M1miit:1.~ ili.Q(ifJli_if1!t.lGIl!ltID~ Sigma Alpha Mu: It's History BY GREG PARKER University Lecturer Ann main reasons was to create a social various problems and "urged" them to Savageau has been singled out as a scene outside of university control. address the situation. The national's ID FAREWELL TO AN major factor in SAM's closing. Hartford, however, notes that "unlike first action put SAM on probation; other fraternity. Barely into Savageau lives on the same block as many campuses, the [U-MJ does not after the problems persisted, SAM's B the winter term, the Univer the fraternity, and while' ... h M " W charter was revoked. The fact.of the sity of Michigan's Sigma Alpha Mu Savageau admits she filed com matter remains that while U-M heard (SAM) fraternity finally lost its char plaints against the fraternity, complaints from Savageau, and while ter. The fraternity was twice on pro she upholds that she was not ~~ t~i U-M advised the national offices of bation, has a history of alcohol, park the only neighbor to do so. So •. ,& SAM's offenses, the University has no ing, noise, and sanitation violations, surfaces the idea that power to close down a fraternity. and is involved in alleged. hazing ac Savageau's faculty position So goes SAM. At times, it seems tivities. While it seemed only a mat with the University influenced that fraternities are closing down left ter aftime be.fure SAM was shut down, the U-M to force the fraternity and right Is the Greek. system headed this is the third. major incident involv to close. for Armageddon? It is hard to say, as ing a U- M fraternity this year: first, The January 10, 1995 U-M has scores of fratenuties and a the closing of Sigma Phi Epsilon; sec Michigan Daily states that few of them closing down is not ex ond, a fire at the Delta Sigma Phi "SAM members said they were actlya sufficient OCCUITence to con house; and last, the SAM closing. told by their national chapter SAM: ThIs old house clude the downfall of all houses. Be Apparently, the national chapter that Hartford gave the national an have an official relationship to [fra sides, the University and the IFC are revoked SAM's charter because of ultimatum: close the University's ternities]." She maintains that "the working on a "university/fraternity what TelTy Landes, fraternity coordi SAM chapter or the University would" [U-M] has no power to 'shut down' a relationship statement." And SAM nator for the Alumni Interfraternity If this is true, this would be a legiti fraternity." may reopen in two years. So regard Council (lFC), called a "risk manage mate complaint, because when fra According to Hartford, U-M did less of personal sentiment, do not ment" factor. In other words, the na ternities were first foImed, one of the inform the national office~ of Si\l{'s write off 1hiternities just yet. Ml. tional assessed U-M's SAM as too much of a liability. Landes noted that the national chapter would not just Controversy Surrounds Gelman ,.' shut down U--M's SAM arbitrarily - the fraternity has a 70 year history at BY ERIC LARsoN To~p and Ann Arbor. Under the excess of 100 pa:rta per billion - much a highly respected. university. It took DNR's direction, Gelman Sciences higher than the three parte per bil a significant series of events to pro N 1957, CHARLES GELMAN, implemented a system of chemical lion mandated by the state - in the voke such a serious action as charter who earned a masters degree in treatment ponds for 1,4-dioxane. The groundwater of local residents. The removal. Aside from mere parking I public health from the Univer chemical was to be diluted and then residents, concerned by the informa and noise violations, Landes said that sity of Michigan, developed a dozen sprayed onto the large span of land tion from the DNR, called upon the SAM had been in and out afthe 00UJt air sampling devices in the basement encompassing the factory. Ecology Center of Ann Arbor for guid-: system. and at one time been placed of his home. A short 35 years later, l,4-dioxane is a chemical used in ance and technical support. What they under a peace bond. He also pointed Gelman found himself holding the the treatment of the medical filters received was a massive attack from out that while memMre afSAM main reins of a multi-million dollar corpo produced in the Scio 'Ibwnship plant the Ecology Center and the city of. tain that the IFC refused to meet with ration with nearly a third ofthe U.S. It is in widespread use and is con Ann Arbor (specifically former mayor them to attempt to solve the problem, market share in precision medical tained in approximately 35,000 con Liz Brater) on a corporation which, the IFC never denied a meeting. filters and a large international base. sumer products, including such items until then, had been known as a phil While the national chapter was Gelman Sciences also found itself in as baby shampoo. 'Ihis fact, and the anthropic and positive component of not available fir cmnment, U-M's Vice the midst of a pollution controversy fact that Gelman Sciences had com the community. Preaident fir'Studen.t Affirlre Maureen spearheaded by the city ofAnn Arbor. plied with DNR regulations for the The DNR filed suit against A Hartfurd. am that "the [SAM] cllap The controversy started in 1963 treatment of the chemical, did not Gelman Sciences, which responded . ter was given multiple oppo:rt1mities when Gelman Sciences, still in its seem. to 18ze the DNR during the mid- quickly by filing a countersuit. When to improve their behavior by their infancy, worked with the Michigan 1980s when it informed the nearby all the dust had settled from the oourt national" Hartford also stated that Department of Natural Resources homes that a harmful chemical, 1,4- proceedings, Gelman Sciences settled "losing a fraternity is an extreme s0- (DNR) on ways to prevent potentially dioxane, had leached. into their ground out of court, with the state agreeing to lution and one that I hope does not hazardous chemicals from entering water and wells. happen." the ground water af SUlTOunding Scio The chemical was found to be in See GELMAN SCIENCES, IllQ9 9
Bome-Cooked From Suite Interview: . At the Music 3 Sectarianism 4 One 6 Nadine Strossen 9 Movies 10 Review
Dean Bakopolous wants to The time has come to The president of the AClU A review of John Find out if Kepone is "sects" you up. abolish the Department of discusses individual rights Singleton's latest film, named after an Italian ;A .' ,;;'< .';.. . Communication. and her most recent book. Higher Learning. sausage in this exclusive interview. 2 THE MICIDGAN REVIEW January 25, 1995
.!;' THE MICHI(iAN REVIEW o SERPENT'S TOOTH . ~ .,' The Campus Affairs Journal of the University of Michigan "Don't Just Question Authority. Smash It.·
According to USA Today, Labor De raffes" when discussing TOP TEN RESPONSES TO EDITOR-W-CHIEF: ..mil A. Rob«1a, II partment auditor Gene Peterson. says gender roles in combat, a comment ANN ARBOR VAGRANTS PUBLISHER: Eric Larton that Clinton's $1 billion Job Corps which Ms. Schroeder found sexist.) A AND PANHANDLERS: MAHAC»NQ EDITOR: Greg Parker program is not very effective, Besides few days after Schroeder's tantrum. FEATURES EDITOR: Dun Bakopouloa insisting that participants have been on the House floor, the Kenyan Em 10. I'll give ya something to eat; how MUSIC EDITOR: Drew Peters caught in sexual acts and gang fights bassy called Capitol Hill claiming a about a knuckle sandwhich? ASStSTANT EDITORS: Gene Kran, Mohan Krilhlllll while on the job, Peterson says the beady~yed female leftist was harass· 9. Gee Mr, Ocean, it's been downhill FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR: Matt RechtIen Corps simply loses track of 25 percent ing Kenya's giraffe herds. since "Canibean Queen," hasn't it? IllUSTRA TOR: Brian O'Keefe PHOTOGRAPHER: Lila Wagn« ofits participants. Money saving idea: 8. See that guy passing out MIM ! "Simply lose track of' the other 75 Democrats are still worried about Notes? Hell help you out. STAFF: a.oft Brown, Kevin Costello, Bob Gilmore, I percent. Wink- wink. Speaker Gingrich's book deal as well, 7. Hey, you certainly aren't as nice as BanjMWt Kepple, MIch_ Kort, Jennlt. Linker, Amln I a topic that dominated partisan de Joe Pesci.. PIrIjw.I~ Rodaen RI/:IbII', Meghln RoeIde, Stu Sandler; I O.J. Simpson's defense lawyer Jolumy bate in the House last week. Appar 6. Sorry, I'm for temperance. Ken Sleroma, Josh Tumer, Mike Wang, Anthony Wen Cochran says he has resolved fighting ently, Gingrich pacified the seething 5. I'm sorry, all my change fell though EDITOR-A T-lARGE: HaW JamilOll among members of the O.J. defense Democrats when he granted them those nasty vents outside of East EDITOR EMERITA: Tracy RobinlOll team, Afterwards, Cochran quipped permission to "tax the hell out of my Quad. PUBLISHER EMERITUS: A_on Steelman to reporters, "I'm going to receive the profits." 4, Senator Kennedy, this is really the Prize 8OOIl." Nobel Peace very Within lowest I've ever seen you go for beer The Mch/gan RBview is an independent, bi-weekti stu- minutes of that statement, Jimmy Gary Pollack, a Newfoundland entre money. de~ run journal t4 classical liberal and libertarian opinion Carter anived on the scene. preneur, is planning to market Cana 3. You're hungry? How about going to at the Universly t4 ~ We neMhef solidi nor ~ dian Iceberg Vodka, which will use McDonald's and getting yourself a rronelaly donations from the Unlversly 01 Michigan, and Rep. Schroeder (D-Colo.) was have no resped for anyone ItIat does. ComiIlutions to the U.S. Pat chunks of North Atlantic icebergs to nice, juicy application? I.fchlgBn RBview are 1aX-Oeducta.bIe under Section 501 outraged over Newt Gingrich's his make a premium, Newfoundland 2. No, I haven't a liver to spare, Mr. (e){3) t4 the Internal Revenue Code. We have no respect tory lecture, and let the whole U.S. destilled vodka. In a related story, Crosby. for the IRS (or any other illeglimate department 01 the House know about it. (It seems Mr. Russian President Boris Yeltsin with 1. Sorry I'm broke, but that was a federal got.'emment, uh, wal a second. they are aI illeglti- male) or for anyone who wears tartan neckties and is Gingrich the drew troops from Chechnya and sent great communication class you taught made comment that men named aftef an 8/1llhibi8rt The Review is not aIfiiated with are "bioligically driven to hunt gi- them to Newfoundland. last term. arT; pollical party or IIlwersly poIical group.
Unslgnlld edi10rlals represent the opinion t4 the ed.orlal by Lisa Wagner boaId Ergo. they are UneqlWoca.IiJ correct and just You DROVING PHOTOGRAPHER needn' ~ to lisprOie the logic that went i~o their formallon. for you canllOl Signed anlcles and canooos represent the opinions t4 the author and ~ necessarily those of the FWview. The opinions presented II this pOOl!- calion 818 rQ necessarily thoee t4 the acNertisers or t4 the UrWersly t4 Michigan. We welcome letters and articles What is the most embarassing thing that and encourage comments abW the jlunaL Please address aI ~ion IIqIDs 10: Publisher, rio the I.fchigan Review, All acNel1ising Inqliries should be has ever happened to you? dlreded to: Publisher rio the I.fchigm RBview, EdIorIII And B...... 0fftceI: SUIIOM 111 N. Untventty Avenue Purdom Lindblad Wilhelm VonLuka Ann Arbor, III 48101-1265 LSA Freshman Engineering Senior ~ : MREV.WM~Adu "'Building this snowman and "At a crucial moment 1 Tel. (313) M2-1101 having someone ron all the accidentally called my Fu (313) '3&-2505
way across the Diag to take partner by the wrong ~o 1", bJ l1IIlIcNgIn ...... 1nc. M~ __ my picture.» name.»
Stefali Nanavati Carl Benton WRITE THE LSA Freshman Engineering Freshman "When 1 was nine 1 got "I got my pants pulled locked in an airplane bath down when 1 had Mickey REVIEW. 1 Mouse underwear on. » room. screamed until the St' l1d \cttefs to tht' t'dilnr to: flight attendant said, (Calm down and unlock the door.'" The Michigan ReView 911 N UniverSIty Ave.SUlte 1 Ann Arbor. MI48109
...... -.-_...... _--- .· __' ~,' '' * ' _ ' '' ~''~v_'_ , _ _ __.... _._ ..,.. _ _ ~",''''''''~_ ''' _ _''''~ '''''' ..I'>_ ,''''',.,."""" ..,"_ wsr January 25t 1995 THE MIcmGAN REVIEW 3 o EsSAY Home-Co()ked._r Sectarianism
BY DEAN BAKoPOUL08 lieve that they are separate from other 1088 of individuality is inevitable. And sentiment. The multiculturalists aim cultures. This is the same problem with the loss of individuality comes to control academia. The Christian ARTOONIST WALT KELLY that plagues feminism; it creates a the death of toleration. If you're not Coalition aims to control morality. said, "We have met the enemy gender war with its implication that one of 148, you must be one of them. The Democrats aim to control social C and he is U8." Indeed, these women are oppressed by all males, ,....,------, programs. Marxists try to kill capital words ring true today in an increas and the only way to combat that ism. Go! Fight! Go go! Fight fight! ingly detached and isolated Ameri oppression is through a detached The more special interest groups can culture. Once labeled a -:melting subculture under a large, more in gain power, the more the American pot," America is now a sectarian soci trusive state. individual and his civil liberties get ety ofopposing 8Ubcultures. No longer But the alienation and detach trampled. America is a nation of sOv do we have the common enemy of ment felt by Americans is only ereign individuals, not of oppressed communism to rally against, nor can beginning to surface. In the last and angst-ridden subcultures. we rally for or against the coWltercul few years, more and more sub Cliques are supposed to be for high ture, nor do we have the common groups emerged into American schools, not for America. With the national wounds of Vietnam, culture, bringing with them truck growing trend of sectarianism, we risk Watergate, and the oil crisis. loads of anger and angst. The Rush becoming .a nation whose only cul Instead we have become a nation Limbaugh Dittoheads, rebelling tural commonality is that we've all of sects, each citizen secluded and against what they felt was a seri read the @iI!? Bridges of Madison isolated in his own subgroup, revel ous mismanagement of govern County. ing in an alienated and mind-numb ment, were a key factor in swaying Ifthis trend continues to grow at :1i ing microcoem. Because we no longer the elections in last November's an accelerated pace, it may be only a Republican Romp. While one may ,1--______---' label ourselves as Americans, sects matter of time before we hear the are beginning to control the cultural view the outcome of this election as They are tM bad guys. Black VB. White, nation's schoolchildren gather to and political world. 'l1Us rising phe favorable, it seems odd that a conser Christian vs. Muslim, Man vs. gether and say: "I pledge allegiance, nomenon is a glaring threat to the vative talk show host and his adoring Woman, Gay vs. Straight. Conserva to my favorite "ism," and to the di classical liberal philosophies ofindi fans could have possibly swayed the tive vs. Liberal. Postmodernist vs. vided sects of America, and for the vidualiam and toleration. political sentiment in America. But Traditionalist. Addict vs. Teetotaler. alienation for which they stand; many '!he recent national elections are they did, and that is a key example of US VS. Them. cultures, Wlder nothing, with liberty a key example of Ameriam sectarian the growing power of American sects. It's already happening. The and justice for people who are just ism. Partisan politics reached a new The younger generations learn Dittoheads aim to control poli139U likeme."M! high this year with politicians on both from the older ones, and watching a the left and the right spouting forth few minutes ofM'IV, one can see the their political stances without any alienation and detachment oftoday's justification of why they believe in youth. While most previous genera their own stated platforms. Republi tions had an identity centered around. can candidates were expected to sup some common attitude or belief, our port fiunily values and pro-life move generation seems to be a hodge podge ments, while Democrats were sup of alienated individuals who are tout porting social programs and pro ing the "us vs. them" philosophy. choice movements. It was as if each Alternateens mosh away their Wl party was saying, "either you're with bridled angst, unsure to whom their us or you're with them, and if you're anger is directed or why they are with 148 'you better be ready to oppose feeling it. They just know they are them." pissed off. Gangsta rappers are pissed nus "us versus them" philosophy off as well, feeling alienated by the trickled down to other levels of soci white American. And hippie Dead ety, including religion. When religion head kids are'getting stoned in their entered the political arena, it was collective subculture, renouncing their almost inevitable that there would be individuality and associating their a highly-ch.arged debate over moral identity with rock bands. ity. Now, the Christian Right expects Where do they learn their anger? all Christians to embrace its ideolo From a world where abortion clinics gies and values. It's as if they are have become war zones, a world where saying, "If you're a Christian, than homosexuals are beaten in the name these are your political views." of morality, a world where one riots if The postmodem phenomenon of one doen't like a jury's verdict, a world multiculturalism is another compo of the KKK and skinheads, a world of GO UL RICH'S nent of this divided society. Instead of Louis Farrakhans. It has become a stressing common liberties and free society where, if you don't like a par Main Bookstore: doms as Americans, multiculturalism ticular group of Americans, you get 549 East Unlverstty dwells on the differences and divi your own group to fight them, and Art a Electronics: sions between races and ethnicities. then someone else fights you, and 111 7 Sou1h Unlverstty ~ Multicultaralism encourages indi then someone else enters the picture, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 viduals to identify themselves with a and soon. 31 3-662~201 detached group of society and to be- '!his is where the threat to indi Mon - Fr19:00 - 6 : 00 vidual rights comes into play. In a Sat 9:30 - 5:00 Dean Baltcpouk>s i8 a sophomore in society in which each member gives Sun 12: 00 - 4 :0 0 EnglUh, fea.tures edimrofthe up his own individual sovereignty and MORE THAN A BOOKSTORE Review, and founder ofDeani8m . becomes an adherent to an -ism, the
.. .. _-_.. _ -.. _.. _--. __. _------....,.- ______"w'O·.__ __ ··"''' _ _ .· .. ,,~ .... ''' .. _ _ _ .... <'''' .. _ ...... __ ''' .''' .w~...... , ~_ ,______.,p__ ...... ,.. __.... ______.... _ 4 THE MIClllGAN REVIEW January 25, 1995 o FROM SUITE ONE III Communication ~,'
N THE APRIL 13. 1994 ISSUE OF THE MICHIGAN REVIEW, THEN assistant professor of communication, Richard J. Campbell, told a Review I reporter. "I feel like a big. gigantic wound was inflicted when the dean came into our staff meeting on January 14th." Campbell was speaking of the Communication Department meeting in which Literature, Sciences, and Arts (LSA) Dean Edie Goldenberg assumed control of the fledgling department. Campbell's statement proved to be prophetic, and the wound appears to be mortal. A subject of debate and ecrutiny since its inception in 1979, the Department of Communication endured the disastrous and costly appointment of Neil Malamuth as department chair, the controversial tenure denial of Professor Richard Campbell, and the subsequent autocratic and ethically questionable departmental takeover by Goldenberg. But an announcement last Friday that qualitative courses (Le., film. studies, advertising, and journalism) will be dissolved or placed into other departments leaves the department in an even greater sense oflimbo. Given the aforementioned circumstances, the University of Michigan should dissolve the Department of Communication and establish a separate pre-professional school of journalism. The dissoJ:vement ofthe Communication Department now appears to be an idea based on common sense. The Communication Department's past is one of controversy. Many LSA officials never fully accepted the role of communication o COMMENTARY studies in the liberal arts, and thus the department has existed without the full support ofLSA 'l1le department has also been under attack and ridicule for The United Statists offering students easier and less-demanding course work. Finally, the department is far behind other LSA disciplines in terms of prestige and ORE AND MORE OFTEN, A CONFLICT BREAKS OUT IN A excellence. Part of the reason for these problems is because communication is place of which no one has heard. 'Ibis time, the fighting is taking place an interdisciplinary study; it is hard, if not impossible, to place the field of M in Chechnya, a small republic located about 1000 miles south of communication into one tangible LSA department. 'l1lerefore, it seems the best Moscow. Reminiscent of the breakup ot-the Soviet Union a few years ago (the course of action for the U-M to allow ClllTent upperclassmen concentrators to difference being actual armed warfiu'eJ, the physical battle is accompanied by finish their degrees, and then to dissolve the department. the issue of whether a small republic has the right to secede or whether Russia 'l1le dissolution ofthe department would not jeopardize the quality of the has the right to force it to remain. '!he answer is obviously the former. liberal arts disciplines at the U-M. A great deal of the department's non For those llnfammar with the situation, Checlmya is a small, predominantly jolll"1l8liam courses could easily be tmnsfeJTed to other areas such as sociology, Muslim republic located in the southern part of Russia. About five years after political science, and psychology. Likewise, effective faculty and stafffrom the Checbnya declared its independence, the Russian army began a brutal attack. department could easily move with the courses they teach. With this on Grozny, Checlmya's capital, in an attempt to keep the republic from ammgement, the U-M rids itself ofthe problematic and pathetic department, seceding. While exact figures remain unconfirmed, thousands of Russian but continues to offer its students a diverse range of courses in the liberal troops and Chechen rebels have already perished in the three week war. While disciplines. publicly opposing the war, Russian President Boris Yeltain has adopted a With the dissolvem.ent of the journalism courses, the U-M falls behind position that remains somewhat of a mystery - as does the question of how other prestigious universities - like Columbia, Northwestern, and Iowa - much control of the army he really has. that offer strong liberal arts programs, as well as the pinnacle in undergraduate By this time, Russia has clearly exerted too much of an effort simply to keep and graduate journalism studies. The U-M should follow the examples ofthese such a small republic from declaring its independence. Besides that, what right schools and create a new School of Journalism that offers both undergraduate does Russia have to force a republic which is easily capable of self government and graduate concentrations. The new School of Journalism should remain (Chechnya has a president as well as a population able to vote like anyone else) independent from the LSA and the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. As an to remain in its territory--hungry grasp? independent pre-professional school, the new School of Journalism's faculty Secretary of State Warren Christopher recently said, " ... the United States, would be free from the politics and prejudices of LSA, and its students would and I think the rest of the world, recognized the right of Russia to preserve its be free of the LSA distribution requirements. territorial integrity. But the question is how they go about doing that. And 1he School of JOUl'lla\ism, however, should set its own guidelines to assure they've done it in a very ineffective way." While most of the world has that its students receive a strong and rigorous background in the field of condemned Russia's invasion, the U.S. continues to support Russia's right to jolll"1l8liam. Ajoumalism undergrad should be required to take 60 credit hours "territorial integrity," which tells us how the U.S. government views the right in the field ofjoumalism, 30 of which would be in his chosen area ofjournalistic to secede, and what it might do if, say, Oregon wanted to break away. specialty (i.e .• broadcast, print, etc.). 1he additional 60 credit hours should be Yet, on the basis of the Declaration of Independence, the United States taken in LSA, with the student meeting minimum requirements in a foreign should be the first country to support Checlmya's right to secede: "That language, economics, American history, and English. Also, the journalism whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the undergra.d should have the option of minoring in a specific LSA discipline, much Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government, like students in the School of Education do. Finally, the faculty of the new laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, department should consist of professors with actual experience as working as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." '!he journalists. United States support of the Russian intervention is clearly a contradiction on Although these changes are drastic, the dissolving of the young the principles of liberty and self-determination. Communication Department and the establishment of an independent School Russia's actions have thwarted the democratic process. '!he Chechen of Journalism would only enhance the educational atmosphere of the U-M. population decided to govern themselves. It is highly unljkely that the Russian Such actions would not only remove the struggling, if not dying, department Parliament ever considered the will of the Chechen population. Moreover, the from I.SA. but would also provide students injoumalism a chance to receive the right to self-govern is clearly more in line with the principles ofliberty than the best training possible. The longer the U-M waits to enact these plans, the right to govern one-sixth of the world's land surface. The United States, and any fiutb.er the U-M will fall behind most of the other prestigious universities in the other nation claiming to champion democracy, should condemn Russia nation. Ml immediately.Mt -Gene Krass
BY MOHAN KRISHNAN show that perhaps this COWltry'S we hold scholarships for accepted to colleges and universities? thinking has not changed so much. underrepresented etlmic minority stu The number of people who attend a F ONE ASKED RANDOM Why else would the world rise up dents? Some respond, "Because of a university is largely conserved - in strangers whether they felt they and condemn what the author calls a history of injustice, poverty, and a order to increase one ethnicity's en I are racist or not, one would prob small section of the book? Perhaps it lack of opportunities, you fool!" Per rollment, another is decreased indi ably find few who would answer "yes." is because people are afraid of the haps I am a fool , but how long have rectly. In fact, ifone were to view any docu racist sentiments they feel deep in there been inner-cities? How long Though it seems morally wrong mentary about a civil rights leader side of themselves, and fear the book have there been poor, illiterate people to be defending the U-M, what about such as Martin Luther King, Jr., one for bringing these sentiments to the who are held from high positions, from the organizations that continually call would find that the racism ofthe past foregroWld. Real racism is a simple learning opportunities, and from leav- the Mandate racist because it is not was more pronoWlced than that of thing: assuming that a person's race . ing their current way of life? We all strong enough in its support of affir today. There are more open doors for makes him more or less suited for know that poverty has existed at least mative action? Do they wuierstand at students of any color or ethnic back tasks or positions that do not inher as long as civilization. all what they are saying? Is racism ground to enjoy education at its full ently involve race. Racism includes So why do scholarships require now some trendy buzzword, another est potential, hate crimes have been the Americans ofpre-Civil Wartimes ethnicity and not proof of a history of accessory for our political wardrobe? reduced significantly, and segrega who believed that Africans were des socio-economic injustice? What does Does our generation insist on having tion has been destroyed - at least in tined to be slaves while Europeans the U-M hope to achieve with its every political thought be superficial the law itself. were destined to be their masters. Michigan Mandate? And what real enough to print on at-shirt? But what is racism? Is racism the Racism also includes Nazi Germany, benefits will mandating an ethnically This fashion, this popularity of act of or the motivation behind killing which tried to solve its problems by diverse workplace ensure? Put an supporting supposedly anti- racist someone because he is black? Does it casting Jews as the source of all evil. other way, do we still believe, after so causes such as diversity programs is mean riding aroWld in a white suit So here is the thousand dollar many years and so many lives given just proof of a much deeper problem. while burning down houses? Recent question: Is it racist to choose an Afri to the cause of equality, that some While advocates of civil rights, such events beg to differ with those who can American for a job over a simi people are inherently and perma as Martin Luther King, Jr., tackled see racism as being tbeee things. While larly or better qualified Caucasian, nently disadvantaged because ofthe issues like hate crime and the Klan, the United States as a whole would because the company perreives a need color of their skin? IfThe Bell. Curoe is their point was somehow lost in the claim to be much more tolerant and for a "multicultural" staff? Is it racist so wrong and we don't believe that midst of celebrating MLK day. They peaceful than it was in the 19508 and to reserve scholarships for Hispanics Caucasians and Asians are inherently believed that all are created equal, 19608, recent events like the release because they are "underrepresented?" smarter then other peoples, why do and we, the people of the United states of the infamous book., The BeU Curoe, We must ask ourselves: Why do we try to limit the number of them of America, simply do not. Ml _.,.,..,... ""'
Murray Rothbard: RIP RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING ' CORPS The free society lost one of its greatest defenders earlier this month. Murray N. Rothbard died of a heart attack at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center in Manhattan on Saturday, January 7. Rothbard was born in New York City in 1926, and received his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University in 1956. He taught at New York Polytechnic Institute from 1963 to 1985, and at the time of his death he was the S.J. Hall Distinguished Professor of Economics at the University of Nevada'at Las Vegas and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama. Rothbard was the dominant libertarian figure of his generation, influenc., ing the libertarian movement as did few others. At the core of his conception of liberty were the notions of self-ownership and natural rights, positions which he defended vehemently and vociferously. Indeed, it was the uncomprising nature of his views that led him to be criticized by both the left and the right. A long-time opponent of military adventurism and the draft, he was criticized by conservatives for being a "heretical" libertarian who took the principles or individualism too far. And as a devout adherent and advocate of laWez faire, he was denounced by many on the left as a reactionary. Rothbard, who did more than any other individual to popularize the ideas of anarcho-capitalism, first gained scholarly attention on a wide-scale in GET MOm FROM YOOR UNCLE INSTEAD. 1962 with the publication of Man, Economy, and State, a two volume, nearly Your Uncle Sam, Every yeal AImy fees. They even pay a flat rate for text· 1000 page treatise on .economic principles. In Man, Economy, and State, he ROTC awards scholalships to hundreds books and supplies. You can also receive attempted to build upon the foundations of modem Austrian economics by, of talented students. If you qualify, m- an allowance o[ up to $1000 each among other things, advancing a new theory ofmonopoly; Rothbard contested these merit-based scholalships can school yeal the scholalship is in that there can be no such thing as monopoly on a free marlret, that monopolies help you pay tuition and educational effect. Find out today if you qualify. can only develop due to governmental intervention. (~uujo(;E After the publication of Man, Economy, and State, Rothbard continued his work on the eoonomic effects of intervention into the market with Power and ARMY ROTC Marlcet. But following its publication, Rothbard seemed to become more interested in developing his own theory ofliberty than he did in continuing his mE SMARTEST COLLEGE COURSE YOU CAl TAlE. work 88 an economist, publishing such highly influential political tracts as For details, visit Room 131, North Hall or call For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Mani{e8to and The Ethics ofLiberty . 764-3029 Dr.J.WtllhQrd is. survived by his wife of 41 years, JoAnn. . '. , - Aaron Steelman
.. _.. "". ... ~w,,,~""',. _· _,..,.,..'.'" '"' _ _.. .. ~ , . _ . ·'~,, _~., _ _ ~ ., "" . _ _ ..,, __. __ _ _ ~. _. _ __.'4 _ __-.--.~ . .__ __~.JIlII!Wl _. ___~ _~_._~_ _ .... ____.... _____ 6 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW January 25, 1995 o INTERVIEW: NADINE STROSSEN ACLU President Defends Individualism , ~ '. .
N JANUARY 16, AARON that. What I do know, however, is that W9men can be sexually free. cluding activists, academics, artists, Steelman of the Review inter that their segment of the feminist journalists, lawyers, and writers agree Oviewed Nadine Stro8llen. Ms. movement has gotten a dispropor MR: Isn't there , larger point to this whole with the thesis of my book: that cen Stro88en, a graduate ofHaroard Law tionate amount of media attention. discussion, namely that people should be soring sexual expression hurts the School, is currently preaident of the One of the primary reasons why I free to chooee what they want to do, as long fight for women's rights. To under American Civil Liberties Union wrote my book was to balance that. I as it doeen't harm others? By making further score this point, several organizations (ACLU), a position 8he has held since have gotten many letters and calls laws against pornography, aren't what you have been formed to oppose renaoring 1991. She is also a pro{e880r ofconsti from women saying, "Thank you for really doing is telling women, "No you can pornography specifically from a femi tutionallaw at New York Law School. giving me cover. You have helped me not engage In this activity. It degrades you nist perspective. As a member ofthe National Coalition to come out of the closet and to either . whether you think 80 or not," and thereby Although the anti-pornography Against CeM0r8hip and FeminisU for say that I like pornography, or re further limiting the number of choices they position has a certain cachet today, Free Expression, M8. StroBsen has been gardless of what I think ofpornogra cenmake? largely because it has received a great a leader in the free spe«h movement, phy, I oppose censoring it." deal of media attention, I think it is often 'opposing 8uch pro-ceTUlOr8hip STROSSEN: Yes. Ifthere is one single the MacDworkinites, and not the anti. feminists as Andrea Dworkin and MR: Some have said that your attacks on word that can sum up my thesis, it is censorship feminists, who are out of Catharine MacKinnon. Ms. Strossen MacKlmon and Dworkin are personal. Why "choire," individual choice for mature, the mainstream. Their view, for ex is the author of Defending Pornogra have you focused 80 much of your book on consenting adults. I would put women ample, that aU sex is inherently de phy' recently released by Scribner's. what they have said and written? in that category; I would not put chil grading to women, is certainly out of She will speak about her book at dren in that category. To suppress step with what most women, much Border8 Book Shop on Friday, STROSSEN: I make no personal at women's choice in sexual expression less most feminists, think. Support February 3. tacks on MacKinnon and Dworkin. is to treat women like second class for the First Amendment and for Rather than criticizing them as per citizens. It is precisely the same kind sexual autonomy have always been MR: Whit was yow goat In writing lWend sons, I criticize their ideas. I do so of rationale that in an earlier era central tenets of the women's libera Ing Pomogtaphy? because, as I previously noted, their suppressed their choire in the job mar tion movement. ideas have been so influential. My ket, in the political sphere, and in the STROSSEN: The major goal is to book focuses far more on what other economic sphere. MR: Getting away from your book, what counter the very prevalent miscon women have said and written, in re The realm of sexuality is one would you like to achieve 88 president of the ception that we have to choose be sponse to MacKinnon and Dworkin, where choice has always been par AClU? tween free speech on the one hand than it does on what MacKinnon and ticularly important to women; repro 'l nd women.'s rights on the other hand. Dworkin themselves have said and ductive freedom, contraception, sexual STROSSEN: Of co,urse, the overall My emphasis was not on the tradi written. r .WI sa ",·"goal of the ACLU is to protect the tional First Amendment arguments fundamental rights of all people. We on this issue - I think they are much MIt: Clnile PagIa has will continue to come to the defense of more familiar. It was to express the gone 80 far as to say all those who have their rights vio specifically feminist opposition to oen that pornography lated in this society. As president, I soring pornography. should not just be de think I can best further those goals fended on free speech through speaking, writing, and help MR: Don't you thin« that the work being grounds, but also on the ing people understand the importance done by Catharine MacKinnon and Andrea grounds that It can be a of civil liberties. We have won many Dwortdn .. actually having the eftact of mak y«y positive thing in a cases in the courts and quite a few in Ing women appear helpl .. and powerless, woman's Itfe, ,lIberat· the legislative arena as well; we oper aImoet like OOll«en1 ing force. How would ate in both of those arenas. you respond? But ultimately, civil liberties are STROSSEN: Absolutely. And one of never going to be secure unless there the many points in my book, one of the STROSSEN: I have is a base of public understanding and many reasons why I conclude that two chapters in my support for them. And if there isn't, their work is doing more harm than book in which I q~ote AClU President Nadine Strossen then politicians can run campaigns in good to women's rights, is because it many women who which they scapegoat civil liberties presents profoundly reactionary ideas make that point, including women orientation are very important issues and individual rights - and that will - namely that women are inherently who are very avid consumers of por for women. I think it is particularly ultimately lead to the appointment of victi.mized in the realm of sexuality, nographyand women who are pro damaging to say that we cannot make Supreme Court justices and other that women can never be free agents, ducers of pornography - a growing free choices or that we should not be judges who are also hostile to indi and that if women consent to having segmentofthemarketisspecUUcaliy allowed to make free choices in the vidual rights. We came within one sex then it is only due to being victims female-oriented erotica. ' area of sexual expression. It was th.t vote of losing a major civil liberty of false consciousness, and to essen But that's not my expertise. I am rationale that allowed the censorship decision that the ACLU had won. Roe tially treat women like children as a constitutional lawyer and my argu. of birth control information earlier in v. Wade was only one vote away from incapable of voluntary choice in the ments are from the perspective of this century, and that allows, to this being overturned in 1992. We also realm of sexual expression or even gender equality, reproductive free· day, the "gag rule," which is going to recently came within one vote ofhav sexuality itself. I believe it is very odd dom, non-discrimination on the basis be reinstated under the Contmct With ing the Supreme Court's decision to that they are often described as radi of sexual orientation, and free speech. America. Free speech in the realm of ban government-sponsored prayer in cal feminists. But, I also thought that it was impor sexuality is particularly important in the schools overturned. We are cur tant to layout there for my readers the realm of women's rights. rently skating on very thin ice. MR: Do you believe that the MacKlMon that they shouldn't see pornography So my goal is to get people to Dwor1dn aegment within the feminist move as an unmitigated evil in terms ofits MR: Do you think you are out of the main understand the principles that are at ment II IC1uIly pining In Itrength 8t thil content. Many feminists see specifi stream of the feminist movement on this stake in any particular civil liberty point? Or do you believe 1hIt IIa ~ .. cally feminist reaffirming messages Issue? controversy. Most people tend to look dwtndI~? in pornography - the liberation and at a controversy and say, "Why are the breaking down oftrBditional gen STROSSEN: No I don't. As I said you defending thatNazi. or, that por S1ROSSEN: It is very hard to know der roles and stereotypes, the notion before, many leading feminists, in- nographer, or that communist, or that
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criminal?" We have to get them to logical preconceptions drive our against mandatory res;stration for 1he draft? understand that it isn't that person's agenda. MR: Many would argue that cer1aln vtcIIm ideas or beliefs or actions that we are And I feel that we hav~~n suc STROSSEN: Yes. We have always less crimes are serious civil liberties Issues; defending. We are defending their cessful at doing this. RegUlarly we opposed compulsory registration and that drugs and prostitution should be legal rights that pertain to everyone else as come to the defense of the civilliber the draft as violations of the 13th Ized on the grounds of personal freedom. well-the right to express their own ties of extreme right-wingers and Amendment Indeed, it was one of the What Is the ACLU's position on 1he decrimi beliefs and convictions. moderate con- nalization of drugs and prostitution? servatives. To MR: Many civil libertarians - Including take a recent STROSSEN: Our position has those who hive bean Involved with 1he AClU, example from always been to oppose the Nat Hentotf, for example - have been very the recent ses criminallzation of consensual critical of the ACLU recentty. They have sug sion of Con conduct on the part of adults - gested that the ACLU hat strayed from its gress, the particularly prostitution and original purpose; that lneteld of defending ACLU was on drugs. We recently, at the re civil liberties., the ACLU _ become more the other side quest of some board members, Interested In advancing I 1tft41bera1 politi of the Demo revisited our policy on the de cal agenda. How woWJ you respond? crats on such criminalization of drugs. After issues as cam crack became widespread, a STROSSEN: I respect Nat a lot, and paign finance board member said that there is we agree on some issues, and we dis reform, lobby some evidence to suggest that agree on some issues. And I would say ing reform, crack is particularly addictive that his view of a civil liberties posi violence on and particularly dangerous and tion is just not the same as that of the television - that we should reconsider our ACLU's board, in all cases, but that is where restric position. In light of that inten legitimate. I mean, we take so many tions were be sive reexamination, almost cases and deal with so many issues ing advocated In 1992, Penn State University officials banished this reproduction of the cel unanimously - there was only that there is not a single thinking by no less than ebrated Nude",. by Spanish painter Francisco de Goya from a ciassroom wall, one dissent on an 83 person board member of this organization or its liberal icon following a complaint from professor Nancy Stumhoffer that it made her and her - we reaffirmed the position of leadership that could reasonably Paul Simon. female students "uncomfortable." advocating the decriminaliza agree with every position that we take. We were defending the privacy rights major reasons for the founding of the tion of aU drugs, including crack, for I, myself, have been a dissenting voice, of Senator Packwood when everyone ACLU back in 1920. It has always all adults. One board member put it since I've been president, on some was against it. No matter what your been one of our major issues; we have best when he said, "We believe that issues. And I am not embarrassed ideological predisposition, you will always opposed all forms of compul people have a right to shoot, inject or about that How could I be as a mem find the ACLU on the other side when sory national service. snort whatever they want." Ml. ber of an organization that champi civil liberties are at stake. ...•• 01!"""'....-. ons dissent and free thought, in a society where issues are very com MR: Did 1he ACLU, 88 an organization, 1ake plex? a position on the way the situation In Waco To take the strongest example of was handled nearly two years ago? Frie11dly, Free Delivery where Nat disagrees with the ACLU, abortion, I strongly respect his view, STROSSEN: Yes, we wrote a couple as I respect the view of Henry Hyde, letters and issued a few press re somebody else who is profoundly on leases about the civil liberties viola the other side of the ACLU on the tions that occurred there - viola abortion issue. These are men who tions of due process, violations of ~BACKR'OM_ _. ••• , r • 1 really do believe that human life be Fourth Amendment rights against un ~ ~. ~. gins at conception, and if I had that reasonable search and seizure, exces belief, of course I would be pro-life, so sive force being used. And in response I respect them for that. to the raid there and the raid in Idaho (the Randy Weaver case), the ACLU MR: Historically, In the United States at issued a report calling for restraints least, 1he right has been more hoetile to civH on federal law enforcement authori Ilbertiea 1fW11he left. But recently, In the age ties. This report pointed out that the of political correctness, you see that, par kinds of protections that are avail ticularly on coflege campuses. those who able against local enforcement agen are most hoetIle civillibertiel are IImost all cies, namely civilian review and com members d 1he left. Where do you now view plaints processed for brutality and the biggest threat to civil liberties coming excessive force, do not exist at all in from? the case of the ATF and other federal law enforcement agencies. STROSSEN: It really is always a<7088 the board. The reason why the ACLU MR: Is the ACLU planning on being active is a non-partisan, non-ideological In the fight to overturn Proposition 187 in organization is because civil liberties Califomla? violations always cross the political spectrum. Many people are willing to STROSSEN: Yes. We were prepared sacrifice civil liberties in an attempt to sue as soon as the final ballot was to advance their own ideological or cast. '!he lead attorney on the case is political agenda, no matter what it the legal director of the ACLU of may be. It's probably true that the Southern California - which is based majority of ACLU members are liber in Los Angeles - Mark. Rosenberg. als, so I believe we have to be partku 605 Church St, Ann Arbor. 741-8296 larly careful to not let our own ideo- MR: Is the ACLU stili active in the fight
~~"""",,---,,.~~ ... ,#~, )jfji-, Of'" IfBii'ffF';r;iiWT7~ Wl"'?'F~=..="" 8 THE MICIDGAN REVIEW January 25,1995 o BOOK REVIEW The Eloqy.ent Economist
BY AARON STEELMAN bution - which George Stigler would After his initial rejection by Chi ludes to his opinions of positivism, dub the "Coose Theorem" - that R0- cago, Stigler moved on and taught at but it is in "How Should Economists ENRY MENCKEN ONCE nald Coase was awarded the Nobel Brown and Columbia, where at the Choose?" that Coase's view of eco remarlred that Henry Hazlitt Prize in 1991. nomics as a "science" is explained H was "one of the few econo In addition to authoring most clearly. mists in history who could really this pathbreaking article, Coase concedes in the first essay write." If Menck.en had lived slightly Coase has authored two of the book that he believes empirical, longer he probably would have said books - The Firm, The mathematical analysis to be an im the same thing about Ronald Coose. Market, and the Law, pub portant economic tool and that its lished in 1988, and Essays usage should be encouraged. But he Essays on Economics on Economics and Econo also believes that the positivism of a and Economists mists, released last year. Milton Friedman, as outlined in Friedman's 1953 essay "The Method R.H. Coase Ai! the title would sug- ology of Positive Economics," is grossly University of Chicago Press, 1994 . gest, Goose has divided his inadequate in explaining economic Cloth, 222 pages, $27.95 most recent book into two sections, with one section principles. containing seven pieces on In "The Methodology of Positive While Coase's sheer literary out economics, and the other Economics," Friedman stated, "the put cannot compare with Hazlitt's - including eight essays on ultimate goal of a positive science is as Hazlitt estimated he had authored economists. All of the es the development of a 'theory' of or over 100,000 articles, editorials, and says have been published 'hypothesis' that yields valid and columns, in addition to writing or previously. meaningful ... predictions about phe editing 17 books - Coase demon In the section "Econo nomena not yet observed," and that strates an eloquence with the written mists," Coase discusses the the assumptions necessitated by such word that few journalists, let alone late eighteenth century a hypothesis needn't be realistic; the economists, can match. economist Alfred Marshall only thing an economist need concern In an era when economists seem at great length; four of the Nobel Laureate Ronald Coase himself with when formulating a to regard the quality of their work as eight essays in the section theory is whether or not it can pro a function of how difficult it is for the deal with Marshall, his ideas, and the latter he counted the young Murray duce accurate predictions. Coase takes intelligent layman to comprehend, impact his ideas have had on eco Rothbard as one of his students. And exception with such a position: Coase continues to convey his ideas nomic thought. Also included are es then in 1956, Chicago once agaj.n'of,:-' The view that the worth of a theory is clearly and concisely, often challeng says on AInold Plant, who Coase de fered him a position, and thistlme it to be judged solely by the extent and ing economic dogmas in subtle, yet scribes as his "teacher and mentor," wasn't rescinded. Stigler accepted and acCuracy of its predictions seems to profound, ways. Indeed, it was this and Duncan Black, a colleague of remained at Chicago. with the excep me wrong. Of course any theory has combination of lucid thinking and Coase's at the Dundee School ofEco tion of a brief stint at the Hoover implications. It tells us that if some thing happens, something else will engaging prose that shocked the ec0- nomics in Britain. Institution, for the rest of his career. follow, and it is true that most of us nomics profession over 30 years ago The two essays in this section .AI! for the other section of the would not value the theory if we did when Coase published an article en that will most likely interest libertar book, "Economics," there is much to not think these implications corre titled, "The Problem of Social Cost," ians are: "George J. Stigler," which be gained from all of the essays, but sponded to happenings in the real in which he argued that if property was written just prior to Stigler's two are particularly worth noting: economic system. But a theory is not rights were absolute and transaction death in 1991, and "Economics at LSE "Economists and Public Policy" and like an airline or bus timetable. We costs zero, then "negotiations between in the 19308: A Personal View." In the "How Should Economists Choose?" are not interested simply in the ac ... parties would lead to those ammge latter essay, Coase describes his rela In "Economists and Public Policy," curacy of its predictions. A theory ments being made that would maxi tionships with FA Hayek and Lionel Coase attacks ethical subjectivism, also serves as a base for thinking. It mize wealth, and this irrespective of Robbins; Hayek, Robbins, and Coase saying that an economist, when in helps us to understand what is going the initial assignment of rights." were all LSE faculty members in the volving himself in public policy re on by enabling us to organise our '!he implications of the argument 1930s. lated questions, needn't restrain him thoughts. Faced with a choice be were profound. Coase had shown, fol "George J . Stigler," is, largely, a self from saying that one policy is tween a theory which predicts well lowing simple logic, that government biographical essay; Coase recounts objectively better than another; that but gives us little insight into how the system works and one which needn't necessarily involve itself in the rather circuitous route Stigler took certain value judgements can be made gives us this insight but predicts resolving disputes over very serious to the University of Chicago. After about public policy and that they badly, I would choose the latter. problems. Take the example ofpollu taking his Ph.D. from Chicago, Stigler should be made. He writes, Essays on Economics and Econo tion. Ifpeople being harmed by pollu taught at Iowa State and the Univer I know, of course, that there are mists is Ronald Coase at his best. some economists who argue that ec0- tion had a right not to be victimized by sity of Minnesota. And then in 1946 While it is unfortunate that the only pollution, then they could, by right, he was offered. a professorship at Chi nomics is a positive science and that all we can do is to explain the oonse previously unpublished piece in this force the polluter to stop polluting or cago, but the offer was rescinded by volume is the preface, there is much quenres that follow from various ec0- they could sell their right to the pol the central administration for the os to be gained here. For those not ac luter. And conversely, if the polluter tensible reason that Stigler was too nomic policies. We cannot say whether one policy is preferable to quainted with Goose's work it will be had a right to pollute, then he could empirical. Stigler's rejection, while another, because to do so would re an excellent introduction, and for either pollute, or if he did not value obviously shortsighted, was not a to quire us to introduce value judge those who are, it will lend greater his right to pollute as much as the tal loss for Chicago, however. To fill ments, in the making of which we insight into Coase, the man, as well as victim of pollution valued being free the position that had been previously have no special oompetence. [S)uch the economist. Ml. from pollution, then he could sell his offered to Stigler, the Universityof self-restraint is I think unneces right to pollute. In either case, who fered an appointment to Milton sary. We share (at least in the West) Join The Review! ever values the right most, not who Friedman, which he eagerly accepted; a very similar set of values, and We have regular staffmeetings cummtly poese88e8 it, dominates. And as a result, Stigler would later say there is little reason to suppose that Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. on the the value judgements of economists both Bides reach a peaceful resolution that his failure to be appointed in 3rd floor of the Michigan Leagu~ without the benefit of state interven 1946 was his "greatest service to Chi are particularly eccentric. Stop by and join. ' <". tion. It was, primarily, for this contri- cago." From this statement, Coose al-
~.;.:, ,~~~.;:..~;= .,.,...... , ~ ~~ ...... "' '''' ~J_ _ ''''_ ''''''''______.:-:-~ ---.--.. ~. -~-- . . .._ . -.- - ~ -~"-~~ .:- January 25,1995 THE MICHIGAN REVIEW 9 OAT THE MOVIES The Politics of Higher Learning
BY GENE KRAss looks highly exaggerated; not every tion routine is not an opinion shared involve the police. At one point, a college student is a black activist, a by a great majority of black. students. couple of cops simply watch as HE WELL-CONSTRUCTED violent white supremacist, or femi Kristen's predicament is probably skinheads beat up a gay couple. Later, commercial for John nist rape victim. This, however, is the movie's most realistic aspect. when the police break up a fight be- T Singleton's latest film, Higher exactly what makes for a good drama. Swanson plays her character as if it tween Remyand Malik, they let Remy Learning, mentions something along It would be impossible to capture was she who was raped and is now go but start beating up Malik -- a the lines of, "Now see what it's [col everyone's college experience in one frightened of intimacy with all men. scene reminiscent of a familiar 1991 lege] really like." Of course, seeing movie, so by focusing the storyline on No, not all college women are raped, videotape. The police is portrayed as images of skinheads and swastikas, I fringe groupe, Singleton captures their but yes, some are. Of course, the fa- unrealistically racist, and such anti- expected this to be a biased take on perception of higher learning. Con miliar "1 in 4" statistic had to pop up, police sentiments simply seem out of already liberal university atmo sider an elevator scene where lone but only in the context of a rape aware- place in an otherwise great film. spheres that grossly exaggerates the passenger Kristen clutches her purse ness group and not Singleton's Also, the movie dwelled too much covert racism some see on campus. a little tighter when Malik enters. affirmation of those numbers. on black. fears of white control. After Therefore, I was surprised to find The fact that Malik notices tells the Interestingly, while Remy is the Fudge's group seemingly defeats the Higher Learning a very powerful film viewer that Singleton wanted to unlikeliest character in the movie, Nazis in a fight, Fudge says, "They that bypassed blatant one-sidedness project the alienation honestly felt by his joining an underground group of still won. Do you know why? 'Cos they in favor of brilliant filmmaking. some black. students rather than say Nazi skinheads makes the most sense. own all this. They own this street, this One oftha strongest points of the ing that all whites are racist. His roommates throw loud house par- house, this couch. They own you." I film is character development, which Indeed, very little of the movie ties, no one at a frat party pays any am doubtful of how many militant is aided by superior acting. Malik that deals with Malik involves exces attention to him., and his heavy-metal black. activists would go that far. (Omar Epps), a mediocre student, sive moralizing. His girlfriend keeps look sets him apart from the crowd at About a year ago, a hilarious film, gradually comes to believe that "the reminding him not to be paranoid. a welcoming rally. Becoming a PCU, tackled university life in a co- system" is l.lllfB.ir to all black s. Kristen ills West Indian political science pro skinhead is presented as the logical medic light. It too relied on exaggera- (Kristy Swanson) bean:nes a feminist/ fessor, Professor Phipps (Laurence thing to do. And while the group itself tion to make its point. Considering all peacenik after a frat brother rapes Fishburne), constantly tells him that is portrayed as evil, Singleton dis- that really takes place, it is very easy her. Remy (Michael Rappaport) is an no one owes him a thing. And neither tances himself from the unforgiving, to stereotype colleges in such a way. outcast whose inability to fit in with his girlfriend nor Phipps come across "smash the fascists" crowd with his Somewhere between the satiric PCU any traditional campus group slowly as sellouts or "Uncle Toms." By put sympathy towards Remy's catch-22. and the dramatic Higher Learning, leads him to become a Nazi skinhead. ting two such presences in the movie, There are, to be honest, a few minus the exaggeration, the real col- On the surface, Higher Leamine Singleton shows that the victimiza- questionable scenes -- most ofwhich"._,. ..lege experience lies. Mt
Gelman Sciences Continued from page 1 ous conflict of interest. into the city sewers, then to the water the Ann Arbor city council. The toxicity ofl,4-dioxane quali treatment plants. The city is unable Kim Davis, president of Gelman pay for 95 percent of the necessary fies for debate. The American Toxic to remove any of the dioxane and Sciences, told Corporate Detroit, "We clean up costs. After this small vic Substances Disease Registry pub instead discharges it into the Huron have lots of room to grow [in Scio tory, however, Gelman Science was lishes a toxicity report for each chemi River at over 2000 parts per billion. Township]. Obviously, the local com about to fuce a surprisingly powerful cal and submits an advisory fur chemi Gelman contends that this shows the munity rertsinly has not been fiiendly. and relentless city council and envi cal levels which constitute a risk of hypocrisy of the city council and Ecol Gelman is the third or fourth-largest ronmental organization. one in a million of developing cancer ogy Center, both of which knew of the employer in Ann Arbor, but does any The city of Ann Arbor refused (this is the same registry that was Ellsworth dump well before the one even care if we lock, stock, and Gelman's initial offer of$1 million for used in the recent Alar debate). Gelman dispute. barrel pack up and go somewhere laying municipal water lines to the ,,[1,4,-dioxane] is not very toxic." Mike Garfield ofilie Ecology Cen else? I get the feeling they don't." nearby homeowners. The city de says Professor Steven J. Wright of the ter counters by saying, "Gelman has In fuct, the animosity did not end manded an additional $30,000 per Civil and Environmental Engineer tried to incite people to hassle the city with the settlements. In the past No house, totaling another $1 million. ing Department. He continues, "From and he has tried to portray the city vember election, Scio 'lbwnship intro Also in its proposal was the annex experimentation on rats and mice, on and environmentalists as holding a duced a millage proposal to raise a ation ofthe homes, which was a 1ra.ns the order of thousands of parts per double standard." Garfield claims that three year environmental millage for parent ploy to increase the tax base billion, the epecimen may show signs the Ecology center has also pressured unspecified purposes. From the dis and control of the city. of kidney problema." In fact, because the city to clean up its site. "The city course at the township board meet The Ecology Center, which con of the contracted kidney problems, was slow to clean initially, but moved ings, however, it was to be used for tinued to fuel public debate, was a the rodents experience increased lev swiftly after the Gelman case came to continued litigation against Gelman particularly bothersome thorn in els of cellular activity which increases light." He finishes by pointing out Sciences. The millage fulled after ini Gelman's side. Gelman mentions with their risk of developing cancer. He that the city is complying with the tial support from local residents be disdain, "[The Ecology Center] is op goes on to explain that the method of state standard of 2000 parts per bil cause of an organization, Citizens for posed to cleaning windows with syn giving massive doses to mice and rats, lion. Rational Environmental Action thetic chemicals and they are a big and then extrapolating to a safe dos Gelman Sciences has begun (CREA), created to defeat the pro advocate against the use of chlorine." age for humans, is questioned within implementing a clean up program to posal. In a month, CREA had success He continues to say, "[They] used us the scientific community. reduce the levels down to the speci fully lobbied against the millage. as a target for public policy." Indeed, An interesting twist 00C'UlTed dur fied three parts per billion. In the Despite Gelman's attachment to the Recycle Ann Arbor program. is nul ing the public debate over the levels of meantime, Gelman has moved nearly Ann Arbor, it is quite obvious that by the Ecology Center, which is then dioxane release. The city of Ann Ar 200 jobs to its new Pensacola plant in any new jobs and plant additions cre reimbUl'8ed by the city. This creates bor owns an abandoned dump on Florida, which was built primarily ated by the booming company will be the interesting possibility for a seri- Ellsworth Road wllose water drains due to the anti4>usiness attitude on located in Pensacola, Florida. Mt
,,,-,',"",",,,~,,,",",,,,,,~"",,",,,,,,,~<» ""~"""'''''''-__~W_'''''''~'»~i~~W_l~_~_ ~; .. ;t;I'lI_""'~_' ______"" ______10 THE MICIllGAN REVIEW January 25,1995 o MUSIC Kepone Monkeys .Around
BY: DREW PETERS funk that would make hippies vomit. next one, we want it to sound even focus for the next album we record is They even have some time to throw a more real." going to be the lyrics. For me, there is "W E LIKE A LOT OF few harmonies into different shades Mike, however, feels that "the main this impassioned three days of writ that Touch and Go of brutal rock and roll. ing, then you work them into the stuff," admits Michael "The songs on Ugly Dance songs, and then you forget what the Bishop, bassistJvoca1ist for Richmond, were written over the course lyrics are. You don't think about them Virginia's own Kepone. Fittingly of two years," TIm explains, untifthey are on the album and you enough, they are on ~ "and we throw everything have to listen to them. In retrospect, Touch and Go m~ in. 'Loud' comes from a tribal some of the songs were too ambigu Records. Just as fit- wt1h beat that Mike found when ous. It would be too hard for people to ting, they are coming Kepone he was in the archives in figure out what I was talking about, to town with Helmet. D.C. researching music. We to get the feeling that I had when I No one could ever guess what they try to use different rhythms was writing the lyrics. I was trying to used to do. and different chord patterns make them abstract, in some senses "About three and a half years ago, just to make things interest the abstraction was too much." Michael, Seth and I startedjamming," ing. They end up being fairly That explains the lyrics on Ugly explains guitaristlvocalist TIm Har weird mixtures. Dance, but one wonders about the ris. "All three ofus had other bands. I "One of my favorites on monkey on the album cover. Are you played in a band called Bunna Jam, it there is 'Brainflowr: the in guys into monkeys or something? was an experimental reggae band, we strumental. I like it because "Coincidentally, we are in Florida did some touring with Eek-A-Mouse it's something that can't be right now at the very home of the and bands like that. " reproduced live. It turned woman who gave us that photograph. "I was with Gwar for seven years," out really beautiful, with all It's of her friend's mother. We really says Michael. "I was able to do both of the strings we put on it." like the photo, it's like this weird bands at the same time for awhile but "There are certain ideas struggle going on, but she's happy." Gwar was making me less and less that, when we sat down to Uh,ok. happy. I had been doing it since I was assemble into songs, had no Kepone open8 for Helmet at St. in high school. Not only do I enjoy room for vocals," explains Andrew'8 in Detroit on Monday, Janu Kepone a lot more, I also have a lot Mike. '"Fly Bop' used to be a Button up yow shim and comb your hair, fell ... ary 30th. School is not very important more control over it. " five minute song with vo- ._ ,~. to you, 80 go. Ml "We did it on weekends, just for cals. Then we chopped the shit out of fun, " continues TIm.. wrhen we started it when we realized that we didn't like liking it more, practicing more, and it. "Brainflowr" could have vocals, but when our other bands would go on the song is so dramatic that anything tour, we'd start missing it. It got to the sung over it would have been stupid point for all ofus where it was all we or detracting. We'll have more wanted to be doing. It's been that way instrumentals on the next album." Mass ever since." On the rest of the album, TIm pro So Tim dropped the reggae thing, vides most of the harmonies while Michael hung his Beefcake the Mighty Mike screeches vague yet colorfullyr costmne in his closet, and Seth Han:is ice. made them a trio named after a pes "I'm interested in screen writing, so ticide dumped into the Appomattox I have a lot of the material to use River by Vuginia's Allied Signal Cor when I sit down and write lyrics. For poration. 'Wrong,' I took screen plays and Meeting: After developing a small following, chopped them up, tried to add the releasing a 7" on local record label motion of poetry to them, and made Tenderizer Records, and later a 7" on them into lyrics. A while ago I started Alternative Tentacles, Kepone landed getting into other lyricists that didn't a deal with Touch.and 00. use all of these images, like Iggy Pop. "Part ofhooking up with Toucll and I tried to write songs that were only Go has to do with Helmet," explains one sentence." Sunday, February 5th TIm. "We played with them about '"Henry' and 'Wrong are songs that three years ago and Page [Hamilton we have had the most luck with, be of Helmet] was into what we were cause they are true stories. At least doing. He got our tape and talked to something I'd seen or been told. 7:00 PM some people." 'Henry' is about a monkey that my In August of 1994, Kepone released father owned, all of the shit that he Ugly Dance, a collection of tunes that did. There are so many things that ranged from the fast-paced punk you can do with lyrics, I really enjoy rocker "Leadbreath," to the melan the experimentation." Michigan League choly instrumental "Brainflowr." With all the experimentation, Kepone are all players, indicated by Kepone fans might wonder what to the minute and a half"Eenie Meenie," expect on the next album. 3rd Floor the kind of noise laden, spastic semi- "There's a bunch of good songs on Ugly Dance, says Tim, "but for the In the wintertime, Drew Peters /.ikes next one we are going to put more of a to go sled.tl.in8. Drew is mlUlic editor of live feel on it. Most of the tracks were (See page 12 for more details) the Review. recorded live on Ugly Dance. On the
." .. ,_"._,·"" ,·,= , o ~,. ~.=· '""'""" '-'''·'''·' ..~~"o'''' 3.'""-~"·,,, ~;~,r-i.~,,"_.",,,"_,,,,",,"",. _ ___= ;;,,;;,;;~='---"""-...... "'--- ...... - """""'..... - ______ooiiiiiiiiiii January 25, 1995 THE MrcmGAN REVIEW 11 o MUSIC Duke Ellington's Royal Sound BY GREG PARKER fo.und ~self bankrupt ~ Kansas and .women, all swinging to the Count An.. ' . .'. t··h·.'. ..•.•.•.... .•. ·L·....••.....•.• •·· •..k. i •••· •••••..• · •• r. City, fortuitously an area qUIckly sur- Basle Orchestra's pulse. Later, of . ..•.. •· .•.. 0 . er . O() .10\\ RIDGING THE GAP BE passing New Orleans and Chicago for course, the danrehall would slow down ·E·.lltn· gt'.. ' ...... ·rl•. rding periods of try, behind New York. Luckily, he Count's s!owersongs, some compieteC61trane Count Basie's repertoire, The Indis stayed in Kansas City and joined with passionate vocals. . pensable Count Basie does more than Bennie Moten's band in 1929. From The recording quality of The In- just span an era - it captures some of there, Basie formed his own band dispensable Basie is quite adequate, the best Basie on a two volume, 37 which played a major part in defining to say the least, considering its time K!::7!il.a track arraignment consisting of well the Kansas City style. period. The era of 1947 to 1950 was J()lm Coltrane,.Ev~IJ'tlililg either. of over 90 minutes of r~Count Basi ' Collating a highly-talented group not exactly the age of digital teclmol- them touches. tum8to .. ~ld,~u~ music. With a Thelndls~' of musicians , Basie attained more and ogy; appropriately, the tracks were Ellington & Joh1J Ooltraned~tIi~ mon~ge of vocal Count Basi, more popularity outside of Kansas recorded to tape (analog) and remas- SlUUe~ but$~both of~lri~ and lnstrumental RCA City. By the time Basie's band reached tered in the 1980s, when technology are on it, does that Duk.EJtJngtOn", numbers re <,.,."'"'...... ,...,,,,~~,~"""'~"~« The Michigan Review the University of Michigan's student-run j'ournal of classical lib eral and libertarian thought will be holding a Mass Meeting for all students on·Sunday, February 5, 1995 at 7 PM on the third floor of The Michigan League. ... .--' The Review is currently looking for new staff writers, investigative writers, photographers, ' people to fill business staff positions, and future editors. The only prerequisite for joining is a strong interest in the ideas of liberty; no previous journalism or writing experience is required. So stop by and join, and become a part of The Michigan Review.