May, 1987 Volume 5, No.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editor's Notebook Bridgewater What's New(s)? , 1 by William Let/in 'J • Letters to the Editor 2 Guest Opinion Preserving Local History...... 3 L,-eVleW by Patricia J. Fanning Poetry by Elizabeth Moura ...... 5 Essays Youth Sports: Boon or Bane? 6 Editor: Michael J. Kryzanek, Political Science by Paul Dubois Associate Editors: Barbara Apstein, English New England Pilots in the William Levin, Sociology Lafayette Flying Corps ... .. 10 Editorial Board: by William F. Hanna Stanley Antoniotti, Economics The Crisis of the State David Culver, History in Africa ...... 14 Stanley Hamilton, Foreign Languages by Shaheen Mozaffar Edward James, Philosophy Short Story Joyce Leung, Librarian Snow Strategy 18 Vahe Marganian, Chemistry by James Brennan William Murphy, Special Education Diane Peabody, Biology Gallery VOODOO: Images and Objects Philip Silvia, History 22 Nancy Street, Speech Communication Cultural Commentary Coping with Adolescence 24 Photography Editor: Robert Ward, by Margery Kranyik Media and Librarianship Travel Commentary Art Director: Joan Hausrath, Art City of Victory 27 Fiction and Poetry Editor: Charles Fanning, English by Robert Cole Design and Layout: Richard Hopfner A Conversation with George Sethares .. 29 Typography: Roberta Harris, Book Reviews Office of Public Affairs Not So Free To Choose: The Political Economy of Milton Friedman Special Thanks to: Christine Glynn and Ronald Reagan ...... 30 by Ranjit Vohra The Schools We Deserve: Reflections on the Educational Crises of our Time.. 31 by Leo McGuirk "IT" 32 by Michael Hurley The Last Word The Bridgewater Review is published three times a year by the faculty of One Giant Leap Bridgewater State College. Opinions expressed herein are those ofthe authors for Mankind...... Inside Back Cover and do not necessarily reflect the policies of Bridgewater Review or by Philip Silt/ia Bridgewater State College. Letters to the Editor should be sent to: Bridgewater Review, c/o Editor, Department of Poiitical Science, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02324. Articles may be reprinted with written permission of the Editor. A protected plant in Massachusetts, the Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) blooms from July through September. Professor Emeritus of Biology, Lawrence Mish, located and photographed the flower on Copyright © 1987, Bridgewater State College - ISSN 0892-7634 the cover, growing along the town river in Bridgewater. Editor's Notebook

WHAT'S NEW(S)?

by William Levin

t happened after a few years of ECONOMY STALLED nightly reports of American c~sual­ RA_C!;~~G ~ Cl\.A~ACCIDENT I ties in Viet Nam. There was fIlm of TOWN EXPERIENCES wounded soliders being hurried into 34~ SKIER DIES I helicopters and the relentless counting ROCKET EXPLODES IN ALASKA ~lG~"[t:.ll ofbody bags. As our capacity to absorb tragedy overflowed, many· frustrated EXECUTION THREATEN~t'S~v.$1~ Americans wanted some relief from the bad news. Some asked, "Why J'lDG don't THEY show more good news?", MAN KILLED ON MASS PIKE meaning the television and newspaper B1UTISHFEllRY~S~R£~S£ people. RISK OF AIDS RISES When it became clear during Jimmy ~ O~ U-'"' JEEpD»h~ Carter's presidency that the American hostages held by that odd man in Iran ~~SO KILLER ON TRIAL -- 9'~.l( Elllltcr would not be brought home quickly despite our wealth, power and tech­ nology, the complaint was common on excess, inefficiency and plain corrup­ Thus, crime of any sort is news again. During the Watergate scandal, tion in society. But what is more funda­ because we become concerned that our the OPEC oil embargo, the rise in rates mental is that in any society, and general ability to predict that others of crime, drug abuse, cases of AIDS especially in one that supports a free will not cheat or harm us will be and, most recently, the messy deal in press, it simply CANNOT happen. diminished. And a crime committed by which we shipped arms to Iran to get This is due to a simple fact about the a public figure, such as the President of hostages freed, the cry has gone out for way people and societies (not just our the United States, takes on magnified relief from the bad news. own) operate. importance since such a person serves Part of the frustration suffered by In everyday life we depend upon sets as a symbol of the extent to which our those who would like journalists to of rules for behavior called norms. For norms can be trusted to work. If a ease up on the bad tidings is that many example, we know how to talk on the President of the United States acts people, including our president, think telephone or how to act in a doctor's immorally or breaks the law, what the news industry is an invention of office because we learn how from our reason is there to believe that anyone those who work within it. The judicial, parents, teachers and one another. won't do the same? legislative and executive branches of Norms differ between cultures, and Now it should be possible to see that government are specifically established even between subgroups within one "the news" (meaning the "bad news") in our constitution, but with the excep­ culture, but what all norms have in is inevitable, and why what we might tion ofthe first amendment, there is no common is that they are matters of call "good news" is not news at all. We enabling legislation for the establish­ agreement among groups of people. constantly need to keep tabs on the ment of news organizations. Who told These rules for behavior make life stablility of our social, political, and these people who bring us such unre­ predictable to the extent that they are economic environment, and we cannot lenting bad news that this is how shared, and we need that predictablility accomplish this by being assured that journalism should operate? Where is it to feel secure. all is well. By experience we know that written that bad news can't be bal­ We come to depend upon the pre­ the world at every level quivers and anced, say half-and-half, with more dictability of social life and become shifts, sometimes dramatically. Thenews uplifting stuff. extremely anxious when it is threat­ is justwhat it sounds like, new informa­ This is just the sort of plea that has ened. Even simple rudeness, or the tion about the changes (or potential been made by a string of presidential failure to keep an appointment is changes) in our world; changes that we defenders. Richard Nixon had his Spiro enough to upset most people. But there might like to prevent but which, ifthey Agnew, who referred to newspaper are more deeply-held, more vital norms do come to pass, should certainly re­ reporters as "the jackal press." Ronald than these. For example, we have laws quire different ways of behaving for Reagan's man has been Patrick Bucha­ against theft, assault, murder, and incest. which we would rather be prepared. nan, who blamed the press corps for Violations ofsuch rules result in propor­ "Good news" is a contradiction in "tearing down America" and "tying tionately greater discomfort than the terms because what is new is always the president's hands" in the conduct violation of rules for everyday interac­ perceived as a threat to our accustomed of his foreign policy. At times they tion, especially when they are violated ways of behaving. For those people seem to wish that, "in the interest of by people in whom we have placed who would rather be reassured that the country", nobad news be reported great trust, such as a president or "everything was just fine today", I at all. police officer, or when violations suggest they stick to reading what makes Ofcourse, it is possible to argue that occur within the everyday operation them happy and allow the rest of us to this should not happen because the free of our most critical institutions, such continue monitoring the turbulence in press in America provides a vital check as the courts or the stock market. the social waters. D

1 Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: Third, Professor Boyle's analysis diplomatic, or economic ends. To focus Professor Boyle's paper in the Jan­ fails to point out the aspects ofreligion our attention on the religious aspects uary issue ofthe Bridgewater Review is which are opposed to terrorist actions. of terrorism is to miss the point that a provocative study of the relation­ This is the most serious error. If his terrorism has become (if it hasn't al­ ships between terrorism and religion. selection ofquotations from the Koran ways been) an article ofstatecraft. Our Regrettably, it contains several errors is as incomplete as those from the challenge is to begin the dialog which which should be discussed. Bible, our Moslem brothers have been will result in the end of terrorism. First, we engage in a very comforting done a serious disservice. Indeed, de­ Thereis an old Klingon proverb (brought piece of sophistry when we draw a vout Moslems begin each recitation to us via Star Trek) that only a madman distinction between terrorism and war. from the Koran with-"In the name of fights in a burning house. The end of It is difficult to look at the conduct of Allah, the Merciful and Compas­ terrorism will come when we recognize war in the 20th century and not find sionate." The selections from the Old that our house is on fire! multiple examples ofterrorism as part Testament ignore the books of Amos, Dick Andrews ofthe methods ofmodern warfare. The Habakkuk, and Jeremiah. The first Class of 1970 rape of Belgium during the opening chapter of Amos describes the reasons days of World War I, unrestricted why God will punish the nations which Professor Boyle Replies: submarine warfare, bombing of the were the neighbors of Israel-wartime am grateful to Mr. Andrews for his cities ofEngland, Germany, Japan, and atrocities, desecration oftombs, geno­ letter and happy to reply since the China during W orld War II, the starva­ cide, and enslavement. In Habakkuk I whole point of the writing was to tion of the Urkraine by the Soviets the cruelties oftheBabylonians are con­ stimulate discussion. I am, however, during the '30s, the suppression of demned(Hab.2:12).InJeremiah,Judah mystified by his use ofthe word "error" Berber tribes in Libya by fascist Italy, is condemned because she has op­ with regard to his first two points. I the genocide of the Armenians by the pressed the poor, widows, the father­ would agree that terrorism is war even Turks, the Holocaust, Hiroshima and less, and foreigners (Jer.22: 15). though I would insist that it may be Nagasaki, and the ultimate terrorism of When the New Testament is con­ declared as well as undeclared. The nuclear detente all remind us that states sidered, that message of peace and PLO and several ofthe terrorist groups, have used, and will continue to use, justice is amplified. Several brief quo­ like Islamic Jihad have openly declared terror as a tool to accomplish their tations will illustrate the point: "But I war on Israel, yet we would all agree, I political, economic and territorial tell you love your enemies and pray for think, that they engage in terrorist goals. The distinction between warfare those who persecute you" (Matt5:44)... tactics. Secondly, I have no quarrel and terrorism is largely one offormali­ "Be merciful just as your Father is with the statement that religion is used ties. Terrorism should be understood to be merciful" (Luke 6:36). The thirteenth to rationalize acts ofaggression, in fact, an undeclared war. Terrorist groups chapter of I Corinthians -"And the that implied theme runs throughout cannot function without financial and greatest of these is love" - clearly the article. logistical support. Arms caches do not indicates that the Christian Gospel I believe the real problem for Mr. accumulate spontaneously. Someone does not sanction violence and terror­ Andrews is the third one, and here I buys arms and arranges the transport ism. think our differences arise out of a of the contraband. The terrorist as a The only reason why so-called Chris­ misunderstanding of the point of the madman with a gun is just not a good tian nations have engaged in religious piece. I could surely write an article model to base our understanding of wars is the appalling ignorance of what condemning terrorism on religious modern terrorism. States will continue is contained in the entire Bible. Only grounds, citing dozens of biblical pas­ to use it as long as it is a successful when a people are unaware of the sages of the kind he includes in his method of accomplishing their goals message of peace, reconciliation, and letter. I could do something ofthe same without the risks and costs of a de­ joy that is found in the Gospel can they with Islam, though with less convic­ clared war. be manipulated into believing that the tion, perhaps because Islam more Second, very few states choose to Bible sanctions the cruelties that have clearly draws a distinction between the present their actions to their citizens been committed in its name. rights of the believer and the unbe­ and to the world without some degree We are all deeply troubled by acts of liever. The fact remains that the lines of whitewash. J.P. Morgan is reported terrorism. We grieve with the victims; are drawn along religious distinctions, to have said that there are two reasons and we are outraged by the impotence as noted. It pits Catholics and Protes­ for everything, a good reason and the that seems to be our lot when such tants, Jews and Muslims, Shi'ites and real one. Religion is a convenient way actions take place. Professor Boyle is Sunnis against each other. It is no to rationalize acts of aggression, espe­ correct when he points out that the accident that the names of so many of cially if the particular religion is one association between terrorist groups the groups reflect their religious orien­ that divides people into believers and and the people that they "represent" tation, and it is of paramount impor­ infidels. Other rationalizations are racial may be one of convenience rather than tance that we understand how religious and political. Again it is not difficult to one of conviction. Working out real rationalizations justify acts of aggres­ look at the history ofthe 20th century solutions to terrorism will be very sion. I ask only that we understand it so and find examples of atrocities com­ much like working out real solutions to we may deal with it, not that we mitted in the name of racial and/or the problems of domestic crime and condone terrorism because it is perpe­ ideological purity. Indeed, the gulags of violence. Part of the solution is to trated by a religious person or because this world are filled with the victims of pursue justice and equality; part of the it uses a religious excuse to denigrate or such purges and pogroms. Those of us solution is arrest and punishment; and condemn religion, but to indicate how who were part of the military during part of the solution is making such it is used to support heinous activity, the '60s and early '70s can remember activity unprofitable by establishing often in violation of its own tenets or the description ofthe enemy as "gooks" restitution to the victims. The entire its usual interpretive expression. I have and "slants." It is necessary to de­ international community must recog­ taken it (perhaps too much?) for humanize the victims of aggression nize that no nation is safe, no borders granted that terrorism is not the long before the act. During wars states are defensible, and no citizen is safe highest and best mode ofexpression of engage in this process through abroad so long as nations utilize terror­ the religions under question. propaganda. ism as a means of pursuing political, Milton L. Boyle, Jr.

2 Guest Opinion

Preserving Local History

by Patricia J. Fanning

red Holland Day died in obscurity athis home in Norwood, Massachu­ Fsetts on November 2, 1933, leaving behind in total disarray hundreds of scrapbooks, photographs, documents and letters, all to be donated to the Norwood Historical Society. The Society, in turn, needing a building to house this collection along with their other materials, purchased Day's man­ sion and made it their headquarters. It was not until decades later, however, that the Society discovered the value and importance ofthe manuscripts and memorabilia they possessed. At the turn of the century, Fred Holland Day had risen to a position of international fame, distinction, and notoriety as a publisher, photographer, and bibliophile. Under his direction, the publishing firm of Copeland & Day was renowned for beautifully illus­ trated and finely printed volumes. Day became one of the premiere artistic photographers in America, his moody, almost medieval photos haunting in their beauty and grace; and he amassed one of the largest collections of Keatsiana in the world. Eventually, however, a combination of illness, eccentricity, and disil­ lusionment led Day into seclusion. He remained in his Norwood home for the last fifteen years of his life, rarely leaving his bedroom and receiving few visitors. With this withdrawal, his F. Holland Day, by Frederick Evans name slipped into the shadows, and, by (Reprinted through the courtesy of the Norwood Historical Society.) the time of his death, few remembered his name or his distinctive artistic and a full-length biography of Day has history of their community and its contribution to the aesthetic nineties. been written. In addition, the Nor­ citizens to preserve, examine, organize, In short, he was considered by most in wood Historical Society has loaned its and promote the donated works ofone the town to be a mentally unbalanced support and portions of its collection eccentric, reclusive old man. hermit. Today, after massive organ­ to important exhibitions at Harvard Too often local history is looked ization and constant, ifselective, promo­ University, the International Museum upon as the domain ofamateurs, eccen­ tion by the Society, the main portion of of Photography in Rochester, New tric old women and men waxing enthu­ Day's papers are accessible to re­ York and the Museum ofPhotographic siastic about the "good old days" bear­ searchers. Scholars interested in topics Art in San Diego, California. ing no relation to reality and having no as wide-ranging as photography, book Without the efforts of numerous relevance to today's society. These illustration, and architecture as well as volunteers throughout the years and people are viewed as anachronisms, those studying people as diverse as the dedication of a Society which has keepers of dust-covered, nondescript Louise Imogen Guiney, Louis Rhead, supported itself on meager resources objects and yellowing, unidentifiable and Ralph Adams Cram, find the Soci­ for decades, this collection would un­ photographs, clinging to an often imag­ ety a necessary stop. doubtedly have been lost forever. As it inary glorified past, honoring the life­ The Archives of American Art, a stands today, however, a major portion styles of their ancestors (primarily division of the Smithsonian Institu­ ofour shared artistic heritage has been white Anglo-Saxon Protestants) to the tion, has microfilmed a large segment preserved for future generations - and exclusion of spheres of influence such of the collection to increase its avail­ all because a group ofdedicated towns­ as immigration, industrialization and ability to scholars across the country, people were interested enough in the working class life. At their worst, local

3 There is an opportunity here to create a new, more vibrant history and historical sOCieties can and relevant historical to the achievement ofsuch a goal. They come chillingly close to that picture. perspective, capitalizing on know how to obtain data on families, At their best, however, they can town government, industrial develop­ provide important pieces to the mosaic the natural curiosities and ment and local prejudices and predi­ that is our shared past. David Kyvig interests of the people. lections, even iftheir interpretive skills and Myron Marty in their book, Nearby are, at times, lacking. They understand History explain the essential signifi­ their own communities and are them­ cance of local history: selves the products of community his­ The nation's history, it is now tory at work. Professional educators apparent, cannot fully be under­ and scholars should tap into the vast stood by looking only at leader­ resources of enthusiasm, knowledge ship elites and their decisions. and source material these local his­ The experience of other social torians and their organizations can groups, particularly anonymous offer. people who form the mass of In New York state, school systems society, needs to be examined. books, and video materials are costly are required to begin teaching local Slavery cannot be understood by and, despite protest to the contrary, history to all students in the fourth investigating only Abraham lin­ grants to underwrite local history re­ grade. Children are exposed early to coln; one must find out what it search are awarded primarily to those the excitement of discovery. They meant to the slave. The Great scholars affiliated with universities and learn that "history" is not something Depression of the 1930s cannot well-endowed associations. All of this that happened somewhere else; they be comprehended by analyzing disregards the vast majority of soci­ are taught the significance of land only Franklin D. Roosevelt; one eties, operating on shoestring budgets features in the growth ofa community, must consider how the families and staffed by volunteers. Local his­ architectual styles as symbols of eco­ of unemployed workers lived tory, it seems, is becoming susceptible nomic standing, the ramifications of through it. The Vietnam War to a new elitism, one which could immigration patterns and the effects of cannot be appreciated by viewing prove every bit as deadly as the the railroad on sleepy farming it only from the perspective of filiopietism of past generations. communities. LyndonJohnson orRichard Nixon; The point of all this is to call for a Surely Massachusetts, a state so proud one must learn what soldiers, little discretion and perhaps a little of its heritage, should not be left be­ draft evaders and civilians on the common sense. No, local history should hind in this regard. To be sure, there home front thought about it. not be left solely in the hands of a few are communities within the state that This new insight has fostered a resur­ short-sighted amateurs, but neither have assembled strong local history gence in local history, bringing with it should it be handed over lock, stock, programs, but these are isolated in­ high standards ofaccuracy and profes­ and barrel to the academics. After all, if stances. The plethora of both profes­ sional acceptance. A steady stream of you recall, it was the professional his­ sional history educators and local his­ books based on diaries, memorabilia torian and educator who squeezed the torians ensures that, with a little imag­ and reminiscences have surfaced and life's blood out ofour nation's history. ination, creativity and cooperation, the growing popularity of local history Men of true heroism such as George Massachusetts could take the lead in in both the school and college curri­ Washington and Abraham Lincoln have local history offerings. There are other culum is indicative of an emerging become caricatures while the turbu­ Fred Holland Days out there; anon­ interest in community history in lent, dramatic crises of the American ymous men and women waiting to be general. Revolution, the Civil War and the discovered and given their rightful But there is a danger that the pendu­ Depression are presented as homogen­ place in the social, artistic, and indus­ lum will swing too far in the opposite ized, one-dimensional issues to our trial heritage ofour communities. Each direction. Professionalism and higher schoolchildren. recovery from the oblivion of the past education notwithstanding, the "elder There is an opportunity here to is a tremendous victory of the future. statesmen" of local history as well as create a new, more vibrant and relevant o ardent amateurs have a consider­ historical perspective, capitalizing on able contribution to make and should the natural curiosities and interests of not be ignored. Unfortunately, the the people. Utilizing the proper re­ Patricia Fanning graduated from local historian's chief associative ad­ search skills, countless social, eco­ Wheaton College and holds a vocate, the American Association for nomic and political processes can be Master's Degree in American Studies State and Local History, has bowed to examined in microscopic fashion and from Boston College. The author of the so-called "academics." can be presented with an eye and ear two novels based on local history, she AASLH gears itself to that contin­ towards uncovering the vitality oftheir currently serves as president of the gent of societies with money and pres­ problems and the energy oftheir ideas. Norwood (Mass.) Historical Society. tige. Professional assistance, seminars, Local and amateur historians are vital 4 Poetry by Elizabeth Moura

Brasilidade To Vini~ius de Moraes The Beach In the darkness each dancer is alone, a swaying believer poised with requests: The late morning light finally to save, to protect, to remember this night. wakes me: she has gone to walk alone. Iemanja, debaixo de ceu I sit in the window frame, eating the last Iemanja, por dento mar ripe pear, watching her, below the grasses, Iemanja, 0 mar tua espada walking across the hard white sand. o mar tua espada A cool ocean breeze - a stiletto in the heat ­ o mar tua espada stirs her white cotton dress; air At dawn they carry baskets of flowers to sea. flows over her thighs. She pauses to feel it all. The petals are sacrifices She once said the coolness makes her dream: rising and falling on the waves. In the sunlight she wears seashells, Iemanja, debaixo de ceu one cupping each breast. Iemanja, por dento mar Their heaviness makes her body sweat Iemanja, 0 mar tua espada and her heart pound: o mar tua espada In all her sea dreams o mar tua espada swirling echoes seduce her. In the new light believers gather. I dream my dream: Licking the pear juices The brilliant buds flow streaming down my fingers, into the mouth of the goddess. I taste air melting in sunlight. Iemanja, debaixo de ceu My tongue drips with the heaviness of molten air, Iemanja, por dento mar and the startling tang of salt Iemanja, 0 mar tua espada bursting from broken shells. o mar tua espada o mar tua espada Belo Horizonte At noon the beach is deserted. Black wood crumbles on the sand and sea foam quivers like clusters of webs. Space edges the thin blue plane that is sea and sky. Light - only reflection - layers the dual plane: Iemanja, Iemanja, Iemanja the eye stares through blue dust to the straight dark crack A pure white shell rolls inside the waves. framing the plane's edge furthest from shore, It comes to rest on the white-hot shore a crack like a wall, thick, black with strength and light, round and whole, invisible in the sunlight. impenetrable. Clouds slide over it. Iemanja, Iemanja, Iemanja A breach in the plane, the solid line is ends of light at last collected. The naked eye is the plane's orb, light's magic ball. Searching for the sea, for light, for life and peace, Saudades the eye flattens reflections, and combines them: blue becomes blue sky, blue becomes blue sea Morning continues to triumph becomes bluer sea, becomes sky blue. over fragments of shells and stones. Light crawls across the pools, II the foam, those empty shells cracked by the ebb. At midnight they light fires on the beach. I sleep in the sea The wood breaks into salt sparks as in a mother or a lover, and the breeze sucks the ashes into the sea. waiting for the moon to pull me Iemanja, debaixo de ceu into the clear, cool night. Iemanja, por dento mar But the moon leaves me in mist, Iemanja, 0 mar tua espada neither sea nor sky. o mar tua espada Balanced like the final drop of mist, o mar tua espada my soul trembles, haunted with pleasure.

"Bela Horizonte" means beautiful horizon in Portuguese. It is also the name ofa town in Brazil which was planned specifically so that it would face a beautiful view.

"Iemanja" is the goddess ofsalt water in the Afro.Brazilian cults practiced in Bahia. On February 2, at the festival ofthe goddess, rafts are put to sea with flowers as a sacrifice. The sacrifices are made to protect those who travel or use the sea, especially the fishermen. The chant is translated to •• Iemanja, under the sky/Iemanja, inside the sea/Iemanja, the waves are your sword/the waves are your sword/the waves are your sword." Two of the symbols of the goddess are seashells and a sword. "Saudades" is a Portuguese·Brazilian term defined by Erica Verissimo as "romantic feeling," and John Dos Passos, quoting from the "Pequeno Dictionario Brasiliero da Lingua Portuguesa," described it as "the sad and suave remembrance of persons or things distant or gone."

Elizabeth Moura will receive her B.A. in English from Bridgewater State College in May, 1987. She has been a newspaper correspondent at the Brockton Enterprise for the past two years. 5 Essay

Youth Sports: Boon or Bane?

by Paul Dubois

rom their modest origins in the 1920s, out-of-school sport pro­ Fgrams have become the dominant system of organized play for young people in the United States. Current estimates are that over 25 million young­ sters are participating in some type of agency-sponsored sport program. Despite their widespread pop­ ularity, youth sport programs have not escaped considerable controversy and criticism. Frequently heard concerns include the overemphasis on winning, the psychological stress placed on the child, orthopedic injuries caused by excessive training and playing, over­ zealous parents, and the number of dropouts from such programs. Not surprisingly, such concerns have gen­ erated a spate of research which has helped to create an increasing aware­ ness that, when it comes to organized sports for young people, "what the ball is doing to the child" is at least as 1.' important as "what the child is doing ~ to the ball". - This article will begin by outlining a ~ framework for the analysis of youth sports programs. The framework will c) the seeking of adulation; and called sports programs? Research con­ provide a context for the main body of d) the dehumanization ofone's oppo­ ducted by several scientists would indi­ the article which will consist of a nent: the opponent is viewed as an cate that they are. For example, let's review ofresearch in the "what the ball object, an obstacle to overcome. look at some studies concerning the is doing to the child" tradition. Finally, On the other hand, the emphasis in a decision to become involved in sports. some concluding remarks will be made process oriented program is on: These studies found that the most concerning how one might modify a) participating as an end in itself; important reasons for becoming in­ youth sport programs which do not yet b) striving for personal (and team) volved in sports are to have fun, to fulfill the objective ofproviding optimal excellence; improve skills, to become fit, to chal­ experiences for all their participants. c) an appreciation for the aesthetic in lenge oneselfand to be part of a group. sport forms; and Research I recently conducted on two A Conceptual Framework for d) an appreciation for and rapport Massachusetts youth soccer programs Youth Sports Programs with the opponent: the oppo­ provides similar findings. Although Given the frequent criticism direct­ nent is viewed as providing the two programs emphasized distinc­ ed toward youth sports programs by the necessary conditions to tive competitive orientations, the sport scientists, one might conclude achieve a quality performance. athletes in both programs were remark­ that they are in favor of their elimina­ That youth sports programs often ably similar in terms of the relative tion. Such is not the case at all. Rather, tilt toward the product end of the ranking given to factors they con­ what they do generally advocate is the continuum is not surprising: a "pro­ sidered important in their decision to substitution of professionalized or duct" program is based on profes­ participate in sports. As Table I indi­ "product" oriented programs with sional sport, and it is professional sport cates, the top five ranks of both pro­ more "process" oriented ones. In the that typically is the only visible model grams include factors which reflect the context of sport, "process" and "pro­ available to administrators and coaches "process" end ofthe continuum. Win­ duct" are conceived as representing ofyouth sports programs. Clearly, more ning is relegated to the lower halfofthe polar opposites of a competitive con­ systematic efforts must be made to ranking, particularly when it is con­ tinuum. A product oriented program create an awareness in youth sports sidered in the context of unethical emphasizes: leaders oftheprocessend ofthecompeti­ conduct. a) winning as an end in itself; tive continuum. In summary, it appears that "pro­ b) the pursuit of prizes (trophies, What of the athletes themselves? cess" motives dominate the young jackets, money); Are they in agreement with the so- athlete's decision to become involved in

6 stitutionalization are coaches without adequate training in conditioning and rehabilitation techniques and with the tendency to place winning and self aggrandizement ahead ofthe welfare of the child. Data on emergency room visits in Massachusetts, which tend to reflect more serious injuries, provide a clearer picture ofthe incidence ofinjury among young athletes. Among youth 6-12 years old, sports injuries are the second leading cause ofemergency room (ER) visits (21 % of all visits); among those 13-19 years old, such injuries are the leading cause (31 %) of all ER visits. Another noteworthy Masssachusetts statistic is the finding that 17% if all injuries to children and youth are re­ lated to sports and recreational activi­ ties. Leading offenders are those sports most frequently found among non­ school programs: football, basketball, 11 baseball, hockey and soccer are ranked ~ 2,3,6, 7 and 8, respectively, in terms ~ of incidence of injury. Given these 0:: findings on the relationship between sports participation and childhood in­ sports. Similarly, dropping out oforgan­ common athletic related injuries among juries, it is not surprising that the ized sports is often a consequence of children and youth. After a rather Massachusetts Childhood Injury Pre­ the athlete's perception that too little extensive review of the literature, a vention Program ofthe Department of attention is paid to matters of "pro_ recent article on this topic concluded Public Health strongly recommends cess." In a study ofyoung swimmers, it that soft tissue injuries (e.g. contu­ the establishment of statewide sports was found that the most important sions, lacerations), sprains and frac­ injury prevention and management reason for dropping out was to parti­ tures "are a problem in youth sports programs. cipate in other sports or activities. participation." Other reports, how­ However, eight ofthe next nine reasons ever, have asserted that "overuse" in­ Psychological Aspects suggested the existence of a product juries are the most prevalent. It may be of Youth Sports oriented program philosophy and of that both points of view are correct: The psychological aspects of youth coaches who placed an overemphasis soft tissue injuries, sprains, etc. may be sports are as important as the physical. on winning. A sampling of these rea­ the most common acute injuries while For example, the importance of the sons include: was not as good as I overuse injuries, although perhaps less coach to the psychological develop­ wanted to be; was not enough fun; did frequent, tend to be more chronic in ment of the child athlete cannot be not like the pressure; did not like the nature and thus are potentially more underestimated. A primary reason is coach. Similarly, Terry Orlick andJohn debilitating in the long term. the child's level of dependence on the Pooley, two noted behavioral scien­ An overuse injury is one that occurs coach concerning his/her competence tists, reported that 50% and 33%, in the joint area to tendons, ligaments as an athlete (and hypothetically as a respectively, of the child athlete drop­ and the epiphyseal plates ofbones. The person as well): since the developing outs they studied withdrew because of direct causes of such injuries are poor child has little past experience upon the emphasis on winning. mechanics and repetitive stress on the which to draw in making an assessment joint. However, the likely ultimate ofhis/her athletic ability, feedback by Physiological Effects of cause is the institutionalized aspect of the coach serves as an important source Participation youth sports. That is, youth sports ofinformation aboutperformance capa­ One of the most frequent criticisms programs are often highly competitive bilities. The coach can also influence of youth sports concerns the phys­ (in order to meet the organizational the young athlete's attitude toward iological stresses to which the young goal ofwinning), and involve extensive his/her team and toward sports in athletes are exposed. However, there is practice sessions and playing schedules. general. some question as to what are the most Compounding the consequences of in- Scholars generally agree that the

7 Youth Sports: continued

. coaching behavior that is influenced by wins and losses is less likely to achieve the same positive self..concept and attitudinal outcomes as coaching behavior that is not contingent on a team's most important characteristic of a performance. Much of the stress in youth sports coach's feedback to the child is that it programs is believed to originate be positive or "success oriented." Such primarily with parents or coaches who behavior helps ensure a variety of either (a) have unreasonably high ex­ desirable outcomes. First, it develops pectations for success, or (b) seek ego athletes with positive attitudes toward enhancement vicariously through the sports and their teams. Second, it pro­ athletic prowess of their players duces a greater liking for the coach. and/or children. Third, it enhances a player's sense of Recently conducted research has self-esteem and self-efficacy. This lat­ found that competitive stress does not ter point is particularly important, be­ adversely affect all child athletes. How­ cause increasing esteem and sense of ever, it does impact on a sizeable minor­ efficacy promotes greater effort in, and ity, particularly those who participate persistence toward, the specific task at in individual sports.* Crucial situa­ hand (e.g. learning a new skill). Fur­ tions within a game, the importance of ther, it promotes an orientation a contest, andfinal outcome(Le. winning/ toward, and an appreciation of, the losing) also affect the stress level of a intrinsic value (i.e. the "process" young athlete. aspects) of sport. What are the consequences ofstress for the child athlete? Physiological and psychological discomfort are two out­ Table 1 comes which are generally observed. Relative Importance of Factors Considered Of perhaps greater concern are the in Decision to Participate more practical deleterious effects such in Youth Sports as a regression in skill level, an in­ creased likelihood of injury, and drop­ Progress Product Rank Program Program ping out of the activity. 1 Improve Skills Play Fairly Before providing some suggestions 2 Play Fairly 1mprove Skills about how youth sports programs can 3 Have Fun Be Part of Team more closely approach the "process" 4 Good Have Fun ideal, I need to state initially that there Sportsmanship 5 Improve Fitness Good behaviors send a message to the. child Sportsmanship that being successful and being ac­ Table 2 8 To Win cepted by the coach are contin­ Percentage of Coaches' Positive Behaviors 10 To Win gent upon winning. They also reduce by Program Orientation and Game Outcome 13 To Win By To Win By the likelihood ofthe child gaining a full Rule Breaking Rule Breaking appreciation ofcompetition-as process. Progress Product Program Program In sum, coaching behavior that is in­ Won 81% 82% fluenced by wins and losses is less Tied 79% (No ties) Not a great deal is known about the likely to achieve the same positive self­ Lost 85% 63% behavior or feedback of youth sports concept and attitudinal outcomes as coaches toward their athletes. What coaching behavior that is not contin­ information we do have, however, gent on a team's performance. are many well run programs. The "horror indicates that they are not always con­ A consistent criticism directed at stories" about youth sports that occa­ sistent in this feedback. For exam­ youth sports has been the level ofstress sionally turn up in the media some­ ple, data I have collected at youth placed on its participants. As in most times lead to a condemnation of all football and soccer games show that, other settings, stress occurs in sports programs, when in fact the vast major­ unlike "process" programs, those when some situation or condition is ity are doubtless innocent of truly having a product competitive orienta­ perceived as threatening, i.e. when the serious transgressions. Nevertheless, tion produced coaching behavior that player is confronted with a stimulus even good programs can be improved. was contingent on team performance. that may endanger the attainment of Table 2 summarizes this data: it indi­ important goals. There are many poten­ cates that when a team lost, the coach tial stress-producing situations in *Interestingly, the study found that in the "product" program more than sports (e.g. "Will I make a positive the most stressful situation for a pre­ doubled the proportion of his/her contribution to my team's perfor­ adolescent child was a band recital negative behaviors (from 18% to 37%) mance?" "Will I perform with skill?" solo. Competition in an individual as compared to when a team won. Such "Will my coach praise my hustle?"). sport was ranked second.

8 posit the following guidelines: '1ilNI{ )ICNil)liltlil a) Concentrate on developing a solid foundation of all the essential by Jeff Millar & Bill Hinds skills before placing the child in a competitive situation. When intro­ ducing competition do it gradually by teaching one specific competi­ tive situation at a time. This prac­ tice will help the child learn the strategy ofthe sport without experi­ encing a regression in basic skill performance. b) Be sure opponents are as evenly matched as possible. Equal match­ ups promote optimal performance - and maximum enjoyment ­ among all participants. c) Provide success opportunities for all athletes by rewarding not just winning, but effort, enthusiasm and personal improvement as well. Evidence for such an assertion comes A second suggestion is to reduce the from the coaches themselves. For ex­ "product" competitive orientation of *** ample, several surveys conducted on programs. As I indicated earlier, the Youth sports: boon or bane? At this youth sports coaches demonstrate that verbal behavior ofthe coach is impor­ point in time, the answer to this ques­ they do not rate themselves very high as tant in setting the competitive climate tion is that in general, they are likely concerns a variety of behaviors and for his/her team. Thus, one strategy in neither. If youth sports leaders con­ skills necessary to be a competent this area would be to systematically stantly keep in mind that such pro­ coach. Further, one study revealed that record a coach's behavior, and finally, grams should be education and fun for nearly half of the coaches surveyed to give specific suggestions as to how the participants, the answer assuredly endorsed the idea that coaching clinics such behavior can be modified to en­ will be a positive one in the near future. or workshops should be required of courage more of a "process" competi­ D those who volunteer for youth sport tive orientation in his/her program. programs. Thus, it appears reasonable A less direct method to reduce the to assert that at least some of the product competitive orientation in suggestions which follow can benefit youth sports programs is to "deprofes­ most programs. sionalize" them, i.e. to eliminate as One suggestion is to provide coaches many elements as possible that make with a variety of educational experi­ such programs little other than minia­ ences such as clinics, workshops and/or ture versions of the major leagues. self-directed programs ofstudy. It is in­ Table 1 provides a number of sugges­ cumbent upon coaches at any level to tions in this regard. This strategy may have,a knowledge base in such areas as actually be more effective than modify­ sports-skill progressions, planning and ing a coach's behavior insofar as pro­ conducting practices, the coach-player­ ducing a long lasting reduction of a parent relationship, pre-and inseason "winning-is-the-only-thing" competi­ conditioning, prevention and care of tive orientation is concerned: if you injuries, and the legal aspects of change the program structure, you will coaching. A corollary need is for futher probably change the coach's behavior Paul Dubois is a professor ofPhysical research concerning the consequences as well, but if you only change the Education at Bridgewater State Col­ for young athletes of organized youth coach's behavior and return him to an lege. His expertise as a sport sociolo­ sports. Particularly needed are studies environment that is not congruent with gist stems from his days at Stanford that investigate the long term physio­ that behavior, the coach is likely to University where he received a MA in logical and psychological effects of quickly revert to his/her initial mode Sociology prior to his Ph.D. in Ed­ sports participation on young people. of behavior. ucation. He is currently a member of Continued research in this domain can The final suggestion concerns the the Governor's Committee on Phys­ only serve to enhance the quality of matter of when and how to introduce ical Fitness and Sports. coaching education programs. athletic competition to young people.l 9 Essay

New England Pilots In The Lafayette Flying Corps

by William F. Hanna

he Lafayette Flying Corps was the name given to a group of T American pilots who flew with the French Air Service during World War 1. More than 200 Americans became expatriates, for a time at least, in order to try to qualify to fly the latest French fighter planes against the Ger­ mans. By war's end the 180 who suc­ ceeded were serving in 93 French squad­ rons. Although most later transferred to the U.S. Air Service, it was their days in the Lafayette Flying Corps­ and its most elite squadron, the Lafay­ ette Escadrille-which recalled the fond­ est memories among survivors. From the beginning the Lafayette pilots were seen as something special. Even as the war continued, foreign correspondents filed storiesfrom remote French airfields which portrayed these pilots as knights of the air, daredevil Lancelots who laughed in the face of death as they fought the sinister Hun. This glorification escalated in the two decades after the war, a period which saw the rapid growth of both the Major Raoul Lufbery in the uniform of the u.s. Aero Service shortly before aviation and motion picture industries, his death is 1918. (Photo; U.S. Corps, National Archives) as well as new threats from Germany. By the eve of the Second World War wrote. "Some sought adventure, others American pilots in the Service Aero­ the Lafayette men had become the stuff revenge, while a pitiful few actually nautique. After months of delay and of folklore. sacrificed themselves in the spirit of frustration the efforts of Prince and Ofthe 180 Americans who flew with purest idealism." others were rewarded when the Lafay­ the Lafayette, 30 had lived all or part of While it seems certain that all three ette Escadrille was born. their lives in New England. An ofthe elements mentioned by Parsons­ Oliver M. Chadwick, ofLowell, Massa­ examination of their careers will show adventure, revenge, idealism-motivated chusetts, was just 25 years old when he that, although they did share certain every Lafayette pilot at some time, enlisted in the French Foreign Legion attributes like courage, self-confidence certain fliers do stand out as good inJanuary, 1917. A graduate ofPhillips and love of adventure, they were in­ examples ofeach. For instance, Norman Exeter Academy and Harvard College, deed a mixed crew, difficult to classify Prince, of Prides Crossing, Massa­ he had trained as a lawyer at Harvard and largely indifferent to the glamour chusetts, was certainly an idealist. Thir­ Law School and was beginning life as a of knighthood. teen ofthe 30 New England pilots were promising young attorney when the Ofthese 30 New England pilots who college men, and Prince was one of 9 war broke out. Moved by what he saw joined the Lafayette Flying Corps, who had attended Harvard. When war as the heroic struggle of the Allies, almost two-thirds were at the Front in broke out in Europe he was a success­ Chadwick walked away from his legal some capacity before America entered ful Chicago lawyer with every expec­ practice and went to Canada to offer the war in April, 1917. Fourteen were tation of a long and rewarding legal his services. Rejected because of his already flying for the French and sev­ career. Yet Prince was fascinated by the American citizenship, he returned to eral others were members ofthe French struggle taking place overseas and de­ the States and enlisted in the Massa­ Foreign Legion or the American Ambu­ cided to play his part in it. He began by chusetts National Guard. After a four lance Field Service. taking flying lessons at his own expense month tour ofduty in Mexico, he, like Edwin C. Parsons, of Springfield, and under an assumed name. Since his Norman Prince, learned how to fly an Massachusetts, as one of the last sur­ grandfather had once been mayor of airplane and then sailed for France. viving members of the Lafayette, was Boston, young Prince wanted to avoid After a short stint in the Foreign asked what had prompted Americans notoriety. He was 28 years old in Legion he waG accepted by the French to join a war in which their country was January, 1915, when he sailed for Air Service. not yet involved. "Motives were as Europe, hoping to persuade the French Another idealist in the Prince­ varied as the men themselves," he government to accept a squadron of Chadwick mold was Harold Buckley 10 Willis, of Boston, a 1912 graduate of Harvard College who had trained as an architect. After spending two years in the Massachusetts National Guard, Willis enlisted in the American Ambu­ lance Field Service in February, 1915, and six months later was cited for his rescue of wounded while under fire. Willis was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Star, but by this time he had been accepted by French Aviation and was on his way to becoming one ofthe most famous pilots of the Lafayette Esca­ drille. Along with the idealists, New England certainly sent its share of adventurers to the Lafayette Flying Corps. Two such men were Herman Chatkoff and Frank Baylies. Chatkoff had made his way from his home in Maplewood, Massachusetts to Brooklyn. In August, 1914, he left his car washing job and went to France to enlist in the Foreign Legion. When asked about his pre­ vious military service, Chatkoffreplied that he was a veteran offive years with the Salvation Army. A dark, brooding man, his murderous temper suited him well for trench warfare on the Western "J. Front, where he served as a rifleman for Left: Frank Baylies and Ted Parsons served together in Les Cigones, one of almost two years before entering the the finest French fighter Squadrons. Right: David Putman succeeded Lafayette Flying Corps in 1916. E. Baylies as the American "Ace" until his own death in September 1918. Frank Baylies represented the other (Photo: National Archives) side of the coin. The mild-mannered son of a successful New Bedford busi­ Phillips Exeter Academy who had drop­ the Foreign Legion in Novermber, nessman, Baylies graduated from the ped out of the University of Penn­ 1914, and was bayonetted during hand­ Moses Brown Preparatory School in sylvania. After completing pilot train­ to-hand fighting in June, 1915. He Providence and then went to work for ing in the U.S., Parsons had gone to transferred to the French Air Service his father. He was one of a few young Mexico in 1913 to try to teach Pancho the following December and became a men of his time who could drive an Villa's men how to fly airplanes. In member of the Lafayette Escadrille in automobile, and he was a familiar sight December, 1915, he sailed for France August, 1916. as he piloted the family car through the as a member ofthe Ambulance Service. While Norman Prince fought for his narrow streets of New Bedford. The He was with this group for four months ideals, and Paul Pavelka sought adven­ story goes that Baylies became fasci­ before being accepted by French Avia­ ture, Raoul Lufbery wanted only ven­ nated by reports of the heroism of tion, which assigned him to the Lafay­ geance. Born in France of French par­ American ambulance drivers on the ette Escardrille in January, 1917. ents in 1885, Lufbery saw his mother Western Front, and in February 1916, Another adventurer was Paul Pavelka, die and his father emigrate to Walling­ at the age of20 and against his parents' a poor boy who had run away from the ford, Connecticut. The boy was left in wishes, he sailed for France to join family farm in Madison, Connecticut the care of his grandmother and was them. Fifteen months later, after sur­ when he was only 14 years old. The put to work in a chocolate factory. He viving heavy fighting on both the West­ youth had gone west, and at one time faithfully sent his wages to his father in ern and Eastern Fronts, and after having or another had worked as a cowboy, a Connecticut and, at age 19, finally been awarded the Croix de Guerre for cook in a sheep camp, and a nurse. decided to join the old man in America. valor under fire, Baylies was accepted While still a boy he had gone to sea and After circuitously traveling through­ into the Lafayette Flying Corps. had once walked across the South out much ofEurope and North Africa, One of Frank Baylies' closest war­ American continent after his ship was he finally arrived in Wallingford in time friends was Ted Parsons. This wrecked. Forever after called "Skip­ 1906, only to find that his father had Springfield native was a graduate of per" by his friends, Pavelka enlisted in sailed to Europe a short time before! 11 New England Pilots continued

Left: A French fighter heads for base in the setting sun. (Photo: The Lafayette Flying Corps, ed. by James Hall and Charles Nordhoff, Boston, 1920) Right: A rare combat action photo shows this German Fokker E-III diving for the attack from behind. (Photo: u.s. Air Force) The boy waited in Wallingford for "ace ofaces." When he joined the Air French Air Service in May, 1917. nearly two years, but his father never Service after Pourpe's death, Lufbery's Like Lufbery and Baylies, Putnam appeared. Indeed, they were never to instructors doubted he would make was fearless in combat and sometimes see each other again. much ofa pilot.He seemed clumsy and took what appeared to be hopeless On the road once more, Lufbery inept, and at first he was recommended chances. On one occasion, for exam­ went to San Francisco, spent two years to fly slower, more cumbersome, but ple, he single-handedly attacked 18 as a soldier in the Philippines, then less technically demanding bomb­ German planes, shot down the leader traveled throughout India and the Far ers. His career recovered quickly, and escaped unharmed. On June 5, East. In 1912 while in Saigon he met however, for after joining the Lafayette 1918, during the second Battle of the Marc Pourpe, a noted French aviator Escadrille in May, 1916, he shot down Marne, Putnam shot down 5 German who was giving flying demonstrations. 3 German planes in one week, and planes in 5 minutes. He had destroyed The two young men struck up a friend­ thereafter his name became famous 11 enemy planes before he was 20 ship, and the following months were among American newspaper readers. years old. the happiest of Raoul Lufbery's life as Early is 1918 Lufbery accepted a The New England aces accounted for he and Pourpe toured the Far East transfer into the U.S. Air Service with the destruction of at least 40 enemy together. the rank ofMajor. After a short stint as aircraft. Twelve other New England In the summer of 1914 they re­ a desk jockey he was back in the pilots were credited with shooting turned to France to prepare for yet cockpit as the commander of the 94th down a total of 20 German planes. another trip to the Orient, but were and 95th Aero Pursuit Squadrons. Norman Prince had 3, as did Sereno caught up instead by the war. Pourpe New England's second ace was Frank Jacob of Westport, Connecticut and enlisted in the Air Service and Lufbery Baylies. He was a member ofLes Cigones, George Turnure of Lenox, Massa­ signed on as his mechanic. Three The Storks, one ofFrance's most illus­ chusetts. Walter Rheno, of Vineyard months later Pourpe was shot down trious flying groups. When, in Novem­ Haven, bagged 2, as did William A. and killed, and the Germans thereby ber 1917, he joined this hard-nosed Wellman of Cambridge, while seven earned one of their most formidable squadron on the Flanders Front, he pilots each shot down 1 German plane. enemies in Raoul Lufbery who swore remembered that as a boy in New Any student of World War I avia­ to avenge his friend's death. Bedford he had been ashamed of him­ tion must be impressed by what a In its career the Lafayette Flying self for shooting at birds in the forest. deadly business it was. Although small Corps was officially credited with shoot­ Ironically, throughout the rest of that and frail, the fighter planes routinely ing down 199 German planes. Sixty of winter and into the following spring cruised at altitudes approaching those victories were claimed by 15 and summer Baylies became one ofthe 20,000 feet. Patrols, usually consisting New England pilots, three of whom most relentless of Allied hunters. ofsquadrons of 3 or 4 airplanes flying became well known aces. Under the As Les Cigones moved south along in formation, would range high over rules of the Service Aeronautique an ace theWestern Front, he claimed 12 con­ enemy lines searching for their German had to have shot down 5 enemy planes. firmed kills and several more counterparts. Once engaged, the fight­ In order for these victories to be con­ unconfirmed. ers would break formation and dive to firmed, the enemy aircraft had to come The third New England ace was an altitude below 10,000 feet, where down behind French lines, or the crash David E. Putnam, of Brookline. After most air battles were fought. Reaching had to be witnessed by four indepen­ leaving Harvard in his sophomore year, speeds which approached 120 miles dent observers. Putnam attempted to join the U.S. Air per hour, the fighter pilot would try to Raoul Lufbery, with 17 confirmed Service but was rejected because of his position his own plane behind the tail victories and many more unconfirmed, youth. He then sailed for France ofthe enemy, and in a burst ofmachine became the Lafayette Flying Corps' aboard a cattle ship and enlisted in the gun fire shoot him from the sky. The 12 killing range of the machine guns was experienced combat pilot and La­ tion. He was at the Front for about only 60 to 90 yards, so sudden and fayette Escadrille veteran. Baylies and three months and in that time shot violent death from bullets, incinera­ Parsons often flew together, and on down 2 German planes. After the war tion or mid-air collision was always a June 17, 1918 Parsons watched in the Wellman became a successful Holly­ possibility. distance as Baylies' plane crashed in wood producer and director. He won A pilot's time at the Front was flames. Baylies, 21 years old, was dead an Academy Award in 1926 for his usually measured in weeks or months after just seven months at the Front. classic aviation film Wings. In 1958 he rather than in years. The Lafayette David Putnam, "ace" successor to directed a Warner Brothers film en­ Flying Corps lost 55 pilots killed in Lufbery and Baylies, had accepted a titled The Lafayette Escadrille, which action, including 6 New Englanders. transfer to the 134th Squadron of the portrayed the American pilots as rousta­ Three other New Englanders were killed U.S. Air Service. He too was killed in bout playboys. This movie attracted in the line ofduty or died as a result of action, on September 13, 1918, two the wrath of Ted Parsons, Charles H. the war. months short of the Armistice and Dolan and other former Escadrille mem­ Norman Prince was the first casu­ three months shy of his twentieth bers. Wellman, feeling the sting of alty. After taking part in 122 aerial birthday. their criticism, later admitted that he engagements over 15 months, he was Of course most of the Lafayette felt "terribly ashamed" of the film. killed returning from a night mission Flying Corps boys made it home safely, It is interesting that Wellman when his plane crashed into a high and a few New Englanders even gained clashed with Charles Dolan, because tension wire hidden by the darkness. prominence after the war. Ted Parsons, this last surviving member of the La­ for example, finished the war with 8 fayette Escadrille was an appropriate Oliver Chadwick, the young Har­ victories. After the Armistice he en­ representative of so many of the New vard lawyer who had learned to fly tered the U.S. Navy and finally retired Englanders who flew for France. One back in the States so as to be better with the rank of rear admiral. ofDolan's grandfathers had lost a leg in prepared to fight the Germans, was Harold B. Willis had been shot down the Civil War and the other had been killed in action on August 14, 1917. and captured in August, 1917. After 3 killed with Custer. Before enlisting He had been at the Front for only 18 unsuccessful attempts, he escaped Dolan had studied electrical engineer­ days. across the border to Switzerland and ing at M.LT. Only one German plane Paul Pavelka served with the La­ arrived in Paris in time to toast the had fallen under his guns, but he had fayette Escadrille for about six months Armistice with his Lafayette friends. been at the front for eighteen months, a before being transferred to the Eastern After the war he lived in Boston and long time for such a hazardous duty. Front. An expert at night fighting and was among the leaders of an effort to Dolan's last service was rendered in an adventurous lad, he was assigned to organize a second Lafayette Escadrille July, 1967, when, as its only surviving an escadrille in front of Salonica. On for service in World War II. member, he represented the Lafayette November 12, 1917, while off-duty, Herman Chatkoff gained notoriety Escadrille at the dedication ofits monu­ he was accidentally killed when a caval­ of a different sort. He had been at the ment at Luxeuill. D ry horse which he was riding fell on top Front for a little over a month when he of him. was critically hurt in an airplane crash On May 19, 1918 the American while showing off for his friends. He "ace of aces," Raoul Lufbery, calmly spent the rest of the war in a French stepped away from his burning plane hospital and later, after the Armistice, high over the small French town of was confined to a mental institution. Maron. He died in a flower garden Neither the French nor the American below, thus keeping his promise that government would take responsibility he would never burn to death in a for Chatkoff, and in the words of one crippled plane. Lufbery's death turned writer, he lived for 13 years as a man public attention toward Frank Baylies, without a country. This sad spectacle the new "ace of aces," who did not was finally ended in 1931 when Presi­ appreciate the constant requests for dent Hoover signed a bill granting interviews, photographs, autographs, Chatkoff $100 per month and per­ William F. Hanna received a Bach­ etc. He was, he confessed, "embar­ petual care in a Veterans Adminis­ elor of Arts degree from Southeastern rassed as the dickens" by all the fuss. tration hospital. Massachusetts University, a Master He found the new demands placed Two other New Englanders who ofArts degree from Bridgewater State upon him to be an "awful nuisance." served with the Lafayette deserving of College. He is presently a U.S. His­ Baylies had decided against trans­ mention are William A. Wellman and tory teacher at Taunton High School ferring to the U.S. Air Service and Charles H. Dolan. After leaving his and has also served as a visiting intended to finish out the war as a Cambridge home Wellman joined the lecturer in History at Bridgewater member of Les Cigones. He had been American Ambulance Service and in State College. joined by Ted Parsons, by now an June, 1917, enlisted in French Avia- 13 Essay

The Crisis Of The State In Africa

by Shaheen Mozaffar

n contempotary Africa, as every­ and family ties outside state control. An objective evaluation of the va­ where in the world today, the state According to some estimates, these lidity of these explanations is compli­ I has assumed a central role in a wider informal economies account for almost cated by their biases. Each assumes range of tasks such as fostering and half of all economic activity in many African states and leaders to be second maintaining economic growth, pro­ countries. The growing significance of rate. Both explanations, moreover, viding for the welfare of the citizens these parallel markets has recenty im­ offer a simplistic one-d~mensionalview and ensuring law and order. But since pelled the World Bank to commission of what is otherwise an inordinatley gaining independence in the 1960s, several studies on their scope and complex situation. Most significantly, African states have exhibited a steadily impact on development policies urged both ignore the deeper historical and diminishing capacity for performing by the Bank on African countries. structural factors which shaped the their accustomed functions. This has origin and development ofthe modern given rise to the now widely-accepted state in Africa, and which continue to aphorism that the state in Africa is in influence its performance today. crisis. Evidence of this crisis is readily The Modern State found in several areas. African states have exhibited and its Colonial Variant It is, first of all, found in the lack of The modern sovereign state, in con­ sustained economic growth, despite a steadily diminishing cept and organization, originated in the disproportionately high expendi­ capacity for performing their medieval Europe with the breakdown tures undertaken by African states since of feudalism and the accompanying independence. In 1967, for example, accustomed functions in rise of absolute monarchies. Over the African state expenditures, excluding society. next two centuries, it evolved in close South Africa, averaged about 15% of conjuction with the development of the Gross Domestic Product or GOP modern capitalism. The progressive (the total value of all goods and ser­ changes of the European state-from vices produced within the country); by the absolutist-mercantilist state to 1982, they had risen to over 30% of the liberal-democratic state to the GOP. Increased state expenditures pro­ A variety of political, social and social-welfare state-simultaneously duced economic growth only in excep­ economic indicators, thus, clearly at­ shaped, and were shaped by the wider tional cases in the 1970s, for example, test to the crisis of the state in Africa. socioeconomic changes wrought by in Botswana, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Ken­ What is not so clear, however, is the capitalism-the decline of the aris­ ya and Malawi, and actually produced reason or reasons, why and how such a tocracy, the rise of the urban decline in growth overall. However, situation has come to pass. Con­ bourgeoisie and the expansion of the per capita GOP growth rates across the ventionally, two alternative explana­ industrial working class. Thus, in continent, excluding South Africa, fell tions have been offered. One explana­ Europe, the modern state and civil from 1.3% in the 1960s to -.4% in tion emphasizes internal factors: society evolved interdependently, as a 1983. 1) the incompetence of African lead­ result of which the state came to ac­ Second, evidence of state crisis is ers and their inadvisable policies, quire legitimacy in the eyes of the found in the pervasive corruption and 2) the "traditional" African cultural people because its laws and institutions mismanagement among public offi­ values which allegedly promote embodied their cultural values and cials, from the policeman on the beat to "backward" attitudes deemed in­ philosophical aspirations. the highest levels of the ruling circles. appropriate for a modern society, In Africa, however, the joint his­ For example, President Mobutu of and torical processes ofstate formation and Zaire has reputedly amassed a personal 3) the more objective factors ofover­ capitalist development were discon­ fortune conservatively estimated to be population, lack ofskilled person­ nected. The modern state was imposed $1 billion. The degree of corruption nel and scarce natural resources. on Africa by colonial powers who certainly varies within and across coun­ The other explanation emphasizes sought economic and military gains. tries, but in general, the absence of external factors: The colonial state, moreover, was public morality, or at least the per­ 1) the Western military and eco­ imposed on African societies which ception ofits absence, in the exercise of nomic domination of the con­ were predominantly based on small­ state power has severely reduced the temporary international system, scale peasant farming. This historical credibility ofthe state in the eyes ofthe 2) the resulting perpetuation ofAfri­ anomaly produced deep-seated contra­ citizens. As a consequence, large seg­ can dependency on Western aid, dictions both in the very nature of the ments of the populations in many and state imposed on Africa and in its African countries have opted to with­ 3) the attempt by Western countries impact on African societies. The colo­ draw from the formal economy regu­ to advance their "imperialist" nial state imposed on Africa in the late­ lated by the state, and derive their interests by supporting corrupt nineteenth century had no indepen­ livelihoods from informal social net­ and unpopular governments in dent standing in international law, but works based on personal friendships Africa. derived its legal status from the sover- 14 MELILLA

CAPE VERDE IS. Praia 0 .. : . o~· THE GAMB1A-~"--':> Banjul

eignty of the respective colonial powers. Furthermore, having secured SEYCHELLES IS. their African colonies by conquest, the VIctOria C>.. J: .. ' colonial powers selectively excluded the doctrines of constitutionalism, liberalism and civil liberties, which had effectively curbed the arbitrary exer­ cise of state power in Europe. And Antanananvo MAURITIUS because Africans were considered unfit

to live in "civilized" national com­ MADAGASCAR.----<:l ~ Pon Louis munities, they were denied the full REUNION status as a nation. Thus, African states lacked an important legitimizing force, that of nationhood. The colonial state 0 was established, then, as a highly Copyright © 1984 by the African­ authoritarian state whose domination American Institute. was rationalized by a dubious racialist­ Reprinted by permission of Africa Report. paternalist ideology. Africans were seen by their oppressors as inferiors who needed help. Colonial power was colonies fell from favor, the colonial legislation by executive decree, execu­ excercised through a coercive bureau­ powers hurriedly introduced demo­ tive supremacy, suspension of civil cratic apparatus. cratic tradition as the ideal political liberties-were retained in the laws and system, the former because that was institutions ofthe post-colonial state in The Impact the only tradition they knew, and the Africa. At independence, therefore, of the Colonial State latter because they saw the democratic the new African elites inherited a state The bureaucratic-authoritarian tra­ ideals of liberty, freedom and equality which embodied two traditions-the dition of the colonial state has re­ (many African nationalist leaders quot­ colonial bureaucratic-authoritariantra­ mained the dominant political tra­ ed Thomas Jefferson in their speeches) dition and the newer democratic tra­ dition in contemporary Africa, despite as a powerful philosophical weapon to dition-whose underlying values were attempts by European and African challenge the colonial powers in their profoundly at odds with each other. leaders to introducewestern-style democ­ own language. However, the potential After independence, the democratic racy on the continent. After World for the success ofthe newly introduced institutions were discarded by African War II, confronted with a growing democratic institutions was not great. elites because the underlying liberal African nationalism and a changed The constitutionally-sanctioned auto­ values of these institutionf: did not international environment in which cratic powers of the colonial state- have sufficient time to take root in 15 The Crisis continued

Upon assuming power, African elites confronted a number of inherently African political cultures in the brief contradictory tasks including: ~reventing the spread to northern period between 1945 and the 1960s, administrative consolidations, Nigeria of what they considered the when decolonization occured rapidly. national integration, and dehumanizing values of modern Euro­ Upon assuming power, African elites pean societies. The net effect was that confronted a number of inherently economic development. northern Nigeria remained socially and contradictory tasks including; admini­ economically underdeveloped. strative consolidation, national integra­ For example, at independence, there tion, and economic development. They was not a single senior Hausa-Fulani found the bureaucratic-authoritarian officer in the Nigerian civil service or tradition of the colonial order and its and army and a well-organized system the military. In 1957, three years be­ autocratic policies more readily con­ of taxation. In the west, the Yoruba fore independence, there were less than ducive to achieving these tasks. Thus peoples possessed a loose confederal 4,000 students enrolled in secondary within less than a decade, military rule political system headed by a symbolic schools in the north, as compared to a and single-party or no-party govern­ ruler (the ala[in), who was elected by combined total of 28,000 in the east ments became a common feature ofthe and was responsible to a council of and the west. Finally, in the early African political landscape. independent rulers (the obas). In the 1950s, out ofa total of 160 physicians Ifthe character ofpost-colonial Afri­ east, the Ibo peoples lived in scattered in the country, 76 were Yorubas, 49 can states was shaped by colonialism, village communities, each with a decen­ were Ibos, and only one was a Hausa­ postcolonial African societies were tralized republican form of govern­ Fulani (the rest were either Europeans, also artificial entities in the sense that ment in which a council of village Africans from outside Nigeria, or from they could not be considered nations. elders made decisions for the whole smaller ethnic groups within Nigeria). Historically, a nation is a community community on the basis of tradition Perhaps most critically for post­ of people who develop solidarity and consensus. colonial politics, in the democratic through shared language, custom and The uneven impact of British colo­ elections held in preparation for the institutions. A state, on the other hand, nial policies only served to reinforce transfer of power, the Hausa-Fulani is a legal institutional system claiming these historical differences between the leaders, as representatives ofthe single sovereign power over a territory and three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. largest ethnic group in Nigeria, won an the population living within it. Over For example, European educational electoral majority and succeeded the time, as ethnic loyalty (nationalism) facilities and profitable commercialenter­ British at the helm of the state. fuses with state loyalty (patriotism), prises were concentrated largely in the During the nationalist movements nation and state bond. In Africa, how­ western and the eastern regions in for independence, however, ethnic rival­ ever, colonial rule brought together a Nigeria during colonial rule. And be­ ries were temporarily submerged in the hetereogeneous conglomeration of cause these two regions also had a interest of confronting the colonial peoples within a single territorial longer period of contact with and ex­ powers with a united front. After administration. The drawing ofdistrict posure to Europeans, dating back to independence, with the moderating in­ and provincial boundaries that grouped the era of the slave trade, the Yoruba fluence of the colonial state removed, people by language and culture further and Ibo peoples were quick to take ethnicity resurged as a political force in reinforced the existing differences be­ advantage of whatever limited oppor­ thecompetition for power andresources. tween these peoples. Moreover, be­ tunities were provided once Nigeria In Nigeria such competition erupted cause economic growth, transporta­ officially became a colony in 1900. As into a disastrous civil war during 1967­ tion networks and educational facili­ a result, these two groups were in an 70, when the Ibos made a futile attempt ties were unevenly distributed within advantageous position to take over the to secede and form their own sovereign individual colonies, some groups bene­ reins ofgovernment from the British at nation-state of Biafra. As the example fitted more than others, which only independence. In the north, however, from Nigeria shows, ethnic loyalties served to accentuate ethnic differences after the initial Hausa-Fulani oppo­ are rooted in a system of personal and heighten ethnic consciousness. sition to being colonized was crushed loyalties in which politically ambitious These contradictions between state by military force, the British officials patrons are obligated to reward the and society were nowhere more evi­ retained the Hausa-Fulani rulers as political support of their clients with dent than in Nigeria, the largest of the subordinate agents through whom colo­ preferential access to jobs, education British colonies. In Nigeria, the British nial rule was enforced. As documented and investment funds. While corrup­ brought together three major groups, in their diaries and memoirs, many tion and inefficiency thus become built each with a distinct language, religion British officials posted in the north as into the operation of the state, ethnic­ . and form of political organization. In advisers to the Hausa-Fulani rulers saw based allocation of resources reflects the north, the Huasa-Fulani peoples the Hausa-Fulaniaristocracy as embody­ attempts by public officials to coopt followed Islam and possessed a highly ing the cultures and privileges of their otherwise powerful social groups and, centralized political system headed by own aristocratic past. And many of more generally, to shore up their precar­ an aristocratic ruler (the emir) and them were motivated to preserve these ious hold over a heterogeneous popula­ supported by an elaborate bureaucracy aristocratic traditions by deliberately tion. But such allocation procedures 16 It may be time to recognize waste valuable public resources, which that whatever solutions exist, are unsuited to the task, and in part by are necessary for long-term economic the underlying s0cial and economic and social development, for short-term they must come from conditions (ethnicity and limited re­ political gains. And as the limited Africans themselves . .. sources) which severely restrict oppor­ supply ofresources dwindles state credi­ tunities for generating the high rates of bility and legitimacy are progressively savings and investment capital neces­ undermined. sary for sustained economic growth Colonial rule thus contributed to the and development. crisis ofAfrican states in that it created inherent political and social contra­ The net effect, on the one hand, was Conclusion dictions in these emerging societies. It that a dynamic class ofcapitalist entre­ There can be no gainsaying that can also be argued, however, that some preneurs, the mainstay of democratic African states are in a crisis. So far, of these effects were the consequences states, failed to develop in Africa under explanations of this crisis remain intel­ of the social and economic policies colonial rule. On the other hand, the lectually misguided, historically short­ imposed on the colonies. Colonial poli­ limited economic, particularly educa­ sighted and analytically simplistic. This cies conceived to attain two short-term tional, opportunities provided during article has suggested that at least part of administrative goals: two generations ofcolonial rule inevita­ the explanation may be found in Africa's 1) organize local labor, commerce and bly fostered a small indigenous middle­ colonial experience, particularly the production in ways that pay for the class. This educated African elite, com­ structure and policies ofthose colonial operation of the state and posed of lawyers, doctors, civil ser­ powers. 2) maintain political control despite vants and teachers, a politically vocal After identifying the cause and the the inevitable social dislocations caused segment of the native population, saw nature of the immense problems that by changes in the economy. the colonial state in ambivalent terms: face African leaders and their peoples, These two goals were inherently contra­ as a means to improve their own and observers are wont to recommend solu­ dictory, and colonial policies devised their societies' social and economic tions. It may be time to recognize that to attain them produced correspond­ well-being, and as an obstacle to such whatever solutions exist, they must ingly uneven results. improvements because it was con­ come from Africans themselves, albeit, Colonial economic policies did not trolled by Europeans. That this elite with a good deal ofoutside help. If the encourage the growth of an industrial spearheaded the nationalist move­ past contains any lesson for outsiders economy in Africa. They focused, in­ ments was preordained by the contra­ who, like the colonial rulers, claim to stead, on expanding the existing labor­ dictions inherent in the colonial situa­ know what is best for Africans, it is a intensive, peasant-based agricultural pro­ tion. lesson which must evoke a sense of duction. African peasants were directly Upon assuming control of the state humility. Perhaps the most appro­ (through laws) and indirectly (cash at independence, however, African elites priate lesson is contained in an African payments of taxes, a colonial inno­ were confronted with a dilemma. How proverb: "No condition is permanent." vation) compelled to shift from food could they use the state to satisfy their o production to cash crop production. peoples' heady expectations ofdemoc­ Marketing boards were established which racy, freedom and prosperity, (expecta­ regularly paid African producers tions which they themselves had raised below-world market prices for their during the nationalist stuggle) and also cash crops. Capital investments, where advance their own class interests? In permitted, was restricted to mining Western Europe this dilemma had not concessions monopolized by European occurred because capitalist economies firms (as in central and southern and democratic states developed to­ Africa) and to large plantations owned gether. Elsewhere, in Japan and the .~" by white settlers (as in eastern Africa). newly-industrializing countries of the In Kenya, for example, African peasants Third World (notably, Brazil, India, --~ ~ were legally prohibited from produc­ Korea and Taiwan), state-led industrial­ Shaheen Mozaffar is an Assistant ing cash crops which would have com­ ization has fostered a robust middle­ Professor in the Department of Polit­ peted with European production, and class and rapid economic growth. But ical Science at Bridgewater State Col­ were thus forced to work for low wages in Africa an authoritarian but minimal lege and a Research Associate of the in European-owned plantations. Op­ colonial state disrupted the growth ofa African Studies Center at Boston portunities for Africans to accumulate capitalist economy. Efforts by post­ University. He is currently conduct­ equity capital were restricted almost colonial African elites to transform ing research on state formation and exclusively to the more high risk and their inherited states into engines of social transformation in Africa, with less profitable ventures-small-scale economic growth have floundered. This particular reference to Nigeria. commerce and transport-shunned by is caused in part by the fact that the Europeans. state's colonial-inspired institutions 17 Snow Strategy

by James Brennan

18 Short Story

1 "What pace you gonna go at today?" t t Great. A lot ofgood races this year. The same guy was talking to him I did a 3:30 in Newport. Maybe next vin Kelly stood in the third or again. Why the heck did somebody year I'll get the 3:20." fourth row of runners at the always ask that question at the starting Chuck was an old nemesis. Kevin K:tarting line. Even though the line? Was the other runner sizing him had beaten him by less than a minute in temperature was in the middle twenties, up as a pacer? Did he figure on him as the Quincy half-marathon in Septem­ some runners wore shorts. Others had his competition and plan to beat him? ber, after an embarrassing five-minute wool caps pulled over their ears and Maybe he knows me from another loss to him in the John Kelley twelve­ wore long thermal underwear with tee race, thought Kevin. miler at New London in ninety-degree shirts and shorts on the outside. Kevin "Oh, I don't know. Footing's pretty heat last summer. was hatless with a maroon and grey bad, so I put on these old heavy shoes Had it all come down to this in his nylon running suit over his shorts and for better traction. Hell, they're al­ extendedmiddle age? Competition, times, singlet. The large flakes of wet snow ready wet. I'll be happy with seven­ strategy, pace - trying to win? Sizing were swirling in and around the run­ minute miles. I'd like to do a 33­ up the opponents? When he had started ners as they milled about, restlessly minute-plus race, but 34 minutes is jogging only three and a half years ago shifting from foot to foot. OK with me today." to lose weight, he never anticipated The snow flakes melted on Kevin's "Yea, that would be good." that this world even existed - never face and hands, but he could see the "What are you planning to do?" mind that he could be part ofit. He had white layers already building up in the Kevin asked politely. started out at 49 years of age as an hair and eyebrows of the other run­ "I don't know. I haven't run many overweight 160 pounder and now he ners. Two inches of wet slush had now races. I usually run about eight-minute was a lean 127 with a resting pulse that accumulated on the road surface and miles, I think." he often counted at 44 in the evening. there would be more beforethey finished. "Oh, great," Kevin thought silently. Whups, the president of the South He tried to forget that he still had to "There's one I'll have to pass or fall Shore Roadrunners was announcing drive thirty miles home after the race over right at the start." He felt like something and an official was pointing and he had not yet put snow tires on his asking him to get behind him. a starter's pistol at the clouds. He never car. He had run races in the snow "I guess you're a runner and I'm just heard these last minute instructions before in December andJanuary - but a jogger," said number 302. anyway. He doubted that anyone did. November? He hadn't even thought of "Just two different ways to spell the He wondered if his icy finger would be snow when he mailed his registration in same word." Kevin replied. He checked able to push the button on his watch. October. The TV weather forecasters the pins on his number - 714. What the heck would he do now? He last night had all announced only a He had always admired the kind of never went into a race without some twenty percent chance of drizzle for feelings runners had for each other's sort of strategy. Hell - he was an today. Another one of those storms abilities -or failings. In some cases, he improviser. As a teacher of college that was supposed to go out to sea. thought it was simply because the slow math with 24 years of experience, he "Damn weathermen!" he muttered beginning runner was only months knew the feeling of being unprepared. to himself. away from blowing the fast runners off He'd walked into the classroom with a "Huh?" A runner wearing number the road. You never knew when that piece of chalk and no plans plenty of 302 spoke to him as he hunched down transition from novice to pro took times. Chuck could provide the strat­ behind another body. place. egy. He'd watch Chuck - let him set "Nothing," Kevin replied absent­ "Iguess I'm notin your class anyway." the pace, hang with him till the four mindedly, not really wanting to talk. As Kevin brushed the snow from his mile mark, then kick the "Beardsley He needed to think about his strategy greying hair he thought that it must Mile" and take him. That's what Beards­ for this five-mile race and he didn't feel have been pretty obvious, since number ley needed against Salazar in Boston like talking about the weather. It was 302 appeared to be about 25 years old last April- a steady, pounding, strain­ only three or four minutes until start­ and he had turned 53 just last week. He ing run - get in front and move like a ing time now. Usually he planned his was sure he looked every day of it to a machine. When the other guy moves run as he drove to the race, but today young person like this. up a bit respond like a machine. he had other things on his mind. Now "Right. Fortunately, this race has a Bang! he knew that without some sort ofplan senior division and I don't have to run He hit the watch button and began to he would just fall into a hypnotic against those quick 40-year-old masters move. Number 302 was almost walk­ trance, without other runners pound­ today." ing with a woman running slowly along­ ing along beside him. Maybe he'd shoot "Yes. That's why I'm in this race," side him. He couldn't get between for a six and one-half minute first mile another voice said behind him. them, so he jogged along waiting for a and then try to pick up the pace at mile He turned and saw Chuck Bradshaw. gap to open. The runner next to him one for a couple of two-minute drills. "Hi. It's good to see you again slipped and bumped him heavily as he Then he could back off at mile two Chuck." cursed at the weather. Now the two in again to a six-thirty pace, then... "How have you been Kevin?" front of him moved apart and he

19 Snow Strategy continued

slipped between them. He surveyed the hear the cheers of the runners' friends twenty or thirty runners ahead of him. who had braved the weather to urge Where was Chuck's dark blue running their heroes to the end. He was sure he suit? He must still be behind him. He had it now and he couldn't hear Chuck's heard footsteps - could Chuck be splashing footsteps anymore. right behind him, the way they started? The runner ahead slipped on his He was afraid to look back. Silly. He belly into the chute. Kevin was so could hear footsteps all around him. intent as he crossed the slippery finish He picked up the pace. Now the slower line that he forgot to hit the stop runners were behind him and the lead­ button on his watch. He looked up at ers were opening up the distance from the big digital clock. He saw 34:01, those following. Faster runners who 34:02, 34:03... Great! He felt great! had broken out ofthe pack behind him The exhilaration of a fast finish made were now beginning to pass. He was him jump up and wave his arms, in surprised. The footing wasn't too bad, spite of his breathless condition. He but the snow was piling up in his eyes more than he drove his car locally. turned in the chute as Chuck ran up now and brushing it away didn't help There was only one thing on his mind behind him and he grabbed Chuck's much. now as he began to pass one faltering hand. The timer for the first mile was just runner after another. Maintain a steady "Good race baby! How to go! Great ahead and he could hear him shouting pace, run like a machine, keep some­ day wasn't it?" out the splits - they were still unintel­ thing in reserve for the inevitable move "Yeh, just super Kevin. Good race. ligible and he couldn't see his watch that Chuck was planning. You've got one helluva kick in the last through the snow in his eyes. He was At four miles, the timer called out, mile. That's all Beardsley needs..." almost at the mile mark as he heard the "27:14 and one to go!" He'd lost a bit, Kevin turned away smiling as the split: "Six-twenty-four!" Wow - the but he felt that he was ready now for woman at the end of the chute wrote best first mile he'd ever run - now Chuck's move. Now they started up 714 on her wet paper and said, "First what? Go for the double two minute their first hill - a gradual, steady rise Senior." pick-ups? He was sure he heard those that would have been an annoyance at same footsteps behind him now. No this point on a good day. Right now it 2 doubt about it, Chuck was going to dog looked like a mountain and Kevin was Kevin glanced at the thermometer by him. How long would he hang on his beginning to hurt all over. the back door as he ran from his car back? Never mind - trying to pull He saw the runners ahead turning a and hurried into the kitchen. The tem­ away now made no sense. Hold on sharp corner to the right. Their feet perature was twenty-eight degrees and steadily until he tries to move. were slipping off to the left and he he knew from the gray sky overhead Wow, could Chuck be thinking about figured it would be smart to swing wide that there was a very real possibility of a "Beardsley Mile" at mile four? May­ and avoid falling down. As Kevin moved snow. New England weather could be be Kevin didn't have a patent on the off to the left, Chuck ran splashing by unreal in February, but he felt that strategy. Hell, maybe that wasn't even on his right, slipping and recovering as familiar urgency about getting into his Chuck back there! he pounded ahead, the steam from his running clothes and getting out on the He ran through mile two with a puffing breath hiding the grim look on road. It was already Wednesday and he 13:10 split. Slowing down to a more his face. had not run since Sunday. sensible pace now, Kevin figured he'd Kevin looked ahead - another hill He had qualified for Boston in New­ go for a seven minute pace between two and this was a steep one. That corner port, and now Boston was only seven and four miles. Just then he saw a boy would be Chuck's downfall! This must weeks away. He had run thirty-mile throw a snowball into the line of be his first time on the course too. Any weeks just to maintain his conditioning runners. As the missile sailed justbelow other day and they both would have in the dreary cold and dark months of his chin, he heard the runner behind driven through the course first and December andJanuary, but now he was him yell, "You little jerk, you better be known about the trick waiting for them in an eight-week training period for the gone when I get back here!" around that corner. As Chuck crossed big marathon. He wanted to go through Yep, that was Chuck's voice. He was the crest of the hill, Kevin moved two weeks offifty miles, two ofseven­ dogging Kevin. Kevin muttered, "I alongside him and ran with him as they ty, two of eighty, one of one-hundred won't be intimidated.You're not fool­ started down the hill. and then lay back for a restful thirty­ ing with an amateur now, Chuck." "Come on Chuck, kick it to the mile week before the race. For four There was no time to wonder about finish!" years ofinjuries and frustration he had how he had become addicted to run­ Now Kevin moved steadily away been trying to qualify for Boston and ning and competition anymore. No from Chuck, his arms held out like now that he had finally done it, he time to be amazed at the fact that his wings on the downhill stretch to keep wanted to arrive in top shape and make fifty miles per week on the road were his balance. He could see the finish and a good showing. 20 The real motivation for his intensity "All pretty sleep provoking. General "Geez... !" He called out to nobody has begun with his first-place perform­ Hospital is better. Are you running in particular. "What the heck. I can ance in the November snow, It was again? Right now? This Late?" run through this little ankle twist be­ his first win and now he was en­ "Yes. Have to dear. I've gained eight fore I get home." The cold weather and couraged to excel at long distances. In pounds since November. See ya." his own natural pain killers effectively spite ofhis excitement, he had wrapped "See you in a while, Mary Lou." dulled what had been a sharp pain at the trophy for that victory in his run­ "Oh Kevin, can't you relax?" first, but he knew he was limping as he ning clothes and smuggled it into the As he fell quickly into a steady ran up his driveway. As he walked into house. He was slightly embarrassed seven-minute-per-mile pace, the first the kitchen, the ankle twisted again and and feared the strange glances that hard pellets ofsnow began to sting his he caught himself on the corner of the might come from his family if he face. Kevin knew exactly where he was kitchen table. displayed the cheap metal-and-wood going and he knew that he would stick "Oh Kevin, are you hurt?" trophy. It was now well-hidden under to the planned route. He had learned "Maybe -would you put some ice­ some old paint brushes in the garage. long ago not to trust his own judgment cubes in a plastic bag please?" "Hi, Mary Lou! Gotta get going. It about routes or distances after he had He sat in a dining room chair with his will be dark in an hour and I'd really run for several miles. As he turned the foot up on another chair as Mary Lou like to get ten miles in today." corner onto Broad Street, he heard balanced the bag of ice cubes on his "Oh Kevin, you're crazy. The radio footsteps behind him and hesaw another ankle. says it's already snowing in Boston. It runner approaching over his shoulder. "Oh Kevin, can it really be this will be pitch black before you get back. "Hello, Kevin, How far you going?" important? Do you really enjoy this?" Can't you go out in the morning? You "Hi Brad. Ten -I hope. You just "Darn it, Mary Lou, why must you just did twenty miles on Sunday." starting?" always say 'Oh Kevin'?" "No - can't get behind on my "Yes. I'll go five with you - how Mary Lou smiled as she wiped the schedule. I'm already nervous about fast?" melted snow from his forehead and laying offfor two days. Ifthe weather's "Sevens -I think. That OK?" kissed him gently over each eye. OK tomorrow, I may start doing a "Great. Maybe I can do ten. It's "C'mon, Kevin, wash up, we've got short run in the mornings. I'm going to gonna snow." spaghetti for supper." D have to start doubling up soon." "Nah. Just a little flurry." "Oh, Kevin..." Talk between the runners was in He loved May Lou very much, but short, clipped sentences. They seemed why did she always put that "Oh" in to be trying to cram the words in front of his name? between breaths. As they pounded By now Kevin's shoes were tossed along in stride, lights began to come on into one corner of the kitchen. His in windows of houses and the auto­ socks were lying by the open closet matic streetlights high up on poles door in the dining room where he was began to flicker on. Now and then a car rummaging through a pile of running came along and the two slipped into shoes to find a matched pair. He had single file along the left side ofthe road. already pulled a blue nylon running An hour went by quickly, but the suit from a hook on the back of the accumulation of white snow pellets in door. Kevin had hurriedly stepped out both runners' hair showed they had of his street clothes and pulled the been out for a while. As they turned running suit on over his undershorts back onto Broad Street about a mile James Brennan is chairman of and tee shirt. Now he was sitting on the from Kevin's house, Brad said: Biological Sciences. He has a B.S. floor absentmindedly pulling on the ''I'll turn off here and head home. and an M.S. from Virginia Polytech­ same damp brown socks that he had See you later, Kevin." nic Institute and a Ph.D from the just taken off. He laced up his tattered "Right. Thanks for a good run Brad." University of Maryland. Since his and soiled shoes and stretched his leg Kevin picked up the pace in the dark arrival at Bridgewater in 196I, his muscles by pushing against the door for a hard final mile. He was on the primary teaching responsibilities have frame that led into the family TV right side ofthe road now, running on been in cytology, electron microscopy, room. the wide, paved shoulder. He knew this genetics and human heredity. His "Hi, Dad. What's happening?" The stretch well, but the headlights of the research interests have centered around voice from the next room belonged to cars heading south momentarily blinded problems ofcellular form anddevelop­ his daughter, a college senior who was him as they went by. The reflective ment in plant tissues. An avid runner, avoiding homework and kitchen chores strips Mary Lou had sewn on his Professor Brennan has completed by burying herself in a television soap. running suit made an eerie glow in the twelve marathons and continues to "Hi, Milly. I'm getting dressed to go snow-filled air. Abruptly he stumbled run regularly in Bridgewater. running. Any good classes today?" as he stepped into a pothole.

21 Gallery

Artist unknown Voodoo Ceramic Tile 4 1A" x 4\4"

VOODOO: Images and Objects

The much maligned island of Haiti, in the Carribean, is a black republic peopled by gentle peasants who are among the poorest in the world. Although poor, Haiti is tich in culture, particularly in the expressions the people give to their religious beliefs. God and their Voodoo spirits (Loas) are an integral part of their daily lives. Voodoo is a conglomeration ofbeliefs and rites ofAfrican and Indian origin, which, having been closely mixed with Catholic practice, has come to be the religion of Haiti. Its devotees ask of it what men have always asked of religion; remedy for ills, satisfaction for needs and the hope for survival. Voodoo symbols have become part of Haitian art work. At least two sequined flags (TAPIS DE VOODOO) depict­ ing various invocational designs (VEVERS) are found in each gathering place of worship (PERISTYLE). The priest (HOUGAN) and priestess (MAMBO) conduct the service within the inner chamber (HOMFOUR). In the Homfour, are kept many ceremonial objects which reveal the Haitian views on their relationship to God and their Voodoo spirits.

Artist unknown This display of Voodoo Images and Objects Voodoo Doll appeared at the Wallace Anderson An Gallery Fabric and fiber at Bridgewater State College. ll"h x SYz"w

22 Papa Saba Flag Artist unknown Michelle Michelle Fabric and sequins Carnival Mask Carnival Mask Carnival Mask 36Yz"h x 32"w Papier mache' Papier mache Papier mach·_ 8Wh x 6Yz"w 11"h x 11"w 9W'h x 9Yz"w

Robert St. Brice Untitled Oil on canvas Michelle 30"h x 20"w Ogdun Papier mache' 28Yz"h xl 7"w

23 Cultural Commentary

Coping With Adolescence: Teens In Crisis

by Margery A. Kranyik

rowing up in an adult world is not an easy task for young Gpeople today. While experienc­ ing the stress involved in the progres­ sion through puberty, teenagers must also seek to develop some sense ofwho they are, sometimes called personal identity. This complex developmental process is often thwarted by social and economic factors that affect teenage behavior. For example, society has moved away from the traditional family structure of two parents with children. Columnist Ellen Goodman reports that only 7% ofthe population is now made up of what used to be a "typical" family with a working husband and housewife. According to a position paper for the Association for Childhood Educa­ tion International, the number ofchil­ dren from single parent families has doubled in the last decade. As a result, children's needs have often become subordinated to parents' desires for careers, materials and new mates or partners, and inexperienced teens have become the sounding boards for the single parent's frustrations. Over half of the twenty-five million women with children in the United problems to the children and to the Has there been a change of parental States are working outside the home, school's counseling staff. attitudes since the '60's? We have compared with only 20% in 1950. Faced with a new family setting - a survived Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Consequently, fewer opportunities for a breech in their security system Woodstock. Parents ofthe 1980's still parental guidance are available. - adolescents find themselves feeling have similar concerns. "Punk" or spiked Young people are being exposed to angry, unhappy, discouraged, frightened hair styles are apparent wherever teens many types of family units. They are and unaccepted. They do not under­ gather. A few parents' groups are ques­ living with single parents, aggregate stand what is happening to them and tioning the sexually explicit lyrics of families (each spouse bringing children why. today's popular songs. The general from a previous marriage) communal adult hue and cry, however, does not families, homosexual families and in Changing Times seem as loud. Have most parents be­ joint custody situations. Each of these Young people today are often the come resigned to the behaviors and family situations has its own problems targets of criticism by parents and attitudes ofyoung people? Do they feel which directly influence the children other adults, but have things really helpless? Are they complacent? Cal­ involved. This is especially important changed? Teen behavior, dress, choice loused? Too busy? to the extent that the family provides of music and attitudes have tradition­ The activities ofthe adolescent have teens with the sense of security they ally been criticized. Consider some become serious social concerns rather need during this period of develop­ examples from the 1960's. Parents had than mere behavior problems confined ment. reactions to the Beatles - strong reac­ to the family setting. For many of these families, eco­ tions. Their teenagers began sporting Teens are more sophisticated, many nomic issues have dramatic influences the mop-top haircuts of their famous possessing vocabularies that were vir­ on living conditions. idols. Seemingly for the first time, the tually unknown to the teens of the A high school on Cape Cod had behavior of adolescents had ramifica­ 1950's. Mosteducators and sociologists thirty-five students whose families re­ tions that went beyond the confines of attribute this knowledge to the im­ sided in a local motel. The uncertain the family and into the mass culture. pact ofthe media. Teens now have MTV. future of those teens -especially when Adults without children were suddenly Many are tuned in for every hour of the motel management announced it aware of the impact of a group called their free time watching televised was "going condo," presented unique teenagers. videos ofrock performers. Often they 24 "something big is going to happen there." School authorities found that he had hanged himselfthere later in the day. Other friends of the youth indi­ cated that he had drawn pictures of himself hanging that he had shown them around the school. Nobody be­ lieved him. His cry for help came too late. An important factor that contri­ butes to the sense of helplessness and the negative self-image of today's teen­ agers is the heightened divorce rate. A junior high school teacher overheard the following conversation between two boys in her classroom: Boy A: "My parents are getting di­ vorced today." Boy B: "Yeah? Who gets custody of you, your mother or father?" Custody dilemmas are one more element of pressure exerted on teens. Their concerns about being kidnapped by the parent who lost a custody fight place an additional burden upon chil­ are exposed to the sexually explicit A more frightening change among dren and upon divorced and separated lyrics of their favorite singer's top hits. the adolescents of the 80's is the in­ parents. It is not unusual to have a camera pan creasing rate ofteenage suicides. Young Such problems are transferred to the the audience of a video performance people seem to be making the tragic school environment as teachers and and focus on a bare-breasted woman. statement to society that life is not school administrators must be con­ The increased sexual activity of worth living. A young victim in a cerned aboutcourt orders and custody young people has had a far reaching suburban community told his friend to battles. community impact. The number of go to the school gym later because Not only has the security of the teen mothers is increasing at alarming rates. Babies are having babies. A Bos­ ton area high school announced recent­ ly that it is making plans to open an on-site day care facility for the children of their students. Sex education and counselling have become the subjects ofmedia events. A recent TV ad was pulled from a local channel because it showed a young person stating "Today I learned about safe sex." In the same ad, another child talked about learning where babies come from. In a recent edition of the Cape Cod Times, eight people were asked how they felt about contracep­ tive devices, including condoms, being advertised on television and in news­ papers. Seven of the eight individuals were in favor of such information being disseminated. In some schools, a teenaged girl can get a pregnancy test on the way to math class. Other schools are exploring the need to establish birth control clinics on the premises. 25 Coping with Adolescence continued

rhat adolescents are members of a "Hopeless Generation." "They see no potential - nothing to pursue in life that is unique. Everything has already been done." Actress Joanne Wood­ ward reiterated this concern in a recent television interview. Accordingto Wood­ ward, "because ofthe threat ofnuclear obliteration, there is no real future for youth - morality and values make no sense." The Carnegie Foundation re­ ported that 60% of the teens inter­ viewed felt that there was no future for them and 40% said they would choose not to bring children into the world because of the uncertainties. Open lines of communication must ~ be maintained between parents and teens. Where there is a generation gap, j there is also a communication gap. Parents must accept the fact that their nuclear family been shattered for many munities have had only minimal suc­ young people are not growing up the adolescents, but today's teens lack the cess with "under 21" or "non-a1cholic" way they did nor the way they wish role models that were present in previ­ dances. For most young people, these they could.They must find out what is ous decades. Sports figures, formerly events do not have enough "action" important to youngpeople today. Com­ admired for their integrity and "whole­ and are not viewed as suitable replace­ munication needs to proceed from the some" approaches to life are now being ments of adult activities. emotional level (How could you do questioned about life-styles that in­ In many cases, parents have ceased this to me?) to acceptance and under­ clude drug abuse. Basketball star Len to be appropriate role models. Often, standing at an intellectual level (Let'S Bias, possessing superstar potential, young people are permitted to view talk about what happened). became a victim ofthe cocaine monster sexually explicit movies on paid televi­ Adults need to be educated to the - instead of a revered sports hero. sion or videos. "He has to learn some­ ways ofthe adolescent - to know how Pea shooters and spitballs in school time - it might as well be at home" to help young people grow and expand have given way to firearms. In Bridge­ was the rationale offered by one parent their knowledge base. Parents, teachers port Connecticut, four weapons were who permitted such viewing for her and all who work with young people confiscated by authorities within sixteen-year-old. Adolescents are ex­ need to know how to help teens cope several weeks. In another town, a posed to promiscuity as their parents with difficult years without eliminating youth was suspended for carrying an seek companionship and prospective their freedoms or violating their rights. eight-inch blade needed for "protec­ partners who share the home. Still Teens need to be exposed to values that tion." Police are concerned that school other parents glamorize substance will enable them to build a future in an administrators are covering up viola­ abuse by experimenting with drugs in adult world and enhance their poten­ tions in an effort to keep their school the presence of their offspring and tial. They need to know where they fit from adverse publicity. their friends. in. "There's nothing to do" is a fre­ Helping teens to cope with adoles­ quent cry of teenagers today. They are Is There a Solution? cence is no easy task. There will be no often correct. Those young people with­ There may not be a solution to the return to anybody's "good old days." out strong commitments don't have problems faced by adolescents. Perhaps Those of us who are concerned, how­ anything to do. Many have not been learning to cope and trying to under­ ever, must help adolescents to perceive taught the value of amusing them­ stand is the best tactic for parents and the dangers that threaten a healthy, selves. When the dier of television and other concerned adults. Each genera­ fulfilling life. Teach them about re­ video games and tapes becomes boring, tion - and often each decade - will sponsible partying, safe sex and "saying adolescents become restless - easy usher in its own fads. The problems No to drugs." Help them to know who prey for vandalism, substance abuse affecting teens, however, transcend they are within our complex society. and other forms ofpeer pressure. Teens mere fads. The complexities ofsociety o have progressed from congregating on and the implications for future genera­ street corners to "hanging out" at local tions are the issues that need to be Margery A. Kranyik, Professor of shopping malls and talking tough, a explored and understood. Cape Cod Elementary and Early Childhood supposed sign ofbeing grown up. Com- teacher and counselor Jeff King feels Education 26 Travel Commentary

City of Victory

by Robert A. Cole

hould good fortune ever find you A Muslim by birth and education, appears from the outside to have two in India, plan a stop at Agra ifat all Akbar seemed to growsomewhat disillu­ stories. Here in this "Hall of Public Spossible. This is where the Taj sioned with orthodoxIslam as heapproach­ Audience" the Emperor sat upon a Mahal is located, its fluid lines and ed middle age. On the other hand, he marble platform supported by a large gentle symmetry perpetuating the love displayed a remarkable tolerance for decorative central column. From each of Shah Jahan for his deceased wife, other faiths, therebyshowing his country­ of the upper corners of the structure Mumtaz Mahal. The pure white elegance men some ofthe.nobler possibilities of four passageways with intricately ofthe Taj proclaims it as, perhaps, the life in a pluralistic culture. He was carved rails reached inward to Akbar's most "famous" building in the world, troubled, however, over the thought of central position. A unique but es­ and I doubt that any feeling person not providing the Empire with a male sentially modest building, the Diwan-i­ could by unmoved by it. Stand in the heir, and thus he came to consult Khas is an eloquent architectural testa­ middle ofits 'Paradise Garden' at moon­ Shaikh Salim Chisti, a Sufi mystic who ment to the accessibility of the Em­ rise one evening. Simply look... and lived in the small village of Sikri. peror, both physically and intel­ surely the experience will evoke the Having journeyed the thirty-seven kilo­ lectually. Advisors and distinguished delight of both senses and intellect. meters southwest ofAgra to receive the visitors conversed with him from their Modest judgment will be crowded out blessings of the holy man, Akbar soon places in the upper galleries, while by wonder, and you might easily be departed, confident ofhis prospects. In courtiers listened to the exchanges convinced that the moment has been time his Hindu wife bore him a son from their positions below at ground one that no other person has ever who would one day rule India under level. approached. the name Jahangir. In gratitude Akbar For close to fifteen years Fatehpur The Taj Mahal elevates our notions ordered that a new city be built upon Sikri was the scene of a great many about human accomplishment, but as the site ofSalim Chisti's retreat, and to achievements inscientific studies, aesthe­ it does it offers ironic commentary on reflect its imperial character he added tics and the practical problem-solving our species' yearning for 'perfection.' the word FatehpuT -"Victory." good government requires. Akbar even Itinspires because it is truly and unalter­ Construction of the planned city of attempted to hammer together a spiri­ ably beautiful. But it is a tomb, after all, Fatehpur Sikri began in 1570, much of tual synthesis through the formal estab­ and it underscores the morality ofboth the work being done in marble and fine lishment of his own religion, the Din-i its builders and all who travel far to sandstone slabs cut from local quar­ Ilahi. With him as a type of cultic admire it. ries. Akbar's court biographer wrote "Holy Magnifying Glass ofthe Divine," Twenty-three miles outside of Agra that the Emperor put "the work of his Akbar's strange new religion was a is yet another reminder ofthe transient mind and heart into the garment of mixed bag ofprincely metaphysics and greatness ofMoghulIndia, and a place stone and clay," and as the city began ethical zeal. Few devout Hindus or that no thoughtful traveler should miss. to take shape it reflected both the Muslims were able to make this spiri­ Itis called Fatehpur Sikri, and was once Emperor's curiosity and his broadness tualleap with their ruler, and the new the capital of the Moghul Empire. of mind. Hindu cupolas and Persian "faith" did not survive the Emperor's Deserted since 1685, the site is now a domes were set in exotic yet harmo­ death in 1605. "ghost city," of sorts, and it is undis­ nious mix with places inspired by Bud­ Fatehpur Sikri was deserted in 1585, turbed by all but a relatively few locals dhist temples. No streets were built on and the city was never inhabited again. and tourists. the rocky bluff upon which the central It had been described by Ralph Fitch, As with the Taj Mahal, the origins of city was situated, but the site was an early English traveler, as being Fatehpur Sikri seem to spring more lavished with beautiful open spaces. "much greater than London and very from legend and romance than from One even included a large outdoor populous." However, William Finch, a the bruising experience of history. parchisi board whose living "pieces" fellow countryman who visited the site They are rooted in both the energies added both color and good humor to a at about the time that the Jamestown and eccentricities ofJalal ad-Din Akbar diversion which typified the gentility colony was being established in Vir­ (r.-1556-1605), grandfather of Shah of Akbar's court. ginia, commented that: The Emperor attracted all manner of Jahan, and one ofIndia's most interest­ "the buildings [were] lying waste people at his new capital, and here he ing rulers. When Akbar the Great without Inhabitants; much ofthe presided over an ongoing intellectual came to power in the middle of the ground beeing now converted to dialogue which frequently centered on sixteenth century, England was about Gardens and much sowed with the ~orld's major religions. Many of to enter her Elizabethan Age. Michelan­ nill and other graine, that a man his guests engaged in lively theological gelo had carved his "Pieta," Thomas standing there would little thinke discourse and, given the fact that More had published Utopia, and a he were in the middest ofa Citie." number of European adventurers had Akbar had great respect for "Nazarene explored New England's coast. By the sages," one would be as apt to see an This same individual offered an expla­ end ofthe following decade Akbar had ordained Catholic in the city as a nation for the departure ofthe imperial made scores of reforms in Indian soci­ mullah or Hindu priest. court by noting that the water supply ety, and had added considerably to the Akbar held court in the Diwan-i­ had turned "brackish and fretting [i.e. territories of the Moghul Empire. Khas, a single vaulted building which corrosive]." 27 City of Victory continued

With its supply of fresh water in Muslim. His beard was oddly trussed poignant images of India that Walt jeopardy, Akbar left Fatehpur Sikri to in a folded bandana, and dyed with Whitman has left to us: conduct a miltary campaign in the henna to indicate that he had made the You lofty and dazzling towers, north, and he never returned. His Haj to the "holy city." There was a pinnacled, red as roses, lovely city was soon to slide into the touch ofhaughtiness in his bearing but burnish'd with gold! backwash of Moghul affairs. Its cul­ it was thawed by flourishes ofgracious Towers of fables immortal fashion'd tural and commercial dynamism with­ humor, and one could tell his eyes were from mortal dreams. ered and much of its population moved used to an honest smile. That he loved When I left Fatehpur Sikri to con­ on. What remains ofthe metropolis is his work was apparent, and his in­ tinue my travels I was much aware that only the complex of shrines, palaces formal lecture was filled with equal I had been given a valuable opportunity and public buildings percher! on their amounts of Moghul history and affec­ to actively confront not only India's rocky outcrop overlooking a broad tionate lore. However, he was soon past, but a present marked by angry north Indian plain. gone, and we were left to the complete particularism. Today Moghul palaces I had the very good fortune to visit tranquility ofthe site and to the urging still rise up in affectionate memories, Fatehpur Sikri in the Summer of 1984. of our own curiosity. and on occasion they make it a bit As one offourteen New England educa­ I separated myselffrom my compan­ difficult to pass judgement on a coun­ tors I had received a Fulbright grant ions, wandering self-absorbed through try that I have come to admire. Time under the sponsorship of the College. the silent "acropolis." Walking be­ and distance have allowed the exhila­ My colleagues and I journeyed across yond the great arch, I made my way to ration ofmonumental India to subside, India as participants in a cultural and the Diwan-i-Khas, and climbed to its however, at least to a level my profes­ academic program directed by Profes­ roof. As the July sun began to set it sional training in history can contain. sor Abraham Thomas. The broader seemed to apologize for the heat that Yet its essence remains, and it lingers experience was of course wonderful, the day had sent. On the horizon a band there at that balance point within but in quiet moments since that time I of syrupy yellow light was pressed where my academic discipline begins to return often to impressions redolent of against the sharp edge of a patchwork make its own special demands. a special nostalgia, to images that persis­ dressed in agricultural greens and These days when I read about Sikh­ tent memories have honed over the browns. In a silence so rich it seemed to Hindu clashes, I wonder if a young intervening months. Time has been have substance I watched twilight stretch Prime Minister can provide the solu­ quite kind to me because the lines and cautiously across the sandstone build­ tions needed to diffuse India's com­ hues of Akbar's city remain acutely ings. Light gave way to shadows. Reds munal and regional tensions. More clear. and magentas of moments earlier pro­ than once I have thought that in Like others privileged to visit this ceeded in diluted halftones to dusty Akbar's syncretism he might find majestic place, our group ascended its purple and black. Day had ended, and trusted civic formulas and a worthy heights by passing through the Buland Fatehpur Sikri rested in the melan­ historical model. Guided by obvious Darwaza. A pale rose arch 134' high, choly ofhistory's inevitable movement constitutional restraints he might do the south gateway of Fatehpur Sikri is toward change and new directions. But worse than search out a volume of the largest structure ofits kind in Asia, as they have for so long, the forms and Abul Fazl, the Great Moghul's friend and it carries an inscription that typi­ textures of Moghul civilization had and court chronicler, who once wrote fies Akbar's spiritual quest: outlasted the day, and I was left wonder­ in the 'City of Victory': Jesus son of Mary (on Whom be ing at the unique cultural procession "Thousands find rest in the love peace) said: that Akbar had set in motion. I thought of the king and sectarian dif­ ofall those Indians and outlanders who ferences do not raise the dust of 'The world is a bridge-pass over it, had come to this place: Muslim and strife. In his wisdom the king will but build no houses upon it. Hinduphilosophers, Confucionistschol­ understand the spirit of the age He who hopes for an hour, ars from China and earnest black­ and shape his plans accordingly." 0 hopes for eternity. robed Jesuits, Buddhist monks of Sri The world is but an hour. Lanka, Jains, Parsees and Levantine Robert A. Cole is Chair of the Social Spend it in prayer Jews. Listening for the muted echoes of Studies and Foreign Language Programs for the rest is unseen.' their passage on the courtyard below, I at Whitman-Hanson Regional High Our guide was an engaging old struggled to bring into focus those School. 28 A Conversation with . ..

Q. You've been active in the move­ ment for nuclear disarmament. Are George Sethares you optimistic that we will succeed in controlling nuclear weapons? A. It's hard to say. For the first time in history, technology is running ahead of our ability to handle it. In the past, people were always ahead of tech­ nology. Babbage had the idea ofmaking a computer over one hundred years ago - his invention had memory and all the features of modern computers, but he couldn't build it because the technol­ ogy just wasn't there. Even if you go back two thousand years to Archi­ medes, people had concepts but they didn't have the tools. Now we have the tools, more than we can handle. Today, technologically, it's possible to do almost anything you can conceive of doing. It's the computer which is really responsible for this change. Einstein Cape Cod native and lifelong resident of Massachusetts, George Sethares said that nuclear weapons had changed followed an indirect route to become Professor of Mathematics and Com­ everything, but it's the computer that Aputer Science at Bridgewater. Having majored in Music Education at Boston makes it possible to guide missiles so University, he taught music in public schools for a number of years before that they can land in a precise, de­ returning to graduate school in mathematics. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard signated spot on the other side of the and spent a number ofyears engaged in research at Hanscom Air Force Base before world. The computer is probably the applying for a Bridgewater faculty position. When Sethares arrived at Bridgewater most powerful tool that's ever been in 1973, the college was offering only one course in computer science. In the years introduced. that followed, Sethares helped develop a minor and ultimately a major in Q. Could you comment on your trip to Computer Science. At the same time, he and colleague Robert Bent co-authored 5 China and the link that has been estab­ computer textbooks, which are used extensively on campuses throughout the lished between Bridgewater State Col­ United States. Besides his work as teacher and author, Sethares is active in the lege and Shanxi University? Bridgewater chapter ofBAND (Bridgewater Area for Nuclear Disarmament) and A. Although I only spent 11 days in recently travelled to China to help establish an exchange program with Shanxi China, I was deeply moved by the University. country and the people; in fact it is safe Q.Is a strong aptitude in mathematics a Q. What developments do you foresee to state that the trip changed me in requirement for a Computer Science in the teaching ofComputer Science as many ways. I will never think of things major? an academic discipline? in quite the same way. As to the ex­ A. Not at all. I've had students who are A. To describe the field of Computer change program with Shanxi Univer­ average in math but fantastic in comput­ Science is very difficult because it's still sity, it is a program that definitely ing. They're different fields ofstudy. A new and evolving. In mathematics we benefits Bridgewater State College mathematician likes modelling, he likes can explain with some assurance what since a number ofChinese students are to ask "ifthis is true or these things are constitutes an educated person-we now studying at the college and bring­ true, then what follows?" For example, must be knowledgeable in certain ing their very different cultural back­ if we say that there are things called areas, understand certain things. But in ground to the campus. numbers thathavecertainsimple proper­ computer science, the curriculum is Q. How developed is computer tech­ ties, the consequences are tremendous. constantly changing. The Association nolgy at Shanxi University? We can develop all of calculus. With of Computing Machinery, which pur­ A. Their machinery is ten to twelve mathematics, you have to make some poses college curricula, is constantly years behind what we have at Bridge­ assumptions in the beginning or you modifying its recommendations. For water. They simply do not have the can't do anything. You are on solid example, we used to teach switching resources to match the level of our ground only in the sense that if your theory at the machine level; now we're technology. This will change, however, basic assumptions are true, then all the placing much more emphasis on the as a result ofthe exchange; the Chinese rest will follow. The computer scien­ theoretical level. students at Bridgewater will return tist, unlike the mathematician, is deal­ Q. Should every educated person be home and bring back the knowledge ing with a concrete and very powerful able to write computer programs? that will help advance the state of their system. The student of computer sci­ A. It's certainly not essential. A great technology. ence is interested in that whole system, many programs are available for home Q. How would you describe the how it works, what can be done with it, use - for word processing and for keep­ government ofChina's commitment to much as the biologist might be in­ ing track of household finances, and computerization? terested in the ecosystem or the stu­ new ones will certainly continue to be A. They are definitely interested in dent of politics in a system of govern­ written. You don't have to know what learning about the latest advances in ment. Computer Science is much less the inside of a washing machine looks western computer technology and com­ abstract than mathematics because like to have it wash your clothes. Still, ing into the twentieth century. But they you're dealing with a system that exists there's somethingsatisfyingabout under­ are also very conscious about advanc­ and you're trying to see how it works standing how things work. Understand­ ing the state of computerization their and what it can do whereas a mathema­ ing a little bit about programming way, not our way, not the Russian way, tician is dealing with something that certainly gives you a better idea ofwhat their way; whatever way that is. That's may not exist at all. the computer can do. a good feeling. 0 29 Book Reviews

Not So Free To Choose:

The Political Economy of differences notwithstanding, Mr. Rayack contends that the overall socio­ Milton Friedman & Ronald Reagan economic stance ofthe President in the crucial subjective issues of (i) the eco­ by Elton Rayack nomic role of "big" government in a Praeger, 1987 modern capitalist economy, and (ii) the money supply policy ofthe Federal Reserve system, is certainly embodied in, ifindeed notplagiarized from, the po­ any ofthe social thinkers who cal men, who believe themselves to be lemical writings ofProfessor Friedman. have seen grand economic pat­ quite exempt from any intellectual influ­ It is to the dissection ofFriedman the Mterns in recent history are so ences, are usually' the slaves of some political economist that Mr. Rayack brilliant and controversial that their defunct economist." To be sure, Mr. ultimately turns. The point of depar­ theses continue to generate limitless Rayack quickly denies that Friedman is ture is Friedman's well-known claim amounts of both heat and light. Now defunct or that Reagan is his slave. This that the great Depression of the thir­ Professor Milton Friedman has staked denial appears in the two opening ties, which is generally regarded as a his claim to junior membership in this sentences of the very first page of Not watershed in capitalist reliance on lofty and illustrious group, which in­ So Free to Choose, leaving the rest ofthe Adam Smith's "Invisible Hand", was cludes the likes of Karl Marx, E.F book to prove precisely what is denied. actually caused by the bungling of Schumpeter and Walt Rostow. money supply by the Federal Reserve Mr. Friedman has been a prolific Bank, and that the elaborate post-war writer. Aside from professional ­ structure of Keynes' macroeconomics often technical - articles aimed at Mr. Rayack .. .sets about the that is popularly construed to be the academic peers [forwhich he was awarded task of achieving two distinct fiscal bulwark against a recurrence of the Nobel Prize in Economics], Fried­ goals; demonstrating that such a depression is irrelevant. The man, the Political Economist, wrote Friedman prescription calls only for a regularly for Newsweek from the mid­ Friedman is indeed the chief "sensible" monetary policy by the sixties to 1980, and has authored Capital­ guru behind the policies of the Federal Reserve Bank, with cruel and ism and Freedom, [University ofChicago unusual economic malaise being the Press, 1962], Dollars and Deficits [Pren­ Reagan administration; and swift fate to befall the unbelievers. Mr. tice Hall, 1968], and co-authored ­ showing the Friedman's bold Rayack records cynically that the with wife Rose Friedman - Tyranny of generalizations about the Federal Reserve Bank strictly followed the Status Quo[HarcourtBraceJovanovich, Friedman's principles from October 1984], and Free To Choose, [Avon, mechanism ofeconomic 1979 through 1982, by which time it 1981] forces are empty, unsupported became increasingly clear that this pro­ Professor EltonRayack critically exam­ gram was leading the country inexo­ ines some of Friedman's theses in his hypotheses. rably into deepening recession. carefully researched book, aptly titled Mr. Rayack also finds simplistic the Not So Free to Choose [Praeger, 1987], Friedman variation on the classical in which Friedman is also unambig­ A principal and compelling argu­ theme of the Smithian Invisible Hand, uously identified as the intellectual ment of Mr. Rayack is that Friedman, in regard to the complex and uniquely mentor of the Reagan economic in his loftiest generalizations about the modern socioeconomic issue ofchronic philosophy. laws of motion of economics, treats unemployment and the responsibility Mr. Rayack - himself a product of history as a hunting license: that in of the government to act on behalf of the "Chicago School" made famous by focusing selectively on circumstances the economically disadvantaged. Some Professor Friedman - sets about the and events that best fill out his hypo­ glaring inconsistencies in Friedman's task of achieving two distinct goals: theses, he perverts the record of"true" writings - as for instance his propen­ demonstrating that Friedman is indeed historical cause-and-effect. Unfortu­ sity to avoid any criticism ofthe Depart­ the chiefguru behind the policies ofthe nately, some of Elton Rayack's own ment of Defense, and his somewhat Reagan administration; and showing assertions rely on essentially the same cavalier treatment of historical facts, that Friedman's bold generalizations modus operandi. Thus his scrupulously are grist for Mr. Rayack's mill. Towards aboutthe mechanism ofeconomicforces researched parellels between official the end of his book, he finds Friedman are empty, unsupported hypotheses. policy statements such as the Econo­ - and by intellectual association, Mr. The implications ofMr. Rayack's asser­ mic Report ofthe President, and select­ Reagantoo- disconnectedfrom "reality". tions are mind-boggling. ed pieces of Friedman's writings, is Not So Free to Choose is the product of That most famous ofall macroecono­ itself an example of the culling that he carefulresearch andMr. Rayack's power­ mists, Lord Keynes, observed in his finds so repugnantin Friedman's histori­ ful assertions cannot be dismissed seminal General Theory of Employment, cal gymnastics. lightly. Itis "must" reading for anyone Interest, and Money that "[the] ideas Mr. Rayack observes that there have even vaguely interested in the eco­ of economists and political philoso­ been issues - for instance the Laffer nomics of Friedman or the politics of phers, both when they are right and curve underpinning of the vaunted Reagan. 0 when they are wrong, are more power­ Reagan tax-cut - on which Friedman ful than is commonly understood. Indeed differed sharply from the "supply­ Ranjit Vohra, Assistant Professor of the world is ruled by little else. Practi- side" componentofReaganomics. Such Economics 30 The Schools We Deserve: Reflections on the Educational Crises of our Time would seem, in her criticism of why teachers are not better qualified to do their jobs. Government at all levels, by Diane Ravitch colleges and universities, the press, the Basic Books, Inc., 1985. courts, private business - all should playa role in upgrading the quality of education. The essay contends, how­ ever, that these various agencies and institutions lower standards, promote their own interests, or simply exhibit a lack of interest in education at the t t It would be difficult to find a problem. The essays deal with a variety public school level. It is not sufficient sustained period of time in of political, social, economic, cultural, to blame the schools, or the teachers, in our history when Americans religious, racial, psychological and that they do not exist as a separate felt satisfied with the achievements of even intellectual issues. This is not to institution - the school is a product of their schools." This sweeping observa­ fault Ravitch for taking on such an the interrelationship of many societal tion begins the first in a collection of amalgam of concerns - but it does forces. some twenty essays on the varied prob­ raise the question ofpriorities. What is Our schools, surveying the past half­ lems facing American education today. the legitimate domain of schooling? Is century, have "lurched from crisis to Specifically, Diane Ravitch cites the this domain defined through any logi­ crisis," amidst conflicting views on "low state oflearning," "poor training cal process? Or, do these functions be­ "bilingual education, busing, tuition of teachers," "insufficient funding" come part of a limitless, poorly­ tax credits, school closings, bond and "apathy of the public" among the defined body ofconcerns? Comforting issues, tax rates, teacher qualifications, more common issues confronting our though it would be, the schools are not text book selection and allocation of nation's educational efforts, both about to fix everything in society that is resources." Yet, Ravitch contends, public and private. in need of fixing. there remains the over-riding belief The essays in The Schools We Deserve The author's tone is, at times, more that "schools can make a difference in were written over the past decade, the positive than the title of the book the lives of our children." majority of them since 1981. The wouldseemto indicate. Americanschools In addressing the issue of reform, author's style is objective, reasoned are not without their successes. She Ravitch turns to past attempts at predic­ and above all, balanced - far removed cites teacher training, unions, in­ tion and innovation. A review offuturis­ from the emotional tone of so many creased enrollments because of in­ tic thought from Dewey to Illich leads critics of contemporary educational creased opportunity, and federal aid her to the conclusion that projected policy. Her writing projects a sense of among the accomplishments of recent innovations of the past 50 years have detached investigation and considered decades. Unfortunately, these ad­ fallen far short of the intended goals. thought; note, for example, the care vances have not eliminated problems She characterizes today's teacher with with which she presents the controver­ but have only served to move them 25 years ofexperience as someone who sial issue oftesting and test usage in the forward to a new age and a new set of has lived through "an era of failed schools. critics. Today's critics, she maintains, revolutions." Ravitch identifies her basic theme as are not likely to dwell upon yesterday's In sum, this collection of essays follows: educational outcomes are not victories. The school is continually makes no attempt to offer a ready cure inevitable; they are not the result of faced with new demands, new expecta­ for the future. It should not be dis­ forces beyond our control. Rather, tions and new hopes. In 1940, 16% of missed, however, as merely another educational outcomes are a direct func­ our youth attended college. This figure display of negativism. It is an objective tion of our assumptions, ideals and had climbed to 75% in the late 1960's. dissection of problems and issues, and policies. Given this context ofour own The G.!. Bill, Headstart and other for that reason alone is of greater value responsibility for our own actions, she support programs brought about the than the fiery criticism which educa­ goes on to ask some probing, and democratization of education. Educa­ tion frequently must endure. Ravitch possibly upsetting, questions: How tion, especially higher education, was suggests that, although we have the strong is our commitment to educa­ no longer the exclusive privilege ofthe ability to improve our schools, we will tion? Do we really provide equal educa­ selected few. However, Ravitch points continue at much the same level of tional opportunity for all? Are we truly out, the high school diploma became performance until such time as we free concerned about offering a broad range "universal," declining in importance ourselves from the "errant assump­ of academic disciplines through the because "high school graduates were tions" ofthe present. We are able, she high school years? Are we willing to not necessarily literate." I am re­ writes, to bring about change in a small, pay the price of attracting and re­ minded ofthe dilemma set forth in the immediate arena - our greatest chal­ warding highly qualified teachers. title ofJohn Gardner's book of25 years lenge is to reach agreement on a grand One is struck by the wide range of ago: Excellence - Can We Be Equal and scheme of goals. 0 problems associated with schooling Excellent Too? and how it might be improved. Perhaps Ravitch devotes one essay to the Leo ]. McGuirk, Associate Professor of this lengthy list of weaknesses and matter of teachers and the teaching High School, Middle School and Adult shortcomings is, in fact, part of the profession, and spares nobody, it Education. 31 Book Reviews continued

of Fame in Pennywise the Clown, and the first 1,000 pages of IT are worthly Stephen King of praise for their gnawing terror and reader paralysis. But while Lovecraft Viking, 1986. would have left IT undescribable and garbed in cosmic mist, King insists on full disclosure. The first hint comes on s a childhood reminiscence, IT Eddie Kaspbrak saw him as a hobo page 1,016 as IT thinks of a victim is a remarkably vivid and ex­ with syphilis; he thought it leprosy. "hung high up in the middle of things, Aplicit account of seven self­ No, it's a werewolf (with orange pom­ crisscrossed in silk." What began as a styled "losers" from Derry, Maine. poms), or voices and blood from the memoir ofa horrifying childhood sum­ Fifth grade's out and, one by one, the bathroom sink. At other when's and mer, nurtured by echoes of Lovecraft, seven are hounded, pursued, and bat­ where's it's Frankenstein's monster, Kornbluth, and Campbell, ends as a tered by society, the school bullies, and Paul Bunyan, a gnash ofpiranhas, your low-budget video of The Spider That cosmic consciousness into a tightly­ not-so-favorite fairy-tale character; the Ate Tokyo. knit group destined to scotch IT that glamour, manitou, eylak, and loup­ Once run to bay in its 1985 lair, IT summer of 1958. Twenty-seven years garou. IT is ultimately revealed as a turns out to be anticlimactically preg­ later, they are recalled for an encore telepathic omnimorph that reaches into nant. King had told us that IT "was" in and the final showdown. the mind to take whatever shape the the pre-universe void and a rational While the real story lies in 1958, beholder most fears. What is its pur­ reader might surmise that the creature King shuffles the two time frames and pose, other than random mayhem? had been a mother before: in which scores of flashbacks as though they Food! But served with special sauce. case, why isn't the universe overrun were two halves of a double pinochle Cyril Kornbluth in Mindworm created with its brood? Or if this is its first deck with fifty jokers. In the end, IT is a an atomic mutant who aggravated emo­ attempt to breed, what did it recently marvel of tortured chronology which tions to feed upon their emanations. In find to mate with? And no wonder it's makes Robert Heinlein's convoluted The Day of the Dove, a Star Trek epi­ violent...4Yz billion years is a long­ time-travel masterpiece All You sode, another emotional vampire fed time to either gestate or wait for sexual Zombies - seem like a two-piece puzzle. on anger. IT belongs to the same maturity. The reader begins in the fall of 1957 dietary category. While its staple is There is little cleverness in King, few as six-year-old George Denbrough sails children, "Adults had their own ter­ well-turned phrases or fascinating refer­ his paper boat down the rain-swollen rors and their glands could be taped ences. Only one stands out. Henry gutters of town. When the boat disap­ open so that all the chemicals of fear Bowers, childhood bully and nemesis pears into a storm drain, George peers flooded the body and salted the meat." of the "losers," is eventually commit­ in after it and sees Mr. Bob Gray, a.k.a. Borrowinga conceptfromJohn Camp­ ted to the insane asylum for the murder Pennywise the Clown, notable for his bell'sWho Goes There? better known to of his father. Terrified, Bowers sleeps big orange buttons, who asks Georgie if theatre audiences as The Thing. Stephen with a night light - once Donald he would like a balloon. As George King tells us that IT is an interstellar Duck, replaced with Mickey Mouse, reaches for the balloon, Pennywise alien who crashed on earth eons ago then Oscar the Grouch, etc. King grabs his arm, pulls it into the drain and and buried itself in the soil which writes, with Eliot and Prufrock looking rips it off. Derry has an ominous and would one day support Derry. "It's on: "Henry had measured out the years unpublicized history of such violence, because of that soil," Mike Hanlon's of his incarceration with burned-out grounded in the disappearance of its father once told him." It seems that nightlights instead of coffee-spoons." entire population in 1741. Approxi­ bad things, hurtful things, do right well Of greater interest are the autobio­ mately every 27 years, a cycle ofterror in the soil of this town." What a graphical tidbits. King, who was born erupts, vaguely understood by children wonderful allusion to the possibility in 1946 and therefore nearly a peer to and largely ignored by Derry's semi­ that Derry, not Nahum Gardner's farm his characters, gives four pages to Bill mesmerized adults. west of Arkham, was the site of H.P. Denbrough as a creative writing stu­ In May, 1985, Mike Hanlon, the Lovecraft's Colour Out of Space. dent. Denbrough's work is poorly re­ only member ofthe group to remain in Writing with the inevitable screen in ceived by the instructor whom he Derry, sends out the recall. Stanley mind, King has provided a stew of paints with eggheaded stupidity, and Uris promptly slashes his wrists in the ripped off arms, severed heads, and when his story comes back, graded tub but before he dies, writes IT with rotting flesh." Eddie thrust the ragged "F", with two words scrawled on it his blood on the bathroom tile. base of the Perrier bottle at him. It (Pulp! Crap!), Denbrough immediately Richard Tozier, Ben Hanscom, Eddie ripped into Henry's face pulling open sells it to a pulp mag for $200 and Kaspbrak, Beverly Marsh Rogan, and his right cheek in a twisted flap and drops the course. Bill Denbrough (George's brother) puncturing Henry's right eye.... His slit Yes, Stephen King sells-sells big­ agree to come back to Derry on the eye, leaking whitish-yellow fluid, hung and, as he tells us through his Bill basis of a scarcely-remembered child­ loosely from its socket." Denbrough ego, that's everything. Or hood promise, to finish what they Something for everyone.. .including is it? I have found it remarkably easy to started in 1958. Enroute, individual boys lighting each other's farts and buy his work, in hard cover, at reduced flashbacks, nows, and flashforwards even II-year olds having group sex... prices...at yard sales. Could it mean ping-pong the reader into a laborious and after a thousand pages of anes­ that while King has had his success possession of the salient details. thetic gore and foul language, the through the cash registers of America, Young Ben Hanscom saw the clown; reader is numbed; the only feelings he he is still an embarrassment on the he had the face of The Mummy. Mike is yet capable of are an acidic stomach library shelf? 0 Hanlon saw him - a huge bird with and liquid bowels. Yet, King has given feathers the color oforange pompoms. us a fearful addition to the Horror Hall Michael Hurley, Instructor of English 32 The Last Word

D.I. image, Ditka possesses sufficient One Giant Leap macho security to reveal a soft side,' pledging, for instance, to refrain from For Mankind future sideline scolding ofcute, diminu­ tive quarterback Doug Flutie, acknow­ by Philip Silvia ledging its equivalency to chastizing Bambi. Fiercely independent,he contra­ dicts the NFL's great-man-theme. And what ofthe Patriots? Patsies no more, having earned fan support by impressive play during the '85 season. This happened under the tutelage of a coach outdone in animation by mum­ mies over at the Museum of Fine Arts, a coach who has developed the novel approach of communicating through the sound of silence (or by ventril­ sense of freedom and renewed opti­ hanks, guys, for winning Super oquism, which then makes dummies of Bowl XXI. While candor doesn't mism unleashed by the victory at Pas­ his quarterbacks). T allow for overlooking a genera­ adena. This smoothing of life's rocky Anything is possible under his leader­ tion's passage between triumphs, vic­ road is best understood within a proper ship, for Raymond Berry was the origi­ tory has muted the pain. Life has at last historical context. nal Magic Man, a classic overachiever been righted for New York Football You don't have to be Marshall Mc­ who, as a Baltimore Colts' star, always Giants' loyalists, myself included. I Luhan to understand the enormous transcended physical limitations. He is now cherish my unused ticket to the impact once achieved by the trans­ in fact the original source of all my '73 seasonal closing contest (when the mission of Giants' contests via a small, former sorrow. There is a tendency to weather was as impossibly bitter as the round-screened picture. My teenaged remember only Alan Ameche's easy team's play) as a souvenir of sport­ friends and I were addicted to this romp into the end zone in sudden death bonding friendship rather than as a winning team by the mid-'50s. The overtime which gave Baltimore the disturbing reminder oflife during what Giants became our viewer joy, the famous title game of '58. But Giants' seemed an interminable downward ,perfect cold weather antidote to Tom fans understand that the outcome was cycle. Yawkey's heartbreakers, who forever really decided by Unitas to Berry, time That is the way it should be, for my offered us Buddin' springtime hope and again: perfectly executed patterns, Fall River gang had staying power even that wilted with the August heat and those down and outs. in the worst of times. For instance, left us un-Consolo-able. Thus, for a Down and out indeed. After this during the early I970s we gathered -as few seasons Growing Up Catholic was a contest, my beloved Giants remained always- on Sundays. The only differ­ memorable ritual that began at the agonizingly competitive, participating ence was that we met much earlier than Saturday confessional and concluded in four ofthe next five championships, usual, piling into the Volkswagen bus with announcer Chris Schenkel's sign but always coming up short. An under­ that was directed to our meccas, off(ifone ignores the long-term gastro­ currentofpessimism began taking hold. Yankee Stadium and, later, the Yale nomical repercussions of game-time Then came the slide - "Good-bye Bow!. This odyssey ended in '74 when "feasting" on Dirty Nick's Coney Is­ Allie," Rocky Thompson, the New the arrival ofmy firstborn, Katie, led to landers, - hot weiners with the works Haven experience, and Joe Pisarcik. a radical change in lifestyle. It was fresh from the seediest joint in Fall The deadening consistency of their patently unfair to further tax my indul­ River). ineptitude seeped into my very being. gent and patient wife, Gerry. I forfeited This exposure resulted in sensible The end result, while it may have cherished season tickets. I'd still watch enslavement, even though the mid-'60s helped steel me against life's greater (?) the games, but from afar. marked the beginning of 20 years of adversities, also muted any indulgent It was ofcourse the right thing to do. unremitting spectator misery. This was tendency to embrace complete personal Still, I sometimes can't help but merely a minor setback! The winning happiness, until now, when victory has wonder... What is it like to observe of Superbowl XXI only reinforces my blessedly exorcised these painful home games at the beautiful Meadow­ mature perspective: until quite re­ memories. lands facility? If I had had just a tad cently, no other professional football Finally, there is a message in all this more persistence (13 seasons), what franchise warranted comparable emo­ for adults with teen rearing responsi­ stadium vantage point would I have tional attachment from New England­ bilities. Do not be deceived by those earned? Might I have sat beside a ers in the over-40 age bracket. Of who glibly praise your team for making former President whose Washington­ course, some teams, including the it to The Big One. It is not enough. days penchant for designing diagrams Patriots, have vied for that loyalty and Remember - my purged nightmare was for George Allen on how best to break have even captured the faint of heart. rooted far back in '58. Therefore, do into enemy territory was once dismissed Loyalty to the dynasty darlings of deal tenderly with impressionableyoung­ as harmless diversion from duty? Or the mid-80s, those Big Bad Bears, is sters whose psyches were devastated perhapsthis voluntary self-denial dashed just one example of this failed judge­ last October when their joy was cast an opportunity to socialize with quint­ ment. This phenomena is happily ephem­ away by Steamer's best Mark Clear essential Giants' fan Andy Rooney at eral, for these "Monsters of the Mid­ imitation and Billy Buck's bungle. which time I could have invited him to way" are going the way of all flesh, There is only one solution, for Vince climb the career ladder as a Bridgewater suffering a meltdown, Refrigerator or Lombardi was partially right. Winning Review guest columnist. not. All is not Sweetness with this cast (it all) is the only thing, at least once. With this latter opportunity missed, of characters, although Coach Mike D it behooves me as Rooney's surrogate Ditka deserves attention. More com­ and fellow celebrant to portray the plex than his Jack Webb-Lou Gossage Philip Silvia, Professor of History