The Vol. XCIV. NO. 17

Sou’wester Girl Talk and more come to Rhodes. April 2, 2008 Th e Weekly Student Newspaper of Rhodes College See Page 10 Diversifying Rhodes: The BSA attendance lacking By Avery Pribila and Daniel Jacobs Villa, President of HOLA, said of At the 2007 Kwanzaa celebra- the BSA events. “Th ey’re really well changes of the last nine years tion sponsored by the Black Student planned events but nobody comes. I By Daniel Jacobs and Matt at Rhodes. Task Force released their execu- Association (BSA) there was a spread don’t know if Rhodes students think McCulloch “When I talked to people one tive summary. Th e report focused of catered soul food, jugs of sweet tea, it’s exclusive to BSA but it’s not.” In the past nine years the thing that came up was diversity specifi cally on increasing racial and a band that led students in sing- Th is sentiment is echoed by Te- stance towards diversity at Rhodes and the lack thereof,” said Troutt. and ethnic diversity among stu- ing Kwanzaa songs. Students fi lled vari Butler, former President of BSA. has changed signifi cantly. In 1998 “If you listened to people they dents, faculty and administrative the room, eating and learning about a “I feel like at Rhodes we have a the college administration consid- were saying that we want to be a staff , and in particular increasing unique culture. lot of discussions about diversity,” said ered diversity a relatively low pri- stronger college, and it was clear the number of African Americans But, besides two exceptions, the Butler. “But when it comes to action ority. Today, while the college still to me that we needed to make di- at the school. At the time of the students in attendance were entirely everything falls off .” faces challenges, the administra- versity a college imperative.” report only 4% of the student black. Th e lack of diverse attendance tion has a number of initiatives to To investigate the situation, body was African American and According to Cord McLean, the at BSA events is especially stark be- increase diversity and engage the Troutt created the Diversity Task the faculty only had four African president of BSA, the group consis- cause the other three multicultural Memphis community. Force. Th e task force, which was Americans, while the housekeep- tently works to have a more diverse groups (All Students Interested in Asia A major factor in the change headed by Drompp, consisted of ing and grounds keeping staff was crowd at their events, but the Kwan- (ASIA), Th e Hispanic Organization is President William Troutt, who faculty, staff and students. 100% African American. zaa celebration is typical of most BSA for Language and Activities (HOLA), became president of the college in “Our charge was really to in- One of the fi ndings of the re- events. and the Rhodes Indian Cultural Ex- 1999. vestigate the barriers to diversity, port was that Rhodes’ problems “We publicize them just like any change (RICE)) tend to have a propor- “I would say the adminis- especially in terms of race,” said with diversity were based on the other group,” said McLean, who is a tionate representation of the campus at tration before Troutt didn’t pay Professor Anita Davis, who is the image of the college as an “elitist junior. “We have just as little connec- most of their events. much attention to issues of diver- head of the African-American institution” and the inertia cre- tion with the Kwanzaa celebration as “I would say turnout is rather sity,” said History Professor Mi- studies department and served as ated by “years of inactivity” which other students on campus, and we’re diverse,” said Susan Wang, the Presi- chael Drompp. “I think faculty a member of the task force. “Part prevented serious change. learning just like they would be.” dent of ASIA. “Our executive board is and students had cared about di- of our approach was to really talk Finally, the report made a se- McLean said that of the BSA more than just Asian. Th e majority of versity but I don’t think there was to diff erent groups of people. It al- ries of recommendations, several events he has attended, the 2006 Fall the offi cers are Asian but we do invite any directive from the higher ad- lowed us to begin a campus-wide of which have been implemented, Ball was the most diverse in terms of students who are interested in Asian ministration.” conversation, and it uncovered a including the creation a full-time attendance by white students. He es- culture. It’s inclusive rather than ex- One of Troutt’s fi rst major lot of concerns.” position in the Offi ce of Admis- timated that there were ten white stu- clusive.” initiatives was improving diversity In June 2000 the Diversity sions that focused on recruiting dents and about 100 black students at Wang also described how ASIA minority students, hiring a chair the event. White students make up tends to “Americanize” their events, 86% of the student population, while because she thinks delving deeper into Diversity, continued on Page 4 black students make up only 6%. Sexuality and the Church “Nobody comes,” said Diana Events, continued on Page 4

By William Bruce Racial diversity in the classroom Executive Assistant By Daniel Jacobs room at Rhodes. Minority mem- “It’s an area a lot of people On March 31, Tim Meadows, an Editor-in-Chief bers of classes often feel a pressure wish not to go into,” said Reg- openly gay preacher in the Memphis Th e students of the political to speak up, while many white gie Watson, a senior internation- area, recently visited campus to deliver a science course were discussing students are afraid of saying the al business major who is black. lecture in which he discussed his life and welfare when the professor turned wrong thing. “Th ere is a general politeness.” relationship with the Christian church. to the class and asked what image Religious Studies Professor But other students believe Many Christians believe the bible con- comes to mind when they think of Luther Ivory, who teaches a num- there is less discomfort among demns homosexuality and as a result many a welfare recipient. ber of classes on African-American their fellow students on the issue gay people have a poor relationship with Th at’s when the silence start- issues, including African-Ameri- of race. church. Meadows discussed that over ed. can Th eology and a class on mod- “When it’s necessary to talk time he began to realize that the Bible is “It could have been because ern civil rights, leads discussions about people feel pretty comfort- a complex work and that the texts weren’t they wanted to be politically cor- on race in most of his classes. able,” said Tammy Harris, a senior William Bruce/The Sou’wester necessarily by God, but rather by ancients Tim Meadow rect or maybe they were thinking “Th e comfort zones of the English major who is black. “Be- that had cultural infl uences. In addition, about their grocery list at the mo- students is very narrow when they cause it’s a fact of our society, it’s he delivered his conclusion that Jesus was ment,” said Diana Villa, a sopho- walk in there,” said Ivory. “And something we have to talk about.” a man that did not discriminate against people based on who they more who is Hispanic, who was when the buzzword of race is in- On the other hand, while were, but rather showed love to all the people that he spent his life in the class at the time. “Look- troduced the comfort zones nar- many white students are hesitant trying to save. ing back, I suppose I felt a bit re- row even further.” to discuss race, minority students Following the lecture an intense discussion ensued. Some mem- sponsible, as a minority, to answer Jim Kingman, a junior Eng- sometimes feel pressured to talk bers of the audience supported Meadows while others expressed con- ‘seventeen year old minority girl’ lish major who is white, also during discussions. tempt at the idea of being a devout homosexual. to show that it was alright to ac- thinks that students have trouble “We have upperclassmen talk “Th is was a diffi cult discussion but I felt it was handled well,” knowledge the perceptions.” discussing race. to underclassmen and they say said Joe Renteria, a senior. “Diffi cult discussions are what Rhodes is “I said it because I didn’t want “I think people feel uncom- sometimes when there is a discus- all about.” anyone to not say it because I was fortable talking about race in ra- sion in class there is this pressure “I felt it was healthy dialogue between two opposing groups on in that class,” said Villa, who is cially mixed company. At least to speak for your race, or your campus,” said Mikkel Quam, the co-president of Gay Straight Alli- also the president of HOLA. students at this college do,” said people and that’s a lot of pressure,” ance. “Th ere were confl icts but it was progressive and respectful.” Th is incident illustrates one Kingman. said Cynthia Polk-Johnson, the of the many diffi culties students Other students mirror this face in discussing race in the class- opinion. Classroom, continued on Page 4 Page 2 Opinion Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The Letter to the Sou’wester Editor Earlier this week I wrote a letter to the administration regarding the lack of programming and administrative recognition toward Editor-In-Chief honoring Dr. Martin Luther King on the 40th anniversary of his assassination this Friday. Daniel Jacobs While I was pleased to learn that Congressman Steve Cohen will be holding a “Town Hall Meeting” to honor King in the Barret Managing and News Editor Library on Saturday, I feel that Rhodes College needs to do more. Providing a venue for an event that has not been adequately adver- Avery Pribila tised, an event that I feel will not be well attended by students given its awkward timing on Saturday morning, is not sufficient. Associate and Opinion Editor To buttress this claim, I offer the University of Memphis as an example. The University of Memphis is engaging in a week-long Nate Maxwell series of discussions, awards ceremonies, and celebrity appearances to honor King. I am not asking for celebrity appearances, discus- Entertainment Editor sions, or award ceremonies. I am however asking that the administration make the student body aware of this date of memorial, as Adam Teer well as issue a statement honoring King. Sports Editor Furthermore, in a region still plagued by racism, institutional segregation, and pronounced and disproportionate African-Ameri- Ralph MacDonald can poverty, I feel that a predominantly white Southern institution needs (perhaps more than other colleges and universities) to make Layout Editor its student body aware of matters pertaining to civil rights and race. It is evident that in my four years as a student, students at Rhodes Lee Bryant are at times insensitive to matters of race. Specifically, I cite the white student who wore blackface to two campus parties in 2006, and Copy Editor the Kappa Alpha Fraternity’s continued willingness to hold their Old South campus party (newly renamed the Founders Day Party) Suzi Van Sickle the night before Martin Luther King Day in Memphis. Rhodes cannot continue to ignore the evident insensitivity of its student body. Photography Editor Rhodes must take a firm stance with regards to honoring Dr. King, and consequently cannot afford to leave our campus community Gwen Weil ignorant to the pronounced sacrifice Dr. King made in this city. The lack of institutional recognition of Dr. King’s tremendous hu- Humor Editor manitarian sacrifice is not only insensitive, but a detriment to the educational process and the Rhodes College community. Zack Stovall Business Manager Philip A. Kovacik Jamie Young Sara Haney Executive Assistants Zimbabwe’s leader should yield to opposition party William Bruce

The Miami Student Mugabe has governed Zimbabwe since tricity, and unemployment is running at Staff Editorial 1980 after an extensive struggle against 80 percent. Uwire British colonial rule, which began in 1965. Tsvangirai represents a younger gen- The results of last weekend’s election Infuriated by white minority rule, Mugabe eration of Zimbabweans, interested in in Zimbabwe could terminate the 28-year led the Zimbabwean African National rectifying Mugabe’s record of economic How to Reach Our reign of President Robert Mugabe after Union (ZANU) to victory by receiving the mismanagement. By working closely with facing critical opposition from the Move- majority popular vote. Branding himself industry leaders, who argue that market Authors and Us ment for Democratic Change (MDC) par- as a supporter of Marxism, Mugabe imme- forces should be left to solve Zimbabwe’s As the offi cial newspaper of Rhodes Col- ty. MDC leader and presidential hopeful diately began to implement a land reform economic problems, Tsvangirai leans to- lege, Th e Sou’wester is produced entirely by Morgan Tsvangirai could bring hope and policy by redistributing land previously ward a more laissez-faire style. Whether or students on staff . It functions independently stability to the region, which could then owned by wealthy whites to blacks. The not Mugabe’s opponents will successfully of faculty and administration. Th e newspaper revive the country’s ailing economy. The aggressive land distribution has virtually dethrone the 84-year-old ruler, the elec- is published weekly throughout the fall and MDC has already announced that it won led to the collapse of Zimbabwe’s main tions prove that democracy can survive in spring semesters, except during exam periods enough votes Saturday to oust Mugabe. source of income: agricultural exports and an African nation. As thousands poured and breaks. However, Mugabe refuses to cede defeat, commercial farms. Currently, Zimbabwe into election booths to cast their vote, it’s Th e Sou’wester is a member of the Student and electoral fraud and vote rigging could has the highest inflation in the world at incredible to see how far Zimbabwe has Media Board, a consortium that includes the slow the release of final results. The Mi- more than 100,000 percent. As Zimba- come since 1980-and yet how much far- editors of all student media outlets, class rep- ami Student editorial board encourages bwe continues in a fiscal downward spi- ther the country has to go. The interna- resentatives, and at-large representatives from the continuation of elections, as it demon- ral, a change in leadership could stimulate tional community must remain concerned the student body. strates that democracy can exist in Zim- the country’s economic policies. Under over Zimbabwe’s election in order to en- All staff editorials published in Th e babwe, particularly in light of country’s Mugabe, Zimbabweans are suffering from sure fairness and equality. Sou’wester represent the majority opinion of economic instability. chronic shortages of food, water and elec- the Editorial Board composed of section edi- tors and executive editors. Opinions expressed in opinion columns and letters-to-the-editor do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of Th e Looking to get involved with the Sou’wester Sou’wester Editorial Board. Letters-to-the- editor are encouraged, but cannot exceed 350 student Newspaper? words; all letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity. -Opinion Editor- Wanted!!! Reaching Th e Sou’wester Phone: (901) 843-3402 Fax: (901) 843-3409 E-mail: [email protected] Interested candidates need excellent writing, organizational Address: Rhodes Box 3010 Th e Sou’wester and editing skills, as well as the ability to handle a weekly 2000 North Parkway time commitment. Memphis, TN 38112-1690 Email Opinion Editor Nate Maxwell ([email protected])

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Opinion Page 3 A warning about an over-emphasis on diversity By Dean Galaro African-Americans, 6 Hispanics, face of this, Rhodes has had since A compelling warning regard- far more white students applying to Opinion Columnist and 4 other students whose races 2002 a “Commitment to Diversity” ing this problem came in the form upper level schools, and therefore Th ere is no getting around the are not specifi ed. Minority students in which the school notes that “A di- of an article for Time magazine more students at upper level schools fact that Rhodes is not the most comprise 15% of the entire student verse learning community is a neces- written by Perry Bacon Jr. in 2003. end up being white. Th is has led ethnically diverse college campus body. Just looking at these numbers sary element of a liberal arts educa- He is a journalist for Time, a Yale schools to push for more “ethnicity” around. In that same vein, Rhodes by themselves, it is hard to easily un- tion,” because “self-understanding is graduate. In the article “How Much in their student body. Is it a college’s is not a very diverse place in terms derstand their signifi cance. To get a dependent upon the understanding Diversity Do You Want From Me?” fault that most of the applicants are of many other categories of diver- better understanding of the diversi- of others.” Th is means that Rhodes he discusses the pressure he faced as white? No; the fault has to fall on sity either, including socioeconom- ty issue at Rhodes, it is necessary to is open “to learning about and expe- a black student at Yale and a black parents, high schools, social and ics and geography. We are a big sea look at data from other comparable riencing cultural diversity,” because writer at Time. He writes that there monetary situations, and on ethnic of white, upper-class kids from the schools and compare their statistics “our views and convictions will be was an assumption that he pos- expectations. Colleges are here to Southeastern United States. In an to those of Rhodes. Depauw Uni- challenged… [and] we expect this sessed “a uniquely black viewpoint educate those who have the willing- eff ort to create a more diverse college versity, located in Illinois and tied in challenge to take place in a climate to contribute and that part of [his] ness and ability to learn at a higher campus, the College is constantly US News & World Report’s Liberal of open-mindedness and mutual re- responsibility as a student or worker level than the law requires. trying to pull in more students from Arts Colleges ranking with Rhodes, spect.” [was] to do that.” Th is demand for All of this is to caution that as diff erent ethnic groups and geo- reports that 16.9% of their student Goals such as these are lofty, his perspective traveled with him a school dedicated to and looking graphic locations. Although getting body is “Multicultural”. Th e other and are the kinds of foundational from college into the workplace. for diversity, Rhodes must be wary a student body from many diff erent school tied with Rhodes and De- principals needed at a school de- Bacon’s issue with all of this is that of why diversity is so important. Of states and countries is a clear goal, pauw is Pitzer College in Califor- voted to a true liberal arts education there was an underlying assumption course, a diverse student body is a it seems to be second to the goal of nia. Although they do not specify like Rhodes is. It is true that open- that he, as a black man, was the only wonderful thing, but if the student creating a much more ethnically di- the minority makeup of the entire mindedness is central to the kind one who could “articulate what it body has become diverse for the verse campus. If this is a major goal student body, students of color com- of learning that should be going on means to be black.” He was looked wrong reasons then nothing has of Rhodes—as it is clearly a goal of prise 30% of the freshman class this at Rhodes. It is also true that what at as having a unique perspective really been accomplished. When many college campuses around the year, doubling Rhodes’ percentage. one learns from others can greatly not because of the distinctive pieces looking to create a diverse student country—then it make sense to ask Looking at other top-ranked liberal aid in helping understand and value of his life experience, but simply be- body, Rhodes must remember to be why. If we take a step back from all arts colleges, most have a cultural oneself. But is all of this leading to cause of his skin color. looking past skin color or country the news hype and emotional ap- breakdown of the student body that a situation where students who are Bacon suggests the idea that of origin and take into account the peals, why do we need to boost our reports percentages of multicultural not white are being recruited with colleges are trying to create a multi- entirety of the student that has gone school’s diversity? students hovering around 20%. a pressure to bring their diversity ethnic elite to combat the white- in to creating a person who can According to the Rhodes web- Th ese numbers seem to indi- into the academic foray instead of out of today’s select schools and truly bring something new to our site, 17% of the freshman class this cate that Rhodes is a bit behind in their unique experiences? Are we business, and herein lies the pos- campus. year are “students of color”, com- the area of diversity as compared to only seeing skin color and not the sible misuse and misconception of prised of 35 Asian-Americans, 30 other comparable schools. In the person? diversity. Th e fact is that there are Diversity: problem or problematized? By Rami Abdoch Rice University’s general counsel. ‘’On the etc. Th is goes hand-in-hand with Rice’s at- cerns itself with just numbers, it can be seen Opinion Columnist other hand, if a student has shown leadership tempts to distance themselves from mechani- as only admitting students for this diff erence Diversity, in most any setting, is a subject -- it may be in the black students association, cal, impersonal formulas that guarantee “di- in appearance, which is thought to translate that may cause anxiety and relative discomfort. it could be the chess club -- that’s something verse” class populations. Colleges should be into a diff erence in one’s general perspective Th at is not to say that it should be that way. to look for in assessing that student as an indi- prepared to pool funds into eff orts concerned or mindest. Th e diff erence is meaningless if Rather, the issue has become increasingly prob- vidual. Whether it’s leadership in an ethnic or with diversity that will displace instrumentally it is not incorporated into an overarching so- lematized given its high placement in work and racial organization is irrelevant.’’ rational “cop-out” means of recruitment with cial discourse in class settings that will benefi t college settings, especially the latter. However, In 1996, a federal appeals court in New the hopes of garnering a student body that is from this cultural pluralism. A school might this seems counter-intuitive; how can placing Orleans ruled that the University of Texas Law truly diverse. do well to incorporate some type of service for the issue as a top concern lend itself to creat- School could not legally consider race in ad- Another important thing to consider is teachers in the form of a seminar that gives an ing problems, some of which are larger than mitting students. Th ereafter, lawyers at Rice the use of numerical fi gures in dictating how in-depth overview of diversity so that they may those that it solves? I seek to shed some light on University felt as though this was applicable to “diverse” a campus is. While there is nothing approach the matter in a way that is driven by how this issue has become problematized given their school as well. Since the ruling, Rice has necessarily wrong about using numbers, there experience, as opposed to a set way in which to current legislation and standardized methods incorporated eff orts towards recruiting diverse is perhaps a problem in how the numbers are deal with a student of this or that color. of incorporating “the other” into the classroom groups by catering to high schools with large perceived. Numbers are used for the sake of I believe it incumbent on the mainstream and making sense of multiculturalism. minority populations. Is this a viable solution? effi ciency in detailing a school’s progress with to recognize that it is not an institution’s pre- One facet of the issue is simply the way Maybe, maybe not. Depending on the meth- respect to diversity. Insofar as a college admin- rogative to search out diversity simply for the diversity is defi ned. Th e fact that all non-white ods used to cater to these populations, it could istration equates progress with numbers alone, sake of fulfi lling an unwritten rule. Th ey should persons are thought of as constituting a single fuel the fi re. For instance, if such methods rely they are doing a disservice to the issue. How actively seek out students/employees with a “multicultural” entity poses a twofold dilem- on pre-given stereotypes that don’t account much progress is a school really making if all genuine will to improve the social growth of ma. For one, this reduces the decidedly varied for individual diff erences, they will only make it is doing is working to get “x” number of di- the workplace or campus. Will this happen assortment of minority groups, perhaps caus- matters worse. Still, I feel as though these ef- verse students per year? Furthermore, the use in every case? Absolutely not. In most cases? ing feelings of displacement and misunder- forts are superior to utilizing affi rmative action of numbers might be construed as objectifying Probably not. At the very least, one should standing. Th ere is indeed more to the Black, policies that give rise to applicants based on minority students. What people should realize recognize the many variables in the equation Asian, Hispanic, and other communities than their (objectifi ed) color as opposed to looking is that the use of numbers is more or less un- before making a judgement call on either party the fact that they are “diff erent.” In addition, at what makes them unique as a person. avoidable when detailing a class profi le. Th is involved in the process. Th e institution cannot this diff erence is largely qualifi ed in terms of In my opinion, affi rmative action only fact gives some leverage to administrations make minority persons apply – they can only race and race alone. What of religious diff er- adds to the problem of diversity because stu- that are keen on actually promoting diversity work to foster an appreciation for their institu- ence? Political? Shouldn’t these also be taken dents may feel as though using another scale through interaction and substantial, well-in- tion that will move them to apply. It is not the into account when attempting to measure the for those of a diff erent race is either unfair or tentioned eff orts. case that an institution is entirely responsible “diversity” of a group of people? However, let disheartening, depending on what end of the Regardless, the number game is a two- for a lack of diversity; to posit this is downright me make clear that no institution, be it a col- spectrum they lie. Th e concept is rooted in sided coin: on the one hand, it is a tool to give foolish. Th at aside, it is clear that this issue is lege or business, should take these factors into the liberal notion of equality; yet does it really some idea of the ethnic breakdown in terms one that is complex in many respects and de- account when determining which students or do justice to this supposed ideal? Rice has at- that are quite understandable. On the other, serves signifi cant attention. employees to accept/decline. tempted to meet this need by taking into ac- it can paint the administration in a negative ‘’You can’t be using race or ethnicity as count their student’s cultural heritage along light, making students of color set apart from a factor in admission,’’ said Richard Zansitis, with their extracurricular activities, grades, the majority. As long as an administration con- Sou’westerThe Page 4 News Wednesday, April 2, 2008 2005-2006 Campus climate survey fi ndings summary Dear Campus Community: • Females and older students had slightly more positive views about diversity As many of you know, we have worked with faculty, staff , and students to administer a campus • Th ere were social class and Greek status eff ects that indicated that lower social class and climate survey to students for the past three years (2005, 2006, 2007). We presented the data to Independent students were less satisfi ed with the campus climate. diverse groups/forums including a faculty meeting, a Division of Student Aff airs staff meeting, the President’s Staff , the Provost and Deans, the Black Student Association, the Gay Straight Alliance, Major fi ndings for the 2006 survey: and two presentations open to the entire campus community. We have also been asked to provide a • Diff erences between racial groups and between heterosexual and GLBT students declined summary of the results, and below we provide some of the major trends in the fi ndings for 2005 and in size and in frequency 2006. We also off er recommendations based on our fi ndings and conversations with many people • Gender diff erences were more frequent across campus. • Analyzing class cohorts (i.e., 4th, 3rd, and 2nd year students in 2005-2006) revealed eight We are encouraged by the positive trends in the 2006 data and are examining whether these changes including: trends continue in the 2007 data. In 2007, we were especially pleased that 55% of our student body o 4th & 3rd year students were more accepting of a GLBT roommate participated in the survey and we hope that even more of you will complete the survey this spring. o 4th year students thought staff members were more skilled in working with diversity In April 2008, we will again be administering the campus climate survey and we expect that this administration of the survey will include an assessment of our entire campus – students, faculty and Examples of changes that have been instituted that may help explain the above positive staff . We hope you will take part in this process as we work toward building a campus community trends in student attitudes and experiences: where all feel welcomed and valued. • Became a National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) campus affi liate which has resulted Professors Anita Davis and Chris Wetzel in numerous workshops for faculty, staff , students focusing on prejudice reduction • Became a Safe Zone campus which has included trainings for numerous groups of faculty, Brief Background and Demographic Data staff , and students focusing on creating a more supportive campus environment for LGBT students 1) In 2005 & 2006, 42-45% of our student body participated in the survey. Th e 2007 sample • Th e Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) has changed its name change from FOSTER and is now had a 55% participation rate. included within the Offi ce of Multicultural Aff airs and has continued to provide programming geared 2) Th e 2006 survey had only minor changes from the 2005 survey. In 2007, however, there toward increasing awareness and understanding of issues related to gender, sexuality, and the LGBT were major changes including a signifi cant shortening of the survey. community Major fi ndings for the 2005 survey: • Th e launching of an African American Studies program and its subsequent programming • Overall, students: and outreach to the campus and broader Memphis community o felt Rhodes was not very successful in dealing with diversity issues (esp. involving race and • Th e inclusion of the F9 foundation requirement (cultural perspectives) in the new curricu- sexual orientation) lum o are not convinced that faculty treat students from diff erent racial groups equitably o are not convinced that faculty deal eff ectively with insensitive classroom remarks Recommendations: o were not comfortable with having a GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) room- • More campus-wide conversations/programming about race, sexuality, and gender are need- mate ed • Views of the campus climate diff ered signifi cantly between White American and African • Interventions addressing classroom climate are critical including: American students and between heterosexuals and GLBT students: o Providing faculty with training and support in the area of diversity and pedagogy o African American students held more positive views about the importance of diversity, but o Consider adding an assessment of classroom climate to faculty teaching evaluations held more negative views about Rhodes’ eff orts to achieve diversity than did other racial/ethnic groups • Create a Strategic Planning Group representative of the campus community to: and were more likely to regret having attended Rhodes and more likely to consider transferring than o Build a community around diversity issues White American students o Identify and prioritize areas that need improvement o In general, GLBT students’ perspectives paralleled African American students’ perspectives o Develop an accountability plan and “point” people empowered to track progress on most issues • Institutionalize the campus climate survey to allow for longitudinal assessment/tracking NCBI Diversity program expanding Events, continued from Page 1 Asian culture might discourage students from at- By Matt McCulloch fall, winter, and spring breaks. However, the program is planning to tending. Staff Writer promote its presence on campus and extend its services to more people. HOLA also receives relatively diverse turn- Th e National Coalition Building Institute, or NCBI, is a preju- Streete and Warmack are very aware that students have diffi culty fi nd- out. dice reduction workshop that strives to promote respect for and under- ing time to participate. Th ey are working to implicate workshops in “I feel like we have more diverse attendance standing between people of every walk of life. Workshops are given the future for all freshmen during fall orientation. because we have the Spanish department and it is in half-day and full-day sessions, which include activities that foster “We hope to involve all of the Rhodes community,” said Streete. a language thing,” said Villa. “It’s not a cultural reconciliation and bonding between participants. One of their main goals is to train students to become workshop focus or about being Hispanic in America. Once “Workshops are a safe, confi dential atmosphere where we iden- leaders, making it possible to train more people at once. Th ose inter- we have more of a Hispanic population at Rhodes tify information and misinformation that we have grown up with and ested participate in a three-day “train the trainer” workshop that certi- that’s when we might have more about Hispanic how others experience and deal with discrimination,” said Professor fi es them to be NCBI trainers. Streete and Warmack hope to conduct Americans.” Gail Streete, who co-directs the program alongside Associate Dean a “train the trainer” during Senior Week this May. Many feel that students are uncomfortable Dwaun Warmack. Workshops are designed to educate individuals on Another strong appeal of the NCBI program on campus is its abil- attending some multicultural events, or simply how to embrace diversity and how to react to prejudice in everyday ity to off er customized workshops for student organizations. It can de- don’t want to make the eff ort. situations. sign workshops around an organization’s needs. Streete and Warmack “From what I understand people think BSA “NCBI is my favorite diversity workshop,” said Warmack. hope that the program can enhance student organizations’ diversity events are for black people only,” said Jasmine Th e two co-directors represent a partnership between Student Af- education by off ering these specialized events. Miller, a member of BSA. “It’s just another in- fairs and academics, which they feel strengthens NCBI’s infl uence. “Every person’s issue counts,” said Streete. stance where people are uncomfortable with Streete and Warmack have conducted workshops with Peer Assistants, Th e co-directors have already presented an overview of the pro- something they don’t know.” Resident Assistants, Service Over Self (SOS) mentors, and faculty and gram to the Inter-Fraternity and Pan-Hellenic Councils. Th ey have “It possibly has to do with the kind of cam- staff members. also attended a national conference to obtain ideas for further develop- pus we’re on,” suggested Butler. “You have those Since 2006, all Peer and Resident Assistants have participated in ing the program. students who didn’t come here for diversity and a half-day workshop during their fall training. “NCBI was defi nitely “I think it’s a wonderful program and that it should be absolutely they don’t want to try new things.” benefi cial because it brought to mind diff erent prejudices that I wasn’t mandatory for all faculty, staff and students,” said Katie Reggie, a Peer Members of other multi-cultural groups even aware I held,” said Peer Assistant Intern Haley Law. Assistant. have noted the problems that BSA faces as a pos- R.A. John Hurd initially disagreed. Hurd took part in parts 1 “I thought that most of the people in my group including myself sible future for their own groups. and 2. He was disappointed with the fi rst part, but felt part 2 was an were already aware of the main ideas of the program,” said Alexa Weis- “It makes me nervous because if we have improvement. man, also a Peer Assistant. more Hispanic students, does that mean people “It felt like it was demeaning rather than uplifting,” said Hurd. Over 200 students and 100 faculty and staff members have par- will stop coming because they’ll think, ‘oh no, “Part 2 was a lot better. It was really good this year. I though it was ticipated in NCBI. If you would like to schedule a workshop for your they’ll be more exclusive now that they have more informative.” organization, contact Loretta Yarbrough at [email protected]. Hispanics,’” said Villa. In the past, workshops have been off ered during or at the end of In order to encourage attendance the BSA Events, continued on Page 5

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 News Page 5 Diversity, continued from Page 1 Classroom, continued from Page 1

assistant director for multi-cultural aff airs. fi dence level or willingness to speak,” said of the African American Studies depart- “Th ere have been signifi cant changes,” “And that pressure may just be perceived, Watson. ment, and allotting special fi nancial aid for said Professor Luther Ivory, who was a and no one else is really putting it on them. But this diversity is not specifi cally ra- African American applicants and Memphis member of the Diversity Task Force. “Not But your perception is your reality and that cial diversity. City Schools’ valedictorians and salutatori- quantum leaps but changes. I think this has pressure becomes very real.” “Th ere have been times when I have ans. been in part driven by curriculum changes But some minority students also say identifi ed more with whites in the class- “What I think was important [about and the faculty commitment to discuss is- they have to speak up because of miscon- room than blacks,” said Watson. “If you did the task force] was getting people talking sues of race, gender and multi-cultural- ceptions other students have. have a rougher childhood you would defi - about it and showing them the college was ism.” “It’s not really a pressure,” said Jasmine nitely feel more comfortable in a classroom serious,” said Drompp. Another signifi cant improvement is Medley, a Junior Religious studies major with people who have shared that type of Th e college had already begun to imple- increased engagement with the Memphis who is black. “Sometimes I feel like I need upbringing. Th at shared common ground ment some of the changes recommended by community and higher levels of minority to because what people are saying about gives you more of a chance to speak.” the task when, in February 2002, a series of enrollment. In 1999 minority students were black people is totally wrong and I want to All-white classrooms also present chal- racially charged incidents shocked the col- speak up. You want people to understand lenges for professors. lege community into action. In the early what it’s like coming from a diff erent back- “If you have homogenous classroom part of that month two African-American ground.” that is all white, there can be an openness students’ cars were vandalized, and three In terms of the perspective of profes- in discussing race but it’s diffi cult to prevent other African-American students, includ- “From conversations sors, leading discussions about race pose a a group of people that are all white from ing the president of the Black Student Asso- number of diffi culties. seeing people of color as radically diff erent ciation, received hate mail in their campus I had with students I “When there are people of color in the from them,” said English Professor Leslie mailboxes. classroom, in some instances it’s more diffi - Petty, who teaches two English courses that “What I suspect happened was not only could sense a fearful- cult to have diffi cult conversations because involve discussions of race. “But you do the conversations about diversity but the ness and worry. I think people don’t want to off end other people,” want them to acknowledge the diff erence actions that were taken caused a lot of peo- said History Professor Charles McKinney, so it’s tricky.” ple to become fearful because they didn’t what happened in that who teaches a number of classes on African- According to Pohlmann, if the students know what would happen to the college,” American history. “Th at is a sentiment that in a class are all white it may also lead to said Drompp. “From conversations I had incident was a manifes- runs high on campus. People don’t want to more racially insensitive remarks. with students I could sense a fearfulness seem outside of the mainstream by off end- “Having one black student in the class and worry. I think what happened in that tation of that fear.” ing someone.” changes the tone of the discussion. It doesn’t incident was a manifestation of that fear.” -Professor What some students see as politeness change the point of view,” said Pohlmann Th ese incidents sparked a campus-wide can also irritate other students. of the discussions of race in his black poli- struggle to refl ect on the state of Rhodes’ Drompp “Our white students are concerned tics class. “I rarely ever have anything sur- commitment to racial diversity and respect. about off ending students of color and are face that could be considered quasi-racist. On February 15, 2002, the faculty cancelled terrifi ed that someone might think they But the year it was all-white students those classes in order to hold programs address- are a racist,” said African American Stud- views did occasionally leak through.” ing racism at Rhodes. Th e Black Student less than 8% of the student population, but ies Professor Anita Davis. “And I think stu- For many professors the key problem is Association also hosted a “Make a Stand” they currently make up over 13% of the dents of color are just exhausted from hav- student’s lack of experience discussing and rally in the amphitheatre to voice support population. ing to do it always and very frustrated when dealing with race. for diversity. Th e majority of the student “We are more appealing to minority they don’t feel like their peers are putting “I think because we are a southern population attended the rally. prospective students than we used to be,” themselves out there. And so it makes for school and we get a lot of people from the “After their report we did have a very said the Dean of Admissions, David Wot- a very potentially volatile situation in the South and the Southeast the continued leg- disappointing incident on campus. But I tle. “I do very much believe there is more classroom.” acy of separation of races means they come think that it did create some positive con- of a critical mass of minority students on When leading discussions on race, Po- without experience interacting with diverse versations,” said Troutt. “Th at was a good campus.” litical Science Professor Marcus Pohlmann, groups,” said Davis. “And it’s a challenge to moment in that regard and that the college Still, the college continues to face chal- who teaches a class on black politics, cre- push them out of that.” did resolve to do a better job of dealing with lenges. ates certain ground rules at the beginning Petty also said that she sees a sincere ef- those issues.” “My sense is academically there’s more of the semester. Students are not allowed to fort from students to discuss race, but their “People point to the incidents of Febru- interaction between diff erent types of stu- personalize their argument and they cannot knowledge about race makes that diffi cult. ary 2002 as a benchmark but there were a dents because they’re required to, and I talk outside the class about anything said by “I feel like many student’s backgrounds, lot of things in progress prior to that,” said think that helps outside the classroom,” a particular person in the class. Pohlmann whether their high school or their cultural Russell Wigginton, the Vice-President for said Davis. “But what I hear is there’s not also works to create a level of familiarity in knowledge, is extremely thin,” said Petty. College Relations. “But the events shined real integration. Students aren’t really shar- the classroom by having students introduce “Th ere are just all kinds of things about the the light on us more in that regard.” ing social spaces.” themselves, their background and their ex- history of race in America that my students Since 2002 the college has continued But despite the challenges Davis, and periences with racial issues. have never heard of. It’s very hard to discuss to tackle issues of race in a number of dif- most of the other members of the Diversity “You have to try to get into the mindset if my students have never learned the truth ferent ways. Th ese include academic and Task Force, agree that Rhodes has gained of both white and black students and han- of that history.” institutional, such as the Commitment to ground in terms of encouraging diversity. dle discussions in a way that is sensitive to But this problem may apply more to Diversity which the Dean’s Council issued “I think it is on a positive track,” said their sensibilities without squelching con- underclassman than students who have par- in June 2002 and is now part of the college Drompp. “I think we have a long way to versation,” said Pohlmann. “It’s something ticipated in a number of classes on race. handbook. go, we’re not at a perfect point. But I think you have to develop over time.” “I think my English majors, by the time While students describe the diffi culties they’re that age they are more comfortable of discussion in diverse classrooms, many because discussing race is something they’ve Events, continued from Page 4 they will hold a Jazz night as well as encourage also acknowledge the benefi ts. gotten more comfortable with,” said Petty. theme days, similar to a homecoming week. “In my southern literature class it was Students and professors both face dif- entirely white. Which I think may have fi culty in discussing race, but most students has tried a number of diff erent strategies. Last “We really want to do something to open made people more comfortable because are positive about the guidance provided by year they encouraged members to bring a friend up and allow people to see that it’s okay, the BSA they wouldn’t be judged,” said Whitney their professors. and even went so far as to stop writing BSA on is not a militant organization and we’re not here Faust, a sophomore who is white. “But at “My professors are pretty objective and some signs. to take over Rhodes, we want you to have fun the same time you can’t really have a con- they don’t put their own opinions in there. “I really feel like we made an honest eff ort to and invite you to have fun with us,” said McLain. versation about race with just one race pres- It’s a comfortable and open environment,” reach out to students,” said Butler. “We want to make this campus more aware of ent. I think overall it would have been a said Medley. “I just think that people don’t But, according to Butler, it didn’t cause a what we have going on. It’s not a thing about us better thing to have a more diverse class.” know, they’re unfamiliar with black people signifi cant increase in the number of non-black trying to separate ourselves. It doesn’t have to be Diversity in the classroom also increas- or anyone diff erent from themselves, so students who attended BSA events. another diversity workshop we just want to have es some student’s ability to discuss their they just don’t know about it and they feel BSA currently plans to hold a “BSA Week” something diff erent to pull people in.” opinions. uncomfortable.” during the last week of the semester, during which “Diversity defi nitely aff ects your con-

Sou’westerThe Page 6 Gooch and Poop Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Cajunabonics Pop is new Indie/Emo by Gabe Keller likely) after-hours outside your local pub and/or By: Ex-Indie Lover Joe Th ompson Diversity is one of the foundational corner- bar? Fear not! While most of their Cajunabonics Boy/Girl are the times a changin’. Over the past 5 stones that makes America, as well as Rhodes are as indistinguishable as they are humorously years, the emo/indie trend has exploded and garnered so College, great. America is a diverse place with all garbled, there are some common phrases as well much attention that it had to shed its label as non-conform- sorts of distinct cultural diff erences, from dress to as the names of common items you may fi nd in ists, underground ballers and now has become the nothing traditions and even to voice. Of the most notice- your very own swamp hut/shanty. but a bunch of whiny, money-grubbing, conforming sensa- able diff erences are the languages and dialects. Vehicle : Weepity Bop tions. All their music sounds the exact same now and the Ebonics is a good example of this dialect distinc- Arm Chair : Lippa Dong lyrics and demeanor couldn’t be any worse. How many tion, where some in the African-American com- Television : Dabble Rah times do I need to see and hear about how underground munity have adopted a slightly altered version of Water : Whiskey Band of Horses or Th e Decemberists are? Newsfl ash ass- English to refl ect their unique heritage. Family : Pum Skmmity heads, I don’t need to hear their shitty, grinded up, “we are However, there are other cultures feeling left “Do you know where the restroom is?” : “Flim natural born losers” music anymore. It was once cool to out of the loop and are beginning to take progres- WOP Rebben Deez?” listen to Radiohead and now every one of you douche bags sive steps to recognize their lineage through their “I’m ready to have fun!” : “Whiskey” have ruined that. Ben Folds? Wasn’t any good to begin language: Cajuns. Th e Cajuns have been ne- “Hark! Look out for the alligator! : “Joggity with. (I know I ended that sentence with a preposition and glected for far too long and have united to make rim rim WAH ret!” I think English majors fall directly into this entire category certain that their cheeky vernacular is spread be- “I have a dilemma!” : “Whereada Whiskey!” of douche baggery.) Jack Johnson? I can play two chords yond the murky bayous of the darkest parts of “Looking good, Mom.” : “Hagger RUPP” on a guitar and eat turd sandwiches all day too. And could uncharted Louisiana. Th e dialect is known as “Clean the mousetraps!” : “Dinner is ready.” someone please wake Damien Rice up? Whispering does not ensure that you make quality music. Cajunabonics and is already highly observed and “My overalls are torn.” : “Blegh Tuxedo Lo- He’s a chotch anyway. respected by the academic community. “Cajuns palo” So what happened to all the talent that made Indie and emo are a particularly neat section of the American “Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant” : “Uggir re- music cool? It left and it’s now bringing back the best in Pop mu- public,” says Professor of Linguistics Dr. Phillip swa ONG Shakespeare” sic. Yeah that’s right. Pop is now a really awesome trend wagon McKrevis. “Th ey are an amazing culture in that “Th e Other Boleyn Girl was wonderful.” : that I can’t wait to jump on and leave all you raging indie bon- they are able to communicate with people who “Aunt Tammy’s on Cops…again.” ers in the dust. Th ere are no written love songs here (thanks to have absolutely no idea what they are saying. No “Th ey found Dad in the swamp.” : “Whis- Sara Bareilles) but there is better music with more talent and less one outside of the Cajun lines has any idea what key” conformity. Rihanna gave me an umbrella because she took an a Cajun is saying when he/she/it is speaking. I And these are only a few of the charted slo- oath and for that I won’t ever have to get the DJ to stop the music. mean, even foreign immigrants have some stan- gans, creeds, and mottos most often cited by Ca- Has Indie done that for me in the past year? No. It absolutely dard language for everyone to understand. Ca- juns. Th e actual colloquial speech is and untrans- hasn’t. Th ey have just bitched and moaned about not getting a junabonics has virtually no discernable pattern or lated and frankly, untranslatable. Cajunabonics record deal from a big company. Well those big company talent any hint of linguistic logic. Truly remarkable.” is catching on like wildfi re, and headed north. guys are pretty good and they know it when they see it. Ya’ll ain’t Remarkable is right. With a relatively close Remember to be friendly to those Cajuns you it. You’re too big for those companies anyway so leave it alone. proximity to the swamps, you no doubt have see walking the streets, peeing in public places So yeah, I guess I should say its too late to apologize because ya’ll come across a Cajun or two or eleven (they tend or hunting their dinners outside offi ce buildings have left the real talent in the dark. But I’m here to let you know to travel in packs). Especially since Hurricane (with or without muskets). Understand that just it’s on. Th at’s a fact. Fergie was clumsy for a bit but we know how Katrina, many Cajun folk have been seen in because their “English” is garbled and hardly G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S-ly talented she is and I can only thank previously uncharted territories for their kind, close to anything considered proper, that this is pop music for allowing an under privileged artist as Fergie to get including Houston, Kansas, and anywhere else merely their extension of their unique culture and noticed and allow me to enjoy her music without missing it like a that isn’t the bowels of Louisiana. Th is has forced be appreciative of the newfound diversity that child misses a blanket. I’m glad no one else listens to her and she is so pop underground its badass. many businesses and public arenas to become stirs in your heart, soul, and loins. Maybe you I’m putting her in this article so she will get the pub that she rightfully deserves. You’re right. I did more sensitive to the needs of their Cajun breth- can even say “hello” as you pass their hut/shanty: just Sean Kingston you by taking you dere. ren (remember; Cajuns are Americans too). Just say ragginmarter. Or if that doesn’t work, just Ben Folds: Crap. So what happens in the event that you yell Whiskey. Th at’s bound to make you a Cajun Fergie: Good enough to necessitate new superlatives like “Fergalicious.” come across a Cajun in the light of day, or (more friend or two. Should I grow a mustache?: Prudently weighing your options by Dusty French nothing at all? Th ey’re better able to mesmerize and “shock and So the advice is simple: Be cautious. Th e mustache you own Image is everything. Everyone knows that out there in the awe” those they are prosecuting, so that they may be more eff ective could be a game-saver in the end. But wielded inappropriately, and world, it is dog eat dog and people would rather spit on you that on the streets. If Offi cer Whatshisface looked like the Dad on Fam- the ‘stache becomes a tremendously terrible weapon with devas- look at you. No one knows this fact more than men. Eligible bach- ily Ties or something, the streets would be a much deadlier place. tating results. Th e best thing to do is just be reverently aware of elors are tossed into the gauntlet of fi re trying to maintain their When a woman asks for a modern-day Knight in Shining Armor, whether or not your frame is sturdy enough to support the facial aesthetics and mediocre looks in the hopes of landing that one true you know she isn’t looking for Screech, Steve Urkel, or any number mystique that is the mustache. Or the fu man chu. Or the Burnside beauty somewhere, someday. But for some, desperate times call for of men whose facial pallets were not blessed with this natural work (connecting the side burns to the mustache). Or the Handlebars. If desperate measures. of art; no, she’s looking for a sturdy and reliable chap who’s able to not, maybe the lesser forms are for you; the goatee and the (shud- So you think you’re looks might need a pick-me-up, so you’re get the job done. And nothing says “I am willing to do your job,” der) Soul Patch. calling in the pinch hitter to seal the deal with the grand-slam of than a healthy mustache. male aesthetic enhancements: the Mustache. It’s an important de- Costs: cision. Th e mustache is a heralded facial symbol that says, “If you But be careful, butterscotch! Th e mustache is a double-edged couldn’t tell by the broad shoulders and slacks, I’m a man. And I’m sword that while magnifi cently eff ective, it may also be devastat- a manly man.” But beware, young squire. Th is decision is not one ing to those who wield its power willy nilly (if you use words like to be taken lightly or haphazardly. One must prudently weight his “willy nilly” regularly, the mustache may not be for you). One must options before making such a monumental decision so fool-heart- consider which type of mustache is best suited for the facial can- edly. vas. While the fu man chu is righteous, confi dent, ballsy even, the Benefi ts: Hitler-stache is appalling and just classless. Tom Selleck made the Th ere’s no doubt, sweet pea: Th e fl avor savor has had its share mustache magnifi cent in Magnum P.I., but Scott Baio made it in- of fi ne victories. Mustaches took the likes of a gawky and awkward furiatingly repugnant in Whatever It Was Scott Baio Acted In Other boy named Farrokh Bulsara and turned him into the hardest rock- Th an Happy Days. Also, remember that 72% of all men nabbed in ing lover of all time: Freddie Mercury of the best band of all time, To Catch A Predator on NBC don mustaches of some sort (all of Queen. Mustaches have the ability to invoke a tremendous amount which go under the category of “molest-ache”). In that same vein, BAD: Probably GOOD: Freddie Mercury of adoring laughter but also have the ability to maintain a gripping 48% of all sexual harassment cases worldwide are mustache related. child molester owning faces with most of awe and reverence over those who eyes gaze upon them. Why do It is a powerful device, the mustache, but for some its power may from the latest To his power coming from his you think police offi cers are only allowed to grow mustaches or be too great. Catch A Predator. handsome handlebars.

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Poop and Gooch Page 7 Who will the running mates be? Ask An Alumnus by Terry Gaither By Richard Geech Ask An Alumnus is an annual advice Th e political climate is white hot right now. Th e primary season is all but over, with Super Tuesday being a few weeks behind us now, but column sponsored by the Sou’Wester. It features the torrent roars when discussing who the candidates for the next President will be. But who will run with the candidates, should they get the a prominent alumnus, Terry Gaither (’81), in nomination? Th e question may be more important than we realize. According to famed political analyst Charlie Cook of Th e Cook Report, a which he lends his own advice and wisdom from candidate’s running mate should only “strengthen the weak places on the candidate’s platform. Th ey should complement each other, and the his twenty years of working on Wall Street and his vice-presidential candidate should never harm the presidential candidate’s chances.” With this in mind, we here at the Sou’Wester have created last six years working from his cell in a maximum a list of potential candidates that would complement the four front-runners and strengthen the weak spots on their platforms. security, 24-hour watch mental facility. “Dear Terry, I’m on the yearbook staff , I’m treasurer John McCain and Snoop Dogg: Hillary Clinton and Emperor Palpatine, of Star Wars: of my sorority, I’m in Rhodes Singers and I have a Th e Republican presumed nomi- Clinton will need someone to counter her undue stereotypical really important internship, not to mention I’m a nee is, you guessed it, a crusty, soft and feminine demeanor with someone who is hardnosed, Bio major. What do I need to do to keep everything old white guy who may or may unrelenting, and possibly better looking than her. Th e evil organized?” not carry a gun on his person at Emperor from Star Wars is the perfect candidate. He will be Stressed, all times. While the country is able to create the unity she so desires with her “We’re all in Hard Working Harriet looking for a time of fresh ideas this together,” routine, but he will be able to do so by force Oh, what do you know? An overachiever! and change, McCain maight not (no pun intended) rather than feminine “democracy.” Plus, At Rhodes?! You make me sick, kid. I suggest be what the people are looking for Hillary will fi nally get a theme song to march into packed you take whatever it is they give me whenever right now. Speaking of “fresh” in houses while on the campaign trail (Imperial Death March, I get antsy (I think it’s called a “nightstick”). comes Snoop Dog, fresh off the set anyone?). Th at’ll calm you down. If that isn’t your cup of of “Father Hood,” keeping it quite Negative Eff ects: Might be too much evil, with both Clin- tea, maybe try this proverb on for size: Quitters real on the McCain campaign ton and Palpatine. Lightsabers aren’t allowed at the White never win, but they certainly don’t look like an trail. While McCain is elbowing House either. idiot loser, either. with fellow wealthy veterans trying Other Possibilities: Popeye the Sailor Man, Monica Le- Quitting may be the best thing for you. to accumulate donations, Snoop- winsky, or an orange. Th ink of it this way, if you are (as I assume you a-loop can be rallying votes with are) a stubborn lady of the night; overachieve all of those veterans’ grass-smok- at quitting. Make sure you don’t just quit one ing grandkids. And think about thing. Make sure you quit them all. Really burn the debates! Snoop is well known some bridges too. Th is means storm into your for his free-styling rap off s, and if, next meeting wielding a letter opener and mak- say, Mos Def, were to collaborate, ing violent threats. Th at way, they won’t think there would be no end to the pum- you’re a quitter and lazy, they’ll just know you’re meling the Democrat would take. bat shit crazy and you needed to quit. Problem Negative Eff ects: Th ere are solved. none, unless being too awesome is a negative. “ Dear Terry, Other Possibilities: Kim Jong Graduation is coming up, but me and Il, Jesus, or Dr. Dre. my bros are strapped for cash. Got any good and aff ordable vacation locales for the summer break?” I LOVE Jack Johnson Records, Drury Morris Yeah, here at Pleasant Oaks, for Barack Obama and Wilford Mike Huckabee and Marilyn Manson: Talk about hav- “Summer Break” they let us roam around in the Brimley: Just like everybody else, ing some balance on your ticket, could you imagine a ticket yard, but not too close to the trees (otherwise Obama’s ticket will need a little that included a Southern Baptist minister and a Minister of the lady who thinks she’s a dog will attempt to balance. Who better to do that for Satan’s Army? It might be unstoppable. Huckabee secures mark her territory- yikes), and our wet-tee-shirt the charismatic African-American the evangelical right while Manson secures every death met- contest consists of orderlies hosing down those than the tiring and smarmy Dia- al voter in the country (all eleven of them). Plus, Manson of us that get out of hand (and by “out of hand” betes spokesman Wilford Brim- looks enough like a woman to secure the female vote. Th is I mean “start biting others”). But thanks for ley? He has a famous face (he’s the Felix-and-Oscar Odd Couple might just be the juxtaposition reminding me about how much fun I won’t be old horse riding diabetic you see this country needs. having again this year. when you’re channel surfi ng), and Negatives Eff ects: Manson has been banned from Huck- Since you’re asking a newspaper col- he’s quite well spoken as a B-list abee’s home state of Arkansas for biting the head off of pup- umnist, and a legally insane one at that, you actor (much better than Schwar- pies at a concert; which might pose a problem. must not have any friends or plans. My sug- zeneggar). He might be the seda- Other Possibilities: David Copperfi eld (because this guy gestion to you is to drive somewhere where you tive that keeps Obama’s campaign needed a miracle), and a fl ux capacitor and/or Dr. Emmit know people cooler than you will be having a from getting too super-excited Brown from Back to the Future, because he already lost, and party, crash it, and hope they don’t throw up with all of the celebrity endorse- quite soundly at that. on you. Remember, if there aren’t any airborne ments and keep it from spiraling STD’s in the area, it’s not a good summer vaca- out of control. Plus, Brimley se- tion, and therefore, you are not having a good cures the heavily coveted Mus- time. I hope you get lost at sea. tache vote. Negative Eff ects: Could fall “Dear Terry, asleep on the saddle. Might feel Boxers? Or briefs? Tee hee…” inclined to ride his horse to vari- Pillowfi ghting, ous meetings around the Oval Of- Annoying Anita fi ce. Neither. Th ese bad boys are sterilized gov- Other Possibilities: Bill Troutt, ernment plastic to ensure that nothing goes in Rick Moranis, or Oprah (howev- and nothing comes out without the hospital er, were Winfrey to join the ticket, knowing about it. But don’t worry; it’s cut bi- Obama would step aside and be kini style or something even more exotic, which her Vice-President (duh).). would make your head explode if I decided to spell out the physics behind it. Put that under your pillow, Anita. You’re welcome.

Sou’westerThe Page 10 Arts & Entertainment Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Rites of Spring roundup 2008

Th e Welfare State (Friday at 8 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) Members: David Six ’08 (rhythm guitar, vocals), Luke Archer ’08 (bass) , Paul Burmenko ’08 (lead guitar), and Anthony Siracusa ’09 (drums). Six, Archer, and Burmenko started playing together in the fall of 2005. When Anthony Siracusa ‘09, veteran of Memphis bands Pezz and Bury the Living, joined in January of ‘07, that’s when they began to sound like what they had been envisioning. Something about Six’s folk and indie infl uences on rhythm guitar and vocals (Deathcab for Cutie, Modest Mouse) and Siracusa’s intricate rhythms on drums gel beautifully. Archer’s melodic bass lines (infl uenced by Radiohead, Dave Matthews Band) beef up the sound. All of this is topped off with Burmenko’s guitar style based in his blues lead and electric slide background (Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes). Th e conglomeration of all of this instrumentation melds with Six’s superior songwriting. On the Friday of Rites weekend, Th e Welfare State will be playing three new songs and fi ve other original songs they played during Battle of the Bands. Th ey will be playing their fi rst cover song as well. Burmenko describes their sound as “he best way to describe us is Johnny Cash meets Modest Mouse with a little bit of Deathcab.” Th ere is a reason they were the judge’s favorites and winners of Battle of the Bands.

Al Kapone (Friday at 9 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) Al Kapone may not be a house-hold name regarding rap music, but odds are that you have heard one of his songs. Kapone shot to national attention with the release of Hustle & Flow. Kapone wrote “Whoop Th at Trick” which was the catchiest song in the entire movie. On the soundtrack and in the movie, Terrence Howard preformed it, but it was all written by Al Kapone. Kapone was an excellent choice for writing the song because he is one of the biggest names in rap in Memphis, the city where the fi lm takes place. Kapone is one of the rappers that melded Southern crunk into what it is today, the other most notably being Lil Jon, who Kapone helped co-write “Snap Yo Fingas”. Like most rappers, Kapone came from the bottom up: cleaning dishes at the local Red Lobster. He sold his records out of the trunk of his car. Al Kapone has not sold a whole lot of albums like Lil’ Jon but he has done well enough to get by and focus on his rapping, leaving the Red Lobster days behind. He is currently touring with a six piece band, Th e Untouchablez, so there will not just be a DJ playing the track in the background like most rap performances. Kapone tries to keep true to the sound of Memphis music. His rap is unmistakably Southern over heavy crunk beats that will have Rhodes students moving the entire night.

Ky-Mani Marley (Friday at 10 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) With a last name that is Marley, you can pretty much take it to the bank that Ky-Mani would follow his father, Bob Marley’s, footsteps and become a reggae artist, like several of his brothers. While Ky-Mani might not be as well-known as his brothers Ziggy and Damian, he is still a critically acclaimed artist. He jumped into the music scene in 1997 with his album Like Father Like Son, which was a compilation of covers of his father’s songs. His third album, released in 2001, was nominated for best reggae album, but he lost to his brother Damian’s Halfway Tree. Ky-Mani had taken a six year musical hiatus that ended with the release of his latest album Radio in 2007. He has worked with Pras from Th e Fugees and rappers such as Young Buck. Ky-Mani is not just riding on his father’s name. He does things his own way. He draws inspiration from world music, hip hop, blues, rock, and grass roots that results in an end product that is hard to classify into one genre. You do not forget, however, that it is Ky-Mani Marley you are listening to. His style is raw and genuinely him. He crosses the line between reggae and hip-hop/rap, but not in a gimmicky way like Sean Paul. Marley is not a traditional reggae artist as one would expect from his name. He grew up in Miami, and does not have the Jamaican accent like his brothers do when they perform.

Girl Talk (Friday at midnight in the BCLC Ballroom) Girl Talk is not a Bay Area band that plays exotic bluesy latin-feel world jazz (which may come up if you search Girl Talk on google). Girl Talk , however, is the stage name for producer/mashup DJ Gregg Gillis. Gregg’s specialty is sample-based remixes, which translates into something like Kanye West’s beats. You take someone else’s music and then change all the background instrumentation, or a large majority of it. Th ere are familiar elements that one might pick up, but, in essence, it is a completely diff erent song. Gregg uses dozens of elements from diff erent songs to create a completely new song. He also does mashups which is combining multiple tracks together to make one song. An example of this is Danger Mouse’s Grey Album (which is a mashup of Jay-Z’s Black Album and the Beatles’ White Album) or Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s Collision Course album. We may get to hear some of Gregg’s upcoming album Feed the Animals when he performs during Rites of Spring. Gillis’ show is pretty much going to be a dance party. Unlike most DJ’s, who stay in their booths, Gillis likes to be next to the fans and will more than likely join in the party. It is also a safe bet that he will be shirtless or mostly naked by the end of the night.

Th e Vagtastic Voyage (Saturday at 8 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) Members: Jessica Lotz (guitar, vocals), Erin Hebert (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Caroline Sellars (guitar, mandolin), and Cord McLean (vocals) Caroline Sellars and Jessica Lotz began playing music together about two years ago, mostly for Rhodes events such as V-Week and Parents’ Weekend. In the fall of 2007, Erin Hebert joined the team, and by Pubpalooza of this year, they started using the name Vagtastic Voyage, taken from Superbad, in honor of V-Week, which has obviously stuck. Cord McLean, who frequently guest spots for the girl group has become an honorary member. Th ey are a very versatile group that can play classic folk music and quickly switch to a glorious montage of hip-hop/R&B songs. Th eir ability to adapt songs of diff erent genres to their traditional bluegrass /folk instrumentation shows how innovative and creative the group is. Th e Vagtastic Voyage will perform some torch-song sing-a-long favorites, folk and blues, and lots of new songs. Some of the new material will be written by Cord McLean. Th ey will only be playing two songs they played at Battle of the Bands. Th e Vagtastic Voyage will also have some fi rst time travelers join them for a couple of songs including Molly Bombardi-Mount (Ukulele), Kelie Montalvo (Banjo) and Casey Mohan (Percussion).

Gin Blossoms (Saturday at 9 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) Th e Gin Blossoms is a name that probably rings some bells. Th ey had a few hits back in the nineties including “Hey Jealousy”, “Found Out About You”, and “Follow Me Down”. Th e Gin Blossoms hail from Tempe, AZ, and have had a long and tumultuous past. Plagued by many departures of band members and shuf- fl ing around of replacement musicians, Th e Gin Blossoms are still making music today. Original guitarist Doug Hopkins left the band and committed suicide in 1993, which hampered the initial success of Th e Gin Blossoms’ fi rst string of hits. Th e band broke up in 1997 due to serious creative diff erences and general confl ict between band members. All of this was set aside when the band offi cially regrouped in 2002. Just because you have not heard their stuff in about 10 years, does not mean they have lost their touch. Since the reunion, they released an album in 2006. Major Lodge Victory put them back on the Billboard charts after a decade-long absence. Th e Gin Blossoms are a traditional alternative rock band, much like the ones you see in the TV ads for alt rock compilations like Buzz Cuts. Th eir music will bring back a lot of nostalgia and warm feelings from the fond memories of your middle-school days. Also, front man Wilson is very interactive with the crowd. He often passes audience members his tambourine to play or he will sing into people’s cell phones.

Of Montreal (Saturday at 10:20 p.m. on the BCLC Lawn) Of Montreal is technically categorized as an indie band but they have also been labeled as electronic, experimental, and psychedelic pop. Th e band’s lineup has gone through some extensive changes over the years, as have their style of music. Every album they have released as Of Montreal has been with a diff erent roster and diff erent genre of focus. Th e band keeps trying to reinvent itself over the years, and decided to stick with their electronica/psychedelic pop genre because of their growing popularity due to exposure in several commercials. Th eir biggest hit is “Wraith Pinned To Th e Mist And Other Games”. You will not recognize this song by name, but by its incessant repetition of the mind-numbing line “Let’s pretend we don’t exist, let’s pretend we’re in Antarctica”. Like most of their promotional material (their website and their Myspace page), the band does not seem to take anything seriously. On Myspace their list of infl uences includes, and I quote “hope chest handjobs at dorm room fargos, 68 straight/gay days of glacial life, theosis and hydromancy using a sword’s blade (preferably dong fang)”. I looked and it is just nonsensical mumbo-jumbo; none of those are bands. Of Montreal attempts to gain popularity using a somewhat of a shock factor including wearing Technicolor makeup, dressing like Velvet Goldmine costplayers , and having frontman Barnes appear nude on stage. Of Montreal will be releasing their ninth album in October of this year.

Sou’westerThe Page 8 Arts & Entertainment Wednesday, April 2, 2008 What you should listen to Bravery and Phantom

By Cristina Iskander Staff Writer Planet rock Newby’s You know that commercial for the MacBook Air? Th e one that talks about “thinnova- tion”? Well that ad has been on my mind for weeks, and not just because it makes me feel By Charlotte Watson Sam Endicott, was dressed in the tightly technologically inferior. Th e song playing in the background is called “New Soul” and Th e Bravery, Phantom Planet and Your fi tted black rock star uniform. Th eir perfor- it’s off of new artist Yael Naïm’s self titled debut album. Th e French born-Israeli singer is Vegas played at Newby’s this past Monday, mance was decent, and didn’t lack energy a strange combination of Feist and Regina Spektor, and her music has an equal amount March 23, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. by any means. But their presence was con- of soul and quirkiness. Her album, featuring lyrics in Hebrew, French, and English, is Unfortunately I was late to the show and trived; as each member in the band seemed deeply intimate and rich with culture. Apple commercialization aside, she is one of the therefore am unable to comment on how to be performing for himself, like they were most interesting voices I have heard in awhile. Plus, she does a wonderful cover of Britney Your Vegas performed or contributed to the practicing in the mirror rather than per- Spears’s “Toxic.” overall experience. Regardless, it was fun, forming for an audience. Lead singer Endi- Another artist has also caught my attention recently. Featured on Grey’s Anatomy a but not because the music was good. It was cott was especially unnatural as he fl apped couple of times, Irish born Foy Vance has a moving voice and eloquent lyrics. His music is mediocre at best. Not because I am a fan on stage like a convulsing duck and would the kind of music you can just get lost in, and I suggest that if you like Damien Rice, you of any of those bands, as I actually entered sometimes strain and lean back in Brandon look into some of Vance’s music. the experience with a relatively high level Boyd style exasperation. Th e whole time, Kate Voegele, who appears as Mia on One Tree Hill, and whose empowering song of contempt for Th e Bravery. Th e combina- Th e Bravery seemed to be faking their per- “It’s Only Life” is heard in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 trailer, has one of the tion of an awkwardly heterogeneous envi- formance, with a routine as stylized as their most promising and exciting debut albums I’ve heard in awhile. Her pop-rock sound, a ronment, a largely vacant room and two synthesizers. little bit Avril Lavigne, a little bit Tori Amos, is extremely listener friendly and shows her unimpressive bands, Phantom Planet and Endicott even had the audacity to dedi- range. An extremely dynamic performer, she excels when it comes to emotional, evoca- Th e Bravery, seemed to both contrast each cate their song “Swollen Summer,” about tive lyrics and interesting arrangements (some of her songs feature the mandolin). While other, yet oddly occupy a similar station in his self-deprecating struggle with fame, that the album is the kind that you can listen straight through, “Chicago” about escapism, the the arena of popular music. was soon followed by an obscene hand ges- aforementioned “It’s Only Life”, and the melancholy “Kindly Unspoken” and “Only Fool- Phantom Planet was adorable. A group ture implying masturbation. He also dedi- ing Myself” are highlights. of fun-loving boys wearing their own T- cated the single “Time Won’t Let Me Go,” a Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” is one of my favorite songs and I’m hesitant shirts, with a circular illustration of piano wretched song about his pathetic youth, off to embrace covers of it, but Susanna and the Magical Orchestra’s rendition of it is…well, keys form a shirt sleeve with a hand emerg- their newest album Th e Sun and the Moon magical. Th e duo, while not new to the scene, is relatively unknown, and their beautiful ing from the cuff , Phantom Planet doesn’t to Frankie Valley, Tom Cruise and Ralph re-imagining of the song is haunting. Th eir newest album features all covers and every take themselves too seriously. Th e lead sing- Maccio. What made the dedication funnier song is so deconstructed that you feel like you’re hearing the songs for the fi rst time. er Alex Greenwald consistently interacted is how Th e Bravery can never be washed-up with the crowd asking them to sing along. because they will never make a substantial He playfully thanked the “merch atten- impact. Th e Bravery makes a futile attempt dant” quickly contending, “I don’t want to at Robert Smith style depravity and charg- call her ‘merch girl.’ I feel like that’s belit- ing synth hooks, making them rather un- tling or sexist or something.” original and forgettable. Th e only redeem- Phantom Planet played varied mix, ing quality of Th e Bravery’s show was the The Puzzler from their most recent single “Do Th e Pan- lefty guitarist Michael Zakarin. Donning ic” to their older hits like “Nobody’s Fault.” a pink button down and a pleasant, even Greenwald, along with the rest of the band sincere, demeanor, Zakarin kept me inter- members, were genuinely surprised that so ested; he would jokingly pose for people in many people at the show even knew who the audience and seemed to be having the they were; constantly drawing attention most fun of anyone in the show. to the few kids, very few, who were sing- Th e crowd itself was as odd as the show, ing along. Proof of their humble and play- as none of the people there seemed to know ful nature, when the group of rowdiest fans what was going on and were not an identifi - suggested the band play their newest song able crowd. It was as if everyone just kind “Leader,” Greenwald invited them onstage of ended up there, but then again, it was a to sing along with them. But quickly con- Monday night. ditioned his invitation with a mischievous Th e whole time the Bravery was play- “Don’t worry if you don’t know it all yet, ing, I began to wonder why these guys I’m not trying to call you out or anything.” were famous, and if they were really serious Phantom Planet’s performance was about what they were performing. Sure, we entertaining, but somehow terribly forget- could just assume that they are that bad, table. Th ey are a pop-rock band that has but it seemed as if this may be an osten- built their following on the base of catchy sible identity, meant to create a hoax on the hooks. More prominently, their former people who are dim enough to enjoy listen- drummer Jason Schwartzman, who left the ing to more than one Bravery song. Maybe band 5 years ago to pursue his acting career, this absurd identity has been pushed upon is no longer a part of the band’s success. It them, trying to make as much money out seems as if no one really cares about Phan- of this neo- new-wave trend that is already tom Planet anymore. Try as they might to dead. Maybe Th e Bravery is just a refl ection write another catchy song and build their of our culture, every song packed with as fan base, it seems as if they’re doomed to be much depth as slice of pizza. Most likely, the band that plays the theme for Th e O.C., the pace of the music industry has swal- Th e rectangle in the fi gure is made up by nine squares. If the area “California.” Phantom Planet’s newest al- lowed up the likes of both Th e Bravery of the smallest square is four square centimeters, what is the total area of bum Raise the Dead could be better than I and Phantom Planet. Trends come and go the rectangle? expect, but even if it is, I doubt that many so quickly that the diffi culty of producing Hint: let s represent the side length of the square immediately to the will care. music without losing a fan base or a record right of the smallest square. Strangely enough, Th e Bravery and deal becomes fatal. If you think you know the answer, e-mail the answer to rinsl@ Phantom Planet seem to have this fated lack Fatal or not, both bands are still rhodes.edu for a chance to win two movie tickets. of future in common, despite their obvious around, continuing to tour, produce lack diff erences in style. Th e Bravery marched luster albums and have performances that out on stage trying their best to portray an are more memorable for their oddities than image of a hip rock band. Th e lead singer, their substance.

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Arts & Entertainment Page 9 Lysistrata at McCoy The buzz on pop culture: The By Alicia Buxton Staff Writer good, the bad, and the awkward Rhodes’ own McCoy Th eatre is privileged to be the site for the world premier of a new play: “Lysistrata and the Death of Cupid”, an adapta- By Cristina Iskander good addition to any music collec- one even more annoying than Wil- tion of the classical Aristophanes play by Kyle Hatley (’02). In the Aris- Staff Writer tion. lard Scott will be on there. Th ough tophanes tale, Lysistrata leads the wives of Athens in a barricade of the Th e Good Th e Tudors on Showtime re- I’m not a fan of Giff ord’s, I take public funds building to protest the Peloponnesian War. Even worse, they Broadway is thriving with new turns on Sunday. I know we don’t comfort that she’ll only be appear- decide to withhold sex from their husbands until they agree to end the projects. In the Heights, about the get Showtime on campus, but in ing on the fourth hour of the show, war. Although the play handles serious subjects like war, peace, and sex- Latino community of Washington honor of this artful show, I encour- which is usually just fl uff . ism, the end product is a bawdy comedy famous for its scenes of the men’s Heights, made a triumphant, well age you to go rent the fi rst season. Vh1, always the forerunner in massive erections. received debut; a revival of the After all, Jonathan Rhys Myers is quality entertainment, premiered a Th e new production maintains many of these same themes (and the classic Gypsy offi cially opened; and playing Henry VIII—it can’t hurt. new show, erections), but builds upon them, by including the gods and issues of John Waters’ (best known for Hair- REM’s new album Accelerate I Know My Kid’s a Star. Th e fate and free will. Athena, Apollo, Hades, Aphrodite—and of course, spray) new musical Cry Baby began hits stores this week. Here’s hop- reality show features pairs of par- Cupid—all create a world where the gods are confronted by the threat previews. In the coming months, ing Michael Stipe and Co. can ent-child teams working to win a of free will. Despite the serious and sometimes diffi cult subject matter, the musical version of Billy Elliot, a kick Danity Kane’s Welcome to the management contract. To say this Hatley maintains the bawdy quality that helped give Aristophanes’ play revival of Stephen Schwartz’s God- Dollhouse out of the top spot in the show is disturbing would be a gross such longevity. Th is excellent and thoughtful show is not for the faint of spell, and Harvey Fierstein’s A Ca- charts. I mean really, what kind of understatement. Th e goal of the heart: with false erections, sex, curses, and fl ying arrows, this ain’t the tered Aff air are set to open. world do we live in that the group show is supposedly to fi nd the child play to bring along Grandma. In other Broadway news, Rent, from Making the Band 3 has the with the “It factor” and the parent “Th e original was a straightforward Greek comedy, taking the com- originally slated to close June 7, has top selling album? most capable of managing a career. plex subject of citizen dissent toward government and making the dra- extended through the beginning Jamie Lynn Spears is engaged, Instead, the show seems more like matic action comic through sexual puns and imagery,” explains Kevin of September. Adam Pascal and y’all! (And just for fun, you can a documentary on dysfunction. Collier, Th eatre faculty and a cast member. “Kyle’s adaptation draws from Anthony Rapp, who created the search Babies R Us for her regis- Perhaps the most ridiculous part several Aristophanes plays while remaining framed by “Lysistrata,” and roles of Roger and Mark and also try...it’s there and surprisingly easy of the show is the intense rivalry focuses on human potential. Is fate irreversible? Are we mere playthings returned to the New York produc- to fi nd). between mothers Pam, a clean cut for the gods or can we take control of our own lives? Can one person re- tion last fall, are set to begin their Former Dawson’s Creek star woman who quit her job and has ally make a diff erence?” stint in the national tour of Rent James Van Der Beek has a job! Van poured $35,000 into her daughter’s Dealing with a confl ict older than Ancient Greece, yet as fresh as the this fall as well. der Beek will have a guest stint on burgeoning “career”, and Rocky, a war in Iraq, this production has a timelessness to it. Th e greatest feat of Th e irreverent, wacky comedy CBS’s How I Met Your Mother, former actress who has appeared all, though, is the set. Not only is it unusually large for a McCoy produc- Scrubs is most likely moving from which recently featured the “tal- in “hits” like Th e Wasp Woman, tion, but the center of the set is a pit containing fi ve tons of sand. Th e ac- NBC to ABC next season. Th e ents” of Britney Spears in an epi- Cyborg 3: Th e Recycler, and Th y tors use the sand as a form of expression: clutching it, burying their faces show, originally set to end this sea- sode. I know it’s just a small part, Neighbor’s Wife, whose daughter in it, throwing it and, yes, even humping it. Th e sand makes the audience son, has changed gears and altered Van der Beek, and far from your painfully stumbled through the connect to the dirt and grit of the show’s plot, while simultaneously pro- storylines because of the writer’s comfort zone of waxing poetic lyrics of “Son of a Preacher Man.” viding great visual eff ects. strike. Th e show has fi ve original about life’s complexities as Paula Worst still? Th e show is hosted by A further addition to the unique quality of this production is its in- episodes left to air and show run- Cole croons in the background, the King of Self Destruction and clusion of music. All of the melodies are taken from classic folk songs like ners felt that an abbreviated season but it’s something. former child star himself, Danny “Erie Canal”, “John Henry”, and “Oh Mary, Don’t You Weep”. Th e words would not allow them to present Th e Bad Bonaduce. Do these parents really have been rewritten for the show, but the raw, wailing quality remains the ending they feel they owe their Best known for her role as want their kids to be getting advice intact. Accompanied by Apollo, music takes the celebratory moments and fans. NBC has off ered producing Dawson paramour Joey Potter, Ka- from Bonaduce? Th e guy has had shares them with the audience in familiar tunes. several direct to DVD episodes or tie Holmes is in talks to make her every drinking and drug problem While the cast includes many Rhodes favorites—Katie Preston (‘08) one fi nal episode to be aired while Broadway debut alongside John under the sun. as Lysistrata, Shannon King (‘07), Michael Towle (‘08), Dylan Hunter ABC supposedly wants to order Lithgow and Dianne Wiest in a re- Th e Awkward (’08) and Zack Stovall (‘08)—also joining the huge ensemble are actors 18 new episodes. In other Scrubs vival of Arthur Miller’s Tony win- Princess Bride: Th e Video- from the community. Local actors Bill Andrews, Julia Hinson, and Ken- news, a fairy tale themed episode ning play, All My Sons. While I’m game? Inconceivable! Not exactly. dall Karcher (‘05) among others perform in various roles. Th is casting has inspired by the Princess Bride, fea- all for getting Katie Holmes out of Th e game is set to feature charac- not only allowed the students of the McCoy Th eater the opportunity to turing the Janitor as Th e Giant. the house and away from her couch ters like Buttercup, Wesley, Inigo, work with professional actors, but it has given the Rhodes community the A Juno soundtrack sequel, jumping husband, I’m not sure the and Fezzik. Players will advance chance to watch local performers display their talent in our own arena. called Juno B Sides: Almost Adopted stage is the best place for her. After through levels inspired by the “I hope the audience leaves with a stronger sense that although each Songs is set to be released on iTunes all, she’s a bad television and fi lm movie including: As You Wish, person is responsible for his or her own life, we are stronger when we work April 8. Th e album features Ellen actress, and in those, she gets to do Battle of the Wits, the Fire Swamp, together. Th e right thing to do is almost never the easy thing to do,” says Page, Belle and Sebastian, Buddy multiple takes. I can’t imagine her Miracle Max, and Storming the Collier. Holly, and Yo La Tengo, among live. Castle. I love Princess Bride—it “Lysistrata and the Death of Cupid” runs in the McCoy Th eatre others. If the fi rst soundtrack is Kathie Lee Giff ord is joining was one of my favorite movies as April 3, 4, 5 and 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 nightly and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets any indication, this looks to be a the Today Show. Finally…some- a child, but does this game really are $2 for Rhodes Students. need to exist? Th is week on Flavor of Love 3, Flavor Flav invited four new girls to join the fi nal four original girls in his mansion. One of the new women is approxiametly seven feet tall. Flav, not being one to remem- ber names well, aptly named her Tree. Flav stands at 5’7”. Needless to say, Tree was not thrilled with her new title. She also had to bend over quite a bit to recivie her clock and hug Flavor Flav. Th e most awkward part of this was Flav’s comment that he enjoys climbing trees

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Sports Page 11 A Diamond in the Rough in the Emerald City Memphis By Willie Leibner Miguel Batista, along with lefty Jarrod Washburn. Th e three com- hosts second Staff Writer bined to post 39 wins last season. Th e trio possesses good experience As pitchers and catchers head down to Florida and Arizona for and will provide stability and depth to the M’s starting pitching. Th e spring training this week, there is a clear consensus on who should be bullpen boasts one of the top closers in all of baseball, J.J. Putz, who annual Civil playing and who will be hitting the links in October for the Ameri- burst onto the scene a year ago recording 40 saves, and a 6-1 record can League. Th e Red Sox, Yankees, Indians and Angels have received with a 1.38 ERA. Th e bridge to Putz may prove to be a problem area much of the off -season attention with good reason, as each are loaded for Seattle this season, as their setup men and middle relievers are Rights Game going into 2008. Yet, with the completion of a major trade this off - largely unproven. However, youngsters Brandon Morrow, Cesar Ji- By Ralph MacDonald season, a new team has placed themselves in prime position to succeed menez and Eric O’ Flaherty all show promise. Th e Mariners may be Sports Editor this season in the American League. smart to shop for an experienced middle reliever or two if they do fi nd As we approach the fortieth anniversary Th e Seattle Mariners had a solid 2007 campaign, fi nishing with themselves in striking position down the stretch. of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination at an 88-74 record, good for second in the American League West. Yet, Seattle’s off ense was strong in 2007, posting a .287 team batting the Lorraine Motel, AutoZone Park played with the recent acquisition of left-handed fl amethrower Erik Bedard, average, tied for second in the American League. Th is season, the host again to the second annual Civil Rights Seattle may have found the missing piece to the puzzle and could very Mariners will look for more of the same, as eight starts return includ- game between the New York Mets and the well be a part of baseball playoff s for the fi rst time since 2001. Bedard ing Ichiro Suzuki, one of the top leadoff men in the Major Leagues. Chicago White Sox. Memphis has a histo- leaves Baltimore and joins a starting rotation that already boasts one Last season, Ichiro led the Major Leagues in hits with 238, was second ry with sports and civil rights, having been of the top young pitchers in the game, Felix Hernandez. After battling in batting average with a .351 mark and stole 37 bases. Ichiro’s out- a prominent stop for barnstorming Negro adversity his rookie season, Hernandez emerged last year, posting a fi eld-mate Raul Ibanez continues to be one of the most underrated League teams with the attractions of Beale 14-7 record with a 3.92 ERA. Th is year, he fi gures to build on that players in the game, after, yet again, driving in over 100 runs last sea- Street and sizeable crowds that appreciated performance and establish himself as a perennial Cy Young candidate. son. Kenji Johjima is one of the top off ensive catchers in the American the legendary players’ abilities. He possesses an electric fastball that consistently sits in the mid-nine- League, behind the dish and Designated Hitter Jose Vidro, and is a Today it seems only appropriate that we ties, coupled with a knee-buckling curveball. At just 22, Hernandez welcome member of any potent off ense when healthy. Last year, he have sports event dedicated to civil rights. has learned more over the last two years in the big leagues, and is now was, and hit .314. Th e missing pieces on off ense lie at the corner infi eld Sports have been a place where race matters armed with a full repertoire of pitches and the experience to handle spots. If Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson can perform to their full little compared to the skills that one brings major league hitters. In addition to his explosive qualities, Hernandez potential, the Mariners’ off ense could be downright scary this season. to the table. Sports teams have been an equal has the makeup of a true ace. Last season, in the much-hyped debut of Each has the ability to hit forty home runs and drive in 120. With opportunity employer long before a lot of Daisuke Matsusaka, Hernandez stole the show in Fenway Park, spin- such production, it is no stretch to project that this off ense could put companies and sports are capable of bringing ning a complete game one-hitter in front of a national (and interna- up over 900 runs this season. normally racist people to appreciate the work tional) TV audience. “King Felix” is poised to put himself among the Seattle now is armed with the top-tier pitching to compete for a of all athletes. elite pitchers in the American League, but his new counterpart Erik pennant. Possibly one bat away, the Mariners also have the off ensive Despite the empowerment that minority Bedard is already in that class. Bedard fl ew under the radar in the fi repower to complement the staff quite nicely. Th ey have a nice mix athletes have received through sports, there last two seasons, but performances speak for themselves. During that of youngsters and veterans and, despite the strength of the American is still much work to do in the sports world two year span, Bedard posted 28 wins and a 3.46 ERA as well as 221 League overall, they play in the most winnable division. Both Oak- as well as society. Professional sports are still strikeouts last season, good for third in the American League. Bedard land and Texas fi gure to struggle this season and the Los Angeles An- predominately owned and operated by the is battle-tested as well, having pitched in numerous games against for- gels of Anaheim are strong, but by no means invincible. Th e Mariners white majority, and leadership positions such th mer division rivals Boston and New York during his career. A young have a balanced off ensive attack, they play solid defense (5 in the AL as coach and general manager are being per- left-handed power pitcher, Bedard complements his right-handed last year) and have a dangerous pitching staff , laden with three stars formed by a disproportionate number of mi- colleague Hernandez quite well and gives the Mariners a deadly 1-2 (Hernandez, Bedard and Putz). If they can stay healthy, acquire a set- norities when considering the ethnic break- punch at the top of their rotation for years to come. up man and stay unifi ed under inexperienced skipper John McLaren, up of the players. Th e teams represented in Th e rest of the Seattle staff is rock solid, with a veteran-heavy look for Bedard, Hernandez and Putz to pitch the Mariners into the the Civil Rights Game were success stories back end of the rotations that features right-handers Carlos Silva and postseason. for minority leaders, as the White Sox won the 2005 World Series with a team put to- Champion’s Final Four Thoughts: A historic event gether by African-American general manager, Ken Williams, and Hispanic manager, Ozzie League Preview By Ralph MacDonald hit a late three to bring the game within Guillen. Th e Mets ended the Atlanta Braves’ Sports Editor two before Kansas missed on their oppor- fourteen year hold on the National League By: Tyler Ponder Memphis was on the right side of his- tunity. With eleven seconds left, the Jay- East in 2006 with a vice-versa relationship: Staff Writer tory Saturday as it became the third of hawks smothered Curry and point guard manager Willie Randolph is African-Ameri- For those of you who keep up with soc- four number one seeds to win their region- Jason Richards was forced to heave a des- can, while general manager Omar Minaya is cer, you know that it’s that time of year again. al bracket. The Tigers will advance to play perate three from well behind the arc that Hispanic. After many months, the quarterfi nals have the UCLA Bruins on Saturday April 5th clanked off the backboard, well left of the A fair number of fans braved the light rain fi nally been set. after dominating their way through their target. to watch the game, which was each team’s last Th e semi-fi nals will be held on April 22nd side of the bracket. Memphis won their Possibly the most interesting part game of the spring training exhibition season. and 23rd and then again on the 29th and 30th. games by an average of over 16 points a about four number one schools making ESPN telecast the game and had an oppor- Th e winner of the Arsenal/Liverpool match game with the only scare coming during the Final Four is the unusually large num- tunity to bring in a bright, articulate minor- will meet the winner of the Fenerbahce/Chel- a three point win over Mississippi St. On ber of upsets in the early rounds this year: ity voice to properly explain the signifi cance sea match. Th en, the winner of the Roma/ the other side of the bracket, the North twelve seed Villanova over five seed Clem- of baseball and race, but instead decided to Manchester United match will meet the win- Carolina Tar Heels will play the Kansas son; thirteen seed Sienna over four seed use Joe Morgan. Questionable announcing ner of the FC Schalke/Barcelona match. Th e Jayhawks in their first match-up since for- Vanderbilt; ten seed Davidson beat seven decisions aside, ESPN did a very good job fi nal match will be held on May 21st at the mer Jayhawk coach, Roy Williams, left to seed Gonzaga, two seed Georgetown, and highlighting the game’s signifi cance on ra- Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia. take over the UNC program. The emo- three seed Wisconsin; twelve seed West- cial issues and cast the city of Memphis in a tional Williams has stated his distaste for ern Kentucky took down five seed Drake; positive light. It should also be noted that the T.V. listings- playing his former school long before the thirteen seed San Diego over four seed game was sponsored by AutoZone, which has Tuesday, April 1st, tournament started and is no doubt up- Connecticut; and seven seed West Vir- contributed to the city of Memphis with jobs, 1:30 P.M. Central, Roma vs. Manchester set about the additional drama that will ginia stunned two seed Duke. People who the sponsorship of the stadium, and by spon- United on ESPN2. played into an already intense game. decided to pick an “upset bracket” have soring the Civil Rights Game. Th e participa- Kansas had the most difficult time gone from first to last in their office pools. tion with the Civil Rights Game is especially Wednesday, April 2nd, advancing past the Elite Eight of all the But given the first and second rounds, it important as it shows the company’s commit- 1:30 P.M. Central, Arsenal vs. Liverpool remaining teams, as seen in knocking out should be less surprising that the number ment to promoting awareness and dialogue on ESPN2. ten seed Davidson, who stood as the last one seeds have advanced so far since their for race in Memphis and the nation. David amongst the four Goliaths. Di- fiercest competition was knocked out by minutive tournament hero Stephen Curry, Cinderella teams that came back to earth. who had been averaging a whopping 35 points per game over the first three games,

Sou’westerThe Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Sports Page 12 Rhodes Softball turning Lynx Look to build on things around record breaking season By Peter Zanca excellent performance as she pitched the By Rebekah Keller Staff Writer full seven innings and struck out eleven Staff Writer The Rhodes softball team ended a ten- batters on the way to an 11-4 win. Ryan Rhodes Baseball, coming off one of game slide last week with a pair of victo- again performed well at the plate, going the best seasons in school history in ’07, ries over Rust College and then carried the 3-4 and scoring three runs, including her had high expectations heading into this momentum into the weekend to split two first career homer. Freshman shortstop year’s season. Although this season might games with Hendrix. Allison Conn went 3-5 for a run and an not have started out as strongly as they In the first game of Wednesday’s RBI. The Lynx held a slim 5-3 advantage might have hoped, the Rhodes Baseball double-header, the Lynx dominated the at the top of the fifth inning but put to- team still has plenty of which to be proud. overmatched Bearcats of Rust by a score gether a strong closing effort, including a Following this past weekend’s games at Se- of 20-0. Senior pitcher Dana Bartolomei three-run seventh inning. wanee, Rhodes now stands with an overall threw the second perfect game of her ca- In the second game, the Lynx contin- record of 19-8 and a SCAC East record of nd reer as she struck out each of the fifteen ued rolling as Bartolomei and Lutzy both 5-2, placing them at 2 place in the con- batters she faced. Bartolomei also had an scored off of Rebekah Moore’s double in ference. In addition, as of last week, the rd outstanding game at the plate, going 3-3 the first inning. After that, however, Hen- team was ranked 23 in the country. with three runs and three RBIs. Senior drix began to find its rhythm, culminating After winning the series versus Se- shortstop Amanda Lutzy hit 3-4 for three with a four-run third inning that included wanee, claiming the victory in two out of runs and three RBIs. Sophomore catcher two home runs. Rhodes made a run at the three games this weekend, senior Matt Jennifer Whatley went 2-3 with three runs reclaiming the lead in the seventh inning Jack expressed his feelings on the week- and two RBIs, and freshman first baseman with two runners on base with one out re- end. Gwen Weil/The Sou’wester Olivia Ryan was 2-2 for four RBIs. The maining, but Bartolomei’s grounded out “We were hoping for a sweep, but two On March 25 the Lynx won 6-5 over team scored seventeen runs in the second to third and the rally attempt ended. out of three isn’t bad. It wasn’t an ideal Mississippi College. inning as they put Rust away early. Despite falling short in the second weekend, but it was a good weekend.” The second game of the doubleheader Hendrix game, all four of last week’s It’s obvious that this team has set the satisfied with anything less than perfec- was much of the same as freshman pitcher games were positive steps for the Lynx. bar high for themselves, yet it is not as tion and, as a result, they have experienced Sara Bowen earned her first career no-hit- They put a definite end to the ten-game though they’re without reason to boast. many highlights that come pretty close ter in a 21-0 victory. Like Bartolomei in losing streak that had plagued the team. When asked about his thoughts on the at times. On March 21, Rhodes defeated the first game, Bowen also had an out- Hopefully, the Lynx can now finish strong season thus far, Head Coach Jeff Clean- Emory 8-4, the #5 ranked team in the standing game at the plate, finishing 4- in conference play with one more game thes responded, “It definitely hasn’t gone country at the time. Individually, both 4 with three runs and four RBIs. Senior against Hendrix and two other conference as well as expected. We’ve had some set- Hurd and fellow senior Daniel Vanaman outfielder Savannah Deaton went 2-3 and series remaining. The team currently sits backs, but we’ve also definitely had some achieved career milestones this season, scored four runs while Whatley and soph- at 6-12 overall and 1-5 in conference play, guys really step up.” picking up their 200th hit, an accomplish- omore third baseman Armanda Venezia but Rhodes can definitely make a run at Senior Richard Hurd leads the team ment only about 17 other players in SCAC each had three hits. the division title in the wide open SCAC with a batting average of .388, while fresh- history have been able to reach. Further- The Lynx carried their momentum West Division. The Lynx make a home man Brent Lindsey is close behind with an more, pitcher senior Robert Flanagan set into a weekend series on the road against stand this weekend with a game against average of .382 and also leads the team in the career record for wins at Rhodes with Hendrix. In the first game of Saturday’s CBU on Tuesday and games against Aus- RBI’s with 34. 28. In any case, their desire for success cer- doubleheader, Bartolomei had another tin College this weekend. “Pitching has really been our strength tainly seems to be paying off. this year,” said Cleanthes. Despite any frustrations with past Junior Andy Holt leads the team with games, however, Rhodes looks forward to Rhodes Tennis looking strong an ERA of 2.35 and a winning record of two big upcoming weekends. Specifically, 5-3. Freshman Taylor Babich has been next weekend’s series against DePauw is By Hal Flowers neau University and Christian Brother another stronghold in the pitching rota- especially important, as Coach Clean- Staff Writer University (a Division II school, mind tion with an ERA of 2.57, going 2-0 so far thes believes the outcome will determine As a dreadful winter slowly and spasti- you). The men’s team lost two of their on the season. Senior Chris Catalanotto who wins the SCAC Eastern Division. cally yields to spring, at least a few minds are singles matches but rallied to come back also contributes a substantial record of 3- The Lynx host their next home series this on tennis. After an outstanding season last and win a close 5-4 victory over LeTour- 0. Collectively, the team leads the SCAC weekend against Birmingham Southern, year, the men’s team has struggled to real- neau. Freshman Rob Koehler and sopho- with a team ERA of 3.35. including a double-header on Saturday. ize previous success but has recently found more Tyler Snedden provided singles wins “We’ve been really pleased with our their rhythm in important conference and the Lynx showed their solid depth rotation’s performance.” matches. The women’s team, which lost only with Ricke and Westbrook winning their The Lynx show a clear refusal to be one player from last year, has maintained respective singles matches to win the momentum to jump to a 9-2 season start. match. The women’s team effortlessly The Lynx men traveled to Hendrix glided past both teams, with an immacu- 5-4 victory over Hardin-Simmons, which ing played 1 or 2. A few more matches are College in late February for their open- late 18-0 match record and dropping only was helped along by the three set singles needed to see where the Lynx really stack ing regular season matches, earning a 25 of 192 games in the two match-ups. win of junior Kelsey Mansman. The up in the conference. The women are now decisive victory over the Tigers of Colo- While some were enjoying a sunny sand- women dropped a 4-5 match to UT Tyler. an impressive 4-0 in the conference, and rado College 8-1. The following day the laden Spring Break 08, the tennis team Last week, the Lynx hosted the Rhodes 9-2 overall. Coach Hatgas said she was men dropped a close match over Birming- traveled to Texas to face University of Invitational, facing Oglethorpe Universi- impressed with the men’s team’s ability to ham-Southern College 2-5, with only #5 Texas at Tyler, University of Texas at Dal- ty, Centre College, and Hendrix College. provide depth, especially after the loss of singles junior Matt Westbrook and the las, and Hardin-Simmons University. The Both men and women went 3-0 against four of their top six from last year. She an- #3 doubles team of Westbrook and se- men struggled against nationally ranked these teams, which due to rain were end- ticipates that for both teams, the upcom- nior Matt Ricke bringing home victo- Hardin- Simmons (30) and UT Tyler ed on decision. Neither team struggled, ing match against Sewanee will be crucial ries. The women’s team enjoyed slightly (22), dropping disparaging 0-9 matches winning all matches by a large margin. in deciding how the Lynx will go into more success, defeating both Colorado against both. However, the men faired These matches moved the men up conference tournament play. She also cited College and Birmingham-Southern and better against UT Dallas, with Snedden to 2-2 in the Southern Collegiate Athlet- doubles matches as key to winning match- only giving up 2 matches in the process. and freshman Grayson Lucas winning ics Conference and 6-5 overall. This puts ups. The Lynx will face Lambuth College The Lynx teams hosted their next two tight matches to lead the Lynx to a 6- them at a hesitant 6th ranking in SCAC, and Mississippi College at home in the up- matches and reaped the rewards of a home 3 victory. The women went 2-1 over the with four teams having playing no confer- coming week. court advantage, with both men’s and week, serving out a hearty heap of victory ence games thus far and most only hav- women’s teams winning against LeTour- over UT Dallas 9-0 and pulling out a close

Sou’westerThe