law entered into public debate several ure lost 18,208 to 12,878. Resurrected in Interview with and Students," November 1990) I times, and is often associated with 1975, it again lost overwhelmingly, showed that were it not for student homelessness and the Downtown 19,346 to 10,348.ln 1988, the issue arose Russell Kirk 8 influence, the de-criminalization of Development Authority's (DDA, a once more, only to lose 16,652 to 8,015. marijuana would never have taken quasi-govemmental agency) alloca­ Altruistic student groups and pub­ Vandermeer: The place in Ann Arbor. I also showed that tion of funds for "beautification" lications have attempted to overcome marijuana use has increased by area projects and parking structures, in­ Old Grey One 10 youths since de-criminalization, and stead of building shelters for the P/~e See Page 12 > ~~ ,~.,_,,,«~~ ..... ,.,,_~~ , .",,..,-, __,,_,,,,~ .. _.-wtY" __"'''''''''''',,,",~_,''T"''''''~_~)l''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''H'''""~"""'''''''''''''''''''~'>''''j-.,,~,,>,,~..,.~. , .. _

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 2

THE Serpent's Tooth MICHIGAN

/II think we have to start discussing for reportedly bringing food to the sit­ back to Junior High. Are you still upset REVIEW other tactics, which include assassina­ in buffoons in the Dude's office. But that we refused your application for tion, property destruction, things such then again, wha~ can you expect from a Review Mascot? as breaking windows," says Michael man who dates "Hanoi Jane?" We just Petrelis of ACf-UP' s Washington, DC hope they served Domino's pizzas and The Cam pus Affairs chapter, according to the Detroit News. Folgerscoffee, with perhaps a side dish Thanks to a secret benefacror from Journal of the Since Review staffers are renowned of California table grapes. somewhere deep within the U-M University of Michigan homophobes, dedicated to the spread administration, the Review recently of anti-gay hysteria, we have taken a received an "Interoffice Memoran­ Editor-in-Chief number of precautionary measures to In retrospect, even if the MSA-spon­ dum" concerning "Communications protect ourselves from this peaceful, sored deputization craze turns out to Related to Sexual Orientation." In this John J. Miller fun-loving advocacy group's Ann be wholly inefficacious, remember, it's enlightening document, we learn that Arbor chapter. First, we always wear the thought that counts. Did someone " 'Sexual Orientation' is the preferred Publisher bullet-proof vests. Second, we have say thought? term when referring to homosexuality, Carey Brian Meadors reinforced the windows in our MSA­ bisexuality, or heterosexuality. The allocated office space. Third, we have term 'sexual preference' implies Executive Editors appeared to split into two ranting and During a discussion on race and dis­ choice, which is incorrect." Further­ Adam DeVore' raving factions like a bunch of eight­ crimination, biology professor John more, "Many lesbians and gay men Brian Jendryka Mark Tulkki year-olds, each claiming to be the teal Vandermeer made the following odi­ have children, either from previous Michigan Review. ous statemen t: "To say that discrimina­ marriages or within sam~sex rela­ tion works both ways is like saying that tionships." Lovely, except that if Assistant Editors a slave who hates his white master is a homosexuals have children from pre­ Rahul Banta, Oifton Gault, Joseph Klein While researching the U-M's en­ racist!" During the same d~atribe he vious marriages, then don't some of rollment percentages for this also said that the U-M was categori­ them actively exercise sexual prefer­ semester, we uncovered a startling cally and undeniably "a racist institu­ ence? Also worthy of note, regarding French Correspondent Karen Brinkman example of institutionalized preju­ tion!/I And you thought that only con­ children and sam~sex relationships: dice: Eden-Americans compose only fused, disturbed students could say unless our mothers lied to us, we Production Manager 28% of the student body, while Pan­ such ridiculous and block-headed weren't aware of that possibility exist­ Ruth Armstrong gaean-Americans mak~up 72%. Con­ things! For shame. ing. sidering that most students neither Personnel Manager believe in silly, outdated Judeo-Chris­ Vince Wilk tian superstitions nor are able to locate The Office of Minority Affairs wants During a recent MSA meeting, Presi­ Pangaea on a world map, this is an to change its name, reports the Daily, dent Jennifer Van Valey chastized a Staff outrage! All students should be ex­ and is considering terms like "multi­ student for saying that a previous job of Mike Beidler, Thomas Binkow, pelled and proper quotas maintained. cultural" and "multi-ethnic" to re­ his had entailed "supervising six men," David Boettger, Jim Bominski, Next month we will continue our quest place the word "minority," which instead of saying "six workers," or "six Joe Coletti, Brian Cook, Pete to discover the proper ingredients for some people feel contains negative people." Shocked at Miss Van Valey's Daugavietis, Vincent DeSantis, True Diversity and report on how the connotations. Regardless of its name, pr~sumptuousness for assuming him to Mark Dundon, Athena Foley, various descendents of the 12 tribes of however, we imagine the office will be one of those terrible sexist types, he Adam Garagiola, Reg Goeke, Israel fare in this environment of seeth­ continue to serve only those students explained that all six workers were, in Monica Hanson, Jon Hoekstra, ing, bloodcurdlin&~n,~ns,jtivity. of acceptable culture and correct eth­ fact, men. "We will discuss this after the Nicholas Hoffman, Heather nicity. Then again, white students meeting, but I would prefer you say Johnston, Shannon Luttermoser, have no culture and no ethnicity, so 'people' or 'homo sapiens'." she replied. Jeff Muir, Chris Peters, Dave "I want Bush not to have his money, I this whole debate doesn't really mat­ Here we must side with Van Valey. This Powell, Michael Skinner, Mark want Rockefeller not to have his ter. The struggle continues. man needs a sensitivity course - no, Stem, Chris Terry, Doug Thiese, money, I want Trump not to have his that's too good for him - only a flog­ John Transue, Al Tulkki, Stacey money, 'cause they don't deserve it," ging at high noon on the steps of the Walker, Tony Woodlief, Carolyn said Larry Fox of the Homeless Action "Given ~nough time with a type­ Graduate Library will placate us. jViva Zach Committee (HAC) in the November writer, a monkey will eventually wri te Diversity! 13th edition of the Daily. This of course Hamlet," a wise man once remarked. Editor Emeritus leads to the question - who does Our question: How long will it take Marc Selinger deserve it? Judging from HAC'sactivi­ Daily Weekend Magazine columnist And speaking of Jennifer Van Valey, ties, we can safely say that Larry be­ Phil "B1athermaster" Cohen to write doesn't one of her gripes against the The Michigan Review is an independent, lievesthat he and HAC deserve it. That something intelligible? Our apologies deputization revolve around the fact non-profit, student-run journal at the way he can give it to the one segment of University of Michigan. We are not affili­ to animal rights activists - we didn't that the whole thing was undertaken se­ ated with any political party. We wel­ society that produces nothing but mean to imply that monkeys are stu­ cretly, behind closed doors, and when come letters and articles and encourage urin~reeking alleys. There's a word pid. most students were off campus? comments about the journal and issues for types like you, Larry: "parasite." Hmmm... sounds vaguely along the discussed in it. Our address is: Quit whining. Get a job. Make money lines of how Van Valey gave $1000 of Suite One the moral way - earn it. Don't steal In a recen t blathering of his own, Dave student money to the Palestinian Soli­ 911 North University from those who do. Barry wanna-be Jonathon Chait chas­ darity Coriunittee junket last summer, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265 tized theReviewforbeingjusta weebit when most students were out of town. (313) 662-1909 too CEREBRAL for him. Please, Jon­ Once again, the word hypocrite leaps to Copyright 1990 Special thanks to Ted Turner and CNN Boy, mocking intelligence is a throw- mind. The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 3

Roving Photographer What do you think of a deputized police force on campus?

by David Boettger

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Helen Bellanca, Engineering Junior: It Tom Spetnagel, Engineering Junior: I Heather Burrows, LSA Senior: I think Steve Edelstein, LSA Senior: I don't seems hypocritical to me to try to make am wholeheartedly in favor of an deputization is a colossal waste of think that they would be such a bad this campus a safer place by giving armed force on campus. I have noth­ money. I know that I won't feel any idea. Maybe one of them would shoot guns to a University police force. The ing to fear. Security will protect my safer knowing that there are even more Preacher Mike. I hate Preacher Mike. role of the University is to create an rights, not violate them. people out there with guns and the environment which is conducive to right to use them. getting the best education possible.

Ir------, I Do you... I I Oppose speech bans? Support the teaching of classic literature? Abhor the politicization of the classroom? Feel the U-M/s leftists need to be challenged?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, support The Michigan Review

With your tax-

YES! I WOULD UKE TO HELP! I'm sending my tax-

-$15 -$25 -$50 -$100 -$500 -other

Natre: l'Address: IIYes, I'll Subscribe!" L_~ ______I -Suite One, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265- .J <><":""'''''+<\'W'''_''''~=~~'''«~~ ~libill'S ~~~'~~_" ___·~~""""I<>'-'~"'.w",., •. ,; .. *"",,,,,,,,,,,,=.,_,

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 4

From Suite One: Editorials

The Conservative-Abolitionist~, ''I. ;, Coalition?·, .u

Nobody dared guess the outcome of the November Michigan Student Assem­ fected by circumstances Bey()nd his control when h~and the Student Activities bly (MSA) elections, a battle between the entrenched action leftists and the more Coalition's ROTC-backed candidate split the conservative vote. Similarly, what reasonable Abolitionists and ConServative Coalition (Cc). Yet everybody was may have evolved into a mandate for either the Abolitionists or CC in the most surprised by the results, with CC winning 10 of the 24 contested seats, independ­ recent elections was deferred by their disunity. _ ents winning eight, Action taking six, and the Abolitionists shut-out. Although As Abolitionist candidate Jesse Walker has observed, "Conservative Coali­ the Abolitionists are surely demoralized by their failure, CC should not bask in the tion, by its;very name, a self-limiting group." Beca.uSe of its. seemingly strict par­ warmth of their seeming success - they won more seats in the 1989 fall elections, tisan association, CC appears unacceptable to a large portion of the political spec­ This considered, we believe University of Michigan students have much to gain trum which would, under a different rubric, be receptive to its platform. Although from a CC -Abolitionist merger. partisan interest has been a major stumbling block to past merger attempts, MSA Representative and CC member James Green does not envision this difficulty per­ sisting. ''There. is. room for compromise on this issue," he said. As Morton 6lackwell has pointed out, In view of November's election results, the AbOlitionist party should seri­ "you can't save the world if you can't ously consider this attempt at recQnciliation. Clearly, they have the most tq gain by a CC-:-Abolitionist merger. In addition to a new name; association with ahighly pay the rent."" motivated CC constituency would provide a realistic opportunity to implement their policy proposals. CC would also benefit, if only by an incr.ease in their con­ stituency. As Green notes,"When groups with such similar goals come together, . Both CC and the Abolitionist organizations speak to a frustrated constituency they are always stronger:" that believes MSA is not properly or adequately addressing student concerns. We feel that an Abolitionist-CC merger would be a boon to the student body. Despite many similarities in the two parties' platforms, CChas traditionally fared A unified party with a popular, pragmatic platform and a new name could even­ far better. Much of CC's success is attributable to its well-organized and moti­ tually turn MSA into a responsible student government capable of handling such vated leadership, but a large portion of its platform has been "At least we are not simple chores as allocating office space to student groups. Petty politics ought to Action." Also noteworthy has been CC's vulnerability to exogenous circum­ be put aside, and a real coalition formed. As Morton Blackwell has pointed out, stances. For example, the election of Aaron Williams to the MSA presidency by a "you can't save the world, if you can't pay the rent." Abolitionist and CC plurali ty in the Spring 1989 elections was arguably the result of a fortuitous three-­ principles mean nothing without an opportunity for their implementation way split in the left-wing ticket. In the 1990 elections, Williams was was again af- through electoral success. Administrationspeak

A controversy concerning some alleged "graffiti" on an' East Quad resident's had been determined, and faculty members were "encourage[ d) to reflect them in door has arisen in recent weeks. The alleged graffiti incited no riot; nor was it part [their] communications." While it does not mandate that these "preferred" words of any crime; rather, ft was found to be offensive by two East Quad janitors. When be used, there is little ambiguity in the memo's message. "'Sexual Orientation' is the custodians supposedly discovered such graffiti for a second time, they erased the preferred term when referring to homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexu­ the message-board' s contents without consulting the room' sresidents. According ality. The term 'sexual preference' implies choice, which is incorrect," says the to the resident and.several of his hallmates, however, there was nothing "offen­ memo. One does not need a fertile imagination to grasp the underlying meaning. sive" on the door. This memorandum exemplifies an insidious form a censorship that is becom­

But, even suppo.!/ing th(it the student had don:e exactly as the janitors allege, ing all too prevalent at the U-M. By calling these recommendations /f guidelines," it is the janitors who should be reprimanded, not the resident. It seems that they the memo gives the impression that a certain degree of propriety is attached to the have forgotten that the University of Michigan's speech code was declared uncon­ use of these words; when professors pass Harrison and Giraldo's message on to stitutional in August 1989. Even irrational, symbolic gestures are protected under their students, the existence of a de facto code becomes obvious: students will in­ U.s. District Judge AvemCohn's ruling. evitably feel coerced into using Politically Correct language in their discussions Certainly, some graffiti can be offensive-yet are we to determine what sort and essays, their grades being at stake. of expression should be allowed based merely upon its tendency to offend? There By telling people what speech is permissible, Harrison and Giraldo define is little reason to defend a right to free expression when the expression's content is a generally accepted plati tude; such a defense becomes necessary when the ex­ pression is outrageously offensive. When we are certain that some opinion is un­ "The term 'sexual preference' implies deniably wrong, we must make every effort to protect the right of dissenters to express that view. Indeed, the only way to prove the solidity of our own beliefs is choice, which is incorrect.~' to expose them to any and all criticism, rational or otherwise. The interplay of free speech requires individuals tb defend their views - what it is permissible to think -2... they define how we are to conceive of sexUal often publicly and spontaneously - and this makes some folks uncomfortable. preference. By designating that some language is proper and acceptable, while They assert that they ought to be protected from speech they consider inappropri­ other expressions are not, they go beyond merely expressing a preference for one ate. In keeping with the spirit of this notion, Executive Director of University term over another: they say, in effect, that the words necessary to contend the Relations Walter Harrison and Director of Affirmative Action Z.I. Giraldo re­ opposite are not properly considered part of the language when so used. cently sent a memorandum to all Executive Officers, Deans, Directors, and In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith could think, "Big Brother is double Departn}ent.Heads. This byproduct of the Task Force on Sexual Orientation plus ungood," but the rules of definition and grammar rendered the thought announced that "guidelines" concerning the "preferred" (read: proper) expres­ unintelligible gibberish. The attitudes that underlie the memorandum are no sions to use in reference to an individual's sexual preference and marital status different. It seems that since the U-M cannot stop students from speaking, it will I i instead try to stop them from thinking - by eliminating the words that describe These editorials represent the opinions of the Review editorial board. their thoughts.

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The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 5

Letters to the Editor Readers React to Pot" Law Article

To the editor, claims. Then he does trot out statistics, Muir never discusses marijuana use by lives of others, or you respect the au­ Jeff Muir's attack on my defense but all they demonstrate is that more adults is his inability to come to terms tonomy of the individual. of marijuana decriminalization would Ann Arbor twelfth graders smoke pot with the notion of the mature adult, If Muir thinks that marijuana use have been the most brilliant article of than twelfth graders across the coun­ free to choose his or her own fate, re­ is socially harmful, he's free to warn your November issue had you but try - hardly a surprise. The final set of sponsible for his or her own actions. people agains~ it. The rest of us are, or placed the word "Satire" in boldface at stats he produces demonstrates only Muir's talk of '''acceptable levels of should be, free to follow or ignore his the top ("The Pot Law and Students"). that many teenagers "report ease in marijuana use" stinks of Big Govern­ advice as we see fit. In the meantime, I Sadly, it was apparently intended as a obtaining" marijuana, which Muir ment paternalism that sees people not hope that in the future the editors of serious piece, and I am left with the job equates withhigh "levels of marijuana as free and responsible individuals, the Michigan Review will make an effort of defending myself against it. use for our children." This, of COUTse, is but as wards of the state. In the end, the to check their writers' facts before pub­ What can I say? For a man so con­ roughly equivalent to. projecting the marijuana question - and all victim­ lication. vinced of his knowledge, Muir cer­ suicide rate of a ci tyfrom the availabil- less "crime" questions. - fall along Jesse Walker tainly does a good job of convincing ity of rope. . these lines. Either you try to control the LSA Junior me that he doesn't know a thing about Having apparently refuted my what he's talking about. Were I as sure claim to his satisfaction, Muir goes on as Ml,lir of the dangers of marijuana, I to my second question, which he re­ wOl,lld accuse him of being the most ports as, "Were criminals running 'pot Muir's Voting Sentiments HUnpleasant" burnt--Ollt grass freak there is; Where houses' and neighborhoods being else bl,lt from the killer weed cOl,lld destroyed? No." He might have un­ Dear Sir, policy like today's alcohol policy, in so~eon~get the notion that,lliCis ad­ derstood me better had he finished the Regarding. Mr. Muir's comments which people who are responsible for dictive,of that stl,ldents can use quote: "-:-drug laws cause that, not on both marijuana criminalization and themselves in the eyes of the Jaw have absentee ballots to vote on resolutions drugs." My point here was very student" voting participation: Muir' a right to run, or ruin, their own lives. before CityCouncil? simple. There are no "pot houses" and argues for criminalization on the We should consider this alternative, Seriously, Muir's article was in­ violent pot-gang wars in Ann Arbor grounds that marijuana use by chil­ and others, as substitutes for the tyr­ eptly done, across the board. His argu­ because the de facto legality of mari­ dren is to(} high, that its use is increas­ anny of the majority. mentative method is to pluck three juana makes them unnecesSary. Muir ing, that it has become more potent, On the subject of student civic questions I posed in my original article obviously missed my point, because and that i t acts as a gateway drug lead­ responsibility, you echo some un­ from their context and then proceed to he givcs,.asan example of a pot house, ing to more serious drug problems. pleasant sentiments. When people are attempt to respond to the answers I the story of several tenants accused of With the possible exception of in­ mistreated because they are immi­ gave, as though these three questions dealing cocaine. (For the record, the creased potency, don't all of these grants, I suppose it is justified by the were the centerpiece of my argument. eviction of these alleged dealers, arguments lead inexorably to crimi­ idea that such people are transient and They weren't, of course, but that's which Muir recounts with relish, was nalization of alcohol as well? Does have no stake in the community. The beside the point. More important is the done in an unconstitutional manner Muir advocate a return to Prohibition? simple fact is that everyone lives some­ fact that he obviously didn't under­ that provoked a great outcry from Government has a legitimate interest where. Just because the student popu­ stand a single one of them. those concerned with due process, but in disseminating information to pro­ lation is characterized by a higher­ Take the first. My original essay not, apparently, from Jeff Muir.) mote informed choice, but the preven­ than-normal tendency to be away read, "Had marijuana use increased Finally, Muir responds to my ac­ tion of informed choice is simply op­ during holidays doesn't mean that sincethe fine hadbccn instituted in the curate statement that marijuana is not pression. We have a right to act against they shouldn't act on their beliefs, You early 1970s?No,it hadn't." In response a "gatewa'y drug" by simply claiming those who harm us by their drug use say that "when considering a choice to this, Muir spends several para­ the opposite, without even bothering (by driving while impaired, for in­ between self-interest and laws which graphs addressing, not the level of to back up his opinion. Of course, it is stance), but we see in everyday' shead­ protect Ann Arbor and it's (sic) citi­ marijuana use, but the potency of that highly likely, for cultural reasons, that lines that restricting private activities zens, U-M students have chosen the marijuana, as though that were rele­ many drug abusers began by smoking is ineffective and breaks today's perva- former." Instead of so casually indict- vant to anything but the personal marijuana. It isalso true, however,that euphoria of the user. He can't even do the vast majority of pot smokers never this particularly well, since he doesn't become drug abusers. By the method­ JJConservatives act absurdly in address the potency of all the mari­ ology of the "gateway drug" crowd, it juana in use, but only that of "Mexican can be proven that going to college, championing the free market and then varieties of marijuana," when any rea­ hanging around with jazz musicians, sonably informed individual could and joining the Republican National claiming the right and obligation to have told him that a great portion of Committee are "gateways" to am­ the pot used here is grown locally - phetamine, heroin, and alcohol abuse, protect people from themselves." often as not in the user's home. respectively, despite the obvious fact He finally does get to thecjuestion that most students, jazz fans, and sive opposition to law. The conserva­ ing the motives of so many, perhaps of whether or nor marijuana use has Republicans have no drug problems at tive movement acts absurdly in cham­ you should give them credit for an increased since the early 1970s, but all." pioning the free market and then honest belief, correct or not, in the right never answers it satisfactorily. First he It is significant, I think, that Muir claiming the right and obligation to to self-determination. quotes a pair of self-appointed au­ never addresses the crux of my argu­ protect people from themselves. The issue of student civic respon­ thorities who, from their "discussions ment for decriminalization: individual You may respond that minors are sibility is an intriguing one; I look fore­ with the city's youth," have come to liberty. To repeat the Thomas Szasz incapable of making sufficiently in­ ward to your article next month. the subjective impression that pot use quote that I used in my original article, formed decisions, and that we are among young people (not all people, "I may disagree with what you take, obliged to exercise our best judgement David E. Kaufman but young people) has increased. No but will defend to the death your right in their interest. Such an argument Rackham statistics are given to back up these to take it." Perhaps the reason why carries force, and suggests a marijuana • '''<'~'''''''''''''~'''~'''<><''''''_'''''-'~''''''''W4l;'J»'M',\lI&\~f:tlIt1I'IK~~,",,''~'''~''~'''''''> "~''''''''#''I.'''<,(_''.'~~~II;M;~",,01>''''1~1'''''''''''';\1">!\''''''''''

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 6

Review Forum Sexist Language Must be Eliminated

by Athena Foley word meaning male person, and thus always beequivalemt to genderneutral feasible. Language is flexible: we no Modem English is brimming with they would not need to be changed. language, however. When "wife" or longer speak Old English, and the me­ sexist expressions and usages that have Children would notbeconditioned into "husband battering" becomes dia is perpetually coining new phrases. ceased to properly convey meaning. sexist thinking by continued use of "domestic violence," the action is no Language must keep pace with Whereas "fireman" and. "freshman" these words. Unlike "fireman," words longer accurately described. In other society's changes; since the role of once accurately characterized all fire like "manuscript," for instance, do not words, there are relevant and irrelevant women within society has changed, so figh ters and first year students, they no ~ conjure up an image of a man. differ~nces between people. must the relevant aspects of language. longer do. Therefore, children would not picture Since the sole purpose of language males when hearing this word. is to convey ideas, inaccurate, sexist Children would also distinguish Sexist language teaches sexist thinking; . language communicates inaccurate, between the male image from sexist ideas. AI though overhauling the "policeman" and the generic image of using such language around children English language would be impractical, people-suggestive words like "man­ proselytizes them, whether it is intended it is reasonable to request that peo?le ager." Since "policeman" is a com­ make an effort to use gender-inclusive pound word, "man" is essentially an or not. language in mariy common situations. identifying characteristic of "police." For instance, "policeman" is easily Children can picture "police" and replaced with "police officer/' and "man" asdistinctimages. On the other Specificity is vital when describ­ Language changes need not be "senator" or "representative" is hand, they can not separate "man" from ing wife or husband battering, but in awkward,either. ''Negro'' changed to effortlessly substituted for "ager." To children, "manager" would other cases, gender information is ir­ "black," and then to"Afro-American." "congressman." flow as one distinct, generic idea in a relevant-yet including it implies that Sexist language can be eliminated just One may refer to the head of a way that the compound "policeman" gender matters. Forinstance,labeling like racist language. committee as the "chair" instead of the would not. theheadofacommittee "chairwoman" Substitutions of the plural forms "chairman." In cases such as these, Some words in our language would implies that calling her "chair" does "they" and "their" for "him" and "his" including "man" in the title does not change their present meanings, not accurately describe her position, are already often used in speech. People describe all members of the group, however. One example of this is "man," and that her sex is somehow relevant have the power to define what is to her occupation. Including gender considered to be grammatically incor­ information in this way can thus be rect. Nonsexist dictionaries are avail­ Specifity is vital when describing wife sexist and demeaning. able if a word substitution does not People should also be aware of come to mind. or husband battering, but in other cases, male and female versions of words Certainly no one should be forced, that have lost their original, equivalent by the government or another gender information is irrelevant - yet meanings. Forinstance,"Old Masters" institution, to change his or her including implies that gender matters. refers to any of the great European preferred mode of self expression. painters before the 18th century, but There exist viable alternatives to our "Old Mistresses" has an entirely dif­ current sexist language, however. whereas the nonsexist alternatives do. when supposedly used as a gender ferent connotation. "Bachelor" also Through voluntary inclusion in text­ Nonsexist language would be neutral term, as in "When man began conveys a different meaning than books, eduqltion, and the media, these particularly beneficial to children. to walk upright. .. " "Man" is never an "spinster." "Old Geniuses" would be choices could be enacted. Their minds are not sophisticated all encompassing term chiefly because a more inclusive term for the artists, In any event, it is not necessary to enough to picture a woman when they it cannot always be interchanged with hear "fireman." Since concepts of its truly generiC counterparts, "hu­ gender roles are solidified in the for­ mans' and "people." Substitutions of the plural forms mative years, using gender-exclusive For instance, ''When people give "they" and "their" for "him" and "his" .words conditions a child to assume birth," or ''W,hen humans give birth," that professions and actions like are valid statements, but "When man are already often used in speech. "manning your post" are done only by gives birth," sounds absurd. If "man," People have the power td define what men. Sexist language teaches sexist "people," and "humans" had the same thinking; using such language around meaning, they would always be is considered gramtically incorrecb children proselytizes them, whether it mutually substitutable. But this is not is intended or not. the case. and "never-married people" would not further "prove" that sexist language is At this point, an important In any event, the result of carry any sexist connotations. .harmful in order to justify a ,call for distinction concerning which words attempting touse" man" as both generic Male and female roles are also change. ~yen if itwere true that sexist should be changed ought to be made: and gender-specific is that males differentiated by attaching "-ette" to language were not da~aging, as long all words with "man" in them would automatically fit the general description the original word to form the female as people are offended by sexist not need to be changed. For instance, while women, because they have a version (majorette, for instance). Once language, it should be changed. One "woman" is a combination of the Old different name, are the deviant. When again, women are treated diminutively, should be willing to call another what English words meaning "wife" and someone uses "man," is is not always as an addendum and an exception to s/he wants to be called simply out of "human." "Human" comes from the clear that it is intended inclusively. the rule. This practice trivializes respect. Latin humanus, which means any hu- The question, "Do you mean just men, women. The suffix is extraneous, and man being. . or men and women?" can be asked meaning would not be lost by aban- Athena Foley is a sophomore in the Words such as "manuscript" and frequently. Needlesstosay,themajor­ doningit. • Resid~ntial College and a staff writer' "manual" come from the Latin word ity of human beings are not male. It is important to reiterate that a for the Review. "t 11 -, ! • f, f , ~ ~. " for hand. Norie are derived from a Nonsexist language would not switchtononsexistlangu"ageisentirely' ~ W~_»'f~,_ ' 'i'' '''_'''''_'''''.''''~~~,,~ Il II\Wl!\\\\tlW~~'iI't '''_'''''''·,,,,,,.w,,

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 7

Review Forum Language Reform is a Silly Idea

by Nick Hoffman "seaperoneship" (seamanship). Words would have tD make it obligatory for English nowadays, these so-called Many really good ideas, like world like these are not only unwieldy, but everyone to use the new langUage. But "gender-exclusive" words are com­ peace and the Edsel, are impractical they are very confusing, too. then they would be denying us the monly recognized and assumed to when applied to the real world. "Chairperone" (chairman) sounds a lot right to free self-expression. Besides, representbothsexes. The word "gUys" Similarly, the idea of removing like "chaperone," and if you said there is no way they can 'constantly is a good example of this assumption. "gender-exclusive" words from the "parone," (parson) mDst people would monitor everyone's speech to ensure Although originally an exclusively English langUage, while nice in theory, think you were referring to an easy they are speaking "correctly." People male reference, it is now accepted to cannot seriously be considered. De­ refer to both males and females alike. spite the claims of language activist Even females use it to refer to other groups thatgender-exclusive langUage When a reader comes to a s/he females in conversation. degrades and offends, the tremendous combination, he/she must stop in mid­ Bearing this in mind, then, it would difficulties involved in eliminating it seem that whoever feels these words from the language far outweigh the sentence to think in his/her mind what degrade and offend is simply very small benefits to be derived from its insecure and touchy about gender. Be­ institution. the s/he combination means. cause of this immaturity, they are The first problem activists must looking for and finding offense where face is deciding what parts of the hole in golf. would only speak "correctly" when none is intended, and creating a langUage should be changed. Many I feel, though, that if langUage they knew they were being observed. controversy which should not exist. intellectuals have made an effort to activists change these parts of English, Atother times, they would speak in the These people must come to realize that replace the traditional "he" and "his," they must root outall forms of "gender- outdated English as a form of defiance changing the language will not frequently used as generic pronouns in exclusive" langUage. We should stop and independence. The whole situation eliminate any gender stereotypes that sentences, with a "he/she" or "s/he" referring to shipS and planes as "she." would become a vulgar; if not tragic, mayexistin society. It will OrilydestrDY compromise. But, this type of Everyone should start finding farce. English as a colorful, coherent method combination is very awkward because replacements for words like These reform-mad people fail to of communication. it does not allow a smooth flow of "motherload," and "fatherland." Even see that there is nothing really wrong ideas, When a reader comes to a s/he many family-names, such as JeffersOn with today's form .of English. If there Nick Hoffperone is a junior in politi­ combinatjon,he/she must stop in mid- and Brinkman, would have to be were, there would be something wrong cal science and communications and sentericetothinkinhis/hermindabout changed to a more gender-friendly with language in general. In the Ro­ a staff writer for the Review. what the s/he combination means. If version; if these reforms are worth- mance langUages, for example, mas­ this occurs frequently, he/ she can lose while, they're worth doing right. culine words always dominate. But, in her /his train of thought, and miss the Similarly, despite language activ- point of what s/he is reading, making ists' claims that sexist langUage nega- him/her start over, which is really tivelyinfluenceschildren'sperceptions annoying. of gender roles, they say that not all Another idea is to switch the words containing "man" need to be .BEFORE YOU CAN singular "he" to the plural "they/' so changed (like "manual" and "mari- the word does not refer to any specific ager"), because not all words contain- GO TO GRAD SCHOOL, person or gender. But, becau~ the word ing the syllable are etymologically tied does not specify who it is referring to, to maleness. Children, however, are THERE'S ONE MORE there is some confusion on the reader's unlikely to distingUish the etyffiology partaboutwhich,orhowmany, people of words like "chairman" from that of RIDICULOUS TESt are involved~ Also, the "they" "human," "woman," and "manu- constructiongr'fatly. )# ,~~tence script," just to name a few. It is unclear The GRE. The GMAT. The LSAT. Chances are, you11 have to face one of these to get into flexibil~ty; Wri~WhP.try~~"tl)ey" where we would draw the final line-'-- grad school. soon find ,~mii~ ci)~troct :~~ii with respect to g~nderized langUage, The Princeton Review can make the experience a lot ~nt~~es~~ce~~Way~~~fu or any other "species" of word that more bearable. Not to mention rewarding. It, whIch sev~ly restrict$,thelJ' ~nge may fall from favor. , We'll teach you the skills necessary to conquer these ofexpiessioO. . .' .. ' "'.,' . Unfortunately, to make these tests. Activists also wantt6~h~rise , changes, we would have to tum the words like fireman and ir\anho~e t(,) . English langUage on its head. This Unlike that "other" prep course, we feature small classes and personalized instruction. Even individual help. firepersonandpmonhole/iheywantto ' would cause major communication And our results are inarguable. remove the "man" from th.~,,!ordre: . '. problems not orily in our country, as cause they feel this n\asoJ1ineief~f~ " 'people try to learn a politically correct If you want to know more, just call us at 1-800-333-0369. If we don't hear from you, well. . . good luck. ence influences t~ petceptiOQ ofthE# ' .." langl,tage, butalsoabroad,asEn&,ish is positionS in such a way that women ' ~ng an international language. will feel excluded from occupying BUt changing the language is not THE them. The difficulty with using "per- only .impractical, it's immoral. Even PRINCETON son" as a replacement, however, is that assuming actiVists were able to change REVIEW it contains the wDrd "son," which is the language and rid it of all also a masculine reference. Some have unnecessary references to gender, suggested replacing "son" with the many people would c;:ontinue to speak The nemesis of standardized testing. word "one." Combining these meth- in the "old fashiDned," "gender- 663-2163 ods, you would end up with words like exclusive" manner because it is easier PrinCf"f On l'ni\'ersity and The Educational Testing Serv ice are not affiliated wi th The Princeton Re\· iew. "postperone" (pDStm~J;\~ . aI:ld , for the~. To prevent this, the Clc~.vists """ "'''<_:~''''''''' ' ~~·_'''~'''i1Io ~'"'''''''·''i'f.'''~· '''' ' ' '' ' '" "'' · ~ '''' ' " ,., " , .

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 8

Interview Kirk Critiques the Diversity Behel110th

On November 29, Joe Coletti of the REVIEW: Those who fought for the REVIEW: What role do non-tradi­ women's studies deprives herself of .~ 'l/>" Review interviewed Dr. Russell Kirk. diversity Class claim that Western tional studies, such 'as women's stud­ real study. Kirk, who lives in Mecosta, Michi­ culture is racist. Is it? , ies play in the erosion of traditional gan, is.arenownedexpert on Edmund education? REVIEW; How important is it for stu­ Burke and the author of The Conser­ KIRK: That is a very insincere de­ dents to know the works of Milton, vative Mind and Eliot and His Age. He mand. Behind these demands for the KIRK: Certainly they will work at that Virgil, and Shakespeare as opposed visited the University of Michigan to abandomnent of genuine culture lies erosion. Take for example women's to lesser-known authors who repre­ give a lecture sponsored by the U-M the simple fact that most of the people studies. There are many great women sent different races and cultures? Law S9tool's Federalist Society and who deIPand this change themselves writers, particularly women in science the Intercollegiate Studies Institute. are incapable intellectually of absorb­ and so on, whom I have always taken KIRK: What we are pursuing in,ed­ The lecture concerned his new book, ing thyexisting culture. I encountered for granted had always been a part of ucation is wisdom. Wisdom - not The Conseroative Constitution. simply the work of a man who had " never written anything and gets cho­ sen because he happens to be one­ fourth Cree Indian, but because there's REVIEW: What do you think of the an enduring wisdom - whatT. S. Eliot University of Michigan's new "diver­ called the IJpermanent things" to be sity" requirement? found in the great writings. Thus Vir­ gil, for instance, imparts wisdom KIRK: This is a case of academic tyr­ about the human condition which anny. It's an endeavor to indoctrinate transcends all ages. He shouldn't be young men and women whopr~uma­ studied because he's part of Italian bly are able to form their own opinions studies, but because he's part of the - to indoctrinate them with a curi­ general learning. We study Milton be­ ously childish view of life "anything cause of the great importance to the

I goes," all things are of equal value, all understanding of religiqn in modem should be accepted, make no moral times and his great mastery of the judgements. That way leads to social writing art. Again, it's an attempt to and personal anarchy. After all this escape from the demand put upon us talk of freedom for the mind, the very by great writers like Virgil and Milton , people who do much of the talking en­ and to substitut~ some polemicist of deavor to impose their views upon our own time who manages to get persons who should be morally free 30,000 copies of his book sold through agents, not the subjects of indoctrina­ sensationalism, whose words will tion under the misguided label of "di­ mean nothing 10 years from now, or versity." This is all an attempt to over­ even five years from now and the throw the inherited intellectual and mastery of whose writings requires moral system of our civilization - an very little indeed. anarchic attempt. I am writing a book on our British REVIEW: Many groups are claiming patrimony in a healthy reaction new rights: animal rights, gay rights. against the so-called multiculturalism Are these rights legitimate? developing across the country. In short, our language is English and our KIRK: Every right is married to a cui ture is British. The fact that there are duty. If one has the right to an income, many persons here who are not of Brit­ this sort of demand years ago. "Why studies - at least a part of my studies , one has the duty of the work to justify ish origin does not mean that we can can't we have more African culture?" as a young man. But to separate stud­ the income, and if one has the right to supplant the inherited British culture 'Why yes, you can, it is a very good ies of women from general studies? freedom of speech, one has the du ty of with some other culture. Language demand. Begin with the study of a Who would advocate men's studies? responsible freedom of speech, and so governs everything: our law, our lit­ great civilization - Egypt. Of course, How could we have, tor eXi\rn..ple, a on. In our own age, however, it is cus­ erature, our political structure. The you have to learn about hieroglyphics course in the history of law and a par­ tomary asserting rights butJorgettiog whole complex of our culture is British and a great deal of obscure history at allel course in history of men's law, about theduti~. In short, fora right to in origin and cannot be altered without the start of it, but you are very right to how could that be? Gender makes very exist, there must be some sanction or destroyirlg the culture. We see this at­ ask for African studies. Are you going little difference. Then again, women's authority which is able to guarantee tempt going on in Detroit by the school to enter into Egyptology or perhaps studies is simply, an attempt, to get and protect that right. And to assert board to " Africanize" the curriculum. Nubian studies?" away from a hard discipUn~of any real rights which have no authority or We see it in textbook publishers from ''Well, no, no. We just want our body of knowledge to a · silly little sanction behind them is' to ask what across the nation and in the demands own culture." whining, complaining, ''Why haven't cannot be. that they emphasize African culture. Their own culture is American we been treated more geaerously? One may look for example to the This is a kind of madness and will re­ culture, there is no such thing as the How wonderful we are, how awful Charter of the United Nations adopted sult in the collapse of learning, espe­ survival of African culture in the men are." How very silly, you see. after the Second World War. Among cially the higher learning at the Uni­ United States. It's a silly demand. It's This is an example of the terrible the rights asserted is the rightto a yaca­ versity of Michigan, if successfully en­ simply an attempt to find a way to. a mental confusion of the age. Any tion with pay. An interesting exchange forced. false degree. woman who enters upon a course of about this occured at Geneva some 20 _1,;~)'~'IlI' ;U: ".I'. 't~~)..'4lli'JJ:~';~'!~~~~~t).. .~.; .""w: ,,~,.. ~., " <'''''' '' +)~'' '

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 9

years ago in a discussion of this impor­ ous today, when we find radical views be, with the passage of time, that the other group put together. When we tant right. There arose a delegate from well entrenched inside the academy conservative character of the univer­ add to this the people who call them­ I I Madras, India, who asserted that the and the gf!neral publi~ basically mov­ sity will assert itself. selves middle-of-the-road, we end I wicked Western powers ha9 ~n"€t ingi,n a conservative diiectign. up with a huge majority. They may not I glecting this right. He said that every.. . 'Il1ere was, hQ:Wev.er; a very large , REVIEW: Where · is American con- understand .what proper measures to one must have a vacation with full pay, revival of conservative thought, that servatism headed in the 199Os7 pursue, but at least they are prejudiced the vacation should be for three began at the end of the 19405 and be­ in keeping things pretty much as they Ii months, and it should be in the sum­ ginning of the 1950s, and of which my' ·· . KIRK: There is a great dispute among are, adhering ·· to the "permanent I mer. A Swiss--German economist who book, The Conservative Mind, was a the people who are called conserva­ things," and disliking the pace of rapid was a consultant to the United Nations part. It actually exerts increasing in­ tives. The so-called noo-<:onserva­ change we have been experiencing. I said, "Well, that's all very well perhaps fluence on the rising generation. It is tives are really yesteryear's liberals, think the American general opinion for you in India where it's so hot in the interesting to note that in both of except that they've objected to com- continues to move in the conservative summer you can't work anywai 'But direction. it will scarcely work in Western Eu­ Women's studies is simply an attempt to We are not likely to experience any I rope, particularly in Switzerland great wave of radical feeling, thus the where we work as hard as wecan in the get away from a hard discipline of any radicalism of the 19605 never touched summer because that's when the tour­ the so-:.: .:.:. ~ been called a ritualistic liberal mind, or ~:t(~~~ iji';',;:;&f9~ , • ., y/L4. . ... • .. Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pm .~ perhaps beyond that, a radical mind. - That vision has been most conspicu-

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The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 10

Essay The Pea Plant-Sandinista Connection

"'V ""; by Jeff Muir When I registered for Professor scientist, it contained purely leftist What made Vandermeer's course propagandizing to accomplish in a John Vandermeer's "Biology 101: Biol­ ideological political rantings about even worse were the numerous neo­ relatively short period of time. He was ogy and Human Affairs" class, I had pollution, dependency economics, hippies from upper-middle class mid­ Politically Correct, and needed to in­ no idea what I was in for. I wanted to and social classes. From Vandermeer's western homes. Their education bank­ doctrinate the masses. satisfy my natural sciences distribu­ very first lecture, my worst fears about rolled by their well-to-do parents, Two days later, however, I walked tion requirement. Being no budding the class were realized. They were they spend mom and dad's money o,n into the auditorium and took my seat: scientist, I inquired from an academic really political diatribes about Ronald tie-died shirts, draw-string pants, A few moments later The Old Grey counselor as to what would be the best Reagan, George Bush, the impending water-buffalo/Jesus sandals, and One entered the room, approached . Rastafarian berets. You can find them me, handed me the article, and said Little did I know then that a more ap­ smoking dope on the .Diag and bab­ "Do you really want to read this?" bling endlessly about homelessness, "Yes sir!" I replied. propriate title for the course might have capitalism, Marxism, environmental­ "You know I'll have a few things to ism, etc. They say all the Politically say about it when you're finished, been "The Biology of Nicaragua, Radi­ Correct things, wear all the Politically don't you?" he said. cal Pop-Environmentalism, and stale Correct clothes, and attend all the Po­ "Certainly, sir!"} said. litically Correct rallies. As the profes­ After Vandermeer had given a 1960s Leftist Rhetoric." sor spoke, these junior Vandermeers moment to a student making an an­ would softly utter "right on, man," or nouncement about some garbage choice. Since Professor Vandermeer's doom of a polar cap melt-down, and "straight up," or some other inane study he was conducting for a class class was "geared towards non-sci- the injustice of big business. But exclamation intended to signal sup­ project, I was briefly introduced. I took ence concentrators," and the professor Vandermeer's topics were not all nega- port for Vandermeer's propaganda. the podium, and began by telling my was "very popuIai-," I signed on. tive. He continually droned about the By the end of October, I had re­ fellow "biology" students that I had A few weeks later, as I was settling glories of the Sandinista revolution in signed myself to making the best of the not been satisfied by Vandermeer's .::-? into' my seat preparing for .the first Nicaragua and all the progress to- class. Vandermeer's lectures were en­ portrayal of Nicaragua, and that I was lecture, I could.not help but wonder . wards Utopia they had made since tertaining, in a sick sort of way. Some­ going to read a humorous essay on the what was really meant by the term ''Bi- 1979. where along the line I remembered a topic which I thought was more acru­ ology and Human Affairs." I guessed In addition, approximately once a humorous essay from the American rate, and which made some good that the class would focus on the biol- week we saw a film. These were not . Spectator, written by P.J. O'Rourke, on points. I then gave a short disclaimer, ogy of everyday life-mass-produced biology films, however. They had titles the Nicaraguan elections, called so as not to get lynched afterwards by foods, a smattering of ecology, and like ''The, Plight of the Migrant Agri- ''Mood Swings ' in Managua". The some of our resident Sandalistas, about almost certainly an orientation to the cultural Worker," "The lran-Contra- piece which was written after how I thought some of the essay's basic principles of standard biology. Cocaine Connection," ''The Evils of the O'Rourke had travelled to Nicaragua content was insensitive, and that I did Little did I know then that a more ap- United Fruit Company," andsoon. We to cover the electi9ns with two newly not agree with all of it. propriatetitIe for the cou~ might also regularly saw h~me slide shows have been ''The Biology of Nicaragua, from Vandermeer's personal collec- We also regularly saw home slide Radical Pop-Environmentalism, and ti,»" which featured dirty-faced rug- Stale 19605 Leftist Rhetoric." . . rats from somewhere south of Texas. shows from Vandermeer's personal col- Thefirstday,Vandertneerentered . Ronald Reagan's victims, you know. the da~, his long ~y~liir flowing "This is biology?" I thought to lection, .which featured dirty-faced rug­ behindJum, and ga~ a,~ introduc- myself. .' . . rats from somewhere south of Texas. tion~Q,~topi~w~ ~ould~ c;overing . , emseveraloccasionsVandermeer, in ,~'aass': .~s,ai,thecOUr~ was w~b,ad a remarkable knack for re- freed East European interns who were So I lied. , contro~al beca~ . he covered , ~on- ~rningto the subject of Nicaragua and trying to learn about democracy. The It took me 30 minutes to read the trovers!'aJtopics.So:hli'so good.'} al~ ~e,~rii$tas, made statements that · article poked fun at American Sandin­ article. Some of its highlights were: WI)1$ prefer to listen lt$ controversial . just .did not mesh with what I had ista coddlers like Vandermeer -O'Rourke's description of rather than morbid1y cO~u~g ' le~ about the topic. I had followed (O'Rourkecall~them "Sandalistas"). It American "Sandalistas" ("Dam, here lecture$. He went, througJ\ :tht!' stan- the Reagari. administration's Central also chronicled some of the outra­ I'd gone and blown by whole semester dardfltstday fluff, pa'Ssaiout hissyl-' AJne.rican lot~gn policy very closely. I geously biased international media break' to come to the elections, and labus,:and sent us packit\g.:," ,;."., ...... paid~peciany close attention to what coverage, both before and after the mom is gonna have a cow when she - Later that day, I br.t>l¥'sed ~gh : , , ,rnoSt ~QJlsidered to be the vindication elections, as well as several incidentsof gets the Visa bill, and then these dumb the reading list and IlQti~a¥upIe()( ,>:' of RonaJd Reagcm's .policies toward questionable Campaign tac.tics by the Nicaraguans had to go and spoil eve­ odd things. First, the course4\d\1deda>;' NicaragU~ wt year's internation­ Sandinistas and their army. rything,"), section on. '1deology/'} ,~\aI~~~ ' ', : ~Iy~ito~ eiectiO~, the first held So, I walked up to Vandermeer -His moving recollection of how thought that biology was a : s<;l~~ : ' .by ; the $an4inistas smce they took after class one day and handed him a he had tried in vain to explain to the based on facts. Facts and 'ideology '. po~ in a 1979 military coup, in copy of the article. I told him that I dtd two interns, one from Poland and one seemed like fairly distant poles for a which the U.S. backed UNO coalition not agree with a thing he had said from Czechoslovakia, why Sandalistas, biQlogy class. o~elmingly defeated the Sandin- about NicaragUa, and that, in the spirit who were after all citizens of a free Next, I discovered that the bulk of istas . .' Vandermeer implied that the of free and open debate, I would like to country, would actually travel to an our required reading was to come US. had bought the election. He went read this article to the class, as it offered oppressed nation to promote totalitari­ from Barry Commoner's MIlking PttlCe to great pains to explain that the Nica­ an opposing "version" of history. I was anism, raguan people really loved the sure that he would think up some lame \ ' with the Planet. Reading over the de­ - His ridiculing of old hippie scription of the book I discovered that, Sandinistas, but they just didn't vote that · excuse and deny me my request. He although it was written by a bona-fide way. did, after all, have a great deal of Please See Page 12 $#~~,~~.. ~"""",,~>_,_;.<+-. .. ~~«'W'''''~<'''n'':>jlw>'''W-~~t~'''-~'~Al-~''''''l''"'HjN~'~_~-"'''-,~''¥-'''_~'_':'~:

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 11

LSA Insanity

In addition to the Atheneum, the problem of diversity that way. Educa­ graduate Experience operated for the Continued From Page 1 committee hopes to entice students to tion is the key to understanding, and benefit of undergraduate students. experiment with science courses by understanding is the key to bridging Students were on the committee be­ making the first year of undergraduate the gap between cultures. These poli­ cause if they were not it would have ence professor commented, "Every study pass-fail. For many students, cies are not going to make people 'si tat looked bad. In fact, there were more minute I spend in an undergraduate however, this would inevitably lead to the same table.' You can't force people topics discussed about the faculty than classroom is costing me money and a Catch-22 situation. As one LSA s0- to act a certain way." the students. The faculty members prestige." phomore put it, "Although some stu­ The remainder of the report con­ were there for themselves." In addition, unanswered ques­ dents may be more apt to challenge cerns itself with incentives and other At a time when the state is cutting tions about the Atheneum's estimated themselves in their course selection, means for inducing faculty members U-M funding and many departments $5 million yearly price tag abound. others would certainly abuse the leni- to care more about their first and sec- are facting daunting budgetary con­ Jack Meiland, Associate Dean for straints, the administration's plans to Curriculum and committee staff "I don't see any real difference between even consider a $5 million building member declined to comment on the project is striking - especially when report, adding that he and Dean Gold­ the Residential College and the so many existing buildings are in des­ enberg have "different ideas"on the perate need of repair. And if LSA subject - a highly unorthodox way, to Atheneum. I think the committee is wants to attract more students to the say the least, of expressing support for more interested in appearance than in sciences, perhaps it should co~"'sider the relatively obscure report and its not requiring classes on "ethnic intol­ far-reaching proposals. instituting real change." erance" and start thinking about insti­ Committee Chair Robert Weis­ tuting a core curriculum. buch and committee member Patricia ency of the new system." ond year students. Gurin were unavailable for comment. Stephens agreed. "Making the the Expressing disillusionment with "Apparently they want to allow first year pass-fail will not, in my opin­ the entire process, one committee David J. Powell is a sophomore in for more one on one contact between ion, create any great rush to the sci­ member speaking on the condition of history and political science and a students and faculty," said student ences. Maybe giving students more in­ anonymity, said, "I don't trunk the staff writer for the Review. committee member Gene Stephens. "I formation about the sciences would Planning Committee on the Under- don't think the faculty or the students, increase the numbers in these will be too receptive to the idea of the courses," she said. Atheneum. A $5 million building is not Department of Chemistry Chair­ going to bridge the gap between fac­ man MD. Curtis would not comment ulty and students. I doubt it can be on the pass-fail proposal, but said the done without increasing tuition costs." department was looking at "other According to Stephens, faculty ways, such as how we teach chemis­ committee member Homer Neal has try," to increase enrollment in the sci­ expressed similar sentiments about ences. the Atheneum. Professor Neal could The committee's proposals would not be reached for comment. also affect student life outside the Furthermore, the existence of the classroom. The committee cites as its Residential College makes such an "in­ top priority the tendency for "students novation" seem wholly redundant. to gravitate to students with roughly "I don't see any real difference the same social background." To re­ between the Residential College and duce this tendency, the report suggests SPECIAL BOOK RUSH HOURS the Atheneum. I think the committee is forbidding students to choose their Saturday Jan. 5-9:30 am to 5:00 pm more interested in appearance than in roommates. Stephens;oneof two black Sunday Jan. 6- 11:00 am to 4:00 pm instituting' real change," said students on the committee, says, ItI Mon. & Tues. Jan. 7 & 8-8:30 am to 8:30 pm Stephens. don't think you are going to solve the Wed. & Thurs. Jan. 9 & 10 - 8:30 am to 9:00 pm Friday Jan. 11 -8:30 am to 6:30 pm Saturday Jan. 12-9:30 am to 6:00 pm Sunday Jan. 13-11 :00 am to 4:00 pm Mon. & Tues. Jan. 14 & 15 - 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Wednesday Jan. 16-8:30 am to 7:00 pm Thursday Jan. 17 -8:30 am to 6:30 pm Friday Jan. 18-8:30 am to 5:30 pm - Regular store hours resume -

56YEARS 8 a!iC

s Main Store: 549 E University Electronics: 111 7 S. University Phone:31~2~20' Store Hours: M- F 8:30- 5:30 ~/~ Saturday 9:30- 5:00 '\Wl~t¥, Now Open Sunday 11-3 ~Ti~7~~l><

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The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 12

Rent Control ;.f

Uberty and Maynard, threatened to matically reducing the number of dent groups to lobby the U-M to build Continued Fram Page 1 move out of the city because of paltry available units. Next,those landlords more housing, which would lessen the parking facilities and a dismal mainte­ that do continue to maintain rental demand for downtown housing, sub­ Ann Arbor's strong dislike for rent nancerecord for existing structures. To units become increasingly unwilling sequently lowering the costs. Many control by distorting the issue and help alleviate the parking shortage to devote adequate resources for up­ universities across the country pro­ linking it to homelessness within city and to bolster the downtown shopping keep and improvements. This forces vide students with housing for four limits. Student groups, working in tan­ district's business (which must con­ the city to finance expensive lawsuits years. While this might be expecting dem"with rent controllers, have at­ tinue to fend off challenges from pc- in order to force the owner to make too much of the U-M, it certainly tempted to connect ren t control, home­ demonstrates the plaUSibility of in­ lessness and the DDA's decision to As is often the case with student activ­ creased facilities. allocat.e several million dollars for the Several task forces and commis­ construction and maintenance of park- . ism, a good dose of reality dispels the sions, either city, U-M, or jointly ap­ :~ ing . W'Uctures and "beautification" notion that JJprogressive" policies im­ pointed, have reached the conclusion projects, such as that which occurred that U-M needs to provide more stu­ on So1fth University this summer. The prove living conditions dent housing, and shOUld promote Daily claimed in an October 25 edito­ joint development ventures. In fact, in rial that the city has squandered $33 rimeter developments like the Briar­ improvements fitting within the city's recent remarks to the Ann Arbor million on such projects. wood and ArOOrland malls), the DDA intrusive regulations.. Finally; . given Chamber of Commerce, U-M· Presi­ These groups seem to think that if decided to allocate several million the above, virtuaUyallnew develop­ dent James J. Dudcrstadt stated that rent is controlled and all DDA funds dollars for the construction and up­ ment of rentaJproperties ceases. . the U-Mwould be willing to consider are spent on charity or welfare pro­ keep of city run parking facilities as Although> students obviously various joint development ventures grams that some homeless guy, with welJas i'beautification" projects. have an interesfin rental prices, rent with either the city or private develop­ an invisible friend and who doesn~t . As is often the case with student control policieS would ultimately only ers. know the meaning of the word activislll, a~good dose of reali ty dispels end up hurting them. In any event, the So why, have student activists "work:' will all of a sudden be able the notipn that "progressive" policies permanent residents of Ann Arbor continued to beat the dead horse of ,t afford $350 instead of $500 per month improve living conditions. Based on opposed to rent control simply do not rent--control long after it became obvi­ ,., for· rent. Regardless of how righteous studies of cities· which have enacted . believe that burden lies with the city of ous that it was not right for Ann Arbor, groups fighting homelessness sound, rent~ntIQl. policies, evidence sug­ Ann Arbor. Non--student renters far and the people of Ann Arbor were Ann Arbor must provide potential gestSthat.aHificially regulating the outnumber student renters in Ann strongly opposed to.the idea? As with customers with adequate parking fa­ price of rental properties leads to sev­ Arbor, so while renH:ontrol might the case of de--criminalized marijuana, cilities.· eral ruinous results. In cities like San temporarily appear to solve the it appears that the student activists Instituting rent control in tandem Francisco and New York, rent stabili- student's hou?ing proble~s, it would involved are takinginto consideration I with a discontinuation of DDA proj­ zation policies, which were enacted, in do far more damage to the city and its only those factors which benefit their ects would be at the expense of Ann part, to alleviate homelessness, have economy. It is no wonder, then, that narrow self interests, while ignoring Arbor's economy. Ann Arbor has a actually led to more homeless people. voters have rejected the "cut off your the numerous .and serious negative beautiful downtown shopping area According to The Excluded Americans, leg to save your foot" alternative that effects which rent--control would thatisa vital part of it's economy. The by William Tucker, New York lost rent--controloffers. bring upon Ann Arbor. presence of adequate parking, safeand 300,000 rental units between 1972 and Instead of continually pestering . aesthetically pleasing shopping areas, 1982. "In no other city except New the city to enact regulations that and the absence of low income housing York," he wrote, "has housing been would, after a short-term financial . in the immediate downtown shopping lost during a housing shortage." advantage to the stqdent population, Jeff Muir. is a sophomore in political areas are crucial in this equation. Once rent control policies are en­ wreak havoc on local st.udent housing science and a staff writer for the Re­ This summer Jacobson's depart­ acted most landlords simply tum their and all city rental property operations, VIew. ment store, located on the rorner of apartments into condominiums, dra- it would be more appropriate for stu- Pea Plant

Continued From Page 1 letter." They booed and hissed every told a sob story about how he was a stantive criticisms to what I had said. time a serious, intellectual, and unbi­ friend of good '01 Joseph Linder, the Vandermeer then switched gears, women with grey--streaked underarm ased question was asked of a Sandin­ man who had beenublown to a flin­ announcing that we must get on with hair who refuse to shave their legs ista official or an American Sandalista. der" by Reagan's Contras. his planned lecture. Amazingly, as if (''What's the matter, toots," O'Rourke As I read about these things, I was He also told me, in front of the he had planned it this way all along, wrote, "don't you know that fur is booed and hissed. I found this very entire class, that he would like very Vandermeer then actually taught some dead?,'), funny as I reflected on it afterwards. A much for me to go to EI Salvador posed biology! We learned about taking long­ • His poem about Joseph Linder bunch of neo-hippies were booing me as an FMLN sympathizer, so that I stemmed pea plants and grafting them being "blown to mnder." Linder was for making fun of people who boo could get blown to a flinder. He even to short-stemmed pea plants and get­ an American Sandalista who actively people criticize liberal ideology. Go went so far as to offer to sponsor this ting, if you can believe this, medium­ aided the Contras and was killed by figure. "independent study program" for me. stemmed pea plants! Such is the life of a the Sandinistas. The moment I had finished, Van­ He then opened up the floor for stu­ student of serious biology. • His descriptions of the press dermeer re-took his. podium and dents to ask me questions or make conferences held before the election immediately went about the job of comments about my presentation. which were attended by "rat-pack" discredi ting everything tha t I had said. Some dweeby Sandalista sarcastically J ef( Muir is a sophomore in political journalists representing such vaunted Vandermeer described O'Rourke as a asked me what the "several good science and a staff -writer for the Re­ literary organizations as the "Berkeley McCarthyist who thought that Coretta points" were that I thought the article view. High Colonic Mimeographed News- Scott King was a communist, and then raised, but nobody offered any sub- _ i 'ltd~~~~~~~~"' ~~ Sr:z · ~~"j~~'""""~'m"" -"'I<:"':!.·'··-":' ~~ "<":"'o "r,~.· '"

The MiclUgan Review, December 1990, p. 13 ,. :

Arts: Soak Review The Great Communicator's Latest Words

An American L'~e , ,through life. mid-1960s Reagan was merely , a through several leadership changes Ronald Reagan , Jack Reagan was a New Dealer, prominent conservative when some while the United States maintained a Simon and SChuster 'comPelling the younger Reagan to call friends (his future ''kitchen cabinet") consistent, and hard nosed, policy. Hardcover, $24.95 himself, "a Democrat by birth," and to asked him to run for governor of Cali­ Reagan supports his contention that 748 pgs. ' admit that 'he voted for Franklin De­ fornia. Reagan maintains tha this chief his administration was constantly at­ lano Roosevelt four times. Reagan appeal as a politiCian was the fact that tempting to negotiate a fair treaty with by Clifton Gault quotes and conjures the name of FDR he was a political outsider with values the Soviets. He insists that there was "The years ahead will be great so often that one feels that he is specifi- and ideals similar to those of his con- rarely an enthusiastic response from ones for our country, for the cause of , stituents. premiers Brezhnev, Andropov or freedom and forthe spread of civiliza~ . ' ~ , Reading Reagan's endless narra­ Chernenko. tion. The West will not contain com~ " ~ tive of his dealings with the Soviets is Reagan admits that the greatest munism, it :will " tr~nscendcominu­ fa lackluster experience. In light of re­ failure of his presidency was his inabil- nism. We will not bother to den~unce ' .... cent events it all seems to be ancient , ity to reduce federal spending. He it, we'll dis~ssit as a sad, bizarre ' i history. One easily forgets that when takes disturbingly little time to ad­

chapter in hum~n history whose last < , ~ Reagan entered office the Russians dress the issue of the federal budget pages are even now being written." ~ were fighting,a brutal war in Afghani­ deficit and the national debt, both of - Ronald Reagan, President of the ~. stan, the Polish govemment was crush- which grew to unprecedented heights United States, 1981. ing the Solidarity movement on orders during his presidency. His thoughts, ''It is a vulgar mistake to think that , from Moscow, and Fidel Castro was however, on the matter are well sum­ most people in Eastern Europe are mis­ exporting his'revolution to Nicaragua marized by a quote relating to his erable." and El Salvador. governorship of California. "I was - Paul Samuelson, Nobel Laureate Reagan received considerable learning that it was one thing to preach & Economist at MIT, 1981. criticism from his liberal foes in Con­ a sermon about reducing the sjze of As intellectuals point out tire­ gress, the press, and the European al­ government, another to put it into ac­ lessly, Ronald Reagan was no intellec­ lies for his unwillingneSs to make con­ tion when you're. fighting a hostile tual. But he did revive the spirit of cessions to unreasonable Soviet de­ legislature determined to expand it." America through his leadership. After cally trying to demonstrate his open mands. It is sad and somewhat pa­ Rhetoric was an important aspect eight years of stinging, cynical criti­ , rnindedness. thetic to read about how his daughter, of Reagan's leadership. He used it cism, Reagan helped many Ameri­ After graduating from Eureka Patti, harangued Reagan for his oppo­ . more successfully on some fronts than cans, especially young Americans, College, Reagan's star ascended sition to the "Nuclear Freeze" move- on others. Whether or not his presi­ regain a pride in their country. quickly. Athletic experience helped in ment. At her insistence, Reagan once dency wasa success is a question that When Ronald Wilson Reagan be­ landing a first job 'as a sports an­ came the 40th President, the United nouncer. Reagan broke into Holly­ As intellectuals point out tirelessly, States faced its lowest morale si,nce the wood while cover~ng the Cubs' spring depression. Following two decades of training in Los Angel~. ' Reagan was no intellectual. But he did racial strife, student violence, Viet­ In Hollywood, Ronald Reagan nam, OPEC, and 444 days of agonizing was propelled to the heights of fame revive the spirit of America through his . over the hostages in Iran, America was and fortune. Th~ notoriety of con­ losing faith in itself. In 1976 Jimmy stantly placing oneself before the pub­ leadership. He helped many young Carter defeated Gerald Ford by bran­ lic allowed Reaganultimatelyto break Americans regain pride in their country. dishing the so::-called "misery index": into politics; " , ' " the inflation rate added to the unem­ In the late 1940sand early 19505 ployment rate. During Carter's term, Reagan was the president of the Screen agreed to meet with a noted Freeze will have to remain for future histori­ this rate doubled. Beginning in 1980, Actors Guild. Being politically active, activist. Reagan was much chagrined ' ans. Many pundits of the left have Reagan was able to help change some Reagan was a member several other afterwards, however, when the sup­ already branded it a disaster of un­ of this. civic organizations, which he later dis­ posedly secret meeting turned into a precedented proportions. This new Reagan begins his auto-bio­ covered, to his great cohsternation, to media event thanks to the actiVist. ' autobiography has received nary a graphical narrative with his early have been communist front groups. One of the most humorous epi­ good review. Critic after critic trashes childhood in rural Illinois. The story of "I joined just about any organiza­ sodes in the book is Reagan's story ofa it, usually lambasting Reagan with , his pre-political life composes the,first tion I could find that iguaranteed to visit by, the Prince and PrinCess of petty personal accusations. half of the book; and makes for the save the world." , Wales., The Reagan's and the Royal Granted, this is no li terary master­ most interesting reading. Stories of Though he criticizes McCarthy­ couple had assembled for tea in the piece. It does reveal a interesting per­ Ronald Reagan's childhood and early ism~ Reagan considers communist in­ White House living quarters. Though sonality however. Reagan does not adulthood provide insight int~ the filtration of Hollywood a significant the Prince was "charming, full of life, compel with his intellect. Instead, his formation of his character. Stories of event in his becoming a conservative. ' and full of energy" he seemed discon­ firm beliefs and principles which certed and was "staring rather quizzi­ struck a cord with the American his administration are ones we have all II A lot of 'liberals' just couldn't accept heard before, only this time casting the notion that Moscow had bad inten­ cally into his cup." It seems that some­ people. He was a true leader in his Reagan in a positive light. tions or wanted to take over Holly­ one had left the tea bag in the Prince's ability to inspire others. If he inspired Ronald Reagan's father, Jack, was wood and many other' American in­ cup. Later Reagan joked about it with you, read the book. .. a wily, alcoholic, Irish shoe salesman dustries through subversion, or that Charles, who Said "I just didn't know who never met with great success. Stalin was a murderous gangster./I what to do with the bag." Still, Reagan considers his life at home , Reagan makes the story of his tran­ Regarding his relationship with Clifton Gault is a senior in history to have instilled him with the small sition from actor to politician appear as the Soviets, Reagan's presidency was and an assistant editor for the Ret1iew. town values that guided him well if it were virtually seamless. In the unique in that the Soviet Union went

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The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 14

Arts: Book Review Michigan's Muse Strikes Thrice

The Woman Lit By Fireflies trouble B.D. gets into is the result of his their way in the real world. The effort they are parked at a rest stop, unno­ Jim Harrison own lack of foresight and self-control. to save Zip is centered on Gwen, whois ticed by her husband, who is busy talk­ Houghton Mifflin! In this way he sets up a tension that now an Arizona rancher. In helping ing to his stock broker on his car phone. Seymour Lawrence draws the readers' sympathies in two Zip, she hopes perhaps to understand As she walks, the narrative follows Hardcover, $19.95 directions: B.D. has good reason to her past, and reconcile her past ideal­ right beside her like a mental cam­ 247 pgS. prevent the students from learning the ism with her present realism. The other corder, recording the stream of her location of the secret burial mounds, characters seem more ambivalent thoughts, recollections and justifica­ by .Adam Garaglola as he gave his word to the Indian who about the whole endeavor, a feeling tions for her act, while regularly pan­ A poet and prolific au thor living in showed them to him that he would Harrison conveys through flashbacks ning around the landscape to put the the northwestern part of Michigan's preserve the secret and prevent dese­ which relate the past experiences of the narrative into the context of the pro­ lower peninsula, Jim Harrison has cration of the tombs. At the same time, group. gression of her walk. recently written The Woman Lit By Fire­ the readers know that he brought the To the other characters, the wild Harrison goes on to relate her sta y flies, a collection of three novellas, tak­ trouble on himself, by using the lure of and unrestrained time they spent as overnight in a com field, and in the de­ ing its name from the last piece of the his knowledge in order to seduce one college radicals was a period they scriptions of the surroundings pro­ work. would like to forget. Zip, however is vides the reader wi th a myriad of sym­ The novellas are each separate o the group's only common link in the bolic properties. He guides the reader works, having different characters, ~ present, and in working to save him, through the complex process of Clare's settings, and styles of narration. They JIM HARRISON (1) the group gives their past a sense of va­ developing self-knowledge, and fi­ do however share several common [ lidity. nally to her embrace of freedom, a free­ themes: relationships, self-awareness, ~ Harrison carefully orchestrates the dom that will no longer be abridged by (1) and growth. In each work, Harrison "­.. interplay between the characters, en­ an overly protective and overly pos­ examines the interaction of a non-con­ ~ grossing the reader in the story of the sessive husband, who treats her like a '"1ii*":_\.~!""'~~~~~W«H'f"''''''''>_<'H>--''<'''''''''' ' ~'''' ' ',' _,<,~

The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 15

Arts: Record Review The Eclectic Tunes of King's X

by Mike Beidler sound, reaching the public air waves The music of King's X also features which is drummer Jerry Gaskill's lead King's X is no run-of-the-mill and MTV with two more singles, liberal doses of religious and spiritual vocal debut. "Moan jam" provides a hard rock/metal band. Progressive "Over My Head" and "Summerland." imagery that is born of the personal rare look at King's X's live jamming ca­ rhythm changes, three-part vocal har­ What is unusual abou t this band is and collective life experiences of each pabilities and is reminiscent of Van monies, soulful grooves, and crunchy not just their unusual blend of music, band member. The band members say Halen. Pinnick expands his vocal capa­ guitar riffs mark this Texas based trio's but their lyrics as well. The lyrics, little about their personal beliefs, but bilities with the pseudo-rap "We Were music. King's X has successfully written by all three members of the they make it quite clear that the music Born to Be Loved" and "Talk to You," melded the intensity and grit of heavy band do not focus on sex, drugs, and and the lyrics speak for themselves. which borders on thrash. The annoy­ metal with blues-based rock, and is 2 222 :ac With the release of faith hope love by ing and repetitious "I Can't Help It" is reminiscent of many progressive rock o king' 5 x the band takes anothe step for­ the only dissapointing track on the ~ bands such as Cream, Pink Hoyd, and In ward in finding its musical roots soni­ album, but the band redeems itself Rush. The influences are noticeable, cally, thematically, and conceptually, with three more songs: the nine-min­ but the band has been careful to avoid ~ offering a tremendous variety of mate­ ute title track which embodies the con­ using the musical and lyrical cliches of I <..i ' &11 ji • "'1 rial in the album's 13 tracks. The first cept behind the album, the haunting -Ii'" ~...... these artists. Not only does King's X :;.:, track, "We Are Finding Who We Are," "Everywhere I Go," and the beautiful, utilize metal and bluesasa medium for ~ which is Pinnick's personal interpreta­ acoustic "Legal Kill." spreading its message, the group also ,,'!:! tion of funk, possesses some of the Since 1980, King's X has toured melds folk, gospel, and R&B in its most soulful vocals Pinnick has re­ with such big-name artist as Billy albums. corded. The first single off FHL, "It's Squier, Blue Oyster Cult, and Robert The world was rocked unsus­ rock n' roll. Says bassist Doug Pinnick: Love," is perfect for bringing new lis­ Plant. At the moment, the band is tour­ pectingly with King's X' sdebut album "Sex is a personal thing and I think it's teners into the musical realm of King's ing in their home state of Texas, and Out of the Silent Planet in 1988. With the pretty important, but it's something X. The song's strong guitar riffs and then will tour Europe for a short time. release of two singles, "King" and' that I don't like to sing and talk about. guitarist Ty Tabor's Beatle-esque vo­ In January King's X will embark on a "Shot of Love," the public was intro­ The things I like to talk about are what cals mark this album's high point. tour of the United States. duced to the band's monumental goes on inside-deep, deep inside-my The band takes a tum in the direc­ Mike Beidler is a junior in political sound. In 1989, Gretchen Goes to Ne­ heart. The lyrics just reflect thoughts, tion of Pink Hoyd with "Mister science and a staff writer for the Re­ braska expanded and expounded this answers, questions, and feelings." Wilson" and "Six Broken Soldiers," view. Faith No More is the Real Thing

Faith No More ~ Mike Patton's prang and florid vocal style tune. The band ended the show Mike Patton, a singer with an original Fox Theatre melodies soar beautifully over each with their MTV smash "Epic." disposition and vocal style. He may November 23,1990 piece. This varied and dashing chem­ Faith No More, Spin Magazine's very well become the most influential istry sets the band apart from the Band Of The Year, has recently re­ vocalist of the decade. by Chris Peters school of bands fusing funk with leased You Fat Bastards, a live home Chris Peters is freshmen in LSA and a Faith No More's maelstrom of heavy-rock, sl,lch as Primus, the video that includes many of the same staff writer for the Review. funk-metal shook the foundations of Chili's, and Psychefunkapus. songs and more. Also, keep an eye on Detroit's elaborately ornamented Fox Patton, sporting a shirt reading (") Theatre as the band blazed through a "Remember Kids,Satan Loves You," ::r ::I. nine song set. FNM have passed flawlesslly ripped through the catchy· f/> through the Detroit area many times verses of the opener, "From Out Of ;? with the likes of Soundgarden and Nowhere," and then proceeded to lead Voi vod in support of their 1989 release, the band into the bass-heavy funk its ...... ~ ~ The Real Thing, which has sold over a the latest single, "FaIling To Pieces." A ~ million copies. This performance was rendition of the tune''The Real Thing" ,,'!:! during a short tour with rock n' roll's incorporated a porion of Public legendary crooner, Robert Plant. . Enemy's "911 IsA Joke." Later, Patton Faith No More is bound to pose a payed homage to the New Kids On problem for those who are quick to The Block with a snippet of the ''The catagorize. Not many bands today can Right Stuff" in the middle of ''We Care have one half of the crowd dancing to Alot," a 1987 Faith No More anthem a funky backbeat while the other half that became a dance club hit. headbanging to distorted guita'r The song-list also included a rav­ chords. Jeff Martin and Bill Gould, ishing version of the groovy tune guitarist al,ld bassist respectively, "Underwater Love," as well as a rendi­ chum out Sabbath-influenced riffs tion of the bar room jazz number, which are then funked up by thedruin­ "Edge Of The World." A mellow ver­ mer Mike Bordin, a former student of sion of the Nestle song ("Sweet dreams African rhythms. Roddy Bottum, a are made of this ... N...;E-S-T-L-E-S") classically trained pianist, adds a syn­ was quite impressive, as was "Sur- thasined gothic and dronal twist while . prise! You're Dead," a thrashy, Slayer- Faith No More's Mike Patton: The preeminent vocalist of the 199057 '-. " '--"!~~~~""""" """"- --- - "'--"""'"""-'"""" "' ''''''- ''''~~''''''''' ' , ... ..""...... ~ ., ...

I. , The Michigan Review, December 1990, p. 16

Arts: Concert Review An Amorphous, Undulating Monster

Jarie's~Ctdictlon food," commented singer Perry Far­ sic," said Eric. "We all have str.ong song. latin Quaner rell as he observed the swarming personalities with individual charac­ The climax of the perfonnance November 28, 1990 crowd below him. Suddenly the band teristics and when we come together was "Three Days," an orgasmic song lurched into "Standing in the there's a certain distance there, but over ten minutes in length. At one by Crusty Muncher Shower ... Thinking," a tune from there's a prominent connection. It point a lyrical ballad, it culminates into "Jane's Addiction is a big, kind of 1988' sNothing' s Shocking album which might sound pretentious, but I think a ferocious and frenetic power-jam. , :'. amorphous, undulating, slow moving incited an immediate violent havOC on we are post-modem, an amalgamation Next in order wasa rendition of yet an­ monster. This is apparent when you the main floor. Sweating bodies of so many different styles." other power-jam, "Mountain Song." see our live shows," noted Jane's vaulted and bounced off one another In a sense, he is right. The music of From there the band lurched into the Addiction bassist Eric A. from a Nor­ throughout the pounding funk of the Jane's Addiction is bound together by funk of "Stop!," the first single from folk hotel, two weeks before the band's following tunes, ''No One's Leaving" the simple and dri ving basslines of Eric the Ritual De w Habitual album. sold-out performance at the Latin and "Ain't No Right," as well. A. and the diversified rhythm patterns The encore began with a steel Quarter in Detroit. "The music makes The Los Angeles-based quartet, of drummer Stephen Perkins. While drum/bongo solo from Perkins, ev­ you sway; it's very tribal, which im­ performing on a stage ornamented this pair provides the tribal edge to the olving into the acoustic masterpiece of plies a frenzy or a primitiveness, and with tiny statues, toy dolls, candles, music, Farrell and guitarist Dave "Jane Says." The crowd bellowed ) that is an important ingredient." and portraits that resembled a ritualis­ Navarro add a more contemporary along with Farrel, almost overpower­ f The band opened their show with tic altar, changed the pace with a pas­ and artistic flavor. ing him. I I "Up The Beach," a hypnotic jam incor­ sionate version of the jazzy and emo­ "Been Caught Stealing," the ''We're not going to be around for l, . porating primitive vocal undertones, tional ''Then She Did" Versions of band's latest single, highlighted the a long time, at least not as a foursome," j and then ventured into the bass-heavy "Trip Away" and "Pigs in Zen" over­ abilities of Perkins and the gyrating says Eric. "We all see Jane's Addiction psychedelia of "Whores." Guitarist flowed the aggression, and frustration disco d(!ncing technique of Farrell, one as a phase. It is better to be short lived 1" . Dave Navarro embellished the song that play such a vital role in the music of rock n' roll's most bizarre frontmen. and give it your all and then get out, y~ with his Hendrix-influenced solos. of Jane's Addiction. In addition, Navarro provided a fleet­ instead of trying to salvage some­ l "You look like guppies fighting for "Tension is the magic of our mu- ing assault of psycho-blues licks to the thing." .; , .i < :t

.. ~ COMPARE. GOT A SPf\RE. PEt-JC.I L, Du DE ? ; . :1 STUDENT A \ STUDENT B 1 UltlVllSm TOWIIS IESIDIItT OFF·CAMPUS HOUSIItG IISIDIIIT :..~, THIN. THI N • WAKIS UP 7:2S A.M. WAlES UP 7:2S A.M. 7:2S Hits An .~', 7:2S Tlbs shew • _II Hits _Zt Ahnt 7:S0 llts 7:S0 J \ 1:00 R.""'I, tt.....-:st 1:00 J_ps lit If bod: II Wit. :~ \ . 1:20 Wals'l I:J) dDss ,. show. (1aadIor4 IIOt in) 1:2S Arm" .. dan 1:20 (als 'ow trvck (cor woe't stortI 9: 1S ArmH ill doss (tlW tndt Iote) sTAn sncs. • ...... R0I3 yftfS .. I rlw STAnSTICS. • M. V. P. Trock lHII • AcodnWc proboticMl, 3 years in I rlw MtmIter 2 years .. I row • (or ~rhed 2 yHIS ill I rlw • Gr.t" Magna (1lIIt lntle • Stil waiting to gr.t•. .. • Uved I' Ullivenitl Towen • (1111""s to five in 'ar Iway, los. 3 ytors of college oH-.:ampis hllslng :, NOW. NOW. , Pre.' of .., 3r4 Asslstlat, ~~ natiMoI torporoliDl JohMy's larger s

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