Eastern Illinois University The Keep
The Post Amerikan (1972-2004) The Post Amerikan Project
12-1-2001
Volume 30, Number 6
Post Amerikan
Follow this and additional works at: https://thekeep.eiu.edu/post_amerikan
Part of the Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Journalism Studies Commons, Publishing Commons, and the Social Influence and oliticalP Communication Commons
Recommended Citation Post Amerikan, "Volume 30, Number 6" (2001). The Post Amerikan (1972-2004). 267. https://thekeep.eiu.edu/post_amerikan/267
This Book is brought to you for free and open access by the The Post Amerikan Project at The Keep. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Post Amerikan (1972-2004) by an authorized administrator of The Keep. For more information, please contact [email protected]. What is the memory that's valued so highly, that we keep it alive in that flame?
What'sthe commitment to those who have died when we cry out they've not died in vain?
Have we come this far always believing thatjustice would somehow prevail?
This is the burden and this is the promise and this is why we willnot fail
-fromthe song, "LightOne Candle"
Deborah Wiatt 1951-200'1
891. "ON .11WH3d 'uo16u1woo1e ioL �9 11 11 'NOJ.�NIW001B istE xoe ·oa atYd 3�YJ.S0d ·s·n Ue>j!J9W\fJSOd OHYONYJ.S pa15anba1::1 UO!J:>aJJOO SS9JPP\t 03J.HOS3Hd BLOOMINGTON/ NORMAL VOLUME 30 NUMBER SIX DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2002
Page 3--Community News: GLT I Page 14--Families: Transition or Crisis? Dinner for Unemployed Families/ Page 15--Us or U.S. & Drink More! Page 4--Community News cont. Page16--0ffthe beaten path movie reviews Page 5--Poetry Page Page 17--Audio Ammo: Fugazi/The Fall/ Pages 6-7--Labor News Cannibal Ox/ Manu Chao Pages 8-9--Advocacy Council News Pages 18-19--Review of Shallow Hal Pages 10-13--Deborah Wiatt memorial Pages 20-21--Political underground press Pages 22-23--Voice for Choice & NAMI Pick up a copy
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In this Issue: Bloomington AIDS Task Force, 313 N. Main About Books, 221 E. Front Barnes & Noble, Veterans & Rt. 9 Good numbers Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive About us Advocacy Council for Human Rights.830-2521 Burwells, 908 N. Main Amerikan is an independent The Post AIDS Hotlines Common Ground, 516 N. Main community newspaper providing informa National...... 1-800-AID-AIDS Crazy Planet Kitchen, 414 N. Main tion and analysis that is screened out of or Illinois ...... 1-800-243-2437 Gaston's Upper Cut, 409 N. Main down played by establishment news sources. Local ...... 827-AIDS Heartland Community College, Raab Rd. We are a non-profit, worker-run collective Alcoholics Anonymous ...... 828-7092 Lizards Lounge, 612 N. Main that exists as an alternative to the corporate Amnesty International-ISO [email protected] Shockwaves, 415 N. Main media. Animal Protection League ...... 828-5371 To Your Health, 1214 N. Towanda, #2 Better Business Bureau ...... 1-800-500-3780 Twin City Exchange, 411 N. Main We put out six issues a year. Staff members Big Brothers/ Big Sisters ...... 828-1870 take turns as "coordinator." All writing, Normal Boys & Girls Clubs of B/N...... 829-3034 typing, editing, graphics, photography, Clare House (Catholic workers) ...... 828-4035 Acme Comics, 115 W. North pasteup, and distribution are done on a Countering Domestic Violence ...... 827-7070 Babbitt's Books, 104 W. North volunteer basis. You are invited to volunteer Dept. of Children/Family Services ....828-0022 Campus Town, 121 W. North your talents. Gay, Lesbian & Bi teen drop in center.828-3998 Centennial Hall, ISU Gay & Lesbian Resource Phoneline ...438-2429 Coffeehouse, 14 E. Beaufort Most of our material and inspiration for Habitat for Humanity ...... 827-3931 Deadpan Alley Records, 107 W. North material comes from the community. The Headstart...... 662-4880 Ecology Action Center, 208 W. College Amerikanwelcomes stories, graphics, Post Home Sweet Home Mission ...... 828-7356 Mother Murphy's, 111 W. North photos, letters, and new tips from our IL Dept. of Public Aid ...... 827-4621 Movie Fan, 202C W. North readers. If you'd like to join us, call 828-4473 IL Lawyer Referral...... 1-217-525-5297 Normal Public Library, 206 W. College and leave a message on our answering Incest Survivors Support Group ...... 827-0790 North Street Cafe, 205 W. North machine. We will get back to you as soon LIFE-CIL...... 663-5433 Stevenson Hall, ISU as we can. Don't worry if it takes a while- Lighthouse (substance abuse treatment) .....827-6026 University Galleries, ISU we don't meet every week. McLean Co. Center for Human Services ...827-5351 McLean Co. Health Dept...... 888-5450 Peoria An alternative newspaper depends directly McLean Co. Housing Authority ...... 829-3360 Bicycle Bus on a community of concerned people for McLean Co. Humane Society ...... 664-7387 Illinois Central College existence. We believe it is very important to McLean Co. Peace Coalition ...... 828-7070 keep a newspaper like this around. If you Mid Central Community Action ...... 829-0691 think so too, then please support us by Mobile Meals ...... 828-8301 telling your friends about the paper, Narcotics Anonymous ...... 827-4005 What's donating money to the printing of the paper, your National Health Care Services/ and telling our advertisers you saw their abortion assistance ...... 1-800-322-1622 new adcrress? ad in Pnst Amerikan. When you move, be sure to send us your new Occupational Development Center ....4 52-7324 address so your subscription gets to you. Parents Anonymous ...... 827-4005 Your Post Amerikan will not be forwarded (it's PA (Personal Assistance Telephone Help) ..827-4005 TH like junk mail-no kidding!). Fill out this Phone Friends ...... 827-4005 handy form with your new address and return PFLAG(Parents, Families and Friends it to us, P.O. Box 3452, Bloomington, IL 61702. of Lesbians and Gays) ...... 663-0831
Subscriptions to the Post Amerikan are Name ______Planned Parenthood (medical) ...... 827-4014 available for the low price of $6.00 per year for (bus/couns/ edu) ...... 827-4368 Street ------six complete issues. Post Amerikan...... 828-4473 Please send a check (made payable to the Post City/State/Zip ______Prairie State Legal Services ...... 827-5021 Amerikan) to: Post Amerikan, P.O. Box 3452 Project Oz ...... 827-0377 Bloomington, IL 61702. Rape Crisis Center ...... 827-4005 Runaway Switchboard ...... 1-800-621-4000 Salvation Army ...... 829-9476 This issue of Post Amerikan Safe Harbor Mission ...... 829-7399 Due Date: The due date for submitting articles to the is brought to you by... TeleCare (senior citizens) ...... 828-8301 Post Amerikan is: (please laser print your Unemployment comp/job service..... 827-6237 articles in columns of 3" using Palatino lOpt. Western Ave. Community Center ...... 829-4807 type if possible.); or submit via e-mail at: David, Linda, Ralph Youth Build...... 827-7507 [email protected] Jan lSth and Sherlin .
PAGE2 POST AMER/KAN AUGUST/ SEPT.200 1 · •ie
Community News
Life Center for Independent Loaves and Fishes Living legislative internship finds new home On October 2, our soup kitchen, Loaves and Learn how to work with the state legislature Fishes, made a new home at St. Mary's Church about issues that affect you and your Parish Hall at 527 W. Jackson St. The staff and community. parishi�ners at St. Mary's have been incredibly welcoming, and over volunteers have signed Eligibility: Minorities with disabilities 35 up to help and consistently come to work with and/or individuals living in rural communities. dedication and smiles. Our dining area is spacious and with many helping hands, we Particulars: Program involves eight weekly Unemployed families decided to put up leaflets throughout the city half-day classes at LIFE Center for 15 to encourage others who may not know where Christmas party Dec. Independent Living in Bloomington, and three we are, to come and join us for a warm �eal. separate trips to Springfield. The 20th annual Children's Christmas party for unemployed families is set for Saturday, Today a young man named Mike joined us for Classes: Begin March 2002 and will include Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. at Bloomington High School' the first time. He was extremely dirty, hair sessions on how a bill becomes law; meeting and 1202 E. Locust St. disheveled, and was ready to eat. I told him it communicating with a legislator; and how to would be a few minutes, but that I would be actively participate in the legislative process. The annual event is open to any unemployed or happy to get him a cup of coffee. When I underemployed family in McLean county for retu ned to sit with him, he was reading a tiny ' Cost: Free: All transportation, hotels, meals, � children age 12 and younger. version of the New Testament and told me his and accommodations provided. luck in getting it given to him by the library. The Party features carnival games, costumed He had passages underlined in black and blue Anyone interested in this opportunity may call characters, arts and crafts, karate ink and had many long passages memorized. Jill Doran at LIFE Center for Independent demonstrations, cartoons and a visit from After a long silence, he finally looked up at me Living. S ta. Each child receives a grab-bag and a for the first time. "Know what my favorite � gift at the conclusion. passage is? It's the shortest one, but the most Voice: 309-663-5433 ITY: 309-663-0054 meaningful for me." He pointed it to me with 888-543-3245 The annual event is co-sponsored by labor and his dirty finger. "Jesus wept." "That's my management. Both the McLean County favorite." We sat in silence for a long time. No Supporter& contributor to Post dies Chamber of Commerce, the Bloomington & more words were necessary, and I left to stir the N_o mal Trades& Labor Assembly and the soup, humbled by Mike's gentleness and faith. � Livingston & McLean Counties Building & Fr Dockstader, a long time supporter and Trades together organize and fund the annual � It is wonderful to look into the dining room and contributor to the Post Amerikan, died event. November 5, 2001 after a brief illness. see the volunteers taking time to listen to each guest, to sit and visit with them. Dorothy Day Volunteers are needed to assist with activities. used to say that people didn't come for the Frank Dockstader was born in Berwyn, a son of Volunteers should be at the high school by 9 soup, but that they came for the compassion. Raymond and Josephine Dato Dockstader. He a.m. married Carol Schnurstein. Over the past 18 years people were treated with compassion at Holy Trinity, our first To register for the party, send a note listing the home, and now the tradition continues in the Survivors include his mother of Aurora two number of chiJdren anda returnaddress to loying hearts at St. Mary's as we break bread brothers, Raymond (Sally) Dockstader New Children's Christmas Party, P.O. Box 3248, : together and teach each other the meaning of York; and Michael (Roxanne) Dockstader, Bloomington, IL 61702, or call 309-828-4368. commuruon.. Grand Bay, Ala.; one son, David (Kelly) Doc �tader, Atlanta; and two daughters, -from Livingston & McLean Counties Union � --Tina Sipula Patnc1a Dockstader and Barbie (Bobby Angell) News Clair House News Dockstader, both of Asheville, NC.
Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Cassandra Amber, Melinda, Athena Marie and Evening Starr.
Frank was a talented writer who authored two Rachelle's semi-autobiographical novels and was in the process of completing histhird book. Macrame Excerpts from his first novel, Scum of the Earth, glass bottom tables have been published in the Post Amerikan and can be found at necroillusions.com. plant hangers • windchimes
keychains • wall hangings
ALL ITEMS HANDMADE I 02 N. CENTER• SUITE I 03 • (309) 829-8178 - Front 'N Center Bldg. • Muqaddim & Rachelle Addul-Haqq, Prop.
Monday thru Friday 12:30 - 6 pm • Saturday I 0-3 pm • Sunday by appt. ALL MAJOR CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE3 cont. students are involved in community service. GLT and HJO ring in the New WGLT is a non-profit Public Radio station and This means that numerous lives are improved in Year at 'The Big Band Bash' is a service of Illinois State University with a the Bloomington/Normal community because of format of "News, Blues and All That Jazz." the generosity of students. The Student The Heartland Jazz Orchestra Foundation is a Volunteer Center helps to provide many of WGLT and the Heartland Jazz Orchestra non-profit entity that funds the Central these service opportunities. present an elegant evening of dinner, dancing Illinois Heartland Jazz Orchestra. $50.00 of At the same time, it is important to analyze and merriment at the New Year's "Big Band each ticket is a tax-deductible donation to why more students are not volunteering at ISU. Bash." This black tie-optional event will be WGLT Public Radio and the Heartland Jazz The following are possible questions to ask held at the Interstate Center Ballroom in Orchestra Foundation. about ISU students: Bloomington Monday, December 31 from 6pm to --Are they too busy? While only 8% of seniors lam. For more information, contact: · reported spend 3-5 hours a week volunteering, Steve Fast, 22% spend that amount of time partying, and ·The evening kicks off with cocktails (at an open Promotions Director 30% are watching television that much. bar) and hors d'oeuvres at 6pm. A sumptuous WGLT Radio dinner that includes prime rib, chicken marsala --Is there a lack of volunteer opportunities for (309) 438-5083 phone students? The Student Volunteer Center exists and poached salmon begins at 7pm. The jazz (309) 438-7870 fax to provide students with hundred of volunteer combo Entropy will provide tasty dinner music. And the evening continues in high style with opportunities, and there are always enough available for any student who wants to be the Heartland Jazz Orchestra, who starts off The numbers are in: no more involved. an evening of dancing and big band sounds at In fact, 54% of seniors noted that 9pm. excuses! opportunities for community service were very Did you know that 72% of incoming Illinois satisfactory or satisfactory, which is notably State students reported in 2000 study that they higher than the national average. Also featured in this full evening of holiday had performed volunteer work while seniors in --Do they not know whereto findvolunteer fun will be a champagne toast at midnight, a high school? The summer before their work? The Volunteer Voice, campus mailings, silent auction featuring many unique items, a freshman year at ISU, only 16% of these 50/50 raffle and other activities. and other advertisements are sent to students students said that the chances were good that throughout the year to inform them of they would volunteer in college. By the end of opportunities. Tickets for the Big Band Bash are available their first year of college, however, over 44% of through WGLT by phone at (309) 438-8910 and thes students had performed community There are no more excuses! Contact the Student through the Interstate Center Box Office at � service work, which is slightly higher than Volunteer Center today to get involved on a (309) 829-3976. Ticket cost is $100.00 per person. the national average for students at four-year service project that you are interested in! More information is available at www.wglt.org public institutions. Whether through classes, and also at www.exposition.org. org�izati�ns, fraternities and sororities, or by --from Volunteer Voice the1! own interests, thousands of Illinois State
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2002 AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY PAGF. 4 POST The Poetr
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i make my own clothes with the influence of others YOtJR P0EM & the belief in my heart a cross my chest HERE. it says cometogether oneword as in oneworld onelove The Post Amerikan is seeking poetry that's the label eye aware submissions for the Poetry Page. not GAP & all that other crap constipating the landscape If interested, please mail your poem to: cometogether The Brown-Eyed Handsome Post Amerikan, P.O. Box 3452, that's what i buy in two Bloomington, IL 61702 or e-mail to: see i got a t-shirt & a hoodie Man [email protected] nomatter what the weather i'm spreadin the love In the box upon my shelf, We have the right to reject any poem. now i bought those not with the green is my last jar of mental health, but withmy thoughts as the current see I'd been saving it for a very stormy day. LOVES GIFT electrifying my passion to And that day finally came, pass it whileits on a torrential bout of rain, that Monday & you will see through the dark when my Daddy passed away. Christmas is the time of birth So I opened up the When I think of the first times 7 'cause if you're 666 i'm 777 jar, and I went down to Time & thatmay put me higher but the bar , and I raised a glass i'm not puttingyou down right there with all his friends. I recalled the occasion It was then I realized The preparation in fact i'm lendin you my hand that he i 'm Iendin you my smile will never really die he will For a child's day i'm lendin you my heart live inside our hearts until time ends. And We carefully laid to lift you up love every moment my mental health has been restored by at ' . but if you ain't ready least ten jars or more, Love with the words of hope that out for each other · take it steady 'cause i'm always everyone has given and ' open well sometimes i shut down too I know I won't forget Can't think of another the great legacy & i'll look to you to push or pull he left, All Gift change thebulb whatever is needed the knowledge, All the love, and all the wisdom .... it'll be heeded by meyou better to give --Written preacher teacher student fluent for Frank Dockstader (October 8, 1949- 'Cause the reason we live November in the language of 5, 2001) by barbie dockstader Is to share our hearts And this feeling what is behind these words these symbols these chicken scratches charts but i am not afraid A course to peace but standing alone my body can be knocked down while my spirit Its light does release never still, holds strong The reason we remember but when WE link arms A child each December link smiles And the Love link hearts and standtogether cometogether he brought our way WE form a chain in the cycle of love Endures reachin oneandall its strength did stay oneword onelove --Li� Frog Simmons oneworld cometogether --matt erickson DIESEL Put Your Ad in the Post DICK1S
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DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGES Labor News from Livingston &
There is no severance pay, although The holidays can be a great time of f arnily Bangladesh law requires it; no sick days are _ _ Buy union quality togetherness, enjoyment and good cheer. Just given and talking is strictly proh1b1ted. If remember to "look for the union label," when management suspects a worker of union when holiday shopping buying holiday gifts, refreshments and organizing, they are immediately thrown out of groceries. Too many people around the globe the factory and blacklisted. labor in sweatshops and other unfair conditions. The union label is your guarantee of Workers report being cheated out of thei� It's hustle and bustle time for retailers, as quality products produced under decent overtime pay, working almost five overtime shoppers pack the stores, searching for that conditions. hours weekly without pay. Workers report special holiday gift for loved ones, friends and needing about $69 monthly to live at � family. --from Livingston & McLean Counties Union substinance level, 34 cents an hour, higher than News the 14 to 23 cents an hour they now earn. As shoppers pack the aisles and jam the mall, it's also time to make that extra effort to look The caps they produce sell on the U.S. market for the union label. Sweatshop products for up to $18.99 per cap. These caps enter through U.S. customs with a value of $1.46, Although numerous consumer goods have fled which includes labor, materials, shipping and shores for cheaper wage havens overseas, with ISU logo items? the producing company's profit. shoppers can still find quality, union-made, American-made items. The National Labor Committee is charging Rather than asking for a boycott of the Illinois State University with using a company, the NLC is asking the universities In the toy department, "Little Golden Books" Bangladesh cap maker to produce university and other users to pressure Actor and other and Testor model kits are made by UAW logo materials in sweatshop conditions. producers to pay fair wages and insure worker members, as are Radio Flyer scooters,wagons rights. and peddle cars. Steelworkers proudly produce ISU has promised a full investigation and is Flexible Flyer sleds and outdoor play verifying the allegations against the factory. ISU recognizes both the Fair Labor Association equipment. and the Workers Rights Consortium, both of Charles Kernighan, NLC director, was in which monitor university logo materials for The Oil and Chemical Workers International Bloomington-Normal Oct. 26. At a rally on sweatshop conditions. ISU requires alllogo Union's members proudly make Dixon art campus and at a later presentation at Laborers producersto sign the FLAagreement and products, including many Crayola products. Local 362 Hall, Kernighan, along with adhere to FLA' s codeof conduct. Some play sets, tea sets and games are made by sweatshop workers, who traveled to the U.S. to two unions for Ohio Art, Etch-a-Sketch's name tell their story, noted abusive conditions at the ISU President Victor Boschini noted the brand, but sadly, this union toy maker moved university producer. charges, calling the 11 distressing." He released much production overseas this past year, as did a statement, asking ISU' s licensing department venerable Lionel Trains. The company, Actor Sporting Limited, working to contact other universities named in the at the Dada Factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, report to find out how they are responding. Sporting goods companies still produce routinely abuses and underpays its workers, numerous products in the U.S. Steelworkers according to the NLC. He also said, "It is important that our goal is make Louisville Slugger baseball bats, Arnold not to close down these factories, but to work Palmer, First Flight and True Temper golf clubs Workers at Actor produce items for Nike, with our umbrella organizations to resolve and fishing reels, Big Ploy fishing supplies, Reebox and 18 universities, including ISU. human rights issues and create a h���hy Titleist, Callaway, Tommy Armor, Brunswick ,, environment for workers at the fac1hhes. and Wilson golf equipment and Eagle brand The NLC charges that workers earn just 14 to 23 basketballs, golf balls, soft balls and cents an hour, with their helpers only paid six The workers described atrocious living and volleyballs. The Transport Workers make to eight cents an hour. There is obligatory working conditions. Janu Akther said she Zebco Fishing Reels. United Food & overtime and workers arecheated from that shares a small room with three other female Commercial Workers produce Wilson golf clubs, overtime. workers, and they share one bathroom and a Riedell ice skates and Mighty Mac, McGregor . kitchen with 5-6 other families. She described and 5 Brother hunting and fishing apparel. One worker told the NLC: "We cannot meet the 19 hour shift, catching naps between sewing UAW members make Powerbilt gold clubs and most basic demands of our daily needs with the machines. IUE members complete the Brunswick golf line. salary we are getting. How can we afford to see Another good source for high quality, union a doctor, and even if we could, how could we Another worker, Nasrin Akther, said the made products is a web-site, pay for the medicine?" workers have "no personal life, no social life, www.ButUnionNow.com. The brainchild of we live to meet the needs of the owner. If we St.Louis area unionists, the web site features The factory employs 3,500 workers, 80 percent try to organize a union we are fired and union-made, American-made products. Secure female, 75 percent between the ages of 18 and blacklisted." internet credit card purchase systems are part 25. of the web-site; or, the company offers an Kernighan called for ending the "race to the option of finding items on the web and then 11 to 15 hours of overtime are required weekly, bottom," with multinational companies seeking purchasing via check, to avoid using a credit resulting in an average shift of 8 a.m.-7p.m., six the lowest possible wages. He asked for U.S. card over the internet. If you don't have the days a week. organizations, particularly universities that internet or want an alternative means of license there logo rights, to insure decent payment or a list of products, call toll free to 1- Bathroom breaks aremonitored and timed and 866-289-6846. there is only one bathroom for 140 women. conditions for workers. He noted that one answer to terrorism is to "end the race to the bottom. As long as there is this enormous gap between the rich and the poor there will be no peace or security in this country. Misery breeds terrorism."
-from Livingston & McLean Counties Union News
KAN DECEMBER/ JANUARY2002 PAGE6 POST AMERI Mclean Counties
Chicago Tribune reporter Stephen Franklin chronicles Decatur's 1990s "War Zone" The national labor movement was hesitant in sympathetically yet critically in his latest response, still dreaming of past glory and book, Three Strikes. threatened by maverick organizers and militant workers. Decatur workers dared to With intimate, personal portraits of union show up at Florida hotels for the AFL-CIO leaders, rank and file workers and community winter board meeting in February 1995, cracking leaders, Franklin unfolds Decatur's laments. a facade that would result in the AFL-CIO's Workers and their unions played by the old first contested presidential election that fall. rules, caught short by an international economic system that found them superfluous. Decatur's workers survived the "War Zone" with intact but battered union contracts. This Decatur's union members responded to hardline as only a brief respite for the town, plunged company negotiation with a well-worn � mto racial turmoil in the late '90s and now solidarity, following a decades-old pattern of losing the Firestone tire plant, whose products striking to eventually negotiate better were blamed for Ford Explorer accidents. conditions. Franklin uses Decatur to tell industrial But no one told them the new rules included America's story, facing a global economy with jack-booted security guard, video surveillance, few power levers within workers' grasp. sophisticated corporate advertising campaigns and a community alienated from organized Labor can revitalize, according to Franklin. he labor and jealous of union benefits, ready to prescribes three antidotes: an open door to cross the picket line and break a strike. women. minorities and immigrant workers· ' organizing both low wage workers and Originally sent reeling, labor responded with a professionals; and finally, bottom up dogged solidarity borne by emerging union activists, Vietnam veterans not willing to lose democracy. another war. Many were radicalized by the experience, changed by their immersion in Franklin richly grasps the texture of a ragged, battle with corporate power. prairie town, whose hope was pinned to smokestacks that soured the dream. The Critical mass, however, was on the corporate everyday workers whose lives were on the line side. International companies could shift shine through, as they wrestle with global ,,.�Ji' CALL/cpf production around the globe to negate local imperatives far beyond Decatur's grasp, plant shut-downs. Enough union members and seeking to retain the dignity and self-respect Decatur's "war zone" new workers crossed picket lines to re-open their unions once helped them win. plants. With the regular work rules gone, alive in new book companies automated and found they could still --Mike Matejka produce with fewer workers. Livingston & McLean Counties Union News Three Strikes by Stephen Franklin Guilford Press, New York $23.95 DECEMBER THE LIZARDS LOUNGE ISBN: 1-57230-477-4 @ "Play by the rules" is an old admonition. For MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT America's workers, it meant a solid day's work for decent wagesand benefits, won through Every ·Every union contracts. These "rules" lasted from Tuesday! Thursday! World War II until recently, when the economic Open 3rd: 5th: o en 7th: No Big Loss code changed, leaving American workers and Mic Night; Micwr 8th:. and Madstone Barron James 9pm Breanne their aspirations in the lurch. Chris Transfer; 9 pm 9pm Evan Band; 8pm In the 1970s the American dream soured; the 10th: & 12t : Open and Warsaw Micw/ 14th: None Vietnam War sullied the national mood and Rock/Ska Joe Breanne 15th: Patrick Taken; 8 pm Enamel pm growing foreign competition ate away at 9 m 9 m 9 R Acoustic American jobs. American manufacturers,unions Acoustic 17th: O�en Open 19th: 21st: 22nd: The and workers were criticized as lazy, inept and Mic Nig t Jam Mic; 9pm Jam Frankenpony w/ Hubbards; 9 pm greedy. The downward trend accelerated in the w/ Matt Scott 9pm the Thingies; '80s, as factory gates closed and business and 9 pm government both turned on organized labor. 9 pm 24th: O�en 26th: Open 9 pm Mic Nig t; Micw/ 28th: TBA 29th: TBA; 9 pm Central Illinois witnessed some ragged battles 9pm Breanne 9 pm 9pm in those years, as business demanded concessions and unions fought to hold on to their wages and benefits. The rules were changing, but someone forgot to tell the working class. DRINK SPECIALS
Mon. $1.50 Domestic bottles Perhaps no town was harder hit than Decatur, Tues. $2.00 Well Drinks a community where prosperity was tied to factory jobs at good union wages. In the early Thurs. $4. 75 16oz. Long Islands '�Os first Caterpillar, then Staley and finally Fri. $5.50 32oz. Long Islands or King Lizards F1r�ston� were all locked in battles, not seeking Sat. $1. 75 bottles of Leinies uruon gams, but rather grasping to retain hard won right and benefits. For future shows ... www.thelizardslounge.com
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE7 News from the Advocacy
'Advocacy Council Blooinington/NormaJ and Central Illinois. Bloomington mulls ove� Your generosity has made a difference and discussion of Human Rights needs funds played a key role in helping us achieve a victory in Normal. Ordinance The Bloomington Human Relations This month the Advocacy Council is celebrating To those of you who have not donated recently, Commission, on the heels of Normal's decision its sixth anniversary of incorporation and the we are asking for your help. H you are unable to to add sexual orientation to its human rights passage of a gay-inclusive human righ�s donate money, please consider volunteer ordinance, met on Oct. 10 to discuss the ordinance in Normal. These are two things for opportunities with the Advocacy Council. We possibility of amending their city's human which we all should be proud. need your help with our street cleanup project, rights ordinance. political action activities, newsletter stuffing/ However, while there is much to celebrate, the mailing, and manyother programs and The City of Bloomington last addressed the Advocacy Council also is facing a serious activities. issue in 1995, when the commission problem. To put it simply... we are nearly recommended a revisedhuman rights ordinance broke. The cost of producing a monthly Our future is in your hands. We want to keep that was defeated in early 1996 by the newsletter and paying for our hotline an� post working on equal rights and specifically on a Bloomington City Council. office box has nearly exceeded the donations we gay-inclusive human rights ordinance in have received in recent months. As of Oct. 29 Bloomington, but we cannot do it alone. Please Commission membersagreed to set up a future we have enough funds to produce a December look inside yourselves and consider what you work session devoted solely to the issue. The newsletter; after that, the future is very can do to help ACHR make public will be invited to the work session but uncertain for this organization! Bloomington/Normal a better place for unlike a public hearing they will not be asked everyone. for input. With the holidays fast approaching We have been very frugal with the money we it appears that the issue will be addressed in have received. We have no paid staff; every If you have any questions, feel free to contact us greater detail early next year. cent goes toward our goals of communi� service, by phone or e-mail. Thank you for your help outreach, and political action. Oftentimes we and consideration! Since 1996 the makeup of the Bloomington City are able to get some printing done through our Council has changed. Of the nine members in workplaces, and at other times we as a board . Sincerely, 19% only Mayor Judy Markowitz and council have chipped in money and supphes t keep � members Tom Whalen, Mike Matejka, Jim things going. However, we cannot continue The Advocacy Council for Human Rights Board Fruin, and Mike Sprague remain. They are doing business like this. of Directors: joined on the council by Karen Schmidt, Mike Dave Bentlin; Mark Hamner; Margot Mendoza; To those of you who have donated in recent Veitengruber, Skip Crawford, and Jim Michael Pullin; Jacqui White months... THANK YOU! Your donations have Finnegan. helped to make sure that the Rainbow (309) 830-2521 The Advocacy Council for Human Rights and Connection is printed and mailed to mor� than [email protected] Bloomington/Normal PFLAG plan to 300 glbt and glbt-supi:'orti:V� households m collaborate once again in an effort to gain eventual passage of a gay-inclusive ordinance. For more information on how you can help please call the Advocacy Council at (309)830- 2521 or PFLAG at (309)862-1844.
What the Bible really says ....
Last month the Normal City Council affirmed its commitment to equal rights by passing a sexual orientation non-discrimination amendment to Normal's human rights ordinance. Soon after, Bloomington's Human Relations Committee announced it would be reviewing a similar amendment. Since then, our local newspaper has printed numerous Letters to the Editor both praising the Normal decision and condemning it. It seems that a large percentage of these who oppose human rights for gays and lesbians use quotations from I their version of the "Bible" to justify their prejudice. In addition, of course, many state that granting fair and just protection of our Pure glyceti.ne soap, without fragrance ot dye. rights would be enacting "special rights." Embedded with ;:i wic.\e choice The "special rights" argument always amazes me, as does their explanation that other groups of powetful n;:itut;:il Touchstones & Chqtms are offered protection under such ordinances to cherish ;:is so PAGES POST AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 ··ie Council for Human Rights orientation is a choice, and therefore should not be a protected class. That argument makes no 2. Some non-Jewish tribes in the area had male Many words have been translated from the sense in light of the fact that religion IS a prostitutes in their temples that may have original Hebrew and Greek texts as engages in same-sex activities; this horrified "homosexual," "sodomite," "homosexuality." protected class under human rights ordinances' yet it is a choice. the ancient Israelites. However, most (perhaps all) of the references bear no similarity to today's lesbian and gay Many of the letters to the editor that quote a 3. It is reasonable to assume that many loving partnerships. By carefully reading the phrase from the Bible also state one only has to gay and lesbian relationships existed, but these original texts and considering the societies in read �he biblical passage to have proof that would normally have been conducted in secret. which their were written, one comes to the Bible condemns homosexuality. I have surprising conclusions: read those same passages and see no such proof. Only the third type would have any similarity What I have found is.sentences taken out of to todays gay and lesbian consensual, --The Bible has a lot to say about temple context and words twisted to justify the committed, loving relationships. prostitution. It talks about being kind to argument. strangers in a way that has been incorrectly Many versions of the Bible exist. in the English interpreted as referring to homosexual acts Examiningeach passage used tocond emn language. Each reflects the world view, beliefs homosexuality and mind sets of its translators. Their personal --It says almost nothing about homosexual In biblical times, same-gender sexual biases distort their work. There is an feelings interactions could take many forms. Some were: additional complexity facing translators: today's society is very different from that --It says nothing about sexual orientation. The 1. Kingsof conquered tribes were sometimes Biblical times. It is sometimes difficult to find writers of the Bible assumed that everyone was raped by the invading army as the ultimate a current English word that matches a Hebrew heterosexual (or "straight"); the concept of symbol of defeat and humiliation. or Greek term. sexual orientation was not developed until the late 19th century. --from The Rainbow Connection newsletter DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE9 Light ten candles See what the squirrels in the back room will have As most local·and many out of state Post Sandhaas on guitar, and Mary Clusky on piano, We then closed with Holly Near's "It Could Amerikan readers know by now, we here in leading us all on "Light One Candle," have Been Me," a standard anti-rape song Bloomington-Normal are in mourning for Deborah's favorite song. which the Rape Crisis Center sang at one of the Deborah Wiatt, an original founding member of Lefty Follies , and another of Deborah's the Post Amerikanand one of its most stalwart Mike Matejka, elected by consensus as favorites, which brought many of the RCCs supporters. Deborah and her life partner, facilitator, did a lovely job. He spoke briefly former staffers to grope for the Kleenex boxes. Cathy Ahart, generously donated office and about the early days of their friendship, when archive space for over twenty years. They they were both young students at Illinois State ''My name is Deborah. Seven letters, three could alwaysbe counted on to show up for Post University, both falling in love (with different syllables. I don't think 'Debbie' fits that benefits, to contribute advice, suggestions, and, people of course). They ran into each other on equation. Doyou?" in later years the occasional article. the quad at just the moment when they couldn't wait to tell someone how happy they both Later, we all gathered at Melissa's for the Deborah herself had been a long time staff were. funeral baked meats, and a farewell glass writer, particularly in the Post's first fifteen (sorryDeborah, as much as I love you, I simply years, before other forms of community activism TenCandles for Deborah could not down that wretched cream sherry, and child-raising took up more and more of her even for the sake of your memory). As I time. So now it's time for the Postto stop and Ten of us then lit ten different candles to honor reflected on this terrible season, one of too many reflect, to pay yet another tribute to one of the Deborah and her contributions. Cathy Ahart, in an awful year, I kept thinking back to the finest women I have ever had the privilege to to honor "a loving and beloved partner, a candle lighting ceremony. Susan Bunting had call my friend. nurturing and trustworthy friend, with gentle lovingly decorated all ten candles to symbolize and tenacious spirit. " Sue Le Seure, to honor a specific aspect of Deborah's life, including for A Big Chillsets in among us in Bloomington ''Deborah's friendship, sense of humor, and the children Deborah loved. How telling it is Normal deep loyalty to her friends." Sherrin Fitzer to for her absolutely favorite song to have been honor "all of Deborah's animal friends, the "Light One Candle." The day of Deborah's sudden and unexpected birds and the squirrels she fed and watched death, the day before Thanksgiving, her core over daily. " I lit a candle to honor ''Deborah Light one candle for the Maccabee children, circle of family and friends drew together in our the historian and life-long interest in the with thanks that their light didn't die. grief, forming an ad hoc telephone tree, each of American Civil War. " Melissa McGrath to Light one candle' for the pain they endured, us offering to make more calls after we "honor Deborah the activist, who stood up for when their right to exist was denied. ourselves received the terrible news. In her community and the people around her." Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice justice retrospect, I wish I owned some shares of and freedom demand, but Verizon, I could buy myself a very nice little Two asides here, before I mention a few more Light one candle for wisdom to know, when the house. Tomorrow. By personal check. candles. Deborah insisted on ref ering to the peacemaker's time is at hand. Civil War as the "War between the States," no That gives you a fair idea of how long and how doubt because she was a Southerner at heart. I [chorus] many of those long-distance phone calls and e couldn't resist teasing her by coming up with Don't let the light go out; it's lasted for so many mails flew back and forth across those fiber various sly euphemisims: the "Unfortunate years. optic cables. Think me a callous bitch if you Misunderstanding between States" was the one Don't let the light go out; let it shine through want, for making such a crack, but I savor it, for I mentioned when I lit her candle. our love and our tears. the following reasons. (A) Deborah and I had an undeclared mutual competition to see which Deborah also loved to feed the squirrels This song, made popular by Peter Paul, and one could make the other laugh more and "cookies": Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Mary (they sing it in their annually aired PBS harder. (B) It would really tick her off that Crocodiles (chocolate covered Twinkies) , Holiday special), is actually a Chanukah song, I'm getting the last joke. (C) Somewhe�e, she which they loved. That may sound cruel, but addressed to children, but one which, like knows I'm writing this, and I know she's Deborah insisted that at least one of those Harry Potter and "Shrek," adults also can laughing. If Deborah couldn't laugh, she squirrels lived to be twelve. A squirrel's appreciate. wouldn't want to be part of your afterlife. natural life-span is three, four years tops. And you thought white sugar, white flour, and Deborah Wiatt, one of the most eccentric "If I can't dance, I don't to be part of your preservatives were bad for you. people you could ever hope to meet, though revolution." raised Baptist, converted to and lapsed from -EmmaGoldman Eric and David Strand to honor Deborah's love Roman Catholicism. After Father Joe Kelly, for the children of her heart, particularly the ISU Newman Center's beloved pastor left, Somebody as special as Deborah Wiatt Matthew and Thomas Murphy, who couldn't be she said 'There's no more reason to go [to deserved a truly special send-off, and by God, with us that day. Margaret ''Butch" Waimon Mass]." She loved children so much, and we gave her one. A family service had already to "salute Deborah's passion for and statewide nurtured the children of her heart more been held Saturday, November 24, up Quad leadership in preventing rape." And so oil. tenderly than most people do the children of Cities way, from whence our Deborah hailed. bowling; the Green Bay Packers and the Lakers, their bodies. She hated violence, hated The family is Baptist, and I'm told that she especially; her family, both of birth and of repression, and continually showed through was so well-loved and held in such esteem, choice. example the extraordinary difference one that the elderly presiding minister, as he read person could make. May the flame of her her obituary stumbled. over the word "lesbian" Finally, after Loretta Santejka sang another of extraordinary candle bum as long as we need it, only once. After all, he'd known her since she Deborah's favorites, "Union Maid," a number of just as that single day's worth of oil burned for was a shorty. us spoke to a gathering of at least 130 people, eight crucial days. Chanukah, the Festival of "sharing," to use that overworked verb, our Lights. How ironic that Deborah's life should Last Tuesday, November 27, we of that initial memories of Deborah. They were all end just as Chanukah is about to begin. group of mourners held a service for her at the appropriate, all heartfelt. The stories and Unitarian Church. To quote Melissa Ahart, the anecdotes mostly made us smile, some made us To keep her memory alive, I'll try to light more daughter of Cathy, Deborah's life partner, laugh outright, but I don't think more than one candles. Maybe I'l� even feed the odd squirrel thank God it wasn't one of those "icky, sappy or two of us who spoke got back to our seats an occasional Twinkie. funeral services we all dread." This was a without breaking down in tears be fore we left Memorial Life Celebration. We opened with the microphone. --Dr. Attitude Tina Si a, of voc ls, e � on, , ;·::,,;:",''.�'.L· ··�·�yj,, ·X ·+"·· , :1��PAGE1���::: 10 : � "c'�··;.�:e�\h{;��j:;9('POST AMERIKAN .;{��*'�:�f�il�£��;f �tf:'.��;;;,· DECEMBER/JANUARY 7.®i -, � .. ·�·�.' . for Deborah Wiatt Deborah's obit Deborah Wiatt, 50, of Bloomington died Wednesday, November 21. The cause of death was massive coronary thrombosis. She was in Delighted that the town of Normal recently Moline, Illinois, visiting family for the adopted an ordinance prohibiting Thanksgiving Holiday. discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation, her fondest wish Deborah will be widely and deeply mourned, was the Bloomington'sCity Council would soon not only by her many friends and relatives follow suit. throughout Bloomington-Normal, but across the country, too. Her contributions as a social Deborah Wiatt was also a principal founder activist and community volunteer were lifelong, and supporter of the Post Amerikan , spanning ovet at least 30 years, and her Bloomington-Normal's community-based, commitment to causes close to her heart never alternative, bi-monthly newspaper. The Post wavered. Amerikan is the oldest, continuously publishing newspaper of its kind, and owes Deborah Wiatt founded, created, and for 28 much of its 30 years to her vision and support. years worked with the McLean County Rape Crisis Center. She was also a founding member Deborah's had many enthusiasms and interests. of Women Against Sexual Assault, (W ASA), A life-long Green Bay Packers' fan, l�d her to which eventually became the Illinois become a stockholder in that franchise. She Coalition Against Sexual Assault (!CASA), was also a Lakers' fan, but insisted on referring headquartered in Springfield ... As an activist in to them as the Minnesota Lakers, from where the anti-rape movement from its earliest the team currently based in Los Angeles had beginnings in the mid-1970's, Deborah founded originated. Additionally, Deborah was � the McLeanCounty RCC to "to end rape culture Civil War Historian of considerable erudition,. in America." having visited all but three surviving Civil War battlefields as part of her research. Had At a recent award luncheon, !CASA presented her life not ended so prematurely, she no doubt Deborah with a commemorative plaque� would have visited the remaining three. � honoring her for contributions to the anti rape grandniece, Emily Thorngren, of Silvis. She movement, including her training of rape crisis For the last several years, she had been was preceded in death by her father, Joseph center staff in Springfield, Champaign, Peoria, working for the U.S. Census Bureau. Wiatt, of Hillsdale. Chicago, Vandalia, Charleston, DeKalb, Carbondale, Rockford, Joliet, and yet more Deborah Wiatt is survived by Cathy Ahart, A service was held in Silvis at the Schroder communitiestoo numerous to name. her life partner, also of Bloomington; her Funeral Home, at 701 First A venue on Saturday, mother, Dorothy Wiatt of Hillsdale,. Illinois; November 24. A Memorial Celebration of her Deborah, a life-long feminist, became deeply her brother Jeff (Danny) Wiatt, also of life was held here in Bloomington at the involved in other women's rights' causes, Hillsdale; the children of her heart, Matthew Unitarian Church, 1613 E. Emerson, on Tuesday, including the campaign for the ERA, wage and Thomas Murphy, of Kyle, Texas, and November 27, at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel. In equity and safe working conditions, challenging Addison and Aaron Ahart, of Normal; nephew lieu of flowers, the family asks that sexual harassment, at all social and economic Derrick Rodgers, of Davenport, Iowa, and contributions be made in her name to McLean gay levels. She also pioneered the lesbian and Angie Thorngren, of Silvis, Illinois; County Rape Crisis Center through PATH rights movement here in Bloomington-Normal. grandnephews, Jordan and Kyle Thorngren, and (309/827-4005). Lunch with Deborah I believe that for Deborah, the feast of heaven moment, the conversation, the pictures painted I had the pleasure of sharing many lunches could be summed up in one word: lunch. by the words exchanged are less tangible but with Deborah and always looked forward to more lasting. Her interest, questions, wisdom · the next time. I still do. I had the pleasure of sharing manylunches and insight were huge gifts to me over the with Deborah over the course of our friendship years. In the last year she wrote me a letter --Marilaurice though we were an unlikely pair; she seeking that I treasure after the death of my partner, fast-food delicacies like fried things and meat Trudie. things and I looking for the opposite. We found a few places that would work for both of us and I am not sure what I gave to Deborah over the never strayed. While the menu might have years though an unsigned Christmas card one been fast food, the meal was anything but. year said simply, "Lunch is not the same." I so know that Deborah gave me the gift of delight all these years and I am forever grateful. Deborah had a gift for savoring which Continued on page 12 expressed itself tangibly in the several hours that a lunch might take. Her relish for the DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 11 Continued from page 11 All you. need to know about De�orah Wiatt About a year ago, a friendfo rwarded me a quiz, part BEST MEMORY: Sitting on the back stoops of DO YOU CARRY A DONOR CARD? No. I of the questions fo r which appears below. The idea all my grandpa's friends, watching them have a �ink about it, and Cathy would probably okay was to get people to copy the quiz, change all the beer, and listening to him tell about his it, but "Coma" scared me a whole lot. I don't answers as they applied to them, and then send it on. wonderful little granddaughJer from Illinois. want to be placed in suspended animation while It was an amusingly silly way to practice my someone harvests my 20/200 eyes. computer skills (re: copy and paste and fo rward on e WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU MOST mail). I sent it on to a whole bunch of fr iends, but the DESPISE? Bigotry, mean-spiritedness, whining. SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON only one who responded was Deborah Wiatt (AKA WHO SENT THIS TO YOU: Deborah Wilson is Marshall Law), the Post Amerikan's own IF YOU HAD A BIG WIN IN THE LOTTERY, very smart and thinks I am very funny. I like Original Founding Member and supplier of vital HOW LONG WOULD YOU WAIT BEFORE someone who is smart enough to know when offi ce/archive space fo r about 20 years. YOU TOLD PEOPLE? I'm being funny. It would depend on which people. My mom What fo llows below are .some of Deborah's responses. would think it pec_uliar if she started getting monthly checks to the tune of three thousand WHAT IS YOUR JOB: Field representative for dollars. Friends would wonder when digital the Department of Commerce, Bureau of The cable started showing up on every TV we own Please Note: Census. I also collect Social Security Disability instead of just the one. And I'd have to tell See the October/November issue because I'm a poor little crippled girl. Either people anyway, because you know Cathy would way, I'm living off the government and your in a heartbeat. of the Post Amerikan for taxes are supporting me. Deborah's articles chronicling the WHAT COLOR IS YOUR BATHROOM? Deep Anti-Rape Movement. DO YOU ENJOY YOUR JOB: I like the living on forest green on the walls, sky blue on the ceiling, disability a lot-I've always wanted to be paid and Rousseau's jungle superimposed over just to be. Jury's still out on the field everything. There's even a poacher peering in If you'd like reprints of these representative part as I've been doing it less one window, and two flamingoes drinking out articles, as well as the one about than a month. of the sink. her winning an award, send a IF YOU COULD BE SOMEONE ELSE FOR A WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO RETIRE? couple of bucks for postage to: DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Shelby Foote. I'd Virginia. Don't care where, just as long as it's The Post Amerikan, P.O. Box 3452, finally know everything I needed to know about Virginia. James River, Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic the War between The States, and I'd spend all Ocean, Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Bloomington, IL 61702-3452. day talking into a tape recorder so I could listen Mountains, Richmond, just doesn't matter. I to that cultured Southern accent talk to me love it all. Memorials for Deborah can be about the war forever. CAN YOU JUGGLE; IF YES, HOW MANY? I made to the Rape Crisis Center, WHO WOULD YOU HATE TO BE LEFT used to be able to do three, but I haven't tried in by calling 309-827-4005, or by ALONE IN A ROOM WITH? Charleton Heston, a long time. I can do two with no problem. I sending a check to 201 E. Grove in Eminem, Ariel Sharon, Robert Bork. can do one while holding a cat. I can hold two cats and not juggle either of them. care of PA1H. CAN YOU TOUCH YOUR NOSE WITH YOUR TONGUE? Yes. My brother and I used to have WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF contests. Never knew what a useful skill it EXERCISE? Running on with the mouth, rising would become. to the occasion, throwing my weight around, taking the higher ground. WHO INSPIRES YOU? Angela Davis, Linus Pauling, Susan Saxe, Yassar Arafat, Pete Seeger, RED OR WHITE WINE? I don't like wine. I do Melanie. like cream sherry, which is getting harder and harder to find as the population of little old HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU HAD ladies dwindles. I used to not mind Boone's YOU:R FIRST KISS? 12, if Holly Kellums and I Farm, but I was never very fond of Strawberry "practicing" kissing counts. Hill. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 PAGE 12 POST AMERIKAN Freedom of (hate) speech Following is a reprint of an article Deborah wrote for the August/September 2000Post Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words -513 said art should not be placed in public There are two major problems: definition and will never hurt me. I always knew that places ifit may offend some members of enforcement. Who gets to decide what is particular childhood mantra was a bit bogus, the community; offensive? How many people need to be especially when those words were directed at offended before an issueis banned? What, me. I cringed and cried, and then finally -843 believe people should not be allowed to exactly, constitutes a fringe group? We will not laughed with the other children as they burn the American flag in an act of merely be talking about Nazis marching in taunted me with such verbal jewels as "dumb political protest; and Skokie or Pat Robertson railing against Polack," "four-eyes," and the ever popular homosexuals. Many people in this country are "fatty, fatty, two by four, can't get through the -533 say that public speech that offends uncomfortable around the developmentally bathroom door."(Variations include bedroom members of a religiousgroup should not disabled. How many Americans would it take door andkitchen door, but my schoolbelie ved be allowed, even though 20% believe to complain before Special Olympics were bathroom was far funnier.) Add to that the that freedomto worship was never cancel� in a community? Would an irate group ever-present, whether implied or explicit, "if meant to apply to religious groups that of Muslims or Jews be allowed to halt you're so marts , howcome you're a girl?" and the majority of people consider extreme production of the American Passion Play if the you have pretty well summed up the first 18 or or fringe. city of Bloomington purchases the Consistory? so years of my life. Could the lesbian community get an injunction The real problem here is that almost anything against public singing or playing of "Stand by As an adult, we can add to those all the slurs can offend almost anybody at any given time, Your Man"? (I certainly find it offensive.) and abuses that come {fom being a lesbian and, which is why "offensive" speech has always most recently, physically disabled. A wealth been constitutionally protected. But when hate of opportunity for anyone who wanted to use speech is confused with offensive speech, words to hurt me. One would think, then, that I . which it will be, because there is no substantive •Restric:tion offreethought and � speech would whole heatedly embrace the so-called difference between the two, then all speech is the most-...... of al subversions. It "hate speech" legislation being debated in which makes anyone uncomfortable can be is the one un-American actthatcouldmost 1 Washington and in state capitols all over this defined as h�te mongering and legallybanned. us.,, country. easilydefeat It certainly troubles me when coaches of male Supreme Court Justice William 0. Douglas, address, I don't. sports teams and armed forces drill instructors Author's Guild, December 3, 1952, on receiving the refer to their players and recruits as "ladies" in Lauterbach Award. More important than my personal feelings an attempt (usually successful) to humiliate about my individual situation is the welfare . them by the tactic acknowledgment that and well-being of a little piece of paper housed females are intrinsically inferior. (I must admit Are we going to jail Patrick Buchanan or Louis at the National Archives-a piece of paper we that I myselfhave come dangerously close to Farrakan for hate speech? Would we stop the call the Constitution. It is more important than telling one of the 9-year old boys in my charge Pantagraph from printing editorials critical of I am; it is more important than you are. And it that he throws like a girl). This kind of speech the Clinton administration? Will we bring is clearly more important than any spoken or is deeply embedded in American culture and charges against the City of Bloomington for written words hurled in hatred or uttered in probably contributes to the belief that women ·offending the town's vegetarians by .serving hot ignorance. I did not used to be as adamant about and girls are inferior life forms for whom name- dogs in Miller Park during National Night Out? this issue. ·1 couldhear the proponents of hate : calling, stalking, rape, battery, and murder and speech legislation when they talked of their just desserts. It is offensive to one-half of creating an atmosphere of hate and an the population; it contributes to a rape culture Ofcourse not, you say, that's absurd. And you would be right. Because theoffensive speech environment of violence. I never bought it, but I and violence against women; it is, by an would be limited in scope to slurs against could hear it. Then I read editorial in the definition, hate speech. But should it be Baptists, not the Ba H' ais. The extreme right Pantagraph on July 4 of thisyear. It scared me constitutionally banned? There is a great can and the extreme left would be denied any more than I beginto express. And it made difference in explaining to the coach wh1:tt his possibility of freedom expression. It is far me unable to listen to the arguments I had paid use of language says and in jailing himfor of lip service to in the past. · better to tell the Matt Hales of this world that saying it. their pamphlets are offensive; their web sites Rather than bog down the Constitution with unacceptal!�e, and their speech not to be burdensome amendments which reflect the cause of the day, why not tackle the problem of tolerated than to tell them they cannot speak " ...the ultimate welfar� of the single at all. Even small minds and closed minds need hate speech in the arena where it belongs - _ the freedom of expression, or that freedom will human soul (is) the ultimate test of the everyday life. If everyone believes that be taken fromall of us. vitalityof the First Amendment." offensive speech shouldbe banned would take a little initiative and speak out for themselves, There are no easyanswers to ignorance and no United States Supreme Court Justice' William 0. Dou we may not need anything further. But it is v. quick fix for hatred. We need to tackle these glas, Gillette United States, 40 1 U.S. 437 (1971 ). much easier to support anamendment than is to . support people who are different from you. The problems one person, one slur, one act of bigotry at a time. It will be uncomfortable, and esoteric has always been easier to follow than the disquieting, and at times even dangerous. According to a survey done this springby the reality. If you tell a co-worker that his use It will make you unpopular, and frustrated, and University of Connecticut, in case of the term "fag" is offensive to you and to at times isolated from both family and friends. you missed it, found that: others in the workplace, he might think you're You will be ridiculed and harassed. The anger, a queer. If you object to sexist comments and -67% of those surveyed believe that public fear, and hate you are trying to counter will at sexual stereotyping, you' re a humorless man remarks offensive to racial groups times be directed at you. It is the road less hater. If you openly acknowledge as valid the should not be allowed, and 36% support traveled for a reason, you know. Christian Scientists' opposition to modern a law to ban such speech; medicine, people will say you're a godless I would much rather defend my Constitution Commie. Putting one's beliefs in justice and -40% believe that musicians should not be and demand my freedom of expression to fairness into practice is neither easy nor than allowed to sing offensive songs in risk the very possibility of having my rights comfortable. Supporting an amendment to the public; disintegrated and my liberty destroyed. call Constitution is both. It is also unwieldy, So me names. I don't care. You really can't hurt om unnecessary, and singularly ineffective. It is a --513 believe the press has too much freed me, because I don'tintend to give you that mu� "feel good" measure which will do nothing but to do what it wants; power. cheapenthe document and do a horrible disservice to every American. -31% say a group should not be allowed to hold --Deborah Wiatt a rally for a cause or an issue if it offends others in the community; DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMER/KAN . PAGE 13 Families : In transition or crisis? Since the September 11, 2001 incident, all of us The family, as we have come to know it, has Since September 11, 2001, our lives have have experienced some degree of uncertainty, changed significantly over the past several changed, out thoughts have changes, our beliefs change or even loss. Whether we have decades. We have gone from the traditional have changed, and hopefully our opinions have ·experienced it on a personal level or not, we conservative "Ozzie and Harriet" to a changed as well. The fall of the Twin Towers have, as a society, experienced the trauma of nontraditional liberal family. This isn't an in New York City was a crucial change in the that horrible day. article written to argue which is better or course of our history as well as our society. The worse. things that seemed so significant before that Hopefully, it has taught us to be thankful for date are insignificant to us now. every day that we have with one another and The point of this article is to note that we as a with those who are particularly important or society are capable of changing, positively or Our preoccupation with our "differences" as a significant to us. Maybe we have begun to negatively, in the event of a transition or society have been replaced by the many recognize and appreciate the little things that crisis. For example, when we went from a similarities that we share as nation. Our our significant others do that otherwise go nation producing products to a nation producing belief in freedom, and liberty, and the pursuit unnoticed. information, more and more women worked of happiness has only grown and reinforced our outside the home in order to help support the belief that we live in a great country. Laura The government has spent plenty of time and family. With that came a decrease in "family Bush has done several public announcements on money on personal advertisements instructing us time" and an increase in the divorce rate. This family members supporting one another during on how we should explain September 11, 2001 to is a transition that is predictable and yet this time of crisis. our children. How do we explain it to them precipitates a crisis for the family as a when we hardly know how to understand it supportive social unit. Now is the time to move beyond the "crisis" ourselves? It is a situation for all of us to try to that people believed our families are in and get a handle on. Where do we begin and how do And yet the family has managed to survive the move towards a recovery from the petty we begin healing ourselves? changes that have occurred either socially, insignificant arguments on what constitutes a morally, ethical, or economically. It has "good" of a "normal" family. We should, As a nation, we have united by flying flags, managed to survive several wars, depression, instead, be focusing on the fact that, for most of wearing red, white, and blue, and playing recession, and various other catastrophic us, our families are a safe place for us. That we Whitney Houston's rendition of "God Bless incidents. But until September 11, 2001, all you have people in our lives that we can cci.11 America." But on a personal level, we need to ever read about was the decline in the family family. That race, religion, creed, sexual focus on the most important social institution in and the horror of women working outside the preference and the like do not make up the our society, the family. The family is hopes home and how gays and lesbians should not be definition of what a family is. Instead of and dreams. And yet, even before this incident, permitted to raise a family of their own. looking at the family in crisis, we should be the family has been going through a bit of a looking at the family as it is ih transition. transition and some may even argue a crisis. Transition from the negativity of the stereotypes on what "we" believe a family "should" be and move towards working on strengthening our families. For without the strength of the relationships that we have within our families, we don't h<;>ld much faith in the support of those relationships outside of them. So, are our families in crisis or transition? I choose to see our families in transition. I believe that the crisis of September 11, 2001, though it was unimaginable horror, it may, in the end, be a catalyst for ch�ge in the perception of our families. Whether our family consists of one parent, two parents, gay or ... okay, now that we'ue got your attention... lesbian couples, is so insignificant in view of what has happened to us as a nation. The Movie Fan can deliver. . . No, we do not ca rry sex "films Shouldn't we hold on to the ones we love and appreciate them for who they are and where sexy BUT we DO carry movies that ARE they are at? Shouldn't we accept people where they are and appreciate the differences instead and interesting or if you· prefer just plain of focusing on the negatives? It is my sincere strange in an off-the-beaten-path hope that we can come out of this crisis with a better appreciation for our families and that kind of way. Hmmm? we can begin to make a transition from negative stereotypes to positive role models. Th ink Movie Fa n Every Mon & Wed Every Day The future of our families depends on us and th ink. .. DVDs / fo reign titles Rent 1 new release Rent 1 catalog title movie sales / knowledgable staff Get 1 FREE Get 1 FREE how we react and grow from this experience. (<:I equal/lesservalue) (of equal/leSSer value) How we choose to change from this awful easily the best mix of titles in the Twin Cities Every 12th mcvie is free! twith punch cant> incident could benefit our families or it could close to both campuses Must have Driver's License & Major Credit card devalue our families. The choice is ours to make. Individually, and as a nation we must stand up for not only our country, but for our families. Focusing on the similarities instead of the differences will allow us to grow stronger DOWDTOWD noRmHL and be able to handle any or all crises that we 451 .4443 will inevitably face on a personal or a national Sun-Thur 10:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. level. Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. --Colleen Holtz PAGE 14 POST AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUAR Y 2002 ·.·� Us or U.S.? Seeing Red by Steve Eckardt borders so they can't get away. Openly are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." discussing which country will be the next target. And that "whenever any Form of Government My buddy called me from Chicago with the becomes destructive of those ends, it is the right news: "Well, we just bombed Afghanistan." Killing time for international law: no of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to I said, 'How the hell did you get back so fast?" extraditions, no World Court, no UN, no institute new Government, laying its foundation discussion. Just one countryruling thewhole on such principles and organizing its powers in Well it turns out that my buddy didn't bomb world. Got a problem with that? Well then, such form, as to them shall seem most Afghanistan. And he's not the only one -I didn't you're with the terrorists, and will be destroyed. likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." and you didn't either. Heck, even the squadrons Killing timeat home too.Death to Constitutional that did, had to, unless they wanted life in rights -no right to a trial, a search warrant, or And we should think like Malcolm X; " I'm not prison. the presumption of innocence. The death standing here speaking to you as an American, penalty waits. Searches and soldiers or a patriot, or a flag-saluter--no, not I .... I see Nope, it was the government of the United everywhere ... daily life militarized. America through the eyes of the victim. I don't States that bombed Afghanistan. And that - see any American dream; I see an American over six weeks later- is still bombing ... and Killing time for jobs and benefits. Killing time nightmare." openly preparing to invade and conquer it. for Social Security. But it's up to you. What's it gonna be -the "us" tax Not us. Killing time for our dollars (over $140 Billion of common humanity, or handed out to mega-corporations by a thebillionaires' USA? · Hard to know it nowadays though. The unanimousCongress ... and that just for propaganda engines are discharging starters). an ocean of "we Americans" venom, trying to Steve Eckardt Why, thisis no time to ruin American unity with Wall St./ Washington Inc. wants common people your petty personal problems-we're allin this to cheer for waragainst .common people. To togethernow. God bless America! Therest of the make them applaud the bombing oftheir world -especiallythe rag-heads and thesand houses, and the poisoning of their waterways. niggers- can sq.ck one of our 15,000 pound Just lay Old Glory over it and tell the bombs. And praise Jesus Christ we haven't citizenry that the only "we" is America. nuked 'em ... yet. Corporate America. That's the message. Patriotism. And patriotism But common folks should want nothing to do means it's killing time. with their looting, ruination, repression and murder. We should defend the Bill of Rights. We Killing time for civilians overseas: relentless should stand by the words of the Declaration of bombing of a land virtually without military Independence: that all people "are endowed targets using weapons outlawed by the Geneva with certain inalienable Rights, that among these convention. Cutting off food aid to starving millions as winter sets in -- and sealing the Drink more! The followingis an actual excerpt from this The result of this in-depth study verifies and ForbesMagazine . month's Please make sure you validates the causal link between all weekend read this carefully. It may change the way you parties and job related performance. It also think about your life and career. explains why, after a few short years of leaving a university and getting married,most A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the professionals cannot keep up with the slowest buffalo, and when the herd is hunted, it performance of the new graduates. Only those is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that few that stick to the strict regimen of voracious are killed first. This natural selection is good for alcoholic consumption can maintain the the herd as a whole, because the general speed intellectual levels that they achieve during their and health of the whole is maintained or even college years. So, this is a calLto arms. improved by the regular culling of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human As our country is losing its technological edge, brain can operate only as fast as the slowest we must not shudder in our homes. Get back brain cells through which the electrical signals into the bars. Quaff that pint. Your company pass. and country need you to be at your peak, and you shouldn't deny yourself the career that Recent epidemiological studies have shown that youcould have. Take life by the bottle and be all whil e excessive intake of alcohol kills off brain that you can be. Forward this to all of your cells, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain friends, acquaintances and co-workers who may cells first. Thus, regular consumption of beer be in danger of losing their edge. helps eliminate the weaker cells, constantly What more can we do?? making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. DRINK MORE!!! DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 15 ii ··� Off the Beaten Path Hello! Or should I say Hello movie fans? My name is David and I'd like to give you some tips on movies that you can put on your high priority must see list. A lot of very good movies never play on Bloomington-Normal (or play a week) so catching it on video is great way to see some knock -out films. You have to love Flowers of Shanghai discovering a cool flick. Okay, so you walk into One cinematic film--every frame of this a movie store and suddenly your minkgoes Chinese drama is a beautiful picture postcard. blank--you have no idea what to The story takes place in an elegant brothel of watch ...hmmmm ... take your Post Amerikan late nineteenth-century Shanghai. It's a world along, flip to the movie review page and then of highly ritualized codes of behavior where hoe have at least a half dozen choices. Just a the very lives of the "flower girls" depend on slight warning: my movie tastes do run a tad their ability to attract the affections of their off-the-path. With that in mind, enjoy the wealthy callers. Ultimately cool Hong Kong picks and write me if you catch any films that Hedwig and the Angry Inch star Tony Leung (from In the Mood for Love) are must-see movies. OK. .. popcorn... remote . High energy musical comedy that is hard to gives yet another knock-out performance. ..action! resist because it is very entertaining. Take one Flowers was a Cannes Film Festselection and part Rocky Horror, one part Gummo, add made many year-end top ten lists. Put this Priscilla Queen of the Desert and mix in Valley foreign film at the top of your viewing list and of the Dolls and you get one fun movie. East enjoy. German born Hedwig charms an American G.I. and gets his ticket to America with one stipulation. In order to marry, he must lose a part of himself. Hmmm? Hedwig makes it to the states (Kansas to be exact), only to be dumped by his would-be husband. But our plucky hero takes control of things by forming a band, finding a new beau and becoming a local celeb entertainer. Things take a bad tum again when Hedwig's beau take their songs and becomes a star on his own. Not to be stopped, Hedwig takes some rather drastic measures and verges on stalking. Way over-the-top and very cool. Hedwig is filled with great music--don't About Adam miss it! Kate Hudson (of Almost Famous) believes she's found the perfect man of her dreams, Stuart Townsend (from Shooting Fish). She's so ready to give up her wild ways, settle down and make With a Friend Like Harry a trip to the altar. While Hudson is busy Creepy and intense, this suspenseful making wedding plans. Best laid plans go psychological French thriller never fails to wrong as her beau becomes the object of desire deliver the goods. A vacation veers wildly off for her entire family. This smartly written sly course when a young family runs into Harry--a comedy begs the question does anyone really wealthy eccentric who claims to have known know the truth about this man of her dreams. the husband in high school. Harry turns out to Hmmmm? Nice supporting cast includes the be very persuasive, and the-couple end up always Francis O'Connor (of Kiss or Kill). inviting him to join them on their vacation. About Adam didn't get the wide-screen release Not a good idea at all. Soon their road trip it deserved so catching it on video is a must-do. takes several unpleasant twists and turns as Harry's motives become suspect. Harry gets nder the viewers skin as he worms Wr ite fo r afr ee 2 - issue trial subscription � his way into the husbands life. Simultaneously Name deceiving and disturbing, this film is a Address treat for those who enjoy a good mind game. Moral City, State, Zip ------of Chasing Sleep the story: be careful who you pick up. Grab a Jeff Daniels (of Pleasantville) plays a friend. professor who wakes up one morning to discover that his wife did not return home from work. Her�' s a checklist for some more high priority Daniels decides not to leave the house ...ever. movies: He spends his days and nights careening into a 1) Series downward spiral of paranoia and sleeplessness. 2) Aimee & Jaguar We all know what even a few sleeplessness 3)Chopper nights can do to the state of your mental 4) Center of the World health. Daniels begins having S)Lost and Delicious hallucinations ...you know his house becomes 6) Following filled with curious horrifying sights and sounds 7) Nico & Dani that would make even the most sane man 8) Under the Sand question his reality. You'll definitely want 9) All Over the Guy to lose some sleep and catch Daniels in his 10) Bread and Roses descent into a self-made hell. Is dementia all 11) Made it's cracked up to be? Find out. 12) Cone Undone 13) The Road Home --David PAGE 16 POST AMERlKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY2002 ie .·· Audio Ammo ''Bour eois Town" gets things going early with a ZI ( Dischord) � FUGA MANU CHAO (Virgin Records) rumbling bassline that brings to mind early The Argument Proxima Estacion: Esperanza Cramps recor�s with Mark E. Smith rambling about everything he doesn't like about well ' Since Fugazi's debut EP in 1988 they have ''Bourgeois Towns". Manu Chao the former lead singer and rhythm became known more for their strident anti guitarist for Mano Negra has arrived and people corporate stance than their music - which is "Crop- Dust" is next and right away you are in should sit up and take notice. This is Manu's actually quite a shame because it is the music f r a treat from the almost Indian-style guitar second solo effort and it blends reggae, calypso, � which has built the fan base without help from picking. to the constant pounding of drums in blues and rock into a beautiful hybrid the mainstream press and it seems the music is your brain all the while MES rants and raves of marijuana influenced greatness. Homs, always the least thing talked about. So I'm about about something I will have to listen to 10 more keyboards, guitars and "Sandinista" style to change that and actually write about the times to decipher. samples fillthis album with warmth and hope. music which is what it's all about any way. The Fall have done a few cover songs These songs as with all his son gs are performed Did you know that back in 1993 Fugazi throughout the years and here Mark E. Smith with a punk ferocityin a variance of releasedtheir fourth album entitled In On the tries his hand at "Gotta See Jane" originally languages including Spanish, French and K�ll Ta ker and broke into Billboard's Top 200 recorded by R. Dean Taylor that rips right English - possibly some Portuguese as well but without any commercial push at all - only through start to finish. I'm a big fan of "Hollow I'm not sure. I thoroughly enjoy this album from because the music was that good and from the Mind" track no. 9 near the end of the start to finish and do not have a negative thing heart. Here we are in the last couple of to say about it. record where MES tells it like it is without months left in 2001 and Fugazi has graced us holding back - has he ever held anything back ? with yet another solid record. One of the reasons I have decided to write for the Post Amerikanis not only to let people know Bottom line is this album should be heard by I have mixed emotions about this release as I what I think of records but to get the word out more people than it actually will - so go buy it. have had with all of Fugazi's albums. Fugazi's on musicians and get people off their lazy arses The Fall have a rabidly devoted cult following real strength is their passion and unbridled and realize there is alot of cool music in the cross the world, and have a had a significant desire to put all they have into every song � world to be heard ...you only live once. Sorry impact on the post-punk music of the 70's, 80's, which can make a mediocore song good and a for the rant but I have to sometimes get that off and 90's. Many fans of the group have gone great song fucking marvelous - this may seem my chest to clear my mind. Some of you may be onto form their own band, leaving the rock hypocritical but that same strength may also be wondering what all of this has to do with Manu underground with a wealth of bands replicating an obstacle. Let me explain. Chao and you would be right. The Fall's harsh jagged guitar sounds ...... you could be next. So songs on this record are under par in my �� Getting back to the record 'Trapped By Love" opmton and rather than throwing those songs in and "La Primavera" seem to almost float the trash bin and working on something else CANNIBAL OX (Def Jux) through your being and really have to be heard they are such stubbornhard working guys The Cold Vein to nderstand. It really is so simple what is that in their minds they can make any song _u �emg done here, almost childish nursery rhymes work - or so they think. Hopefully I have not Back in the mid to late eighties hip-hop reigned m a way but done so well I have a hard time los� you with that theory, because I actually supreme. It was in many ways very similar to conveying the message. I do not speak any beheve some of the new songs are their best punk rock and its do it yourself attitude; it was language other than English and cannot work yet. What really sounds great on this also a refreshing out-let to all the roaring guitars translate all the lyrics - however I can tell you album are the drums, in fact I can't recall a my ears were subject too. I must admit as with that he speaks of what a scary bad place the Fugazi album with a drum sound so distinct. most musical styles hip-hop has really bitten the world is and what a great place the world is as dust in my opinion. Don't get me wrong I love well. Sometimes you just know when Stand-out tracks include "ex-spectator," good hip-hop; it's just that it's saturated with something is right and it hits you in the "nightshop" which might actually be the best crap MC's with zero originality and played out gut...... this is one of those times. Quite song Fugazi has ever released with a fantastic beats. possibly the best release of 2001. acoustic guitar riff and wonderful harmonies on �op ofa 4/ 4 beat and a dirty electric punk guitar NOT SO with Cannibal Ox coming straight from interlude. 'The Kill" is also a brilliant track with THE FALL (Cog Sinister) the hip-hop mecca of the world , New York City. a slower beat and an almost spoken word lyric Are Yo u Are Missing Winner What this rap duo does best is blend mind by Ian Mackaye. I do recommend 'The blowing sound-scapes, legit rhymes and beats as Under the leadership of vocalist Mark E. Smith, phat as Albert. Rap started as a way for MC's to Argument "despite some of its over indulgent The Fall have released an enormous amount of do battle on the streets with verbal assaults and faults. albums since their debut in 1977. Each of The self preaching bravado and the Cannibal Ox carry the torch in that respect much like Having said all that if you ever get the chance to Fall's releases have explored new territorythat is Gangstarr has done so well over the years. see this band live - please go - the energy and both complex and challenging. the passion has to be seen (& heard) to be My two favorite tracks from TheCold Vein are " appreciated. One thing that I find kind of ironic The late�t �bum to come down the pike from B-Boys Alpha" & " Real Earth" where my man is that with all of Fugazi's anti-rock The Fall is m a way the least experimental of Shamars snaps the lyrical snippet "I'm like star stance, they have ultimately become rock any Fall album. Perhaps because there is not Moses with the staff that parts the Red stars. muc� left to try after some 25years of releasing music. Sea ...... but it's a new day so I'll use the mic to depart mc's." In alot of ways this is a welcome departure for me because I have always preferred the straight Hip- Hop has got hope - keep it ahead rock n roll sound ofThe Fall in contrast alive. Fuck Jay-Z and Puff Daddy ....keep to the techno house influenced Fall sounds. I searching for the undergroundheroes think it's safe to saythat a wonderful deep bass where real hip-hop thrives. Cannibal Oxkeeps groove could be the trademark sound for The the flame burning - long live creativity and F�l consistently throughout their yearsand attitude. It's what makes good music--Music this album is no different . with soul. --Mark Neace DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 17 ·•ie Notes from the Land of Anti-Fat Wading into the Shallows In the weeks preceding its release, there's been in all sizes, and people can find happiness at only the unfamiliar figures that he seesthrough much discussion in the size acceptance whatever size they are.'' · this new point of view. community around the movie Shallaw Hal. Ms. Bodalay's response is understandable: This proviso also extends to men, incidentally. You could hardly expect otherwise: once the NAAFA's mission, after all, is to restore a sense When Hal meets two male Peace Corps ads for the Farrelly Bros.' new PG-13 movie of dignity to fat people. Farrelly Bros. comedy volunteers, for example, he sees them both as comedy started showing on teevee and in (as any male who squirmed through Ben Stiller's male models, while a Zorba-esque friend with multiplexes, the debates began in earnest. zipper accident in Something About Marywill spinal bifida remains unchanged. For guys Skinny ol' Gwyneth Paltrow in a fat suit? On the attest) is not about dignity. Too, one of the who've built their rep on shattering the heels of such unfunny abuses of special effects organization's open goals is to combat boundaries of goodtaste, the Farrellys have a makeup as Martin Short's Jiminy Glick, is it any mainstream stereotypes around fatness (e.g., the refreshingly square vision of goodness. In wonder that fat activists had their backs up? myth that all fat people overeat), so you can bet Shallow Hal, innerbeauty is established Add the images carefully snipped into the that a scene like the one in Hal where Gwyneth primarily through personal sacrifice: Paltrow's promo (Gwyneth diving into a pool and sending · Paltrow grabs a full cake quarter and walks off Rosemary spends her time between Peace Corps up a waterspout, Gwyneth sinking her end of a munching on it wont exactly win any NAAF A assignments doing volunteer work at a pediatric canoe while her befuddledboyfriend futilely Community Education awards. burn unit; another woman proves her beauty by struggles to reach the water), and a pre-movie moving in to take care of her aged grandmother. backlash was understandable. But is this response ultimately fair to the movie? Conversely, those women that Hal encounters It's not as if fat Americans don't have weekly Let's see. with less-than-stellar values look quite a bit opportunities to hear and see fat jokes, after all - different: an officiousgold-digging nurse, for they're all over network sitcoms --and Jack Black plays the titular hero, Hal Larson, a instance, is a withered crone to our hero. Even considering the Bros.' rep as low-brow pudgy office worker who has been short with layers of paternal conditioning removed by shockmeisters (cf., Dumb and Dumber's bathroom circuited in the way he views women by a Robbins' hypnosis, Hal still has a coat of cultural scenes, There 's Something About Mary'shair gel) traumatic childhood incident. (As a fat little conditioning influencing the way he sees folks. this reaction was understandable. Given the nine-year-old, he receives deathbed advice from For Hal to become a whole person, he has to boys' predilection for body humor (e.g. Osmosis his morphine-addled father: "Don't settle for learn to see Rosemary as she really is--and Jones), it was all too easy to expect the worst. 'routine poontang."' When later asked if he appreciate her that way. Anyone remember Eddie Murphy's statements recalls his dad, Hal is unable to come up with pre-The NuttyPro fessor on how wearing a fat suit anything more than a statement that his father Thisultimately happens, of course, thanks to the gave him sensitivity to the slings and arrows was a "great guy.") As a result of this machinations of Hal's comic foil friendMauricio faced by fat folk in this country? Ever count the devastating advice, Hal grows to fruitlessly (Jason Alexander). Dismayed by Hal's new number of fart and belch jokes in that family pursue a succession of women who meet his pursuit of women that he considers "beneath" friendly flick? physical ideal. A chance meetingwith self-help them both, Mauricio (Alexanderdoing a maven Tony Robbins (gamely playing himself) variation on his George Costanzacharacter- To its credit, America's foremost size acceptance results in our hero getting hypnotized to see the which makes sense as the Farrellys used to write organization,NAAF A, held back on making any "inner beauty" of each new person he meets. for Seinfeld) convinces Robbins to eliininate the statements until the finished film was actually The result of this intervention: Hal pursues a hypnotic instructions that sparked Hal's new available to thepublic. According to Maryanne romance with a womanwho is about as far from vision. Once he realizes what has been Bodalay, executive administrator of the his original ideal as possible -300-plus pound removed, Hal (who has genuinely come to care organization,"Putting thin performers in fat suits Rosemary Shannahan (Paltrow). for Rosemary)begs to be re-hypnotized. is no different from putting white performers in blackface. To have these actors become 'fat' and The script plays relatively fairwith its premise: Because it is a romantic fantasy, there's little then film them gorging on food and breaking Hal sees every big-hearted woman he meets as doubt that Hal will see the light by himself. chairs is an insult to the 55% of Americans who super-modelsbecause that's the image of beauty are deemed overweight. ..These movies are he's internalized. Thus, he visualizes Rosemary Much of the first act of ShallawHal works · giving people permission to make fun of fat as the slender Paltrow even as we repeatedly get variations on the POV joke: because Hal sees people. Hollywoodis intent upon perpetuating hints of what she really looks like (a passing Rosie as supermodel thin, he blames flimsy the myth that fat people are miserable and reflection in a store window; two busted chairs), chairs when they break beneath her; when she unattractive, and that the path to happiness is The women known to him--an across-the-hall \ grabs that extra-large slice of cake, he confides to through losing weight. In rf':1lity, beauty comes neighbor, for instance --remain unchanged; it's '\ . hisastonished co-workers, "Where does she put - -· - .·- . ··- - --� .. - . it?" Out on a date, he mistakes a passerby's fat joke as a put-down of him; tossed a pair of exaggeratedly large underwear by a disrobing Ro' he can only assume that she's playing a joke. These, of course, are the gags that are showcased 1 in the movie trailer, and while some of 'em approach fifth grade cartoonishness (the unbalanced canoe joke, for example, has been subject of countless comic postcards), the greater humor is in the incongruity of seeing the near waif Paltrow at their center. While it may not completely obviate the jokes' potential offensiveness, it does force many in the audience to re-think what they're laughing at. It helps that Paltrow's Rosemary is such an appealing character: not just for her looks but her personality. (One of the not-so-hidden themes in the flick is the idea that a woman like Rosemary is forced to develop her smarts and PAGE 18 POST AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 sense of humor just to get by in the world, (so why not enjoy the dining experience?) First There 's Something AboutMary in top position), where a more conventional beauty is allowed to time he goes out with the thin Rosemary, in fact, but it's also not the outrage that its detractors pass on her ap pearance.) Confronted by a Hal is even impressed by her appetite: "Nice to claim. The movie may drag a bit in its last third Mauricio who sees her as she really is, she is able see a girl who orders a real meal," he says--tself a --a lot of romantic comedies do in the "let's-keep to wittily counter his weak put-downs. comment on the way we've demonized eating in the-romantic-leads-apart" stage--but it also Suspicious at first of Hal's overtures, she this culture. Just as significantly, when the two creates an enjoyable bonhomie in the scenes ultimately succumbs and blossoms under his leave the restaurant carrying Halfs doggy bag, where Hal bonds with Rosemary's Peace Corps unexpected romantic attentions. Rosemary gives it to a pair of homeless men. colleagues (one of whom turns out to be a super Not only does this act serve to point out the sized Hawaiian male) and even gives Jason Hal's second act lets the audience and character's selflessness, it also establishes that Alexander's Mauricio an out from his sexist protagonist finally see the full frontal Rosemary she's not a glutton. ways. The bros. work hard to create a feeling of (instead of the occasional body doubled back good will toward all their major characters, and views that we were teased with earlier), and it's As for the issue of broken furniture, this while you can sometimes see the mechanics here that the movie puts it heart on its sleeve: happens twice in the movie and to different involved in this, they generally succeed. the slapstick fat jokes cease, and the focus shifts purposes: the first, which occurs during that to the hero's halting attempts to break through initial restaurant date, is done to emphasize Perhaps in the end the question to ask about his stunted vision. (fhe film's one good fluid Hal's blindness ("What is this chair made of?" he Shallow Hal boils down to this: would Rosemary joke--wouldn't be a Farrelly Bros. movie without indignantly asks, holding up the chair so we can Shannahan, a sensitive fat woman with her own one --involves Hal's using a hand full of see its bent steel legs); the second, which takes clearly defined sense of humor, enjoy this Vaseline to fake conjunctivitis and blur his place just before Mauricio is about to remove movie? eyesight.) Paltrow and the much-maligned fat Hal's post-hypnotic world view, is meant to suit are revealed (doesn't quite mesh with the foreshadow the humiliation and betrayal I suspect she would, but I bet she'd wish it were body double we've seen earlier but never mind), Rosemary feels when Hal is not around to funnier ... and it's a tribute to Paltrow's acting that she is support her. In the showing I attended the able to make us see the heartbroken woman audience clearly knew what was happening --Bill Sherman within this only partiallysuccessful makeup job. with this second incident: where the first received laughs, the second elicited an audible (Full Disclosure Department: a few years back a gasp of dismay. would-be movie developer commissioned me to write a script for a proposed movie comedy As movie comedies go, ShallowHal is not the reverse on Steven .King's Thinner. That script Farrelly Brothers' laff-out-loud peak (I'd place involved the use ofmuch FXmakeup, so I'm plainly not predisposed to side with NAAF A's blanket umbrage over the use of fat suits. For the record, though, I found the FX makeup used on the actress playing Rosemary's mother to be more convincing and attractive.) As live already noted, the movie ends positively ,Jr -and, more to the point, it does so without once hinting that Rosemary will reduce. (Eddie Murphyis NuttyPro fessor, to cite a counter instance, ended with hero Seymour Klump vowing to lose weight.) Far from stating that �pl)lll'if the path to true happiness is weight loss--as •We believe in Infinite Intelligence. NAAF An spokesperson Bodalay asserts- •We believe in the phenomena of nature, both physical and spiritual, are the expression of Shallow Hal states repeatedly (some would say Infinite Intelligence. excessively) that the way we relate to other - SUNDAY SERVICES - • We aff irm that a correct understanding of such expression and living in accordance people is more important than appearance. therewith, constitute true religion. LYCEUM SUNDAY AT 1 PM • We affirm that the existence and personal (LASSES ON SPIRITUALITY DEVELOPMENT Are the Farrellys being hypocrites by cloaking identity of the individual continue after the change called death. this message in a movie that features fat jokes? I MEDITATION AND HEALING AT 2 PM • We affirm that communication with the so suspect the answer to that 'un will depend on called dead is a fact, scientifically proven by how much slack youfre willing to extend to the the phenomena of Spiritualism. bros. Since the movie is about a lout's • We believe that the highest morality is con DEVOTIONAL AT 2:30 PM tained in the Golden Rule: "Whatsoever ye redemption, you need to spend some time LECTURE THEN MESSAGE SERVICE (CLAIRVOYAHCE) would that others should do unto you, do ye wallowing in that loutishness--though most of also unto them." •We affirm the moral responsibility of individu the lame verbal fat jokes are consistently put in POTLUCK DINNER AT 3:30 PM als, and that we make our own happiness or the mouth of boobs (Mauricio, the two guys unhappiness as we obey or disobey Nature's physical and spi ritual laws. outside the restaurant). Where some critics • We affirm that the doorway to reformation is have looked at ShallowHal and seen a weak never closed against any human soul here or attempt to support weight-biased stereotypes hereafter. with an uplifting message; others have seen a • We affirm that the Precepts of Prophecy and Healing are divine attributes proven through large-hearted assaulton looksism. 102 S. PEARL STREET Mediumship. LEROY, IL I tend toward the second perspective, though I WWW.CRUMBAUGHCHURCH.ORG continue to see its critics'POV. Rosemary's (WEB sm CONTAINGS LINK TO U.S. DIRECTORY OF SPIRITUALIST CHURCHES.) excessive eating may be a stereotype-though 309.962.9076 early on the character notes that it doesn't matter WE ARE CURRENTLY IN NEED OF AN ORGANIST. how much eats, she always stays the same size DIRECTIONS: TRAVEL174 EASTTO LEROY EXIT. TU RN LEFT, PROCEED TO STOP SIGN (RT. 150) TURN RIGHT. TURN LEFTONTO PEARL ST. DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 19 The political underground press: A sympathetic Allan Keith wrote this article in 1970 while a These "different voices" are finding at least one political persuasion. This is obviously contrary student at Southern Illinois University in outlet for their viewpoints, however. The to the ideal hat only though a fair, free and full . Carbondale. He thought it important to reprint political underground press has not only competition between all ideas can the "truth" be not only as a "trip down memory lane" but provided this outlet, but has attracted a growing arrived at by the people. If this principle is because it includes some of the 'rationale' or readership. In the 1950s there were very few accepted the underground press becomes all the justification for the existence of the alternative underground papers in the U.S. Today, there are more important, because the non-underground media." about 630, with a circulation estimated at more media cannot be expected, of course, to publicize than 3 million. They are published not only in an ideology which, if accepted, would bring and end to profit-making in the media. The Commission on Freedom of the Press (the communities and at colleges, but by high school Hutchins Commission) declar_ed in 1947 that students and members of the armed forces. It follows, then, that the media today (and also " ... .it does belong to the intention of the freedom the public school system) simply provide no of the press that an idea shall have its chance, This article will focus on the politically-oriented ready means for the average American to gain even if it is not shared by those who own or underground press, as opposed to those papers any more than a cursory understanding of manage the press. The press is not free if those which deal with the so-called cultural Marxism. who operate it behave as though their position revolution. The latter publications usually conferred on them the privilege of being deaf to emphasize music, the arts, the drug scene and The media also give very little play to non ideas which the processes of free speech have the "sexual revolution. "Most of these topics are Marxist radicals. Time magazine noted earlier brought to public attention." being given more and more coverage by the standard, commercial media. To a largeextent, this year, for example, that Nicholas von Hoffman of the Washington Post "isthe only In the 28 years since this was published there is however, the standard media still do not present really radical reporter working regularly for a serious question of whether the media have extensive , accurate reporting of "radical" major American newspaper." As Time said, von done much to implement this exhortation. Many political views. This, of course, was pointed out Hoffman "provides a point of view its (the persons believe the media generally have not by the national violence commission's task force. Post's) readers would not ordinarily see." kept up with the fast pace of changing social and political thought -- especially on the part of There are many definitions and conceptions of An almost incredible number of significant young people and minority groups. the underground press. The traditional definition would include only those publications stories found in theunderground press somehow never seem to make their way into A task force of the National Commission on the which list no publisher, editor or staff members, "mainstream" media; or if they do, the stories are Causes and Prevention of Violence said, 'The or those which are printed and distributed very short or "buried" so deep that probably few increased level of violence in the country today secretly. However, today numerous publications persons pay any attention to them. is partially owing to the sluggish response of our which do not fit this definition are considered institutions to social change. But the press shares underground papers by a great many people. Many of the best stories are written by the in this sluggishness, and an important part of its For purposes of this articlethe underground Liberation News Service (LNS). More than 200 inadequacy is the inability of new and different press will be newspapers which are generally publications subscribe to the service, in addition voices to gain routine and peaceful access to the thought of as off-beat, espousing radical views, to many individuals. centralized news media." out of the mainstream of traditional commercial journalism. Last January,in just a single issue of the Black The political underground press primarily Panther, published by the Black Panther Party, espouses views on the political left. But there are there appeared many significant stories which a few right-wing papers, such as White Power, most Americans may never be informed of published by the National Socialist White through the standard media. Here are a few of People's Party (Nazi) in Arlington, Va...... � the stories in this single issue: . Criticism of the underground press has focused --An LNS story from Ft. Dix, N.J., told of a three � Alderman Waid 6 on alleged inaccuracies (which no doubt do year sentence meted out to a GI charged with exist), exaggerations, four-letter words and taking part in a stockade rebellion. The story "obscene" pictures. But it may be that the major said, "No witness actually testified to having reason for criticism is simply the fact that the seen (the GI) do anything." Another LNS story 409 E. Grove Sf., BfoomingJen papers are radical politically. A strong case can told of a U.S. Marine who had left his unit in certainly can be made for the view that radical Vietnam and joined the National Liberation ideas are needed to formulate the solutions home: 829.. 63 18 Front. He issued an appeal to other soldiers to required to solve the nation's enormous follow his example. w0rk:2J7 .;!44�201o problems. The underground press makes no pretense of objectivity and staff members --An illustrated story told of the separatist e•mail:· lcorens@uiuu�du believe the non-underground press has been movement in Eritrea, an ex-Italian colony which dishonest and hypocritical in claiming it was returned to Ethiopia in 1952. Representing' citizenel presents objective, or even fair, reporting. --Some of the other articles told of allegations of Although the standard media have given racism at San Francisco General Hospital and of ide'as, inte;1fests, i�sues ··6:f considerable space to demonstrations, protests a family of 10 which is threatened with eviction and riots in recent years, very little attention is because of an urban renewal project in San �op:oeliJlS to given in most publications to the actual views of Francisco. Bloomington the protesters or the reasons for the protest or riot. --Another article told of poor treatment of Black .•. oi�--PY;¢:rn1llent Panthers arrested in a raid in San Francisco. For example, although half of the world's Claims that party leader Fred Hampton had population lives in societies which, at least been drugged before he was killed by police in a ostensibly, are Marxist-Leninist oriented, there is Chicago raid were reported, and an LNS story Wa rd 6.is ro u,glily doWiitown virtually no outlet in the standard media for denied a report in the traditional press that Marxist ideas. Many discontented person in the Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver had left · BjcioriJ'lngton · anclal lpar€$;ot/ it'fl.· U.S. espouse Marxism and yet virtually their Cuba because of racism there. $f#�f!,.tz1l'4ing,T!eigbb�ifi oods. Yo u only outlets are the underground press and speeches, usually presented to those of the same .. . n��J�of:·1Fv� :i.ffln:i? watil to . ·.·,· ' . c;a/]:qi. t;;. . · .· ·.-;-�;-' . . · · .· PAGE 20 POST AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 appraisal --An in-depth LNS story during the nationwide strike against General Electric said the giant firm Letter to the Editor is controlled by 19 men. The story outlined their relationships with other giant firms, colleges and To the Editor: universities and the political power wielded by GE's ruling elite. The story also recounted some A few weeks ago I went out to my first of GE's history, including its relationship to the candlelight prayer vigil for peace in Krupp Corp. in Nazi Germany. Afghanistan. It appears this fledgling group is gaining momentum and strength from the worst --In addition, the SOS New Left Notes covered of American tragedies. the police-student confrontation in Berkeley, Calif. in detail, last year. (On Feb. 2 of this year a Seeking a solution to the world crisis by using federal grand juryindicted a dozen deputy violent means will not only cause more pain and sheriffs in connection with the demonstrations.) suffering, but also will be an expensive and wasteful undertaking. I think a more just way Underground papers many times are in the would be to seek out the perpetral9rs and bring vanguard of protest movements. For example, them before a world court at the Hague. the Big Muddy Gazette at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale made what apparently When I ran a home daycare, I learned violence was the first public attack on the Center for doesn't work. If I spanked my children, the Vietnamese Studies and Programs at SIU. The degree of aggression only escalated with all criticism was printed on April 9, 1%9. Now, a the children throughout the day. ''Time-outs" year later, the center has become a maj or issue and other means worked better. on th� campus, resulting in a police-student confrontation on Jan. 30 and major protests on Why not give prayer a chance and stop the Feb. 20-21, 1970. bombing now? An example of what some persons would call As you might guess, I'm also opposed to capital public services provided by the underground punishment. There is always forgiveness and press was publication of a list of secret narcotics the possibility of change in the future. A good agents by the Los Angeles Free Press last year. friend told me once, "The 5th commandment The paper said, 'The people should know the reads: 'Thou shalt not kill.' There are no men who are policing their communities. Even exceptions to be given." It is true, that in my the Black Panthers do not propose simply Catholic faith, there is a "just war theory" but ab olishing police departments. Even they I can't force myself to buy into that line of recognize the need for police officers -- but their thinking. program for community control of police demands that the policeman openly lives in the My son is 18 and I hope he never gets drafted. community in which he works so abusive From early on, I explained what a conscientious exercise of power can be controlled. objector was. I hope he (and many others) never have to make this life-altering decision. I "Secret police forces are a threat to democratic don't know how one lives with oneself after government. History demonstrates that the killing another. To me, it would .haunt my secret policeman invariably uses his anonymity every waking hour. It is a difficult situation to become unaccountable to the people over and one must consider ail the various whom power is exercised." ramifications of one's actions. In the end we all come before our Maker and shall be judged by The underground press is in many respects a what we did with our lives. substantial departure from traditional journalism. It is proudly radical and admittedly How many times will we re-open the festering subjective. But it provides a medium for the laceration on Christ's side, as He once again "new voices" that deserve to be heard in this hangs on a cross to be crucified? I can't picture, society. either, the idea of Jesus as a pilot setting loose a bomb aimed to kill and destroy. Aren't we all I The --Allan Keith His hands and feet as we proceed on this journey called LIFE? Come to one vigil, Tuesday nights, 7-7:30 PM, at the west side of the court house. Let your heart be open to new methods of conflict resolution. --Rosemarie Moews Scarbeary Monday... $ I Jagermeister Tuesday... $ I 25 Domestic Beer Wednesday.}2 Long Island Ice Tea Hours:Monday - Thursday 4 pm - I am Friday 4 pm - 2 am • Saturday 8 pm - 2 am Sunday 6 pm - I am 316 N.Main �treet • Bloomington • 309.829.2�78 DECEMBER/ JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 21 Planned Parenthood reports In 1973, the Supreme Court widespread satisfaction from legalized abortion. In 2001 , mifepristone users Bush wants a recount Join one million voices in urging Senate Majority of health centers providing abortion leadership to block any anti-choice Supreme services offer new early option Court nominations at the Feminist Majority's One year after the historic approval of new site, http://www.Million4Roe.com! mifepristone in the United States, approximately two-thirds of Planned Legal abortion hangs by a razor-thin 5-4 margin Parenthood health centers that provide in the U.S. Supreme Court. This summer, as abortion services are offering the method. More many as two of the nine Supreme Court justices than 5,000 American women have availed could announce their resignation, giving themselves of the new option at Planned President Bush the opportunity to appoint anti Parenthood this year, many of whom said they choice Justices who would overturn Roe v. would recommend it to other women. And Wade. health centers offering the method report a success rate of higher than 99 percent--greater Don't let ant-abortion politics win out! TELL than in clinical trials. WASHINGTON WE WON'T GO BACK at http:// www.Million4Roe.com! "We are particularly pleased by the high levels of success and satisfaction among Filibuster strategy highlighted patients and providers," Panned Parenthood while the overwhelming majority Qf Americans Federation of America (PPFA) President Gloria are pro-choice, there is no clear pro-choice Feldt said. "Reports from across the country majority in the U.S. Senate. In fact, only 37 have been very positive and reinforce our senators are solidly pro-choice, while an commitment to bring this new option to more additional 17 senators have mixed voting women." records. The vote on U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft highlighted these number, with just While the method has been available in the 42 senators voting against the anti-women's and United States only since December, Planned civil rights nominee. A filibuster--requiring Parenthood has participated in the decade . just 41 votes rather than the majority vote long effort to bring mifepristone to American needed to defeat a nominee--is the most women by advocating for its U.S. availability, winnable strategy in the face of future anti-Roe participating in clinical trials and working nominees to the Supreme Court. with the National Abortion Federation to educate health care providers nationwide. Both the Ashcroft vote and the close vote Prior to the September 28, 2000 approval from confirming anti-abortion Solicitor General Ted the FDA, more than half a million women in Olson suggested that pro-choice senators have Europe had safely and effectively used the votes to sustain a filibuster. ''The close 51- mifepristone. 47 vote showed a willingness to stand up, and represented an increase since the Ashcroft vote, "Planned Parenthood will continue to work to noted Feminist Majority President Eleanor expand availability of this and other advances Smeal. Schizophrenia common in reproductive health care and to ensure the among college students satisfaction and safety of the women and --from The Pro-Choice Voice clinicians who choose them," Feldt said. Abilities like holding a conversation, blocking out distractions and showing emotion seem like trivial tasks, but for people coping with schizophrenia, these everyday actions can be almost impossible. Schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects 6 percent of the population, occursmost * Xmas centerpieces frequently in people ages 16 to 25 and is affected by stress. *Ornaments ''The research shows that stressful conditions don't really play a part in the origins of the disease, but a number of stressors can exacerbate the symptoms," said Counseling and Psychological Services interim Director Todd Sevig. ''This typically starts during the college years, so a lot of times we'll see students at early stages of schizophrenia." PAGE 22 POST AMERIKAN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 Symptoms, including paranoia, impairment of relapse more probable. In adolescents with Student groups on campus, like the nonprofit mental functions, delusional thoughts and a substance/ alcohol abuse, early onset diagnosis organization Mentality, are also trying to lack of enjoyment, are caused by a "split'' in the can be impossible to differentiate." create a more understanding environment for brain between emotion and thinking. peers wit]} schizophrenia and other mental The similarities between behaviors of drug illnesses. "What is common and typical is to go through abusers and schizophrenics is the reason people some symptoms, like delusion, hallucination need to be assessed by anexpert in "Mental illness is so pervasive on campus, but and withdrawal, which cuts off the usual schizophrenia before diagnosis. Acute nobody talks about is," said Anita Bohn, a staff support system, making it even harder to ask symptoms must be present for at least a month, member of the Office of Community Service for help," Sevig said. and behavioral symptoms, including poor self Learning. hygiene, isolation and unusual behavior must Though research has found no direct link be present for six months prior to diagnosis. ''The mission of Mentality is to erase the between the origins of the disease and stigma around mental health issues and environmental conditions, factors including "Schizophrenia is an illness that really affects concentrate on awareness on campus." stress and drug abuse can greatly worsen the awareness, so what makes it double hard to symptoms. diagnose is people don't realize something is Despite the severity of the disease, Sevig wrong," Sevig said. "Ourusual ways of support stressed that it is treatable. "It's not a death sentence, but it is the most don't always work." serious mental disorder," said psychiatry Prof. ''There are people all over the country who are Rajiv Tandon. In hopes of improving living conditions for going to college. There are success stories," he those affected· with schizophrenia, health said. "Drugs don't seem to cause schizophrenia, but professionals are using a multi-dimensional they can adversely affect it," Tandon said. approach to treatment, which includes support --Lisa Hoffman, Michigan Daily "Drug use can make the disease manifest groups, medication, therapy and education NAM! of Illinois earlier. It makes it more difficult to treat and presentations for the general public. STERILE FERAL FOUNDATION Promoting the humane management of feral cat populations Members of the Sterile Feral Fo undation care fo r numerous feral cat colonies in McLean Counry. Colof!Y caretakerspro vide shelter and dai!Jfood and water. In addition, thry set traps to catch cats that need to be spqyed or neutered This takes a considerable amount of monry. The Sterile Fe ral Foundation has a program where you can help. Justfill out the form at the bottom of this page and pledge a month!Jgift to support a colof!Y. The Cats Need Your Help! Please indicate �ow you are interested in I Ste;iie-Fe;ai. ;;cith; ;; ,;,-,�t� � -;;, �;iio�� The Sterile Fera l � -Yo�-,�� ;,;,;, by "°m°"akfug helping the fe ral cats of the Mel.ear, County : OYES ! I want to support the work of Sterile Feral area. Please include your name, address, and Foundation : with a tax deductible donation of of: phone number. 1 0 Subscribing $1 5 0 Supporting $20 Thanks for your support 0 Sustaining $50 OOther $ __ P.O. Box 341 3 01 am interested in volunteering tu help Bloomington, IL Any amount is appreciated ! care for feral cat colonies. Send $15 or more and youwill receive issues of Th e Feral Fixation. 61702-3413 Please make checks payable to the Sterile Feral Foundation 01 am interested in the monthly Support-A and mail to the address listed on the right. Colony program. Phone: 309-66 3-4406 01 am interested in donating wish list items www. ste rileferal.org such as dry & canned cat food, �tter, human.� Address______traps, carriers. & old towels. Sterile Feral Foundation is a arn c3 nonprofit organization City______State ____ -'Z ip__ 01 interested if' helping fn ster feral kit 501 tens and friendly strays. ______1 Phone email. I ·------ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2002 POST AMERIKAN PAGE 23 ' Don't forget the folks that matter the most this holiday season. * PAT H PF LAG Project Oz Head Start Clare House Steri le Fera l Neville House Voice for Choice Rape Crisis Center Safe Ha,rbor Mission Habitat for Humanity Home Sweet Home Mission Prairie State Legal Services Mid Central Community Action Mclean Cou nty Al OS Task Force Advocacy Council for Human Rig hts OTHER PORTS 120 North St., Normal Monday - Saturday 10-5:30 Sunday 11-4:00