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1990 The olC lege News 1990-11-1 Vol.12 No. 3 Students of Bryn Mawr College
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For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE COLLEGE NEWS VOLUME XII NUMBEItO FOUNDED T 1914 BRYN MAWR COLLEGE November 1,1990 Arun Gandhi to discuss racism on November 8 By Patricia Savoie caste in the culture's caste system, the "untouchables." "... in terms of human relationships, With help from his wife and friends, [the United States] is as backward as a he founded the Society for National Inte- Third World country," states Arun gration in 1970. Beginning with a village Gandhi, political scientist and social ac- in southern Maharashtra, the organiza- tivist who will be speaking on "Racism in tion helped to bring about increased America" on November 8 at 8 p.m. in "economic development and social Thomas Great Hall. Gandhi, grandson of understanding" (NYT, 3/8/88). Branch- Mohandas K. Gandhi, is currently a re- ing out to more than 60 villages in the search assistant and consultant at the area, the Society has encouraged the University of Mississippi's Center for "untouchables" of these villages to The faculty team beat the students in volleyball play Fall Frolic weekend. the Study of Southern Culture, and is "[adopt] self-help as their economic The weekend was considered a success by organizers, especially in light collecting data and opinions for a book program and benevolence as their social of the fact that it was the very first Fall Frolic. It began Friday night, on racism in the United States, South creed" (NYT, 3/8/88). October 19, with a concert-turned-dance party with Jane Powell and her Africa and India. Considered to have Soon after, Gandhi decided to come to band in Goodhart. Members of the audieance joined Jane onstage to belt controversial views by people on all sides the U.S. to research and compare dis- out the rocking soul and reggae tunes while the rest of the audience of the racial struggle, Gandhi will be crimination here with that which he danced in their seats, in the aisles, and on the windowsills. Steve Green presenting his observations on the state observed in India and South Africa. "I and his Jazz Trio entertained the community Saturday night, and Sunday of human relations in the United States, wanted to see if anyone else has achieved afternoon The Flaming Caucasians played on Merion Green while the with a focus on the situation on college the same positive economic and social faculty were teaching the students a thing or two about volleyball. This campuses. results [as the Society for National Inte- was but the first annual Fall Frolic; look forward to another weekend-long Gandhi was born in Durban, South gration]. Five months later, I have still to party sometime next fall. Photo by Annick Barker Africa, and grew up oppressed by apart- come across any project in the United heid due to his Eurasian descent. So States that would be worth emulating" deeply was he disturbed by the racial (NYT, 3/8/88). Recognizing that much violence that he experienced there that has been accomplished legally in the U.S., Rathbone's depolitization of his parents sent him to India to stay with Gandhi argues that this has done little to his grandfather for a year when he was a change the reality of racism. He believes young teenager. His grandfather's com- that rewriting and adding to the law is history not realistic mitment to non-violent opposition in- not enough, that legislation can address By Sara Rubin demic barriers which need to be over- stilled in him many of the ideas and only the most obvious inequities. "Re- come in order for effective dialogue to beliefs that he lives by today. In his March cent incidents at the University of Mas- Dr. Rathbone, a reader of African take place. First, academics must be al- 8, 1988 article in the New York Times, sachusetts at Amherst illustrate the prob-
■r*-.g,- ' ^"»- History at the School of Oriental and lowed and encouraged to engage in Gand hi writes, "If I was able to overcome lem in many institutions: Blacks are tol- Asian Studies, University of London, generalized research in this rather new my hate for the whites and blacks in erated because the law demands it but came to Bryn Mawr on 24 October to field, as opposed to the super-specializa- South Africa, both of whom made me the are not really understood or fully ac- speak on the importance of comparative tion that usually results from the fear of butt of racial violence when I had barely cepted" (NYT, 3/8/88). The changes he historical studies of African-Americans generalization being labeled superficial entered my teens, it was because my sees necessary are changes in the way and Africans. This dialogue, said Rath- or false. Second, the barrier of the histori- grandfather and parents taught me to that people of different racial, ethnic, and bone, should begin between specialists cal problem of the "brutal and complex forgive." economic backgrounds think about each of African-American h*istoryVand Afri- act of forceful migration of Africans" to Gandhi returned to South Africa, be- other. "Are we going to let ourselves, can history, ana could result in cpmpara- the Americas must be overcome (al- coming increasingly and more passion- and our world, be consumed by sense- iivestudies of these histories. Thefeipor- though Dr. Rathbone did not explain ately opposed to apartheid and the hatred less hatred and anger, or do we have the tance"lliu of.'I theseUIT ^l comparativeHUlll'lllllUVl analysesaiiaiy3C3> ,* exactlyC \iltllV what VV 1KU thelllf natureILlllllL ofl»l thelilt problemI'llU'U III that is an integral part of the system. At will and desire to retreat from such nega- sffggested Dr.- Rathbone, lies in the dis-m^as: historians' tear of dealing with this 22, he went back to India, meeting and tive attitudes?" (NYT, 3/8/88) covery of African cultural "survivals topic? the anger that could arise from marrying his wife, Sunanda. His return One of the controversial stands that and adaptationum the American conti- African-Americans and Africans con- to South Africa made impossible by the Gandhi has taken is his support of Nel- nent, as well as the implications on Afri- cerning this topic? the lack of African government there, he remained in India, son Mandela's right to refuse to sign a can culture on the African continent. sources Or studies on the topic of slav- taking up in his journalism and non- pledge denouncing the use of violence to Dr, Rathbone outlined several aca- continued on page 4 violent activism the cause of the lowest continued on page 4 Sout^r Appointment indicative of failure of "check & balance?"
By Jennifer Almquist anticipated that in 1990 the system would the sections in law books that pertained subject to voter approval and because . I be flawed enough to break down. No one to this issue were unwritten. Now, in the philosophy of this three branch sys- The United States has been consistently*', anticipated that our legislators would be spite of the occasional restrictive law or tem does not leave the court open to touted as the land of the free, where so busy kowtowing to the public that ordinance that pops up, legislators gen- influences of public opinion, the court democracy is preserved and protected mudslinging, mediocrity, and appealing erally shun any association with laws has a dangerous power. partly because of the balance of the three to the crowd would cancel out any politi- dealing with abortion because they can- Ironically, one of the reasons Bush branches of government. Blah, blah, blah. cal figure's agenda that might somehow not afford to alienate the voters. Here lies chose a man whose reputation as a judge For those of us from the United States, it alienate a segment of the constituency. a frightening breakdown in the system has had so little connection with contro- probably began in third gradeand would Unfortunately, most issues, especially because the issue merely floats; the versial issues was that he was squirming later be echoed in civics class: "The sys- those facing the Supreme Court, are by "people" have a lessened voice because to maintain the balance between moder- tem of checks and balances keeps our their controversial natures inflammatory, their representatives to the legislative ate and conservative republicans. After country run by the people and for the thus making it dangerous for politicians branch won't tackle important issues like angering many by going back on his people." Anyone from other countries to take fixed positions. abortion. Ultimately, the Supreme Court famous "read my lips, no new taxes" has probably been exposed to this kind The statute books of this nation are has in some senses taken on extraordi- promise, Bush could not afford to risk of trite characterization of the govern- often empty when it comes to the issue of nary functions, interpreting small and pro-choice women and moderates who mental system as well. The men who abortion. When Roe v. Wade declared varying laws to deal with the entire is- often conceptualize issues more to the founded this country probably never illegality of abortion unconstitutional, sue. Thus, because the high court is not continued on page 4
DDRESSING MILITARY CONFLICT: involvement and protest see centerspread, pages 6 & 7
ti Page 2 The College News November 1,1990 The difficulties inherent to difference
Thank you, Jamie Tortorello and Shari the date of Commencement, but the reac- Neier! tions of students at the meeting, and the various comments I heard around cam- Thank you for writing your letter to pus, led me to reconsider pushing the Prompted by 'The Resistant Reader" to examine the purpose and position the September 27th edition of the College issue. of the College News in the Bryn Mawr community, members of the editorial News. Thank you for beautifully articu- I have seen scorn, mockery, and out- board have been discussing the place of an "Editorial" in this newspaper. lating many of the concerns I had follow- rage on the faces and in the voices of Bryn ing the Sept. 19th senior meeting. If s The editorial is traditionally an unsigned expression of opinion by one or Mawr students who speak often and unfortunate, however, that I ha ve to thank loudly of the meaning of pluralism in the more of the editorial board members. Its prominent location in the newspa- you at all. But then, as we all know, Bryn Bryn Mawr community. Yes, it may be per, and its often controversial nature give it a more pronounced significance Mawr is not a perfect ivory tower. It true that the convenience of the many than most letters and articles have. It has at times appeared to be a statement seems that our standards of sensitivity should be considered over the desires of made by the editorial board, the "us," about the behavior or attitudes of the and cross-cultural understanding are the few, but does that mean we should be community, the "them." Upon critical examination we have recognized that wonderful ideals that rarely function in less sensitive to the issues involved? If the traditional approach to the editorial is not conducive to achieving open, reality. we don't know the extent of the prob- respectful communication. For this reason, we have decided to restructure. Throughout history, as Jews have regu- lems involved, shouldn't we ask, rather For each of the problematic characteristics of editorials that we have larly encountered conflict and persecu- than judge overquickly? Pluralism identified, we are making changes which we hope will bring about a new tion, pogroms, stones, and hatred, the implies difference, and while difference approach to communication in the College News. To eliminate the anony- question has remained the same: do we can be most vitally beautiful, it is also mous, omniscient tone of the editorial, all editorials will be signed. The mem- speak out in our fear and rage and risk inherently difficult. the danger of visibility, or do we stay I'm not asking that anyone change the bers of the editorial board are not of one mind, and should not be held silent and hope the storm will pass, leav- Commencement date, or make Yom accountable for the tone, content or opinion of an editorial which they have ing us unharmed? It may seem a little Kippur a Bryn Mawr holiday, or paint not written. In future issues, we hope to defy our layout inclinations and absurd to compare such a situation with Taylor tower blue and white (frankly I habits and move the editorial from a space which carries more psychological the recent events concerning Commence- think it would look better in green), I just and emotional weight than appropriate; the upper left hand corner has been ment, but as I left the senior meeting, that wish people would sometimes listen the home for this anonymous expression for long enough. It has hovered ancient debate — action or silence—was without having already made up their above the editorial box which contains the names of the ed board, unfortu- foremost in my mind. My instincts urged minds, and be a little more sensitive to nately suggesting that the College News asks its readers to play a game of me to speech, to a confrontation with the the hurt of others. match the editorial to its author. By continuing to occupy this space, the new administration and an attempt to change Leslie Lefkow '91 editorial would appear to be clinging to its former superior position. To eliminate the editorial's apparent dominance over the letters section, this Bizarre advertisement threatens space will be open to any interested community member who sends some- thing in. women's right to privacy and choice While it will be radically different, we are keeping a version of an editorial The Entire Back inside cover of the that a 6 week old fetus has a voice, not to because we believe it does have some value. We intend to continue to publish October 29 issue of Time magazine is mention consumer preferences, thereby pieces which aim at a focus that provides a unifying theme, and are more devoted to an anti-choice ad. making it a viable human being (the philosophical than purposefully practical. We hope the new editorials will I don't know about most of you but preference for a Volvo presumably makes allow the individual events and issues present week to week at Bryn Mawr that spooks the hell out of me. But wait, it a discerning human.) Naturally, one to be linked in a meaningful way. The pieces should have the accessibility there's more: it's not just an ordinary couldn't abort something that wanted to and immediacy of communication to the reader as writing a letter, but the advertisement for an organization; it's a buy a Volvo, right? But I digress. difference would lie in its decidedly general focus. Should we receive two Volvo ad. Yep. That's right, a Volvo ad. Although I could continue ad nauseum Let me tell you about it. about the implications and problems of editorials of conflicting viewpoints, space would be made for both. The last The whole page, except for the bottom this ad, the important part is that the solution we have provided to the problems we have singled out in the use inch and a half, is a grainy, black-and- matter of choice, and women's right to of an editorial is as symbolic as the editorial's physical place on the page, but white, pseudo-medical picture of (proba- power over their own bodies, has en- more reaching in its impact: The editorial will no longer be the EDITORIAL. bly) a human fetus, greatly enlarged. My tered into the mass marketing of con- The name is limiting. Traditionally, in many papers, the writing of the guess would put it at 6-10 weeks of preg- sumer products, which is not an appro- editorial does not even include an editorial board, but only the editors-in- nancy. The only words in the advertise- priate place for it. There are enough chief. We want to move as far from this as possible. ment, except for small print, say, "IS problems in advertisement strategies The space is now officially open. We welcome any and all to send SOMETHING INSIDE TELLING YOU without adding this dimension. Further- contributions in to the new section, Opinion, which will replace the EDITO- TO BUY A VOLVO?" At the bottom there more, women shouldn't have to worry RIAL. is a small photo of a Volvo stationwagon. about whether or not the companies My initial reaction to the ad was rage which they buy cars, trucks, cookies, to the point of nausea. Many people I dishsoap, or anything else from are in- Contributing authors: Patricia Savoie, Thea Gray, Maggie Krall, Beth Stroud have talked to about it have said if s a truding upon their right to choice and weird tactic and in remarkably poor taste, privacy. even for Madison Avenue. However, this THE COLLEGE NEWS advertisement is not just weird and taste- Elleanor Chin '93 BRYN MAWR jj COLLEGE VOLUME XII,NO. 3 NOV. 1,1990 less, it is dangerous; dangerous to pro- Editors Thea Gray choice advocacy and to women. The advertisement also included a customer C-628 x7543 Many of you may remember last year service telephone number: 1-800-221-9136. Patricia Savoie a discussion about the movie, "Look Time magazine's address is: The TIME and C-793 x5541 Who's Talking" and how it was anti- LIFE Building, Rockefeller Center, New York, choice. This advertisement is a blatant NY, 10020. If you feel strongly about this Arts Editor Amy Efron example of the same sort of anti-choice matter, please send a letter to the magazine's messages in the mass media. There is a offices or call the Volvo company to express Editorial Board Basheera Abdus-Sabur, Ellis very clear message in this ad implying your displeasure. Avery, Annick Barker, Jessica Booth, Kalyani Broderick, Kelly Farrelly, Kaia Huseby, Maggie Krall, Viktoria Maxon, Beth Stroud
Photography Annick Barker Jessica Booth
Graphics Kaia Huseby
I wasn't going to respond about the ions are distinctly in the minority. Who is Resistant Reader because I thought eve- she to speak for the "Bryn Mawr commu- The deadline forr the November 15 issue of The College News is Friday, rybody else would, but obviously such nity?" She is pretty far removed from the November 9 at 6 p.m. Articles should be submitted to the box outside the reasoning is plenty flawed. So, my guilt Bryn Mawr community I've seen inthe NEW College News office (Denbigh 203, above the Language Lab). strings being plucked, here I am. There last couple weeks, where my defense of Submit articles in Microsoft Word on a Mac disk if possible; disks will be returned. Anyone interested in working on The College News should come were a few points in the Resistant Reader the College News against this accusation to the Thursday night meetings at 9 p.m. in the Denbigh office, or call one that bothered me, but the one I will re- of ignorance quickly has to turn to a of the editors. spond to here is the statement, 'The defense of the College News against my division between the College News and listeners, who claim the News is over- STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The statement of purpose is the and the Bryn Mawr community is sensitive, over-liberal and attacks the currently undergoing revision. If you have opinions on what the statement of purpose should be, please join us at our next editorial irreparable." community in the name of conscious- board meeting this Thursday. My own feeling about the editorial ness-raising. was quite the opposite as far as I and'a I'm not saying chill out, or shut up, or few friends were concerned. But my even sign your name — on thecontrary; personal feelings aside, the Resistant you make life interesting. But speak for Reader's justification for her anonymity yourself, Resistant Reader. seems to me to point out the absurdity of the sentence quoted above — her opin- Ariel Hart, '91
A November 1,1990 The College News Page 3
To the College community: allow a person to write anything they want without the constraints of objectiv- In response to the Resistant Reader ity? This is how we can understand how and to the latest issue of the College others truly feel — both those we agree News, I want to set forth a positive mes- with and those we disagree with. sage of support and encouragement for a I remember last year being terrified paper which has so many strengths! about writing my first article — a movie I see this as an "issue" paper, which review. But then I told myself that I was Traditions expresses the views of its writers through really writing a letter. This made me feel their passion — no matter what the fo- more comfortable describing, criticizing, cus. After all the recent attacks and self- being humorous, and taking risks. The A history of our own symbol examination, I can only safely assert that chance that the College News gives all of the opinions voiced are those of the us to take advantage of the powerful tool By Tracy Trotter als added together. For example, the class contributors. But instead of this being an called "words" is one that should not be and Courtney Gray of 1919's class numerals were 19, added object of criticism, think of this as an in- underestimated. Traditions Mistresses together they are 10, and the lantern is 10 vitation to speak out. How many papers Kaia Huseby Lantern Night is over, and once again sided with one pane of green glass on we have four classes a-glowing at step each side. By the late 20's and early SCs sings. No spectators were turned away this had changed so that only the number Opportunities for community at the door—we let 600 people on the of pieces of glass showing on one side roofs and a good number were allowed were counted. In this era the designs to stand in the Cloisters. Our apologies to tended to be pictures of some sort rather service open to students the people who didn't get tickets! Thank than abstract. The class of 1927's Iantem By Kelly Family the student-run volunteer office in the you to all of the soph reps who helped has a ship on it; 1928 has a castles and lower level of the Centennial Campus make Lantern Night work, and espe- moons. The designs of the late ^s fea- cially to Arati Vasan and Elizabeth Pfaf- Last semester a survey about volun- Center. This office shares the volunteer tured the class numerals in the design fenroth for all their work on the Lantern teering was distributed to Bryn Mawr resources of Haverford's Eighth Dimen- itself. The class of 1938 was the first to students. There were questions about sion. The Student Life Activity Office Girl Tea Invitations. receive the design we have today. volunteer experience and motivation and a committee of Bryn Mawr students Lantern Night is the oldest tradition of During World War II it became impos- behind volunteering. The types of vol- are currently working towards expand- the College, and the only one that has oc- sible to make lanterns due to restrictions curred every year since the beginning. It unteer service students were involved in ing the Owl's Wing's services. In the on metals. Yet Lantern Night continued: were as varied as their reasons for volun- future, Bryn Mawr students will not need started in 1886 when the College's first alumnae donated their lanterns to the teering. to go to Haverford for volunteer place- sophomore class gave the second fresh- war classes to preserve this Tradition. The Eighth Dimension is a volunteer ment, but will have access to a placement man class lanterns. Their lanterns didn't Even during the early 70"s, when cam- service network for Bryn Mawr and committee on campus. look like ours; in fact, until 1937 each pus attitudes towards Traditions were at Haverford students who want to con- There are many different agencies in class's lanterns had a different design. In an all time low, Lantern Night persisted. tinue or begin servicing the larger com- which a student can become involved. 1938 this became too expensive, and they There is an enduring, timeless quality to adopted the design we have today. The munity outside the two colleges. The The agencies include local, city, national, the ceremony that enables it to persist. Eighth Dimension is a student initiated and international organizations. The aims first several years of lanterns looked a lot So, Class of 1994, you are the latest in a program that coordinates student vol- and areas of service organizations in- like railroad switchman's lanterns, or like long, unbroken line of lantern bearers. unteers with organizations outside the clude health care, education, civil rights, ordinary oil lamps. It wasn't until the The lantern has become the most impor- bi-college community and oversees many psychological support and the preserva- 1901 lantern was made with red panes tant symbol in the College. There is of the committees on both campuses. tion of the environment. These organiza- that the idea of using color to designate something special in that heap of metal, Students interested in volunteer op- tions offer services varying from tutor- classes came into being. Once the four glass and wax that you own. It is not portunities are first interviewed by Eighth ing to preparing and serving meals to the colors were selected they went into the given to anyone who is not an under- Dimension Director Mary Louise Allen homeless. rotation that we know today. graduate of Bryn Mawr College. It is who serves as the primary contact with Students interested in volunteering for Around 1919 a tradition began where ours; it designates its possessor as a the outside agencies. The Eighth Dimen- an outside organization or a campus the nu mber of pieces of glass showing on Mawrter. Cherish it as the 105 classes sion tries to match the interests, skills, committee can contact the Eighth Di- the lantern was equal to the class numer- before you have done. and schedule of the prospective volun- mension at 896-1183, go to the Owl's teer with these outside agencies. Wing office in the Campus Center, or call Freshwomen: Call your Lantern Girl! The Eighth Dimension Owl's Wing is the Owl's Wing at 526-7327. Many upperclasswomen are anxious to meet you.
Don't Hate Me Cause I Eat Yogurt we also must consider what we mean by bond connecting them and a term was Drum roll, the paths of Lesbians cross The entire approach, attitude, ambi- "silenced." The connotations of our most born, an identity rose out of the ashes. with the paths of everyone else. There- ance that surrounds this issue of "Lesbi- recent display of literature on this subject But among those who were thenceforth fore, discussions of "Straight Women" ans" versus "Straight Women" versus encase "silenced" in a moldy sarcopha- known as "Lesbians," there were some being silenced by "Lesbians" are held "Bisexuals" is defensive and barrier gus. Are we then operating on the as- with blue eyes, some with brown, some together by very weak glue, at a most imposing. There is an Us and a Them, sumption that silence is bad? But wait, I with coarse leg hair, some with thin, minimal expense; to mention that and and a Those Others, no character defini- was under the impression that silence is some who enjoyed cricket, some who just that without any elaboration is a cop- tion, no variance, no real diversity. Speak- golden. So, what we are really trying to preferred Mahjong, some who could sing, out. ing for myself, I am not an Us or a Them say here, by association, is that gold is and some who couldn't but thought they "Oh, she wouldn't let me into the or a Those Others, and am not familiar bad, and that this whole thing is in reality could, etc. express line at Acme because she sleeps with anyone who fits that description. an anti-capitalist vendetta. In all serious- So why then weren't there many other with women." What??! Sexual orienta- People are only too ready to categorize, ness, I would like to establish my percep- groups formed originating from like tion is so often used as a blanket, a re- to leave their cream of wheat lumpy tion of what is meant by "silenced" as characteristics such as the Outee Belly- verse panacea, a sheet over the bird cage. instead of taking that extra little effort to applies to these articles: I perceive it to be buttoners or Scrambled Egg With We assume too much instead of expend- separate it into individual grains, and I the obliteration of one's person by an- Ketchup Chompers? Admittedly, sexu- ing a slight bit of energy to lift up that happen to think it is much more digest- other in "mid-sentence," harboring a ality is a big one, a veritable totem pole sheet and discover that there are differ- ible smooth but anyway.... large intimidation factor and rendering a (totem hole?!) but the definition of Les- ent plumages under every one. "....straight women can be silenced by smothering effect. This sounds like it has bian, how it was intended, is restricted to I realize that people need to group Lesbians..." Retired pharmacists can walk a high index of specificity, is more in- an explanation of sexual orientation. things and sort things for communica- dogs. So??! Maybe some do. Probably volved than merely the labels or names Thaf s all. Lesbianism has been the "Pig- tion purposes, in order to relate and be some can but prefer not to. And most of the two (or more) protagonists. The Pen" of sexuality terminology; it has able to interact, but often the very de- likely some actually cannot walk dogs motive, the exchange, the thought intri- accumulated several attributes that are scriptors intended as communication because they cannot walk, are allergic to cacies are much more important than often assumed to be inherent within its links serve as communication break- dogs, or various other reasons. There lies who or what was slept with the night morphology, while they actually only downs. Ideas become overworked and within that statement a probability of before. Which brings me back to the Us, apply to a selected random number who people get so hung up on one fatty de- those two separate entities, pharmacists Them, Those Others thing. happen to be Lesbian. It is true that many posit that the entire cow is lost to them. and dogs, coming together in that par- People are comprised of so much it is of these attributes appear to be inter- Saying "Straight Women can be silenced ticular format, but it is not in any way, fascinating, amazing, this diversity woven into or at least connected with by Lesbians" is not enough. Not even shape, or form an ultimatum. Ok, so in makes for an interesting existence. It is Lesbianism, but each individual is reach- close. some instances in this big wide world, insulting to melt this vast array of cells ing the destination(Lesbianism) from a Of course "Straight Women can be si- throughout the course of interaction down into one big slab and slap a certain different angle. The means to the end is lenced!" Any broader a statement and between like species, someone is mo- label on it without taking anything else highly individualistic, but the end is the ten Divine-look-alikes bound together mentarily silenced. For someone to have into consideration. One day, after some same. The end, however, is not a big would be needed to accommodate it. been silenced necessitates the presence heavy introspection a woman probably melting pot, no: a final resting place, but In most communities people are heter- of a silencer. So here we have a silencer came to the conclusion that she preferred rather a point on a continuous line denot- osexist in the sense that the majority have and a silencee. Statistically, the two will /women to men, sexually speaking. Lo ing a specific individual. See diagram A. lovers of the opposite sex. That's all it be a "Lesbian," and a "Straight Woman, and behold, there were others with simi- should be-heterosexual, preferring to " respectively, n% of the time. Thaf s part lar sentiments, and eventually there was engage in sexual activity with members of the great mystery we call life. quite a significant number of female- of the opposite sex, heterosexist, just a Ah, but digressing a small amount, loving females. This attribute then was a continued on page 4 Page 4 The College News November 1,1990 Rathbone examines African influence on American culture continued from page 1 ended with several questions unan- academic (i.e. apolitical) fashion which on this extremely important topic, as well ery? the necessity of historians to take a swered. First, why were the majority of seemed to attempt to depoliticize the as provocation of thought arising from political stand with respect to the impli- his cited sources very old ones used topic for the sake of nonconfrontational the issues he didn't discuss. cation of slavery on global politics to- without complementing updated histori- history, despite the fact that the topic is However, history doesn't occur in an day?) Finally, he mentioned the difficul- cal and theoretical analyses of this time so obviously politically and emotionally apolitical vacuum, is not recorded in an ties of pursuing pre-slavery African his- period and academic area of study? charged. Dr. Rathbone's lecture hardly apolitical fashion, and cannot be exam- torical questions because of the lack of Further, why weren't sources written by touched on the issue of slavery, and ined after the fact through apolitical or sources and "recorded intellectual his- African historians used on this topic of completely neglected the issues concern- "objective" lenses. When we examine tory" from these "pre-literate" societies. forced migration of Africans to the ing colonialism, neo-colonialism, and the events which occurred centuries ago, we After outlining these academic barri- Americas — or even colonialism on the problems of a Western defined moderni- cannot help but project our current be- ers, Dr. Rathbone proceeded to briefly African continent? He completely ne- zation on the African continent. liefs and definitions onto these historical remark on religious experiences and glected works by African scholars in this Undoubtably academic research and interpretations. Specifically, the meth- medical practices of Africans in the New field such as Ngugi wa Thiongo, Okot dialogue of many different topics are ods by which we view and teach history World: the reflections of African cultural p'Bitek, Franz Fanon, Mudimbe, Chinua extremely important. Dr. Rathbone's today reflect and affect the ways in which characteristics and African-European Achebe, Nadine Gordimer, to name a lecture was successful in its continuation we approach social and political events (American) derived cultural characteris- few. Although he made a passing re- of the opening the channels of dialogue today. tics. mark on the African scholar Paulin The lecture seemed to be hinting at Hountoundji and the book African Phi- and leading up to the tantamount issues losophy as interesting sources to examine Reality of public's role in of African influence on the American within this context, he didn't explicitly culture — his specific examples were state why, thereby ignoring their politi- determining law terrifying religion and pre-industrialized "diagno- cally charged representations of the na- sis and treatment of illness" — and re- ture of this topic: namely, that Western continued from page 1 our lifetime as far as the high court goes cent debate centered around African academics have a very difficult time left of the political spectrum. Souter has seems to be irreparably slanted to the philosophy and academia; but, unfortu- accepting African histories and philoso- rarely in his career written opinions on right. nately the lecture ended before deeper phies as valid because of the nature of controversial issues, and was thus a safe There is some hope for liberals, how- analytical discussion of this newer their generally oral traditions, which they bet for getting past confirmation hear- ever, according to the most recent issue ground occurred. and Rathbone label "pre-literate." ings and future disclaimers as to what of Time. (Oct. 8) Liberal groups are in- As a result of this, the lecture was The lecture was approached in a purely Bush knew Souter would accomplish as creasingly taking their concerns to their a justice. state supreme courts, many of which Now that David Souter has been con- have lately been exhibiting a trend to- firmed without much difficulty, and ward contrast with recent U.S. Supreme without much new information on where Court rulings. State supreme court jus- he stands on critical issues facing the tices are often elected, or are subject to Supreme Court, it will be interesting to retention elections after being appointed, see the direction these issues take. In and therefore are more susceptible to general, as President McPherson com- majority rule. Several states have thus mented at convocation, it is not our place affected the national balance of power. as citizens to require a judge to disclose For example, although the high court his views on issues in a nice tidy package ruled last year that criminal courts could of premeditated -rulings. Nevertheless, admit evidence seized illegally as long as with the court becoming increasingly it was taken "in good faith," some state conservative, 5-4 opinions that were courts are setting down other precedents. protected by Brennan's forceful presence The high court has said no to public are now in jeopardy. funding for abortion, and some states Although Time reported on August 8 have ruled yes. Equalized school financ- of this year that 59% of people polled ing, which would require an overhaul of opposed a justice who would overturn school systems to distribute funding more "Roe vs. Wade," that sort of majority rule evenly among rich and poor areas, was principle should ideally function to con- not required by the Supreme Court, but trol the legislative branch and not the has been judicially mandated in several interpretive function of the judicial states. _ branch. Basically, the liberal cause is Florida has ruled contrary to the U.S. scared, especially about abortion, but also Supreme Court on the issues of right-to- about the rights of the accused in crimi- die and abortion, and by invoking the Gandhi — understanding integral to nal trials, freedom of speech issues, and privacy clause of their state constitution, separation of church and state, among have declared rights for incompetent realization of "fraternal society" others. In fact, NARAL (National Abor- patients and women that the high court tion Rights Action League) has not been has not. This exemplifies cases in which continued from page 1 by what is happening at U.S. colleges appeased by reassurances that all of the state bill of rights differs in strength secure equal rights for nonwhite people and universities, and by the fact that, in Souter's political friends are pro-choice from the U.S. constitution. The increas- in South Africa, but a stated disapproval spite of such incidents, curriculums and a portion of an opinion he wrote in ing conservatism of the Supreme Court, with the refusal itself. "Nonwhite South continue to treat Black history as a sepa- opposition to a parental consent bill in and the tendency of Bush and most poli- Africa has flouted every aspect of this rate discipline from "history." the New Hampshire house. ticians to put their tails between their philosophy of nonviolence, yet violence In the New York Times article, Gandhi Time will tell. Perhaps he will surprise legs and run from crucial issues, has led has gotten the nonwhite nothing. They writes, "If people understand each other us, as Sandra Day OConnor did, and to this new variable justice from state to have sacrificed thousands of innocent a little better, it will be a step toward rule more liberally than we expect. Souter state. Mario Cuomo has said: "I do not lives at the altar of violence; scores of peace for mankind, and a partial realiza- does have an extremely tight legal mind, believe the fundamental liberties and leaders like Nelson Mandela and tion of Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a a genuine respect for precedent, and is rights of members of our national com- Zwelakhe Sisulu have languished in fraternal society." In a later article, Gandhi basically a strict constructionist when it munity should vary, depending on what prison for the best part of their lives is quoted,"... it is not necessary for every- comes to interpreting the Constitution. side of the state line one happens to be on while the second, third and fourth lines one to sacrifice our lives for others. We The terrifying reality is that the public at the moment!!" of leadership fled the country. The lead- [just] need to take a little time from our has little or no say in the Supreme Court's As we wait for the added Supreme erless people have been left to vent their lives to help" (Newsweek,3/6/89).Gandhi rulings in a direct manner, and those Court member to indicate the direction anger and frustration with rocks and will be here at Bryn Mawr with his own fears are not likely to be eased for liberals of his opinions, perhaps the typical re- petrol necklaces" (Los Angeles Times, 10/ offer of help soon. His visit is sponsored in a future that promises that ailing and gard for the balance of powers exhibited 21/88). by South Asian Women, with help from aged Marshall and Blackmun will be by civics class textbooks should come to Observing 35 racial disturbances on the Minority Coalition, Campuses replaced by more conservative justices, an end, as the power is redistributed college campuses in the spring of 1987 Against Racial Violence, and the Presi- adding to the ranks of young Rehnquist, between the legislative, judicial, and alone, Gandhi is particularly disturbed dent's Office. Scalia, and O'Connor. What is to come in executive branches.
continued from page 3 defeating a purpose, deepening a rift? is the case shouldn't the categories be the shadows and highlights. So look up restatement of heterosexuality. If heter- Has every Lesbian been consulted and expanded to include such titles as from your composition once in a while, osexism remained within that scope there do they concur on this or that matter? Or "Multisexual," "Thursdays only Bisex- lest you find yourself adding two heads would be no problem, it would be trivial has the definition of Lesbian been rede- ual," etc.? when there is only one, or inadvertently and just a matter of "you say tomato (a as fined to include only those behind the This applies not only to sexuality clas- putting an eye under an armpit. Include in complain), I say tomato(a as in pas- "We Lesbians" statement? Have the sifications, but every body of people all ranges of depth instead of leaving it trami)," but it is when it encompasses "Heterosexuals" segregated the "Lesbi- supposedly representing a certain ideol- flat, depict the uniqueness in what you other facets of life, extending beyond the ans" segregated the "Bisexuals" segre- ogy or genre. Terms serve their purpose, see, make it as personalized as it indubi- realms of said definition, that it begins to gated the "Heterosexuals," or by recog- but after doing so should be abandoned, tably is. See. Eat lots of carrots, they're hurt. At times it appears that women are nizing and identifying a segregation and or at least declawed; they are necessary, really good for the eyes. Then maybe undergoing Hari Kari due to their self speaking in terms of it has the left hand but should be traversable. The how-to of someday, when the world runs out of proclaimed sexuality and it shouldn't be been hitting the right? Do you want to be using and overcoming terms parallels carrots cause we've eaten them all, we that way. Shoulda, coulda, woulda, easy recognized as a group and can you speak drawing; it involves learning to see, not can get past all our boundaries and grow enough to say, to write, but what to do? for everyone who professes to be "Hetero- letting preconceptions interfere with the a garden together. Is saying "We Lesbians" this and that sexual," "Lesbian," or "Bisexual?" If that true shape and form, taking into account Mia Shapiro November 1,1990 The College News Page 5 Parents7 Day includes lecture on lesbian, gay literature By Beth Stroud Oppression and violence against lesbi- ans and gays have become more visible The Parents' Day program has come a in recent years; knowledge of the Other, long way. and mutual accomodation, he said, are Five years ago, as the story goes, the now more crucial than ever. Gay People's Alliance was "encouraged" He has changed the course title twice. to take down the signs they had posted First, it was called "Voices from the around campus and to reschedule the Margins." He had conceived the title with party they had planned for Parents' Day. disenfranchised figures from Renais- This was the occasion of President sance drama in mind: clowns, fools, and MacPherson's infamous remark, "If s not malcontents who spoke with voices of a bad thing to learn to be discreet-." satire and criticism from their position of Panel members (left to right) Michael Allen, Marc Ross, Robin Kilson, and This year, the schedule mailed to eve- alienation. However, he has discovered Robert Mortimer in discussion October 5. ryone's parents included a talk by Joe that this role of marginality was alien to Photo by Annick Barker Kramer, Professor of English, entitled the experience of lesbian and gay writers "The Place of Gay and Lesbian Writing since the Stonewall incident in the late in the Curriculum." sixties. When police attempted to raid Two weeks before Parents' Day, at one the Stonewall, a gay bar in New York Panel assesses U.S. of the Harold Bloom lectures, an English City, they were met with resistance for major was overheard murmuring, "I the first time: not fleeing and hiding, but don't know if my parents are ready for violent response. The gay liberation policy in Middle East this." Many parents may not have been movement which takes Stonewall as its ready—the audience was relatively small starting point has propelled gay and By Amy Weismann is really a North-South issue much more — but the inclusion of the lecture in the lesbian writers, says Kramer, "from the about distribution of wealth than about program, like the inclusion of lesbian margin... into the midst." Their voices Analysis and thought-provoking ques- aggression." Finally, he incorporates this and gay writing in the curriculum, pro- are "unfurtive, uncloseted, present." tions were offered in a forum on the crisis view into action stating, "we need to take vided long-overdue institutional legiti- "Living Alternatives" emphasizes, in in the Middle East that took place before this into account in our foreign policy." mation for the experiences of sexual addition to the possibilities for alterna- fall break. The panel members were Professor Ross continued to expand minorities, who frequently have to ex- tive lifestyles, the "viable, vibrant, vital" Michael Allen, Assistant Professor of upon the element of cultural misinter- pend great personal energy explaining aspectsof these alternatives. Reading this Political Science; Robin Kilson, Lecturer pretation and the role of perception in themselves to their peers and their par- literature in an academic context will in History; Marc Ross, Professor of Po- the escalation of the conflict. He also ents. provide an intellectual and emotional litical Science, all of Bryn Mawr College; reiterated the Arab world's perception The talk was a relatively new experi- contact with an alternative, perhaps and Robert Mortimer, Professor of Politi- of the invasion and its aftermath as an ence for Kramer as well as for some of the unfamiliar part of human experience. cal Science at Haverford College. Dis- anti-colonial issue, not as a stand against parents. He introduced himself as a Professor Kramer also replaced "Gay cussion focused on the ramifications of aggression. As he stated, 'To use the well Renaissance specialist, noting that "when and Lesbian Literature In Our Time" foreign action and the impediments and worn quote about Kwame Aguana, (the I stretch in the curriculum, ifs usually with "Lesbian/Gay Literature In Our prospects for resolution of the crisis. infamous dictator yet pan-Africanist backwards—" that is, to the Middle Ages. Time" when someone pointed out to him Professor Mortimer spoke first about visionary), 'He's a great African, but a Next semester, he will be stretching for- that the previous title put men first. examining the reactions of the partici- lousy Guinean; '" Those in the region wards as he teaches a new course called One of his colleagues, he said, had pants in the region. He believes that their have a similar view of Saddam Hussein. "Living Alternatives: Lesbian/Gay Lit- asked him at one point if he thought it reactions are "a vital yet grossly ignored These feelings are in spite of his record, erature In Our Time," drawing on litera- was a good idea to teach a course on factor in the events prior and after mili- not because of it. ture he has previously read "for pleas- works which had not withstood "the test tary intervention". He said that when In an effort to understand conflict, ure, for diversion, for comfort, for sol- of time." His response to this question is, acting "within an international system, Professor Ross stressed two main factors ace," but not as academic course mate- first, that the acquisition of literary-criti- one must be particularly sensitive to leading to escalation. Instead of stressing rial. He had spoken publicly on this topic cal skills is as well served by works that others in that system" and that "the U.S casual factors, or "the way participants only once before, at a symposium on have not withstood the "test of time" as has not been sensitive." If one is to be perceive their circumstances," he pin- diversity held at the Graduate School of by works that have; and second, that by sensitive one must ask why the Arab pointed ambiguity as a catalyst for the Social Work and Social Research two the questions they raise—what kinds of world is divided on this issue and what escalation. One main element of ambigu- weeks ago. stories are lesbian and gay writers telling difference does it make for U.S. policy? ity is the intervention of factors to the "Living Alternatives" is the result of themselves and others? How do these The sentiment of most of the Arab world, extent that the original issue is blurred or Kramer's enthusiastic response to Bryn stories transform and receive genres? according to Mortimer is summed up by lost. Another is stress, which increases Mawr's increased concern with plural- How do they construct, re-construct or a quote from the New York Times book uncertainty, limits the number of op ism over the past several years. It is also even deconstruct their audience?—these review a few weeks ago by an Iraqi expa- tions at one's disposal during decision a project which is of special import now, works "test the time." triate who said, "I hate Saddam, but I'm making, and leads thus to poor decision in the era of AIDS: "With AIDS," he said, Much of the lesbian and gay writing in delighted with what he has done (to making. When there is high ambiguity "the buttons have been pushed to release the syllabus, said Kramer, insists on Kuwait)." and stress in a situation, the actors within what lies not so far beneath the surface." continued on page 10 Mortimer went on to say there is a it are forced to return to "inner world" remarkable degree of national solidarity notions of ingroup solidarity to define with regard to the foreign policy and the outside situation. And as this occurs, national interests within Iraq. Likewise communications become more emotional the majority of Jordanian people are also than factual (as evidenced by the ex- sympathetic. However he believes it is in changing of videotape between Hussein North Africa, Tunisia and Algeria in and Bush.) particular that the U.S. can learn about This leads to greater ambiguity and the reasons for Arab support of Hussein. stress. Those involved have a profound Tunisia has been surprisingly hostile to misunderstanding not only of their situ- U.S. policy. The Tunisian population is ation but of the perceptional foundation "talking about colonialism and he- upon which the other acts within it. This gemonic pretensions" with regard to makes it very difficult to assess initial foreign military intervention. This is a reasons for action. He suggests that the tremendous surprise because of Tuni- U.S. and its allies are currently attempt- sia's perceived alignment with the west ing to figure out why Iraq acted as it did, and its long history of interaction with and as those outside of the pol icy ma king France. Algeria, which has been tradi- ask, why this U.S. reaction? This ques- tionally, if only formally, neutral, has tion was not addressed. experienced unprecedented mass pro- Professor Ross gave instead an analy- tests against this policy of neutrality and sis of why this process is continuing. for greater support of Iraq. First, a lot of the comments that have As Mortimer stated, it seems clear been made are not helpful to de-escala- that "Arab masses at large, even in tradi- tion because of the multiple audiences to tionally pro-western nations, have re- which they are addressed. Bush's mes- acted with unease ... to the sending of sages are meant sometimes for his do- troops to the area." Mortimer also says a mestic audience, sometimes for the al- rising "Islamic movement" throughout lies, sometimes both. Likewise Hussein the region has helped to galvanize sup- must address Iraqis, Arabs as a group port for the notion of "the Arab" against entity, and the West. This phenomenon the occupiers of Medina. Watching these is conducive to tremendous propaganda reactions unfold, he has drawn conclu- and misrepresentation. So, without reli- sions about the real issue at hand as able information or an understanding of perceived by those closest to it. There is the position of the other, it becomes tremendous resentment throughout the impossible to empathize with any other Arab world about the equitable distribu- position other than one's own, and as tion of oil and that "the invasion of Kuwait continued on page 7 Page 6 The College News November 1,1990 Responding to military conflict within and \ Women of two cultures face similar fight
By Patricia Savoie knowledgement of female political power or in the People's Liberation Army. Women was made in the crowning of Wagiri Njoroge make up about 40% of the Revolutionary The experiences and roles of women in Elizabeth II. Council, which is the leading body of the wartime are as varied as the wars them- Women made equally important contribu- People's Liberation Army, itself perhaps the selves, and yet in some ways as similar as the tions to the fight from the Kikuyu homes, most important political/military organiza- basic premise of every war — the perpetra- carrying food, firearms, and intelligence to tion in El Salvador. tion of extreme violence to attain a usually the forest fighters. The myriad demands of Although there are women's organizations political end. Beginning this article, I realized the Mau Mau conflict entailed the formation now in El Salvador, there are virtually none Legal ways tc that I couldn't possibly discuss women's of new social networks and collectives, sup- devoted solely to issues of the social, eco- experience in war in any kind of general way; porting the homes of women of authority nomic, and political inequality of women there is nothing general about it. Leafing forced to flee to the forest. The Mau Mau specifically. Most Salvadoran women, like Ta> through five of the many books available on dictated new social boundaries, forbidding the Kikuyu before them, feel that they have the subject, I happened across an article about the involvement of Kikuyu women with non- another battle to wage first; the battle for the Write a letter of protest. Ask that your taxes 1 the participation of Kikuyu women in the Kikuyu men or with Kikuyu men not sworn fundamental equalities and rights of all Sal- Attach it to your tax return. Send a copy to y
Lantern Night Teas, 1990-91 November 2 November 10 Graffi-tea, from 8 to 10 in Denbigh Living Room Male Sensitivi-Tea, at 8 in Rhoads Lounge Mediocri-Tea, at 8 inRhoads Basement Lounge Scantea Pantea, at 8 in Denbigh Small Living Rm. Travis-Tea, at 8 inPembroke East TV Room Celebritea, from 10 to 1 in Rock Living Room Come Back to the Early Eighteas, at 9 in Brecon Living Room Tea is for Transfer, from 10 to 2 in Merion Living Rm. Ich-tea-ology, at 9 in Denbigh 216 November 15 Shake Your Bootea, at 9 in Pern East Living Room Festivitea, at 9 in Brecon Living Room Apatea, from 10 to 12 in Merion Living Room Mentali-Tea, from 9 to 11 in Pern East Living Room Imbecilitea, from 10 to 2 in Rhoads Living Room Seniori-Tea, at 9 in Pern West Living Room Sensual it-tea, from 10 to 2 in Rock Living Room November 16 November 3 Russkie Tea, from 8 to 10 in Batten House Dualitea, from 8:30 to 10:30 in Merion Living Room Grafittea, at 9 in Erdman Living Room Khoobsur-tea/Beau-tea, at 7:30 in Erdman Front Smoker Ittea-Bittea, from 9 to 11 in Erdman Front Smoker Scand tea, from 7 to 9 in Pern West Living Room November 17 Chocola-Tea and Tea-L, at 8 in Denbigh Back Smoker Anachronism Tea, at 8:30 in Erdman Backsmoker Western Night Tea, from 9 to 12 in Radnor Living Rm. Upward Mobilitea, at 8:30 in Erdman Living Room Obsceni-tea, at 10 in Rhoads Living Room Immaturitea II, from 9 to 2 in Radnor Living Room November 8 Soul Tea Soul, at 9 in Denbigh Living Room Obesitea, from 9 to 11 in Pern East Living Room November 18 November 9 Sweetea, at 3 in Pern East Living Room Teany-Bopper Top 4-Tea, at 8 in Rhoads Living Room December 1 The Beer Tea, at 8 in Denbigh Living Room Snot-tea, from 7 to 8 in Pern East Living Room British Reali-Tea, at 9 in Haffner French Living Rm. April 9 Menstrual Tea, at 9 in Pern East Living Room Eventualitea, from 7 to 9 in Merion Living Room Em-Tea, from 10 to 2in Radnor Living Room New Moon Spiritualitea, from 9 to 11 on 4th Floor Pembroke November 1,1990 The College News Page 11
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Dear Ms Hank, Women's Community in the Eastern United yourself even as she posits you as other, one told her that by entering an institu- I am in desperate need of your advice. States, 1973 to the Present, (3,018 pages, she is awash in a sea of quasi-intellectual tion like Bryn Mawr she would be I am a harmless, gentle dyke. I am Squirrel Haven Press, $23.95 in confusion. Then, suddenly she remem- (inter)subjecting herself to the rigors of friendly, snuggly, I eat my vegetables, hardcover) deals with precisely this topic. bers some encounter she has had with intellectual fashion. and brush my teeth twice a day. I am soft- In case you are unable to track down a Post-modernism since arriving at Bryn And so you see, the answer is simple. spoken and smile readily. Despite these copy of my book, I will give you a sum- Mawr. She realizes that her reactive This woman is not a perpetrator of many arm fuzzy attributes, I have a mary of its main argument. impulses are reactionary, impluralistic, homophobic hatred and oppression. She problem. Whenever I walk across cam- It is my hypothesis that certain straight and possibly fascist. This concerns her is merely appalled by her own lack of pus, i.e. on the way to meals, going to women in a community such as yours almost not at all, but then she makes a fashion savvy. Pity her painful disorien- class, etc., I encounter many hostile, in- are suffering from what I have chosen to final, shocking realization. She realizes tation, and give her a banana clip for timidating, and downright nasty stares term the Neo-Hegelian, Pseudo-Existen- that in conforming to the dialectic of a chrissake. Flip up her collar with a charm- from various heterosexual Bryn Mawr tial, Post-Moderphobic, Hetero-fascist, pre-20th century philosopher, a schmuck, ing flare. Grow out your crewcut to shield women. I wouldn't complain except my Neo-Classicist, Intersubjective Dilemma. an intellectual has-been, she is behaving . your eyes and mental future from harm. ophthalmologist is concerned about my Imagine this typical scenario. You, a unfashionably. She is dismayed and Then, when you are out of earshot, and failing eyesight. You see, Ms Hank, it friendly, harmless dyke, are walking horrified. She yearns for her high school only then, you can mutter "homophobic seems that the countless glares 1 am home after dining chez Erdman. Loping days, when being a la mode entailed creep" under your breath. Death to the encountering every day are actually burn- happily down the sidewalk, your plenti- nothing more than turning up a collar or patriarchy. ing holes in my retinas. In addition to ful but discreet leg hair ruffling gently in buying an occasional banana clip. No - Ms Hank this, my deal has expressed concern that the late October breeze, you spy another the damaging rays could reach my cere- Mawrtyr walking in your direction. She's bral cortex before May, completely de- looking at you. She is staring at you. As stroying my already dim chances for you near each other, her face begins to graduation. contort into a sublime expression of dis- Thus, my question is this: what com- gust and horror, You look away in em- pels the occasional (or occasionally) barrassment and confusion. She walks straight Mawrtyr to miraculously trans- on, eyes wide, chin quaking, bile rising in Romance and the Taurus Mawrtyr: she has the ability to cook well and en- form herself into a genetic hybrid of throat. You offer her an airsick bag. She joys good food. Taking her out to good Cruella DeVille and the Wicked Witch of silently refuses, lips terse. You ask your- The Taurus Mawrtyr is a lot more restaurants occasionally, where the at- the West in my presence? Is there any- self, "What the HELL is going on?!?" passionate than she looks. She is well-in- mosphere is romantic, and the food thing I can do to minimize the evil homo- My advice to you is to put yourself in formed on a variety of subjects, an inter- simply delicious, does more wonders for phobic stares' harmful effects — rage, this woman's shoes. How would you esting conversationalist — and is on the your relationship than you would think! annoyance, ensuing blindness and pos- feel? As she runs into you on sidewalks whole a thoughtful and considerate per- Never forget her birthday — certain sible brain damage? Please help me. and in doorways all across campus she son. If you are someone who is interested dates when she can feel more important looks at you and has a typical Neo-He- in a brief, inglorious flirtation, however, than usual are special to her. She, at any - A four-eyed lesbian marshmallow gelian/Pseudo-Existential self/other the Taurus Mawrtyr is not the right per- rate, won't forget yours. Always remem- experience. She looks you in the eye and son for it. Commitment ranks high on ber that Taurus Mawrtyrs repay good Dear Marshmallow, is utterly incapable of recognizing her- her list of priorities in a relationship; she treatment with royal treatment. Her lik- How fortunate that you should ask my self. Perhaps this is because your glasses has no patience with disloyal partners. ing for you grows slowly — sometimes advice on this matter. Perhaps you are are too thick, but more likely it is because And though she is generally a rather maddeningly slowly — but surely. Put unaware of the fact that my most recent she has been socially indoctrinated into a controlled woman, her wrath can be suita- up with two faults of hers—she'll put up book, The Bryn Mawr Dialectic: Intersub- phallacious belief in the unitary self. Un- bly devastating if the moment requires with ten of yours, provided you are will- jective Sexual Orientational Relations in one able to recognize that you are a subject to it. ing to acknowledge when you are in the Her emotions run deep — she is ex- wrong. However, it's almost impossible tremely sensitive, though she might not to win an argument with her. Taurean always show it (after all she is a some- stubbornness is legendary! what self-conscious Earth Sign.)She may Venus, the goddess of love, rules her not be demonstrative with her partner in sign; this speaks volumes in itself. Ro- public, but in private one cannot com- mantic settings impress her. Practical she plain of her being cold or negligent of may be but she is not the type of person one's feelings. She is usually very physi- who will laugh a t you about the "imprac- cally affectionate — and enjoys having ticality" of gifts like silk scarves and The question has been put to me: If Consent is the affirmation of ourselves, hugs and kisses showered over her. perfume. As a matter of fact there are -rape is sex without consent, what is of our bodies, of our sexuality. Consent (Throw in a few Hershey's kisses too — moments when she will not laugh at you consent? means that we have control over our she loves chocolate). As a matter of fact about the impracticality of anything! What about the women who don't say lives, that we are not the pawns of the no out loud and call getting fucked men we lust after, that we can celebrate "rape"? What about the women who just ourselves as sexual beings. lie there but really don't want it? What Consent is NOT when you have that about the women who invite men back to "uh-oh" feeling, when you're wonder- their rooms, obviously interested, but ing whether you should be doing what then don't follow through? What about you are doing, when each touch fills you the women who make out with men and with cold pricklies. Consent IS when you then are shocked by it going further? want it. Haven't they given consent? They obvi- When you want it so bad it feels good. ously liked the guy, right? Those women When you're wet and hot and slippery. got themselves in those situations, right? When your insides just melt. When all Well, if consent gets us into those kinds you can think about is how you're being of situations, why bother with it? Con- touched. When you're having fun. When sent means something so much larger, so you like it. much more important than that. But you Consent feels good! could tell me that, couldn't you? And if you're not feeling hot and wet Consent isn't some sort of passive ac- and excited, you have the right to say no. quiescence. "Go ahead and do it to me. I That will not reflect negatively on you, or don't mind." "Fuck me, it's okay." "Use the person you're with. my body; it doesn't mean much to me." To end with a cliche: That is NOT consent, that is a lack of self- If it's right, it will wait until tomorrow. esteem. If ifs not, you're better safe than sorry.
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O Or* O r> r%r\ Hockey team wins, playing remarkably offensive" game By Jana Ernakovich that in the Chestnut Hill game the team played together and reached its poten- The Bryn Mawr field hockey team tial. "We always have the capacity to defeated Chestnut Hill College in a 3-2 win, it was just a matter of obtaining it," overtime victory on Thursday, October Schickler remarked. She is looking for- 11. Overcoming some obstacles and a ward to the rest of the season and stated, two goal deficit in the second half, Bryn "We have to play every game as if if s Mawr played a remarkably offensive with a clean slate, and take one game at game, according to Assistant Coach Beth a time. You just can't let wins or losses Shillingford, to score three successive affect the way you play, you just have to goals and notch the victory. go in and play as hard as you can each Senior Co-captain Heidi Glick, a for- game." ward, scored first for Bryn Mawr, and The win on Thursday followed a hard frosh Meredith Keyes, also a forward, loss to Philadelphia College of Textile on scored the second goal. Both goals were Tuesday. Bryn Mawr was defeated 7-3 Sophomore Kelli Nichols goes after the ball on a line out as the rest of the scored with approximately ten minutes under adverse playing conditions. "Horned Toads prepare to bind in to the scrum. Bryn MawrlHaverford beat UPenn remaining in the second half, to tie the Shillingford noted that the team was 15-0. ,. Photo by Jessica Booth score at 2-2. Senior forward Amy Roberts, "overwhelmed by the length of the field, the team's high scorer so far this season, (and) there were a lot of things that we scored the third and final goal within normally do that we couldn't do. People three minutes of the sudden-death over- were frustrated even before the game Horned Toads stomp on time period to clinch the win for Bryn started." However, she noted that, "in Mawr. Shillingford remarked, "If s nice the second half we played a pretty good UPenn, 15-0; more to come to see that the scoring is spread out." game, except for one or two lapses in Although Bryn Mawr played without breakaways. It was nice to see us come many key players and with players out up the second half and play the game By Vicky Maxon formance by the Bryn Mawr/Haverford of position after losing sweeper frosh that we're supposed to play." The goals scrum, the match ended 0-0. Edina Rheem and attack player sopho- were scored by frosh Meredith Keyes After a pause of two weeks necessi- These initial attempts only served to more Megan Baird to injury, Shillingford and Ellen Benson, and senior Jana Er- tated by the fleeting pains and pleasures whet our appetites for U. Penn. In the praised the total team effort displayed by nakovich. of Fall Break, the Bryn Mawr/Haverford first 15 minutes of our first home game, Bryn Mawr. "We had a remarkable first On October 26, Bryn Mawr traveled to ruggers were back on the pitch on Octo- fly-half Eleni Veritamos scored and half; this was the first offensive game Vassar College for the Seven Sisters ber 20 ready to experience the very real scored again. Fullback Angie Rapalyea we've had. We were finally doing some Tournament, where the team played joy and pain of a good match against U. converted both of her attempts into the things on offense that were really nice," three games in vying for the champioiv Penn. Our record was 0-1 -1, and we were extra points that brought us to 10-0. By stated Shillingford. She noted that sev- ship. The other teams participating in hot — this team has traditionally been the end of the first half captain Carla eral team members made strong contri- the tournament included "sisters" Vas- our biggest rival, and we were eager to Tohtz had also scored, and with an butions in the game. "Our freshmen sar, Smith, Wellesley, and Mount Hol- show them our unwillingness to lose. amazing kick through the uprights made really contributed to the game, (and) Jen yoke, and "cousins" Haverford, But first, an update. Since last we spoke, the final score 15-0. (Schickler) was really fighting." Swarthmore and Skidmore. the BMC-HCWRFC had yet to experi- Our record at this point in the season Shillingford also stated that Glick and The season ends for Bryn Mawr on ence anything together but a few good stood at 1:1:1. On October 27 we trav- Roberts both played a strong game, and Saturday, October 27. Bryn Mawr is\ parties. You Will recall that those are elled to Shippinsburg to face a team never gave up. hosting seven other teams in the firjn quite interesting also, but not necessarily whose reputation preceded them. We Senior midfielder Jen Schickler was NCAA Experimental Playday, and will what a die-hard Horned Toad bleeds for. found that talk is sometimes unfounded, also very happy with the win. She noted play in three thirty minute games. (What we do bleed for, and sometimes but we could not convert our superior profusely, is setting up tough rucks and abilities to points. After the match, in mauls, running effective plays off the which we were outscored two tries to back line, and ultimately scoring a try. If one, the referee complimented us on our any of these terms confuse you, please rucking and mauling. refer to the first issue of this year's Col- Since Ship our record is 1:2:1, and the lege News or the nearest cheerful rugger b-side has two wins and two losses. We for guidance.) have three more matches in the Fall sea- Now a team composed of one-third son, all scheduled at home: Franklin and rookies and several shuffled positions is Marshall arrives November third, Buck- the veteran of eight weeks of practice nell will be here the tenth, and our last and four matches. We first played one of game of the season is still open — likely the best teams in our conference, Prince- candidates are Yale and Brown. ton, and lost. It was a good way to learn There is still time for you closet rug- what not to do—they beat us by five tries gers to come out and join us. Three new to none. As always, the facts are never as players will be joining us this week as the clear as they seem on paper; we held soccer and volleyball teams conclude Pictured here, Bryn Mawr's October 3 game against Haverford, which ended them scoreless in the second half and their seasons. If you have absolutely no in a tie. The Bryn Mawr soccer team played its last game on Saturday, October played better rugby as the rookies gradu- time for practice at the moment, you can 27 against Notre Dame in Maryland. Bryn Mawr was victorious, 1-0, the ally gained their game-sense. We also always watch to gain some experience in winning goal scored by Debbie Murphy. In the words of one of the players, anticipated a challenging match against anticipation of the Spring season. Come it was a "blood & bruises" game. Swarthmore. After an hour of intense out, come out wherever you are! Photo by Jessica Booth play on either side and a shining per-
PERSONALS
To the women of the Physics Department: Nolite te bastardes To those underclasswomen who have committed the ultimate Bryn carborundum. Mawr sin of walking on the senior steps, fear not. There is still time to repent. Call the Traditions Mistresses right away for instructions. Listen, Prototypical Serial Monogamist. Everything will be fine if you Tracy, x5685, Box C-825, and Courtney, x5662, Box C-627. can just regain control of those hormones. VM—dddddddddddddddddddddd—PS Hey, Sandy my love. How about a date someday? — Your gym regis- tration buddy Yo! B-imus S-imus... It may not always seem like it, but we love you.
Julia! We missed you. No more journies to the Soviet Union unless you Lady of my life - Sarah is nice, Billie is great, but Ella rocks the house! take all of us with you... A brief but heartfelt memorial message for our recently deceased tree; Happy Eighteenth Year of Your Brilliant Redheaded Career, Ellis! -TG we never should have tried to make you live in a paper cup.