The Challenger
Spring 2007, issue 3 A publication of theWilliam Rainey HarperCollege Honors Program
In this issue we The Historyof What We Now Call Life challenge the Jennifer Bynes suburbs... It is an eerie truth that our every life became prevalent alongside the Editor: day behaviors, such as going to the mass production of the automobile. Ian Taylor Jewel, attending classes at Harper Col In a short amount of time, big lege, or flying out of O'Hare did not Contributing Editors: things happened for Chicagoland. The even exist 100 years ago - the idea may term "Chicagoland" was actually cre Jennifer Bynes have been evolving, but the actual loca ated by reporter James O'Donnell Ben tions at which we practice our daily Brandon Czajka nett of the Chicago Tribune. On July 27, routine were nothing more than a pos 1926, Mr. Bennett headlined the paper, Andrea Lett sible idea in dirt. It really wasn't until "Chicagoland's Shrines: A Tour of Dis Faculty Advisor: the 1960s that the suburban popula coveries." Since Bennett's article, Chi tion expanded. Alicia Tomasian cago and its surrounding suburbs have It was in fact Chicagoans who come to be known as "Chicagoland." Also inside... coined the term, "The Burbs." A sub The suburbs of Chicago are categorized urb, as all who reside in the questiona by the township's name; there are the bly grand northwest suburbs know, is a Barringtons, the Groves, the Forests, Fat Nation? 3 residential area outlying a city. Sub the Heights, the Woods, the Lakes, and urbs have been around since at least the Parks. While some are unable to be
Growingup in the 'Burbs 5 the 6th century B.C. Beginning in an classified, some names capture two of cient Greece, the suburbs were a haven the categorized labels. outside of the populace city for the Suburban Identity 6 wealthy. In the 20th century, suburban Continuedon page 2
The Suburbs'One Salvo 9 The Suburban Culture Theorem tion Brandon Czajka
"Are we there yet?" is indisputably tioning, "Is there really anything to do lescents escape to enjoy the thrills the anthem of rural areas, while out here?" city life has to offer, leaving sub "What should we do next?" is that of urbia behind.Like my fellow com The northwest suburbs cer urban regions. Suburbanites, how rades, I too flee the suburbs on tainly contain an abundance of activi ever, are left in the gray area, often the weekends. However, I ties and places such as multiplex cine contemplating questions such as thought it would be intriguing to mas, fantastic shopping, and great mu "What do you want to do?" or embark on a mission to determine sic halls that all allow groups of teens "Where do you want to go?" Our ifa distinct culture, along with to come together and have a good time. area has its pros and cons: Our pub activities independent from urban Despite the array of great hangouts, lic education system is high quality. and rural regions, actually exists many aspects of our lives still demon Our air is cleanlier compared to the for younger generations in the strate that the suburbs . . . well ... stenches of toxic dumps and cow suburbs. manure (although the newly-placed they flat out suck. Rural areas have fertilizer outside Building Z at square-dances, cow tippings, transistor Woodfield Mall is one Harper College is appalling).Most radios, and urban areas have cutting location in the northwest suburbs of us need never fear high-rise fires edge culture. What does suburbia where everyone has spent some or cow tipping casualties. Despite have? Most of us know that downtown time. AB nearly everyone knows, these benefits, the average adoles Chicago has everything that suburbia shopping centers and malls seem cent trapped in the northwest sub has to offer and then some. With such a to be primarily a suburban phe- urbs is still left perpetually ques- tantalizing city in our midst, most ado- Continued on page 2 PA GE2 THE CHA LLENGER SPRING 2007. ISSUE 3
History who lived close to a grove that cut ended isolation for Schaumburg, through the area. Its official name was not constructeduntil 1956, Continued from page 1 at the time was Township 41. over a hundredyears after Ger Schaumburg, in particular, is Members of the community con man settlers had arrived. That difficult to classify because its his sidered Lutherville or Luther same year, the Village of Schaum tory is vastly different from other burg, until deciding upon burg was incorporated. Quickly northwest suburbs. Records state Schaumburg. They quickly organ after, roadways and industry that Joshua Sunderlage, a Ger ized a congregation, leading to the really blossomed. By 1980 most of man-born surveyor who helped building of the first church in all the land was built up. As of divided Cook County into town 1847 on the corner of Schaumburg August 18, 2007, Schaumburg's ships around 1833, was the earli Road and Roselle Road. development will have its own est to reside in the area. Legend exhibit at the Chicago History claims it was then occupied in the In 1900, Schaumburg cele Museum - making it the first sub mid-1830s by a New Yorker, brated itself as a "model commu urb to have its own display. Trumball Kent. As other ''Yankee" nity for Cook and surrounding settlers made the journey to this counties." In fact, Schaumburg In September 1959, Hoffman new locale, German settlers also never even had a jail. Until the Estates was incorporated. Mary traveled to the area - asserting 1950s, it continued as a farming Gannon, a 47 year resident of their influence on the region, community. In Schaumburg, the Hoffman Estates, recalls her move which explains sometimes hard to residents began to industrialize to Hoffman Estates from the city pronounce German street names extensively, but, unlike newly cul beingdiffi cult because of the lack such as ''Biesterfi.eld. Many of the tivated suburbs, Schaumburg was of public transportation. "If you German farmers traveled from not built around a railroad depot. didn't have a car you were out of Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany. Thus, growth was slow due to the luck," she said,joking "I never "Schaumburg" was the name lack of communication with Chi plannedon being a pioneer." It given for just that reason. The cago. Many German settlers re was after the construction of the original, unofficial name was sided along the Chicago-Elgin highway that the Village of Hoff Sarah's Grove, derived from three Road, or what is now known as man Estates appropriatedthe women, Sarah Frisbe, Sarah Irving Park Road, because the land north of Schaumburg in Smith, and Sarah McChesney, Northwest Tollway, I-90, which Continued on page 3
"If we need clothes, there Culture are mall is a place where suburban millions of stores to check out. teens can escape their daily lives Continued from page 1 Woodfield has it all." and focus on shopping, relaxing, nomenon. Woodfield Mall is ar or getting their fix of daily gossip. ranged under a roof spanning an options. expansive area, so you won't be If we must be trapped within the confines of suburbia, exposed to the elements, the way Aside from the shopping we might as well sing and dance you would on a ''Main Street." and enticing restaurants, Wood the pain away. Another common The indoor mall also provides a field also houses popular events escape for adolescentsis music. year round ''hangout'' forjuve such as celebrity signings, interac Many suburban teenagers escape niles. Scott Moore, a regular of the tive karaoke, and dancing. With into the lyrical world of music to mall, states, "When Friday ar 27 million annual visitors, Wood detourthe anxietyof havingnoth rives, I usually gather a group of field clinches the title of the most ing to do. Others just enjoy cut friends and head to Woodfield. If popular tourist destination in Illi ting back and getting loose to we get hungry, we have plenty of nois; it's no wonder why people their favorite beats. Perhaps mu restaurants to choose from. If we from not only the northwest sub sic exists because of the need for need clothes, there are millions of urbs but the entire country might expression of emotions that "can stores to check out. Woodfield has look at Woodfield as one of the only crudely be measured or de it all." Stretching over 2.7 million must-see tourist attractions of the scribed in words" (Leeds 2). Re square feet, Woodfield currently Chicagoland area. As the holiday gardless of the reason, live music holds the distinction of being the season rolls around, Woodfield is so popular it exists even in the fifth largest shopping mall in the becomes Hell on Earth, but the culturally deprived suburbs. One United States. Its immense size groups of juveniles never disperse. offers a dizzying array of retail This leads me to believe that the Continued on page 4 PAGE) THE CHALLENGER SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3 Fat Nation? Andrea Lett and the figures are multiplying each day. So what is causing There goes mom leaving just in time for supper. Now fami this "obesity outbreak?" Among work, making her first stop at Star lies are constantly on the go. This the Qbvious reasons arepoor bucks, grabbing her triple venti sort of structured, fast-paced life diet and lack of exercise; how vanilla skim latte, then she's on style could sound appealing to ever, studies performed in re her way to take the kids through some, but it has actually contrib cent years prove that these are the McDonalds drive-thru for uted to health problems in the not the only reasons for society Happy Meals, off to soccer practice, United States. According to an packing on the pounds. Subur then ballet lessons, then piano and employee at LifetimeFitness, ban sprawl is also a tremendous finallyhome at 8:30 just in time to "people insuburban areasstrive contributor to sky-rocketing obe put the kids to bed. to get in shape, but the lifestyles sity rates. Although studies do of these people makes it extremely not prove that living in the sub Sound familiar? Suburban difficult for them." urbs causes obesity, there are lifestyles have drastically changed definitely correlations showing over the years. The traditional Researchers reported one relationships between the two. family fromjust a few decades ago out of four women and one out of no longer exists. Mothers seldom three men are medically obese. For the past few dec stay home cookingdinn er, the kids These are numbers that have ades, more and more families aren't walking home from school or nearly doubled in the past few have been moving out to the playing outside till sunset, and fa decades. Obesity is turning into suburbs in search of cheaper, thers are not always arriving home an epidemic in the United States better qualityhouses and a bet- C 8 History Continued from page 3 ontinued on page 1961. Over the next few decades, the population increased, along with most other suburbs in the area northwest of Chicago. Mrs. Gannon said that while the area was still developing "there was only one grocery store and one crummy shoe store." Major corporations were taking part in the industrialization of the new village by 1980; in cluded in the development were Sieman's Gammasonics, Northwest Corporate Center, and Greenspoint. lnl991, Ameritech opened its regional headquartersin Hoffman Estates. One year later, a big year for the area, Sears, Roe buck, & Co. also moved their headquarters to Hoffman Estates.
The village of Palatine was founded in 1855. Lamp lighter Inn, on what is now North Bothwell Street, was built around this time. The Lam.plighter Inn's structure remains the same as it did over 150 years ago, but it is Harper College's Orsl ahtdent-Tlm Grtifilh, 17, he's third from t� lefl�f'll a prntrw of Harper's now a popular drinking hole. Eleven years later Palatine futu� rarnpa1 front U. lo r.) Donn Stanskry, dlrrdorof admlssloo1: Jlarpu'Collt"ge pttsidut. Or. Roherl. Lahti, •�d Dr. J11Df'I H1nr , drin of 1tadent&� was incorporated. It is thought to be Ela Wood who first settled in the area, but it was Joel Wood who surveyed the -caliber revolver. For years this was looked at as village, giving him the title of Palatine's founder. Palatine the perfect crime, but ten years later, DNA tests experienced tremendous and steady growth from 1866 un identified the killer from a piece of chicken he had til the mid-1970s during Chicago's suburban sprawl. In eaten earlier. Today, Palatine is the most diverse 1972, a group of airline pilots established the well-liked, of the northwest suburbs, with over 100 languages neighborhood tavern Durty Nellies. It wasn't until the last spoken. two decades that Palatine really became the town we Palatine is also home to Harper College. As know."Palatine" was named after Palatine, NY, but the the northwest suburbs grew, the residents of this actual word "palatine" means "to have royal privileges.'' In new area agreed they needed a post-secondary 1993, Palatine was put on the map for a horrific mass institution. In 1966, William Rainey Harper Col- murder. At Brown's Chicken & Pasta restaurant, seven employees were herded into a cooler and slain with a .38- Continued on page 4 SPRING 2007. ISSUE 3 THE CHALLENGER PA GE4
in their stops.In fact, Arlington History Continuedfrompage 3 Heights was originally known as lege was founded and established Dunton.The area was known for accreditation in March of 1971. In its lack of trees and the residents September 1967, 1,725, Harper were primarily commuters to and students first matriculated choos from the city. In 1927, California ing from only 284 courses. That millionaire H.D. Brown opened the same year the school newspaper racetrack, what Mrs. Gannon began. In one year, enrollment called a "plum forArlington almost doubled to 3,700 students. Heights." Today the area is known· In 1969 the enrollment increased as "a great place to call home." By to 5,400. As of the 2005/2006 the 1970s, essentially all the avail- - school year, Harper had 25,815 able land was taken. enrolled-for-credit students and In the 1830s, German inhabi 13,630 continuing-education stu tants signed a peace treaty with dents. From a community's hopes the Pottawatomie Indians in the back in the sixties to now, Harper area now known as Mount Pros College has come a long way. The pect. It is claimed that real estate 2 name of our college is a tribute to agent Ezra Eggleston was the one William Rainey Harper- a foun to persuade the Chicago North der of the two-year college move westernRailway to institute a ment. train stop in the area of Des Although Arlington Heights Plaines and Mount Prospect. Mr. started early, it wasn't incorpo Eggleston gave the name to the rated as Arlington Heights until area becausehe had "high hopes" for the community, and it was on 1887 when its population reached · · 1,000. The area became noticed one of Cook County's highest 11oJ.Sedrrl, .utttor.ot. tlae data prottahig JIR«l'a•, la ._�I points at 665ft elevation. Although . lloweriat over Ida mllllalure medel ol • .l'Ompater realer. "1'lle because of William Dunton, who eledr1111k>-•1t doll hllllR npl"Hellls the baning nene tt•kr. ol influenced the Illinois & Wiscon mally ... n lndutrlal and llasliess operaUO... Continued on page 5 sin Railroad to include this area
younger generation to Arlington Continuedfrom page 2 Culture Park, but the track is not just of the most popular venues in the about the horses. The most popular northwest suburbs is Knights of Co feature of the track is gambling, lumbus, located in Arlington which is offlimits anybody under Heights. Knights of Columbus fea 18. This, ultimately, can and will tures both amateur bands, such as So influence minors' overall mood for They Say, and established bands, the worse, but Arlington officials such as Halifax. Liane Hayes, a fre recognized this, which is why they quent guest of the venue, says, also schedule various events such "Knights of Columbus always has as a Chefs Fest and Fourth of July really big and entertaining shows. A fireworks. Who could resist a buffet lot of Chicago-based bands that make of authentic food or a magnificent it have played there before, like Fall fireworks display? While Woodfield . ...._,_cum.._ Out Boy." Most shows are packed and Knights of Columbus grant ...... :.�.� - with innumerable fans dancing and independence from adults, Arling Parking iot P�- singing along with their favorite ton Park focuses on bringing the bands. It is safe to say that music is family together. Christina Daniello Bad--_Trolfic· PrQblem the opiate of the suburbs. says it best: "No matter ifyou get along with your irritating siblings One last main attraction or not, family is and will always be It seems the more specific to the northwest suburbs is important to everyone. I always Arlington Park. There is nothing like have a blast when my family goes the things spending a day outdoors while gazing to the annual Fourth of July fire at horses speeding around in circles. works at Continued on change... Maybe racing won't draw the page 8 SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3 THE CHA LLENGER PA GES
Growing Up in the 'Burbs AndreaLett
Sometimes, I stop and wonder ter person than those raised in travel at least forty-five minutes how different my life would be ifI rural or urban settings? Ofcourse to Target, and all the way to had been raised someplace besides not; but it nevertheless profoundly Springfield in order to get to a the beautiful northwest suburbs. impacts my outlook. shopping mall." Granted, not all For instance, growing up in a rural areas seem like "the middle Furthermore, this suburban small, rural town such as Rich of nowhere," but this description outlook influences how high mond, Illinois would have most is fit formany towns like school graduatesand transfer stu likely made me a much different Macomb. dents choose a college or univer person than I am today. Like sity. Harper College is set in a Likewise, a University of Illi wise, ifI had been raised in the suburban area, but many colleges nois-Chicago student who is origi urban parts of Chicago, Illinois, I are either in very small towns or nally from Oklahoma, responded, would have adapted to different large urban settings. So why do "I came to UIC for a change and I lifestyles. It is interesting to see students who have grown up in knew that the city would offer me the different types of people in the suburbs choose to travel long a new environment to live in. this world and relate them to the distances to small rural settings, However, I have discovered that areas in which they have been such as Macomb, Illinois, or on city-life is drastically different raised. I am well aware that the contrary, large urban settings than my hometown. There are a growing up in Arlington Heights, such as Chicago, Illinois? There lot skyscrapers and various cul Illinois has taught me different tures of people." ways of living than people who are slim to no differences between the education that an NYU gradu grow up in rural and urban set People from the suburbs transfer ate and a SIU grad receives, but tings. I have enjoyed the luxury to the city forvarious reasons, why did they choose such drasti of driving in minutes to the gro including the fact that it is close cally different college surround cery store, twenty-screen movie to home. The city also provides ings? theaters, shopping malls, etc., more opportunity forstudents to whereas rural citizens sometimes A Western Illinois University discover internships and future have to travel miles to the general student claims, "I chose Macomb, employment. Unfortunately, store and urban citizens have the Illinois because it seemed so dif many schools in rural areas are difficulty of dealing with large ferent from Mount Prospect. I perceived as being "party schools" populations, parking, and such. wanted to go to college and find and do not offer as much opportu Although this depiction of rural change. Western would.give me nity as far as discovering future settings seems like a very anti the opportunity to live a new life jobs. quated situation, some areas of style away from home." She con the United States still fit this de tinued to speak of how different There is probably no way of proving that the place in which scription. So, does growing up in her life has been since moving to a suburban area make you a bet- Macomb, Illinois; "we have to Continued on page 7
-conditioned space in America at came more populated, Barrington History the time. Included in this was a was a place for wealthy business Continuedfrom page 4 bomb shelter to house all the resi men that were looking for rustic dents of village. In 1992, as the space. Streamwood, originally the area had its first subdivision village revitalized, the the cam known as "Plywood City," grew in in 1871, it was not until 1917, paign slogan was to ''keep the the 1950s as people looked to get when a newborn baby became its small in small town." out of the city.All the first homes in 300th resident, that the village got the area were preassembled and incorporated. Village leaders pre Barrington was prominent for transported from Indiana, giving its rich soil served the area as a middle-class and natural water significance to the prior name. supply. New settlers residential haven. The Randhurst of the area "Hoosier Grove" was the name of were mainly from New York Mall mildly defied the village offi the area before it became "Plywood State, Vermont, and cials' ideals. The mall, built in Massachu City,'' then later it was incorporated 1962, was the biggest enclosed air setts. As the city of Chicago be- Continued on page 7 PA GE6 THE CHA LLENGER SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3 Suburban Identity Crisis Ian Taylor The great cultures of Western Civilization all have and culture, but ultimately, one school is as good as their staples so deeply stamped int.o their cultural another, and a suburbanite is at home or near homes identities that one cannot without difficulty separate in whichever suburb he goes. them from its people. One often, for instance, imag However, one cannot necessarily blame a t.own for ines Parisians drinking cups of coffee and smoking being obscure or its people for lacking pride; some thin, unfiltered cigarettes on sidewalk cafes or in front thing in the suburbs seems to necessitate such apa of canvases on waterfront parks, or Englishmen drink thy t.owards identity. Much of this likely stems from ing tea or gin and smoking pipes while debating the suburbs' peculiar layouts, which, except for the Shakespeare and politics with sere wit and puns. developers who designed them, seem t.o affect every Germans drink bier and dance to waltzes, among one adversely. By reserving such a large and unin other things, in the minds of all Americans, while terrupted amount of land strictly for housing, those Spaniards serenade their women with soft etudes of who planned these communities have made aut.omo romance on oversized guitars. biles necessary for even relatively local travel. Peo America, too, is not without its rich, deep-rooted ple must drive remarkably far t.o find work, grocery cultural heritages equally essential t.o their people. st.ores, or any remnant of what most would consider Yet America is far more diverse, so diverse, in fact, civilization, and because of this, suburbanites will that culture almost defies geography. Although many seldom meet their own neighbors outside of their Americans might think all New Yorkers are rude Wall neighborhood. Street snobs in a great hurry t.o read cart.oons that This contrasts greatly with the cities from which make no sense, any "New Yorker" will tell you they are not from New York but Queens, the Bronx, Man many of our ancest.ors came, where one's neighbors hattan, or Brooklyn, each further divided int.o count were often one's coworkers and one's friends. In the less unique neighborhoods, each with their own dis suburbs, however, people do not know their tinct cultures. Likewise, not all Chicagoans are Bill neighbors or even see them. People go from their Swerski's inebriated Superfans, and none are from homes t.o their cars and scurry like queenless ants in Chicago, rather a "side" and often a "block" but never every direction, often without seeing the light of day. simply Chicago, unless, of course, they aren't from Suburban culture is essentially anonymity. Suburbs Chicago. aren't communities in the way that the great cities of civilization have been in the past, but rather collec The suburbs of Chicago do not have blocks or bor tions of individuals with no concern for connections oughs, sides or even streets (none of interest anyway). and relationships with the people around them. They have the northwest, North, south, and southwest suburbs, each divided int.o countless t.owns, t.ownships, This may seem cold, but it is inevitable. In times cities, and municipalities, all identical. So, it is no when one relied on one's neighbors t.o survive, strong wonder, when someone from the suburbs travels out communities were necessary. When each community of t.own, they are never from Schaumburg or Palatine served as its own economic center, it was important or Elk Grove or Wheeling, but simply a suburb of Chi t.o support one another, and sharing a job and a com cago or even just Chicago. munity strengthened people's loyaltyt.o their area. People do not share such things in the suburbs. In Although these geographical generalizations do the suburbs, however, each house is a fully self well t.o avoid the confusion of explaining one's exact sustainable island and must be t.o survive. They location, because "pretty far north of Chicago, but still need not even shop at the same grocery st.ores; Pala generally considered one of its suburbs" is quite tine alone has more than I can count. wordy, they expose the suburbs' lack of their own unique identity. Those from the suburbs do not make It is clear, then, why the suburbs lack identity if these generalizationsjust because no one else would those from the suburbs cannot even identify their recognize the name of their town. Those from the sub neighbors, and if people do not intermingle with their urbs invariably lack a deeper sense of connection with neighbors, a culturecannot form. Imagine, if all Pa their hometown. Unless they are running for office, risians simply sat at home, smoked, drank, and suburbanites seldom have the loyalty t.o themselves painted in private, no one would know that they that one finds in larger cities where residents can smoked, drank, or painted. Englishmen could read trace their local genealogies further than one or two every work of Shakespeare eight times over and generations. True, I suppose, suburbs have some de know every member of parliament in detail but gree of school spirit to serve in the stead of heritage Continued on page 7 PA GE7 SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3 THE CHA LLENGER
as Streamwood. The area was initially settled by Germans who used the area for farming. During that time the only transportation was a stagecoach line on what is The History now Route 20. Crystal Lake received its name from Ziba S. Beardsley, who traveled in Continuedfrom page 5 a covered wagon from New York State in 1835; she comment.ed on the shores that the
.______, "wat.ers were as clear as crystal." During the 1920s, Crystal Lake was a popular vaca- tion spot for the wealthy.
In the 1960s, with the expansion of O'Hare, the northwest suburbs became ideal for airline pilots. O'Hare In ternational Airportwas named at the suggestion of editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, Colonel Robert McCormick, in honor of Lieutenant Edward "Butch" O'Hare, Chicago-raised Unit.ed Stat.es Navy pilot. In Novem ber 1943, Mr. O'Hare was shot down and lost at sea. O'Hare Int.emational Airport was construct.ed in 1942-1943 as a place to manufacture Douglas-C54s during WWII. When the war ended, Chicago became the busiest airport. Unfortunately for the homeowners in Bensenville and Des Plaines, the Commissioners for O'Hare airport pur chased the land from the US government next to the preexisting area, which, at this point, was not named O'Hare. In 1949, the commissioners had purchased more land and renamed the airport. The airport did not open for commercial flights until 1955. O'Hare has been vot.ed Best Airport for the past nine years. But why do our claim checks say ORD when we pick up our bags from baggage claim? The land purchased to build this interna tional convenience was an Orchard Field.
"The Burbs" are still ever changing and ever populating. Mrs. Gannon, when asked why she moved from the city, replied, "Nine kids." Obviously suburbia was popular during the 1950s and 1960s as a good place to raise a family outside of Chicago. "[The suburbs] were a place to plant your own trees, make it your own," said Mrs. Gannon. The amenities we have today are only here because of what those before us built. Some may say that they are stuck in suburbia - trapped in this desolat.e place with no excitement. This may be true, but imagine living here without highways, cars, and railroads, like those who lived here before us.
Works cit.ed: Baer, Geoffrey. "Northwest of Chicago" wttw 11 Network Chicago.
"Village of Palatine: Palatine . . . A Brief History."
Suburban Identity Crisis Continuedfrompage 6 Growing Up never say a word, and every German houssy plains has been a lost gen Continued frompage 5 could be waltzing with himself. This eration, a mass of blank slates on seems unfathomable, but people of the which any element from any culture you grow up affects a stu suburbs often have no idea what those could make its chalky mark. With dent's college choice, but who live next door are doing inside their out the burden of heritage or cul there are perhaps certain homes, what they last read, or what they ture, each generation has had the aspects of childhood and prefer to drink. chance to redefine itself on its own where you were raised terms and in its own image, and that contribut.e to the deci Suburbs, in fact, could have a without the burden of a homeland, sion. Whether it is for rea very rich culture, and everyone could each is free to go where one pleases. sons much like the West have the same tastes, opinions, and pas ern student's, the desire times, but no one knows. Each subur As unnatural and un for change, or to get away ban resident is a person without a peo American as they are, the suburbs from home, there are un ple, home, and country and therefore offer an excellent opportunity to questionably contributing lacks the cultural identity that follows escape, and, indeed, give its resi factors that lead to your from these things. This, however, is per dents something to escape from. It decision, which very well haps the greatest cultural element of the is just a wonder that they can stay may have to do with the suburbs. Since the conception of Subur populated and even grow. place in which you were bia, every generation to flow from its raised. PA GES THE CHALLENGER SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3
Culture Fat ing said, people in the suburbs are page 4 Continuedfrom Continued From page 3 not necessarily lazy, but citypeople, especially ones who reside in Chi ter lifestyle for their families. cago, are able to enjoy runs along at Arlington." People are reluctant to believe the lakefront, walks to museums, After reviewing three that the suburbs cause poor and strolls through city streets. locations specific to the northwest health, but it seems that certain According to an article found in suburbs, I feel it is safe to declare ways of living, such as the lifestyle Health & Place magazine, "the dra that suburban cultural opportuni of many suburbanites may, in matic rise in obesity levels over the ties are often similar to urban fact, relate to the obesity epi past decade gives public health offi ones. Again, the suburbs may demic. In the suburbs people are cials reason for concern. Most pro have more than rural areas, but forced to drive everywhere, and it posals focus on changing the na urban areas certainly have more is unrealistic forthe average citi tion's lifestyle choices (e.g., diet and than the suburbs do, hands down. zen to walk five miles to and from exercise routine). Here we suggest Wood.field's counterparts are work each day. Another interest that the lifestyle choices may be Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. ing point to consider is the risks heavily influenced by residential Likewise, Knights of Columbus is that this new location pattern location patterns. The new location outmatched by the Metro and the poses for suburban children. In patterns tend to be unfriendly to House of Blues. Arlington Park past decades suburban kids were pedestrians." Not only does obesity comes nowhere close to Wrigley always able to walk or ride their cause chronic illnesses such as heart Field or Soldier Field. While ur bikes to a friend's house or sport disease, diabetes, and certain can ban culture overshadows subur ing event. However, nowadays cers, but it also ruins one's self ban culture, the biggest difference that is not at all the case. Kids esteem, which may lead to mental between the two is our perception are constantly being driven illnesses like depression. of our cultural options. Typically, around by their parents in order most urban adolescents enjoy the to get places. This is in part the Therefore, living in the sub active and fast-paced lifestylethat parents' fault, but society is also urbs is not necessarily the cause for a city can offer. In contrast, the to blame. In the past, kids were the rising obesity epidemic, but majority of suburban adolescents able to travel alone because the there is definitely evidence that can't bear living in suburbia. This suburbs were a safe place to be; shows a correlation between the leads me to the conclusion that however, now kids are unable to two. Obesity is a disease that is af the two options suburbanites fol play at the park on the corner of fecting almost 20 percent of the low are to either leave or, unfortu their street because of the fear of population. Not only is it detrimen nately, fall under the influence; kidnappings. Therefore, the tal to one's health, but, according to neither of which are particularly struggle to keep children safe con Health & Place magazine, it is also palatable. tributes to their obesity. an extremely costly sickness to cure and significantly increases the Work cited: Another reason the sub United States' mortality rate. It is urbs can correlate with obesity is crucial that citizens of the suburbs Leeds, Joshua. "Music for Teenag because of the locationof stores, transform their lifestyles and force SoundRemedi.es. ers." employment, and schools. These exercise into their daily routines or 2001. Online. 14 Apr. necessaryplaces are spread out this epidemic will only continue to 2007.
The city also facilitates exercise for its citizens. That be- SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3 THE CHALLENGER PAGE9
The Suburbs' One Salvation IanTaylor
For all that the northwestern Illinois textbooks were out-of gests over 80 percent. One realtor suburbs of Chicago lack, in enter date, but disregarding some tat said that, from her experience, tainment, culture, identity, they tered copies of Candideand probably 90 to 95 percent of her have to their credit a public school Wuthering Heights (neither of clients consider quality public system is than better than most. which go out-of-date, although schools their chief concern. Al Those who must endure a subur some might argue the latter was though such estimates vary, it is ban education often fail to appre antiquated upon publication), the certain that education is impor ciate this when overwhelmed with text books I used in high school tant to those in the NW suburbs. its faults. Indeed, Kareem Elna were generally quite recent and Zentz also added that parents hal, a valedictorian of a suburban occasionally new. Unlike some of aren't the only ones who care to New Jersey high school who used Illinois' schoolchildren, all my his live in neighborhoods with good his graduation speech as a plat tory booksmentioned the fall of schools; "resale is tied to the desir form to lament America's public the Soviet Union, and my math ability of an area, and [many school system, did when he ac books included directions forthe homebuyers] want a house that is cused his school of teaching infor eighty-some dollar TI-83 that I easy to resell." mation rather than thought and was encouraged to buy but pro Quality schooling, however, is claimed that "the educationwe vided in class ifI chose not to. received was not only incomplete costly, and local taxpayers pay but hollow." In addition to ample teachers, much of this cost. Although all textbooks, and well-paidjanitors, three of the realtors I asked This is likely true; however, the local schools employ council agreed that so long as schools per one cannot accuse our schools of ors, academic and otherwise, to form well, home owners aren't failingto provide both the oppor help students succeed. Their generally too concerned, according tunity and support to further stu thoroughness is reflected in the to the Illinois Association of dents' incomplete and hollow edu standardized tests each child in School Boards, out of six school cation. Althoughthe support of Illinois must take. Fourteen of tax referenda in 2005, five failed fered to students with learning fifteen schools in our area that to pass. Among these failing five disabilities and troubled home took the ISAT and IMAGE tests was Palatine's district fifteen. lives ultimately fails some, it suc in 2005 and 2006, according to the The ultimate repercussions of this ceeds in helping some who would Illinois School Report Card avail aren't clear, but it raises an im otherwise fall through the cracks. able at the Chicago Tribune web portant question regarding Illi site, met or exceeded state stan nois' public education system. In Most educational experts agree dards; the high school I happened an article forthe Chicago Tribune, sm·aller class sizes are vital to a to attend, Palatine, which offers Diane Rado notes that Illinois is satisfactory education. Obviously, an excellent special education pro often criticized for its public teachers responsible for fewer stu gram, was the only one that did school system, which''because it dents are able to devote more time not meet state standards. In Chi relies heavily on local taxes... fu to individuals, which, those not cago, many more schools failed. els unfairness." In Illinois, overwhelmed, are often more than wealthier areas such as our own willing to do. In providing Because of its school systems, more willingly and adequately smaller classes, our area's schools many people are eager to move to fund their schools, but the 2005 do much better than our urban the NW suburbs, and those look referenda prove taxpayer fatigue counterparts, and in addition to ingfor homes deeply consider lo could easily undermine such a this, schools provide stu local cal public schools when choosing a system. dents with betterlearning materi home. Local realtor Mary Zentz als. estimates that around 60 percent Only an alarmist would sug of her clients consider an area's gest that our local schools are on Ana Beatrice Chalo and Diane local schools when buying a home, Rado of the Chicago Tribune once and Jerry Hoffman, a RE/MAX reported that over 80 percent of agent in Elk Grove village, sug- Continued on page 10 PA GE 10 THE CHALLENGER SPRING 2007, ISSUE 3
The Suburbs' One Salvation Continuedfrom page 9
the verge of economic ruin. None - theless they may still lose a sig � . . - ··' · �':.• .... ni£i.cant amount of support to in · flation iftaxpayers refuse to give '-...... j . them more, and with the state .. ' only committing 30 percent of its . : . . I . .. budget to education, as Redo . writes, there is no safety net if
this happens. Rod Blagojevich ... hopes to partially remedy this by raising taxes on Illinois busi nesses, but one cannot yet say whether this will work or even pass.
Luckily, those in the north western suburbs who wish to fur ther their education need not put all their eggs in their elementary and secondary school basket. A number of two-year colleges, such as Harper College, are available to residents of the NW suburbs. Many residents, for various rea sons, attend Harper College, some because they cannot afford to at tend a four-year school for four years, some because they are not quite ready for four-year schools, and still many others because work or family tether them to this area. Since opening, Harper has helped such students continue their education, many of whom have gone on to earn bachelor's Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and former 13th district of Illinois Con degrees at four-year schools, and gressman Donald Rumsfeld gives a speech at Harper College's ground break Harper continues to do so. ing ceremony in 1967 ... seriously. FormerHarbinger Reporters Garry Loven Recently, Harper has been and Sally Weiler quoted Rumsfeld as saying, "I believe the concept of the testing the waters to possibly ex community college is sound," and that he hoped that Harper College, presuma pand this tradition by proposing bly like democracy in the Middle East, would encourage surrounding commu to offer its own bachelor's degrees nities to "continue this great opportunity to further themselves." in public safety administration/ homeland security,and technol All vintage photographs courtesy of the Harper College HarbingerVol. 1 Issue ogy management. This proposal, No. 2 and 3, 1967, which are available on microfilm in the Harper College li however, has met some opposi- brary.
Continued on page 11 SPRING 2007. ISSU E 3 THE CHA LLENGER PA GE II
Suburbs' One Salvation Continued frompage 10 its standard surpasses what many ti.on, especially from nearby devastate the school and the com would consider the status quo. four-yearinstitution. Harper's munity. argument predictably runs Because of this , its studentshave that local officers and by exten Perhaps only an alarmist an excellent chance of success sion the local community will would say such a thing, consider once they leave the system, but benefit from a bachelor's de ing Harper College has served being better is not necessarily be gree program in public safety academically-inclined students ing good, and one only needs to be administration/homeland secu remarkably well, but ifit begins better than the next person to suc rity, and since nearby universi to focus too heavily on nonaca ceed. Nevertheless, one should ties do not offer such a pro demic programs it may threaten not take this benefit to the stu gram, Harper can and should. the future of many potential stu dents forgranted, and perhaps dents unable to attend a four-year once we've secured it for them, we This, of course, could institution directly out of high can teach them something. cause marginal trouble for four school. Were Harper to lose its Works cited: -year institutions who would strong academic focus, the quality like to attract tuition-paying of these studies would certainly Chalo, Ana Beatrice, Rado, D. students interested in pursuing suffer. Those who could benefit "Aging Textbooks Fail Illi a career in this field, but the from Harper may be forced either nois Kids." Chicago Trib impact on Harper and its stu to go elsewhere or, more tragi une. April, 14 2006. dents is less obvious. More cally, nowhere. Moreover, this "Illinois School Report Card." Chi important than a possible in scenario would costthe college a cago Tribune. 4 Apr. 2007. crease in tuition revenue and great deal of money in tuition
A. Take public transportation. A. Purchased at Woodfield Mall. A. Near IKEA. B. Ride a bike. B. Hand-me-downs from a sibling ... B. Near Woodfield Mall. C. Stay at home. who bought them from Woodfield Mall. C. Near Medieval Times. D. Die. C. Gifts from a relative... who shops D. Chicago. At Woodfield Mall. D. Purchased on the internet... during class. Honors Program News
The following Honors courses will be offered in the summer of 2007:
HST 261 (The Civil War), taught by Professor Tom DePalma. The Civil War serves as a bloody and dramatic pivot in American history when it comes to questions of equality and freedom. This course focuses on the causes, events, and immediate outcomesof the period 1848-1865. Political, military, and social history are presented so that students receive a comprehensive understandingof this seminal event in American his tory. Fulfills Approved Electives gen. ed. requirement.3 credit hours. Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:10 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
PSY 101--006 (Introduction to Psychology) with Professor Charles Johnston. Explore the theme of conformity/compliance as a major source of evil in society and pay special attention to social psychology and the psychology of women. Fulfills Social/Behavioral Sciences gen. ed. requirement. 3 credit hours. Tues./Thurs., 1:10p.m.-3:45p.m.
HUM/HST 105 (the ''Honors Colloquium"), taught by Professor Richard Middleton-Kaplan. This is the Honors Colloquium class. This course is required for all Honors students who 1) firstenrolled at Harper in or afterthe fall of 2001, and 2) wish to acquireHonors Program Graduation status. Students will survey primarysources from various academicdisciplines. Core readings may include selections from Plato, the Buddha, Bacon, Darwin, Freud, Nietzsche, Rousseau, Machiavelli, Swift, Marx, Douglass, and de Beauvoir; these will be supplemented with selections from authors such as Hesiod, Lao Tzu, Confucius, St. Augustine, the Prophet Mohammed, Bede the Venerable, St. Thomas Aquinas, Dante, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sar tre, Black Elk, Jean-Francois Lyotard, and 2003 Nobel Prize winner J. M. Coetzee. Students will select and lead classroom sessions on the readings; students will also have the opportunity to discuss these "great ideas" with Harper professorsfrom across the campus and from many academic disciplines. Fulfills Humanities gen. ed. requirement. 3 credit hours. Tues./Thurs., 1:40 p.m. to 2:55 p.m.,
and these courses will be offered in the fa ll:
ENG 101 - 045 (Composition I), with Professor Kurt Neumann
PSY 225 - 003 (Theories of Personality), with Professor Charles Johnston
AST 101 - 006 (Astronomy), with Professor Paul Sipiera
LIT 210 - 00 1 (Introduction to Shakespeare), with Professor Jessica Walsh
PSC 101 - 017 (American Politics and Government), withProfessor Bobby Summers
CHM 121 - 003 (General Chemistry), with Professor Andy Kidwell
GEG 101 - 006 (World/Regional Geography), with Professor Veronica Mormino
SPE 101 - 040 (Speech), with Professor Jeff Przybylo
IDS 290 - 024 (Independent Studyfl'he Challenger)
HUM/HST 105 - 001 (Great Ideas of World Civilization), with Professor Trygve Thoreson
Further information is available at the Harper College Honors Website:
http://www.harpercollege.edu/cluborgs/honors