THE PRINCETON Notes from the Publisher I’d like to make a modest proposal—how about adding TORY an undergraduate seminar entitled, “The History of Princeton and influential Princetonians.” I’m not sure if such a course has ever May 2002 existed, but if not, now is the time. Students Volume XIX - Number 3 at Princeton, myself included, know very little Publisher Editor-in-Chief about the history of our own institution. Most Pete Hegseth ’03 Brad Simmons ’03 students can name and sometimes James Madison as influential Managing Editors Princetonians, but most could tell you nothing Jennifer Carter ’03 Nitesh Paryani ’05 about the Battle of Princeton or the fact that Layout Editor Content Editor during the summer of 1783, the Continental John Ference ’04 Nat Hoopes ’03 Congress met in making Princeton the nation’s capital for four months. Web Manager Financial Manager Two of Princeton’s leading citizens signed the Declaration Brian Beck ’05 Ryan Feeney ’03 of Independence and, in fact, a statue was recently erected to one of the signers, . It would serve us well to Staff Writers study the life of Mr. Witherspoon. A Presbyterian minister and Mark Davis ’02 Nathaniel Norman ’03 Eric Wang ’02 Carlos Mrosovsky ’04 the sixth president of Princeton (then College of New Jersey), Xiaochin Yan ’02 John Andrews ’05 Witherspoon was also a steadfast patriot. He was one of the first Daniel Mark ’03 Arvin Bahl ’05 clergymen in colonial America to openly support the Revolution Matt O’Brien ’03 J. R. Johnson GS against British tyranny and in 1776 he encouraged Princeton students to fulfill their duties to country, saying “when liberty, Board of Trustees prosperity, and life are at stake, we must not think of being scholars, Peter Heinecke ’87 Anna Bray Duff ’92 David Daniels ’89 Brian Tvenstrup ’95 but soldiers.” Mark Banovich ’92 Wickham Schmidt ’99 The message of John Witherspoon remains relevant to all Timothy Webster ’99 of us even today. He is not just some dead guy with a portrait in Nassau Hall. He represents the integrity and courage needed to is a journal of conservative and moderate political thought written, edited and make this country, and this University, truly great. Today, we are produced by students and deliv- engaged in a similar war, fought on a different battlefield against a ered free of charge to all Princeton students and fac- ulty. The Princeton Tory is a publication of The much different enemy; however, our principles remain unchanged. Princeton Tory, Inc. The opinions expressed herein We cannot win this war against terrorism with military might are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editors, trustees, Princeton University, or the alone—we must also seek truth and justice, while recognizing Divine Princeton Tory, Inc. Providence—and only then can freedom triumph. Once again, The Princeton Tory accepts letters to the editor. the words of Witherspoon remind us of our duty: “In times of Direct correspondence to: P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542; or by e-mail: [email protected]. difficulty and trial, it is in the man of piety and inward principle Advertisement rates for The Princeton Tory are: that we may expect to find the uncorrupted patriot, the useful $75 for a quarter page, $110 for a half page, $200 for a full page, and $300 for the back cover. citizen, and the invincible soldier.” Donations to The Princeton Tory are fully tax- The University is only doing itself, the nation, and the world deductible. Please mail donations to: P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542. an injustice by not teaching about Princeton’s history. Men such The Princeton Tory is a member of the Colle- as Witherspoon should never be forgotten. giate Network. The Princeton Tory gives special thanks to the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, Princeton Pete Hegseth ’03 Alumni Viewpoints, and USG Projects Board. The Princeton Tory, Inc. is a non-profit corpo- ration registered in New Jersey. No part of this publi- Please send Letters to the Editor to: cation should be construed to promote any pending legislation or to support any candidate for office. No The Princeton Tory part of this publication may be reproduced without express written consent of the Publisher. P.O. Box 1499, Princeton, NJ 08542 Copyright © 2001, The Princeton Tory, Inc. e-mail: [email protected]

2 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY May 2002 www.princetontory.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS 4 Students respond to Tory:

¾ Questioning Beck’s Accuracy ¾ Hegseth Misunderstands Diversity ¾ An ‘Anonymous’ Letter

THE RANT 6 The Tory comments on:

¾ Mothers Day ¾ Prof. Singer ‘helping’ children ¾ Princeton’s bigotry ¾ LBJ and marriage ¾ The death of the Prog ¾ Abortion Appreciation Day COVER STORY and more... Hear, O Israel: Vote Republican Recent events should shift Jewish political loyalties. CAMPUS Daniel Mark ’03 10 West-ward, Ho! PAGE 8 Cornel West spells trouble for Princetonians. Eric Wang ’02

11 Spending Friday Night Alone? An honest assessment of the campus dating scene, beginning with the 1960’s “free love” movement. Jennifer Carter ’03

14 A Degree in Doubt The classsic Princeton academic experience has disappeared amidst a sea of unbridaled relativism. Brad Simmons ’03 and Nitesh Paryani ’05

16 The View From Right Field A trip to the ballpark reminds us of the importance of family and the virtues of America’s favorite pastime. Ryan Feeney ’03

LAST WORD 18 Screeches and Ruffled Feathers Tory staffer attends the Glass Ceiling Conference and documents the irrelevance and absurdity of its message. John Andrews ’05

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 3 LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

If Mr. Newton doesn’t think that Saudi Arabia is QUESTIONING BECK’S A CCURACY guilty of perpetuating blood libel, then he probably hasn’t noticed news coverage concerning a recent I believe the Tory, like all publications, has the right to Saudi newspaper article. That article accused Jews champion any view it pleases and publish whatever it sees of killing gentile children and baking their blood into fit. However, if the Tory wants to retain a readership, it Purim pastries. The newspaper in which the article must be a bit more selective in the material ran is state-run, so it must have the it chooses to include between its covers. I approval of the Saudi government. am referring to Brian Beck’s article entitled The editor claimed the article should “Princeton’s New ‘Useful Idiots,’” in the not have been published, because it most recent issue. It stands in stark contrast should have only said that Zionists to the intelligent panel discussion on the drink the blood of Muslim children, Middle East I observed recently, and truly not Jews as a whole. That is a blood does reflect poorly on the Tory as a whole. libel, coming from that “great ally,” With only a cursory glance at this article, Saudi Arabia. the factual flaws are glaring. The Palestinian As to the complaints about my Authority is not a country as Beck asserts, inquiry into the connection between (“countries such as the Palestinian SPEAC and the divestment group, Authority”) nor are the “blood-libelers” he apparently Mr. Newton did not read speaks of in Saudi Arabia. Also, Beck’s the entire article. As I mentioned, I research for this article is exceedingly poor. “This reporter,” questioned the leader of a PCP/PPN rally—but he writes Beck, found that the “Divest from Israel posters would not give his name. These groups are are written on the back of former SPEAC Living Wage surprisingly reclusive when it comes to giving names posters,” meaning that the two groups may be connected or listing resources. It took a month for the in some mysterious way. Could that reporter spend a few divestment group to actually admit that it was a minutes more and simply ask the groups? SPEAC subsidiary. It’s not that I haven’t asked In the interest of open, informed and intelligent these groups—it’s that I haven’t been able to get an debate, I ask the Tory to supply the conservative view answer. The fact remains that the pro-Palestinian on issues in the same informed and intelligent manner groups on campus ignore the facts, condemn that I have always known it to. After reading Beck’s Palestinian terrorism only very weakly, if at all, and “Useful Idiots” article, I wonder if the pro-Palestinian then try to hide from external review and avoid groups on campus do not see him as just that. defending their positions.

Cullen Newton ’04

Brian Beck responds: HEGSETH MISUNDERSTANDS DIVERSITY Is the Palestinian Authority a country? Not currently, but an indirect goal of the divestment The note by Pete Hegseth in this month’s Tory was movement is for it to become a country. The PA has an ironic reflection of Hegseth’s lack of diversity in his had authority over most of the West Bank since the own thinking. To believe that the purpose of Princeton Oslo accords, with little success. The West Bank is to educate its students in Western civilization is both a remains in poverty, Palestinians are shot without ludicrous and unfounded claim. The motto of Princeton trial by their own government for the crime of University is currently: “In the nations service and in the “collaborating” with Israel, and terrorist groups run service of all nations.” Now, unless I misunderstood our rampant. The PA is not a country in the strictest campus mantra, such a statement is global rather than sense, but it should be held to the standards of a Western in focus. How does Princeton expect its responsible country if it wishes to become recognized students to be in the service of all nations if it doesn’t as a separate nation. know anything about them? In fact, because we have

4 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 LETTERS TO THE EDITORS been raised on Western civilization our entire lives, aggressive assaults. Anyone who blows himself or perhaps learning about the philosophy, history, and herself up or flies planes into buildings to protest politics of other places is even more significant. American arrogance is merely displaying their own Lastly, to ignore or dismiss studying non-Western ignorance and hatred. A poll taken last month civilizations is simply downright dangerous. As showed that over 70% of Arabs in the Middle East demonstrated by September 11th, it is American still believe that it was not Arabs, but Israelis, who smugness and arrogance regarding its own “enduring perpetrated September 11th. It is their ignorance of strength” as the “leader and protector of the civilized foreign affairs (perpetrated by deliberate world” that makes other people hate us and want to government propaganda), not ours, that really fuels blow us up. I find it interesting that Hegseth feels that his hatred in the Muslim world. The United States evaluations on Princeton’s academic purpose are should not change its policy, but instead be even paramount to those of both President Tilghman and the more aggressive in supporting friendly, democratic official university mission statement. governments in the Middle East. The only way this can happen is by having students who, while well- Erin Wade ‘03 versed in non-Western ideas, have a firm grasp of Western ideas as well. That is the responsibility of Pete Hegseth responds: this University. While my evaluation of Princeton’s academic purposes may not be “paramount to” those of President Tilghman, certainly the evaluation of one Woodrow Wilson is. On the occasion of the AN ‘ANONYMOUS’ LETTER sesquicentennial of Princeton University in 1896, then-Professor Woodrow Wilson said of Princeton’s I just read your April 2002 issue and let me tell you, academic purpose, “It is the business of a University “The Rant,” all I can say is f*** you you f***ing f***s. to impart to the rank and file of the men whom it It’s to (sic) bad all of you all weren’t aborted. If trains the right thought of the world, the thought Daschle, Lord and saviour of the feminine gender, were which it has tested and established, the principles present he’d f*** you ignorant f***s…[censored]. which have stood through the seasons and become Both in verbal debate and then physically. As for gays let at length part of the immemorial wisdom of the them be you f***ing oppressive f***s. They want to be race.” I agree with Mr. Wilson in that regard—that married so have it. You f***s are just f***ing jealous the University has a responsibility to educate its because you cannot admit you f***ing like being… students in right thinking—not simply throw a bunch [censored]. Go back to the 1940’s you f***ing fascist of disconnected ideas in their direction and hope f***s. That all. they come out all right. I agree with you that Princetonians must study F*** you, non-Western civilizations as part of their Bjorn Nuwanda undergraduate experience; however, if the entire p.s. Get f***ed. Princeton community concentrates too much on such pursuits the influence of our own traditions and The Editors respond: institutions will begin to erode. Thanks for the letter, SETH DUNIPACE ’03! We I strongly disagree with your assertion that appreciate your enthusiastic and spirited (though America’s “smugness and arrogance” is what ‘anonymous’) support for our magazine—as well as caused September 11th. We are hated for supporting your intelligent commentary. the existence of Israel, defending Kuwait and liberating Afghanistan—as well as having troops p.s. Next time, maybe you’ll save us the trouble stationed on Saudi soil. These pursuits had nothing of tracking down your identity and accidentally to do with American arrogance, but rather with our beating up a guy named Bjorn Nuwanda (sorry moral duty to defend weaker peoples from about that, Bjorn).

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 5 THE RANT

¾ On Monday, April 22nd, OWL and SHARE put analogy, what does that make Prof. West? Yasser on an event entitled “Does Dating Violence Happen Arafat?” at Princeton?” We think one must first tackle the question “Does Dating Happen at Princeton?” ¾ Kudos to White House counselor Karen Hughes for having the courage to put her family first. ¾ The Tory salutes all mothers who choose to stay On April 23, President Bush’s top aide announced at home with their children. These women are the that she would be leaving the West Wing this backbone of our society and courageously teach summer to return to her home state of Texas. “The America’s children about personal responsibility and president always says if you’re a mom or a dad, moral conscience. In a society full of evil forces and your most important responsibility in life is to be a corrupting influences, mothers have the ability to cut good mom or dad, and I believe that,” she said. We through the noise and sculpt new generations of couldn’t agree more, and though she will be sorely informed and virtuous citizenry. God bless missed in Washington, we wish her and her family mothers…and stay at home dads too. the very best.

¾ At a recent lecture, Peter Singer addressed the ¾ Only one representative in Congress has topic, “What can we do to help children in poverty consistently stood against America’s war on in developing countries?” Surprisingly, abortion and terrorism. Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), the infanticide were not the first solutions proposed. representative from the Cal-Berkley area, refuses to acknowledge America’s right to defend itself and ¾ It’s practically cliche by now to talk about the makes repeated calls for appeasing and hypocrisy of the liberal academy. But there are so accommodating terrorists. Normally we would many good opportunities. Recent appointee Cornel sarcastically wish Barbara good luck on her re- West is an outspoken supporter of prominent anti- election campaign, however the scary part is, she Semites. He heads Al Sharpton’s presidential actually represents the wishes of her constituency. exploratory committee. Al Sharpton once referred Therefore, instead of wishing Barbara good luck, we to a Jewish storeowner in Harlem as a “white would like to give our best to all the loopy liberals at interloper” and incited the burning of the store, Berkeley who are still grasping to find reality. causing several deaths. West also appeared at the Million Man March along side Louis Farrakhan, ¾ This month’s winner of the unlikely-friend-of- who openly hates Jews (not to mention white people the-Tory award: the , who noted in in general). It seems unlikely that the University their April 18 issue: “In 1970, the campus would have considered hiring associates of white conservative movement was groundless and supremacist David Duke as well. If the Left wants a incoherent, and angry feminists tore it a new one. monopoly on bigotry, it can have it, but wouldn’t we Now the roles have gone topsy-turvy.” Next thing be better off with no bigotry at all? you know, OWL will give a chunk of its oversized endowment to the Tory. ¾ Letter of the Year goes to David Whelan, Harvard Class of ’99, who wrote the following to ¾ In February, President Bush introduced his the Harvard Crimson after Cornel West compared welfare proposal with allocates $100 million a year Larry Summer to Ariel Sharon: “To complete the to promote marriage and family. As expected, some

6 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 Democrats denounced the program in favor of more few years before giving into bankruptcy and government babysitting (i.e. after-school programs irrelevance? and day-care). However, upon further historical investigation, liberals should reconsider their ¾ The ACLU recently declared March 10th position. President Lyndon Johnson, the liberal hero “National Day of Appreciation for Abortion and government program extraordinaire, made the Providers.” They were joined by such esteemed following remarks in a civil rights address at Howard (and non-partisan?) organizations as the National University in 1965: “The family is the cornerstone of Abortion and Reproductive Rights League and the our society. More than any other force it shapes the National Organization for Women. While most attitude, the hopes, the ambitions, and the values of abortion advocates, outside of the East Coast the child. And when the family collapses it is the bubble, at least acknowledge that abortion is a children that are usually damaged. When it happens necessary evil, these groups flaunt the virtues of on a massive scale the community itself is crippled. abortion. It is one thing to argue for the right to So, unless we work to strengthen the family, to abortion; it is another thing to celebrate abortions create conditions under which most parents will stay themselves. For the record, we don’t “appreciate” together.” We’re with LBJ on this one. abortion providers. In fact, if Bush wins another term and wins two battles with Senator Leahy and ¾ The Tory eagerly awaits the forthcoming liberal the Judiciary committee, the evil that is Roe may magazine from the College Democrats, which lefty soon be overturned and abortion providers will be Clint Wallace ’04 has said will represent a either out of work or in jail. perspective “not necessarily voiced on campus.” (Gee, Clint, have you made it to lecture lately?) The ¾ The Supreme Court recently upheld the legality magazine’s leadership hinted at publishing a few of ‘virtual’ child pornography. The decision will issues before the semester’s end (chuckle), as a surely result in a flood of new ‘virtual’ child porn “complement to the Progressive Review” - though websites & magazines. God help us. we wonder how it’s possible to complement a magazine that never publishes. Shouldn’t you wait a -Compiled by the Tory Editors

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MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 7 COVER STORY Hear, O Israel: Vote Republican

Dennis Prager in the November 1996 energy addressing the needs of Jewish issue of “The Prager Perspective,” so community since it will get the votes Daniel Mark ’03 I will not repeat his arguments. anyway. At the same time, the Nonetheless, I would like to contribute Republican Party also has little One day as I headed out of lecture some timely additions. incentive to court the Jewish vote since in my College Republicans shirt, a It seems almost hard to explain Jewish support for a Republican at the classmate of mine inquired, “You’re a overwhelming Jewish support for the national level is unlikely. In sum, it Republican?” I responded in the Democratic Party. On the whole, the means that neither party needs to care affirmative, to which she replied, American Jewish community has met much about the Jews. “That’s funny, you don’t look with economic success, so financial Today, though, with the escalating Republican.” I was puzzled for a considerations would anticipate conflict in the Middle East, Jews have moment but quickly realized what she support for the party of lower taxes. every reason to care about partisan meant. “Oh, you mean because of my Surprisingly, Jews have typically politics. On April 15, over 100,000 yarmulke.” “Yeah,” she confirmed. favored Democratic presidential people, mostly Jews, rallied in I am a proud Jewish Republican. candidates by a margin of more than Washington, DC, in support of Israel. I even have a pin that says so. If they are serious about their Conservatives who come to “Here is the political paradox in all this: support of Israel—and I believe Princeton and suddenly find Eight out of ten American voters who are they are—Jews must engage in themselves awash in a sea of serious conversation about which liberal ideology finally understand Jewish have been voting for candidates of a party is privy to Israel’s interests. what life has always been like for Democratic Party that now only tepidly The contrast between George W. me in the Jewish community. supports the government overwhelmingly Bush and his predecessor, Hill- Being a Jewish Republican gives chosen by Israelis. Though foreign policy is Billy Clinton, is stark. In a feverish a whole new meaning to “the few, rush to secure his ever-elusive the proud.” But we are far from not always decisive, perhaps that 80 percent Nobel Peace Prize, Clinton being an endangered species. should think again.” – William Safire pressured then-Israeli Prime Mitch McConnell, the Minister Ehud Barak into offering distinguished senator from Kentucky, four to one. This suggests that the concessions that cost Barak his remarked to me a couple years ago roots of Jewish loyalty to the party of political career. Clinton’s self- that demographic studies showed higher taxes run very deep. Precisely aggrandizing efforts are partly increasing identification with the for this reason, I contend that it is time responsible for Arafat’s current war. Republican Party among younger for the Jewish community to reevaluate And that was after Clinton sent his top Jewish cohorts. (I was wearing my its commitments and put its political political advisers to Israel to ensure that pin and my yarmulke at the time.) influence back up for bid. his candidate of choice, Barak, would Even so, I remain baffled by the knee- Before arriving at the specifics of handily defeat incumbent Prime jerk liberalism of many in the Jewish my argument, it is important to point Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. I guess community, and I would like to set out that looser connections with the Clinton knew who he could push forth an argument why it is grows Democratic Party would behoove around. And I guess Barak owed increasingly important for Jews to vote Jews regardless of the particular issues Clinton one too many favors. Republican. of the day. The nearly automatic President Bush, by contrast, has The definitive piece on why Jews support for Democrats means that the been far more supportive of Israel. should vote Republican was written by Democratic Party need spend little Despite allowing the State Department

8 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 COVER STORY to occasionally nip at Ariel Sharon’s has presented itself in the form of the liberal Americans. A strong portion ankles, Bush has repeatedly Arctic National Wildlife Refuge of the aforementioned 100,000 who recognized Israel’s right to defend (ANWR). True to their cause, gathered in DC to show support for itself. Furthermore, the affirmation of Democrats have blocked oil Israel were comprised of the Religious Bush Doctrine articulated the exploration in ANWR, despite Right. Conservative pundits and principles that Israel rightfully applies environmental safeguards and calls for politicians, from Alan Keyes to in it own war on terror. So, even a the project by local citizens. Senator Bill Frist ’74, have proven cursory examination of the relationship Republicans, on the other hand, have themselves time and again to be between Israel and the American pushed the program and continue to Israel’s strongest non-Jewish president scores one for the advocate greater energy supporters. A recent Gallup study Republicans. independence. To be sure, in a perfect showed increasing support for Israel Of course, arguments such as this world, new, cleaner technologies among conservatives and Republicans one are unlikely to overcome the would displace the gigantic need for and decreasing support among liberals Jewish community’s unfailing devotion oil. We, and Democrats. In 1988, to Clinton and his Democrats. Instead, Republicans’ sympathies were with the I would like to propose more Israelis over the Palestinians by a fundamental reasons why, as a margin of 43% to 18% while the matter of American foreign policy, Democrats favored Israel 37% to Israel is better off with the 13%. By 1993, it was 49% to 12% Republicans in power. Although I for Republicans and 37% to 19% for may be overly optimistic, I believe Democrats. This trend continued that both major parties recognize through the 1990s. Israel as America’s most reliable ally however, must realize that substantial So if the Right has made its in the Middle East, due in no small part developments in such technologies are credentials clear, where does the Left to it being the only free democracy in a long way in coming. As a result, it is stand these days? On our own the region. Yet there is one reason why imperative that Jews who are sincere campus, SPEAC, the all-purpose left- America remains beholden to the Arab in their support for Israel support the wing activist group, has adopted the world, despite the ideological and party that will give America a freer pro-Palestinian cause, specifically the strategic convergence with Israel. That hand in dealing with the Middle East. anti-Israel divestment campaign that reason is oil. The memory of the Energy policy is not the only absurdly compares Israel to apartheid OPEC-induced shortages of the Republican issue which appeals to South Africa. Candid members of the 1970s is not far off. Only increased Jews. After Clinton gutted the military, group revealed at the table they independence from Arab oil will allow President Bush embarked on a policy manned in Frist that they knew next the United States to pursue an agenda of resupplying our soldiers with to nothing about the Middle East. of freedom from totalitarian regimes equipment and morale. His They were there simply because anti- for the people of the Middle East. commitment to missile defense and a Israel activism has joined the menu of Only energy self-sufficiency will allow strong defense program in general is left-wing causes. Less than a week the US to support Israeli democracy of great benefit to Israel. The US not after the pro-Israel rally, thousands of without fear of reprisals from only supports Israel’s own defense leftists gathered in DC to rally against petroleum-exporting dictators. program but also engages in joint everything from Israel to capitalism to Americans and Israelis are not the only defense ventures, including the globalization. ones who interests are harmed by this development of the Arrow missile that The evidence is clear. As dependence. Most fundamentally, the may intercept any further Scuds that conservatives stand up for Israel in this peoples of the exporting countries Saddam Hussein aims at Tel-Aviv. time of travail, liberals grow louder in suffer because the absolutist Even though American Jews have their condemnation of her self-defense. governments are propped up by those snubbed their noses at the Republican Jews in America must take a hard who benefit from the purchase of oil. Party, conservative Americans have look at their priorities and interests and Most recently, energy independence been much kinder to Jews than have reevaluate their political alignment.

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 9 CAMPUS West-ward, Ho! Princeton takes a giant step back.

ideology that enslaves the mind and sense that its very establishment expresses shackles the soul and impedes all a particular view that African-Americans Eric Wang ’02 interracial interpersonal relationships. It should exist in a separate sphere. This is a is one thing to observe that race matters. great disservice for all those—black or Much ado has been made about Scholars can trace the roots of race and white—who are concerned with the racial Professor Cornel West’s very public and racial iniquities all they want, and they balkanization of our country. ugly spat with Harvard President should, for it is important to understand Granted, much of our racial problems Lawrence Summers and his defection back the historical origins behind the today stem from the fact that many to Princeton. As everyone knows by now, alienation that many minorities feel today African-Americans have lived and their dispute purportedly arose when and the institutional impediments they continue to live in a separate sphere, Summers chided West for producing a continue to face. However, it takes far more having been shut out of government, the “rap” CD instead of more economy, and the larger society “scholarly” work, which for so long by slavery, prompted West’s angry response segregation, and simple racism. that he had been “disrespected.” This makes the African- But these details have created a American experience important distraction, perhaps deliberately to study. But conferring planned by West, from the departmental status would only fundamental objections to be further entrench this divide by raised about his reappointment legitimizing this separation and the accompanying calls for instead of treating it as making the African-American something to be studied within Studies Program a University the broader context of the department. American experience. The issue is not Professor In fact, African-American West’s temperament or his Studies would not make much radical politics, which recently sense without a grounding in resulted in a civil disobedience American history. For example, arrest. In this respect, West would the great civil rights struggle bring some much-welcomed cannot be understood without excitement to this sleepy college the intellectual background of town. Nor is the issue the quantity, vision to also point to a way out—to a the Founders and their Lockean theories quality, or even the form of his day when race does not matter. of government. While the Founders scholarship. Rather, it is the content of Therein lies the problem with creating happened to be white and many were his work that is concerning. Although an African-American Studies department. incorrigible racists, it was their basic purveyors of the avant-garde in political The problem is not that African-American principles that mattered. Civil rights correctness—namely, academics and Studies is not a discipline (as one Daily leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. cultural elites—have eagerly acclaimed Princetonian opinion piece has aptly evoked those principles to point to the West as a revolutionary thinker, the title noted, Public policy is not a discipline fact that they remained unfulfilled, and of his 1993 book “Race Matters” suggests either) but we have no problem with making that only when we lived up to them could otherwise. In reality, West espouses the the Woodrow Wilson School an we realize the Founders’ ideal of a “more same old racialist worldview that threatens interdisciplinary department that perfect union.” The successes of the to asphyxiate our discourse on race. This encompasses all the social sciences. Many NAACP, which was founded by black thinking is also the impetus that drives who advocate an African-American lawyers who saw litigation as a way to the African-American Studies department Studies department might have something break down legal barriers, cannot be proposal. like the Wilson School in mind. However, understood without a grounding in It is especially ironic that Professor the real problem is that such a department American constitutional law. West has called himself an “intellectual would be inherently political—not in the Yet, ethnic studies and the culture of freedom-fighter,” since he adheres to an sense of liberal or conservative, but in the multiculturalism have encouraged a view

10 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 CAMPUS among minorities that the history of separate dining tables and taking mutually Dr. King may not have spoken for “dead white men” is, at the very least, exclusive classes, with little interaction in everyone—black or white, but he spoke irrelevant to them and at most, a racist their everyday lives. for all those of good conscience who racket. Thus, in crucial American history Whereas Dr. King implored us to sought genuine racial harmony and and politics classes, minorities seem to strive for “a day not of the white man, not reconciliation and progress. Instead, we constitute one to two percent of the class, of the black man,” but a day when we are in danger today of allowing the fringe despite the fact that they supposedly make would view “man as man,” he would look to hijack our social discourse and our up 29% of the student body. The sad irony at our campuses today and say that he academic institutions to promulgate their is that these are the classes that are crucial meant to include our academic studies as radical and regressive separatist agenda. to providing an account of our country’s well. He would say that he did not live If Princeton truly wanted to be at the racial progress and the way forward. But and die to see black students and white forefront of a revolution in thinking and racialists and multiculturalists seem to students regarding each other as being of research, it would not have re-hired Dr. prefer that we go our separate ways with separate groups and feeling that their West. Rather, it would have recruited from distinct histories and futures. histories and traditions had to be studied the ranks of the most grossly More than thirty years after the height in distinct academic departments. The truth underrepresented minority in academia— of the civil rights struggle, we have is that the histories of African-Americans racial modernists. It would not advance achieved legal equality for all citizens, but and white Americans are inextricably an anachronistic aim of an African- there is much work that remains to be done. intertwined, for better or for worse. Our American Studies department. We must breach the persistent socio- challenge today is to overcome racism’s To be truly avant-garde, Princeton economic gap for African-Americans and historical legacy and to make the future would establish a department of racial other minorities. However, we cannot better for everyone, regardless of race. If modernism to advance a roadmap for a resolve these problems simply by creating our social sciences or humanities future in which race is irrelevant. This is remedial institutional advantages or departments are not giving the African- the best hope for an enlightened society redistributing wealth, as many have American experience its just due, then that that is respectful of individuals and that suggested. We cannot pretend that these is something we must resolve within those is at peace with itself. In the context of problems are not mutually exclusive from departments, rather than tear our racial reconciliation, this is the greatest the continued insistence on viewing the campuses and social fabric asunder along service that Princeton could give to our world through the lens of race now, race racial fault lines. nation. tomorrow, and race forever. For even if we could eliminate disparities in wealth, health, power, and what have you, all we would end up with is a new and improved version of “separate but equal” in which different Spending Friday races, reinforced by separate academic departments for their respective groups, view each other as being of inherently Night Alone? different worlds. More than thirty years after the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was tragically Our data confirms what everyone cut short, America’s well-intentioned but Jennifer Carter ’03 already knows: Princeton students misguided cultural elite has sold out his don’t date much. How much is not dream to the bankrupt ideology of No one dates at Princeton — a much? We found that the average multiculturalism. To borrow a device that former President Clinton used to great fairly common complaint among student, excluding students still effect in addressing King’s legacy, we Princeton undergrads. Yet unlike most involved in pre-Princeton relationships, should pose a question to ourselves: If other dysfunctions of student life, there goes on 1.5 “first dates” per year. If Martin Luther King, Jr. were to reappear is no USG committee presently that’s not sad enough, consider this: today and give us a report card on the last discussing the issue and very little 42% of “first dates” reported were thirty years, what would he say? Whereas in his “I Have a Dream” speech he saw a personal initiative being taken by official date-required affairs (formals, day when “little black boys and black girls anyone to change the situation. semi-formals, Houseparties, etc.). will be able to join hands with little white Why not? In an attempt to Clearly the quantity of dates is a boys and white girls as sisters and investigate this state of affairs, the Tory bit discouraging. What about quality? brothers,” he would look at our campuses conducted a survey of the dating It seems that most people are today and say that he meant to include college students as well. He would say that behaviors of 75 Princeton under- disappointed on that front too. We he did not live and die to see black students graduates, half men and half women, asked students to describe their most and white students clustering around during the week of April 15, 2002. recent date, and then their “ideal”

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 11 CAMPUS date. The charts tell the story of a levels of satisfaction. Overall, just environment of the college, and a hefty tremendous gap between people’s over half of all respondents said they fear of failure on the part of Princeton ideals and their realities. The traditional were “mostly” or “extremely” students. dinner date did well in both questions dissatisfied, while slightly under half Let’s face it: from a cappella — a safe bet for a first date, to be reported being “mostly” or tryouts to eating club Bicker, sure. But interestingly enough, over half “extremely” satisfied. Princetonians don’t deal well with being of our respondents listed “unusual/ Why so many satisfied people, if hosed. We have been successful at creative” or “inexpensive event” as no one dates? Well, as many as pretty much everything for all our lives, their ideal date types, categories that reported being satisfied also reported which is what landed us a “YES!” letter barely registered in the reality being in a serious relationship. More from Dean Fred in the first place. And responses. often than not, though, these after getting over those first painful Who’s doing the asking? Men, by relationships do not emerge from a rejections freshman year, we get a 3-to-1 ratio — which means that a traditional dating scenario. quickly reaccustomed to a life of reassuring 25 percent of dates are Generally, there is no extended success. I believe one student’s survey initiated by women. It seems that getting-to-know-you period of comments capture the situation rather women are stepping out of their courtship; people go straight from nicely: “I don’t really want to bother comfort zone to get the ball rolling: friends or strangers to confirmed ‘dating around,’” she writes. “I’d when asked who would initiate their coupledom, “going out” just like in rather get to know someone through “ideal date,” 86 percent of junior high. activities or friends, and only women said men should do start dating if there’s mutual the asking. Men agreed, but interest and real potential for a with less enthusiasm: 24 long-term relationship.” percent responded that the It’s not surprising that at woman would initiate their Princeton, even romance is ideal date. described in terms of cost- The moral of this story: benefit analyses and guys, we’d appreciate it if “Organization Kid” time you’d ask us out, so please optimization. If it isn’t on a do — but we’re not afraid syllabus or sent to us in an e- to take matters into our own mail entitled “This Week’s hands. Ladies, a significant Campus Events,” it’s just not portion of men would love going to happen. But dating, to be asked out, so go for it. Most Recent Date unlike the other things we do Don’t worry about not to fill up our time and our having money or impressing résumés, should be special. your date with a fancy, high-pressure Except that in college, going out And that’s really what’s at stake here. dinner. Our survey results suggest that means spending significant amounts of When we say we wish people dated a fun and wallet-friendly event like a time together on a daily basis: eating, more, we mean quality, not quantity. movie, a campus show or athletic studying, and sleeping together We want romantic intentions to be event, or something different like a regularly, more or less attached at the made clear as we are getting to know picnic on the golf course will do just hip. someone, rather than ambiguously fine — or better. How do we explain this all-or- flirting with our roommates’ lab To us, 1.5 dates a year seems nothing approach to dating? Well, it partners until we run into each other pretty lame, so we asked survey doesn’t take a brilliant sociological drunk at the Street and are able to respondents to rate their level of rationalization. Quite simply, it’s the express our mutual interest. We crave satisfaction with their own personal result of the potent combination of physical contact so badly that many of dating experience at Princeton. Men hormones, repressed emotional us brave the moral taboo of drunken and women reported nearly equivalent neediness, the small residential hookups — our most basic instincts

12 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 CAMPUS won’t be silenced, even if we choose free love, we are taught how to use a same intensity as their goal of not to schedule time to deal with them condom but not how to find a mate. becoming a doctor, consultant, or in a more rational, civilized manner. I’m not advocating a return to the President? Maybe we’ve never There will always be those that 1950s — a decade, after all, in which thought of it that way — and on this say, as one survey respondent did, “I women were offered the career charge, I think we can blame society. believe that dating in college is a options of “mommy, teacher, or Our parents’ generation devalued useless waste of time. People should nurse.” I am warning against the traditional courtship and left nothing in be getting an education. Dating is libertine attitudes toward our sexuality its place for us. Hollywood is no help, better done later on in life.” that are a direct spinoff of the 1960s filling our subconscious with stories of Fortunately, most of us don’t believe and are manifested every Thursday perfect romance, finding The One, and that. We realize that part of the value and Saturday night in the campus happily-ever-after endings. This is not of an education — especially the sort phenomenon known as the hookup. a uniquely Princeton problem; one gets at Princeton — is about throughout the country, our generation learning how to interact is lonely and completely at a with people and loss for how to deal with it. establishing connections Snap out of it. Right now that will last well beyond you are surrounded by the the Fitz-Randolph gates. smartest, most beautiful, 96 percent of those most outgoing people you are surveyed said that ever going to meet. Annoyed marriage is in their long- that no one dates? Then go term goals, and given out on a limb yourself; do Princeton’s high alumni- something about it. Ask out to-alumnae marriage that girl or guy you’ve talked rate, surely many of to a couple times and think is those 96 percent are nice. Sure, they might say no — but more likely, they’ll be hoping to meet their Ideal Date future spouse during their so stunned that someone is undergraduate years. actually asking them out that So why don’t people date — do Hookups — isolated sexual they’ll say yes, they’d love to. And if we blame the breakdown of traditional encounters ranging from kissing to someone asks you out, for goodness family values? As much as social intercourse, often under the influence sake, give them at least a first chance. conservatives like myself tend to of alcohol, that carry no expectation One date doesn’t even obligate you attribute many of society’s woes to the of a relationship — they happen, but to talk to the other person again if it’s death of the family, this just cannot be how much? Well, surprisingly, not as truly disastrous. said for Princeton. students much as you might think. Our survey Despite what society tells us, come from stable, two-parent families showed an average of 6.5 hookups relationships are work. And if we want at a drastically higher proportion than per student, yet a median of just 1, the immense emotional and physical their peers and aspire to the same. indicating that a few serial hooker- fulfillment that comes with being in a Nonetheless, the anti-family, anti- uppers are seriously inflating the relationship, we’ll have to actively values “free love” movement that average — and everyone’s work toward it. I don’t mean to lower swept through our parents’ generation perceptions. The bottom line: not romance to the level of a problem set has indeed taken its toll on ours. The everybody’s doing it. or a JP, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to 1960s Left rejected the Ozzie and Princeton students, though fearful look at it that way. Your thesis didn’t Harriet family values that defined their of failure, are nonetheless highly write itself — and more likely than not, baby boomer upbringing but left success-driven and goal-oriented. We you’re not going to wake up next to nothing in their place. Society offers have to ask, then, why don’t students The One after a night at the Street. our generation little help. Thanks to pursue their goal of marriage with the What are you waiting for?

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 13 CAMPUS A Degree in Doubt An argument for greater depth in the Princeton academic experience

How could someone slip through bookending a four-year journey make the cracks like that? Because at best, the journey itself one ripe with learning. Brad Simmons ’03 the shared experiences of Princeton There are certainly times when Nitesh Paryani ’05 undergrads consist only of participation students naturally flock together to in ritualistic social events and the conquer a collective evil: junior papers, What does a Princeton degree submission of an unusually long paper Dean’s Date, final exams, theses. actually represent? These days, the a month prior to leaving campus. At Note, however, that these shared degree primarily reflects one’s worst, the Princeton experience has experiences typically involve presumed talent for having been lost its academic coherence entirely. overcoming obstacles (where the admitted to the university, rather than Part of the problem is that people obstacle is academic work), rather one’s achievement in graduating start with differing assumptions. than constituting positive learning therefrom. More disturbing still is that Confusion about Princeton’s purpose experiences approached by students this general perception is pretty with wide eyes and open minds. accurate. The oft-referred-to Worse yet, these events are just that: “Princeton experience,” ideally Seeking expertise in time-limited events – not continuous conveying a sense of the rich experiences – occurring once or academic experiences shared by everything leaves us twice a year. university alumni, is gradually with no expertise at all. Undoubtedly, these experiences disappearing. eventually provide some lasting The following true story illustrates benefit to students, giving us a sense this general trend. During a road trip, as an institution makes it difficult to of accomplishment and teaching us an Jones (a friend of ours) engaged in a come to a consensus on what it interesting form of mental endurance. lengthy conversation about American should do. We feel confident in But the same could be said of banging foreign policy with another asserting, nonetheless, that a primary one’s head against a wall (one might Princetonian – lets call him Smith. objective for the university community even confuse these incidents for each After a short time it became evident is to provide a structured, purposeful other, based on happenings the week to Jones that Smith, a senior in the liberal arts education to the student before theses are due). More Politics Department, was not well body. importantly, for faculty and versed in the basics of American This is not happening. At least, administrators to point to specific political history. So, half in jest, Jones not nearly to the degree that it used to instances of supposed enlightenment posed the question to Smith: what in American higher education, and is to ignore the underlying question countries formed the Axis Powers definitely not as much as it ought to. about the continuity of our time here. during World War II? To Jones’ A few sensible observations are in It’s not too much to ask that everyday astonishment, Smith was only able to order. activities for liberal arts majors, muster up Germany, and that was after A Shared Experience? particularly precepts and lectures, considerable prompting. We don’t There is no central academic demand that students engage in consider ourselves experts on experience for Princeton liberal arts discussion and thought. American foreign policy, but even majors. Much can be (and has been) Contrast this with the curriculum Brad’s ten-year old brother could at said about the freshman seminar and structure and academic scene least name Germany and Italy (and senior thesis programs, but we refuse surrounding most engineers and natural probably Japan as well). to accept that two course-equivalents science majors. Students must take

14 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 CAMPUS certain survey courses which, while seemingly famous authors education. By championing the notion generally rigorous, are foundational in (“Machiavelli: ends justify means,” that all ideas are equal, leftists ignore the learning process. A physics major, “Locke: natural rights,” “Marx: to the fact that – well, they’re not. As for instance, typically begins with a each/from each…”). with the pure sciences, certain literary, tough introductory course sequence, In fact, an assessment of the political, and historical concepts are without which most of the upper-level academic requirements of elite foundational to understanding more course material would be inaccessible. institutions conducted by the National advanced notions within their Likewise, electrical engineers must Association of Scholars, appropriately respective fields. Even if we were to accomplish certain tasks – including titled “The Dissolution of General accept this liberal contention, the fact the construction of a working engine Education,” reveals that this de- remains that Princeton students today – before graduating. No exceptions. emphasis on content-based learning is get by without actually knowing that Naturally, one tends to find students emblematic of a larger trend. Fewer which they have studied. Seeking in these ostensibly more rigorous mandatory survey courses and drastic expertise in everything leaves us with concentrations conversing over dinner reductions in courses requiring no expertise at all. and into the night about the course Time for Change material. Their academic interests So what options does this leave become a significant part of their By championing the us with? For starters, let it be said campus lives. Too often students label notion that all ideas are that heightening student workloads is this as boring or “uncool”; is this the not the answer. (To some extent, the kind of attitude we should expect equal, leftists ignore opposite is desirable: if students from students at an institution like actually had free time, more detailed Princeton? the fact that, well, exploration of their course material Imagine similar knowledge- they’re not. could be expected and attained.) based requirements for graduating Rather, the solution lies in liberal arts majors. Every balancing students’ exposure to a anthropology major would be prerequisites are hallmarks of the wide range of ideas with the goal of required to understand and articulate modern college. Throw in a encouraging deeper understanding of the importance of Clifford Geertz’s distribution requirement system that those ideas. This is an admittedly contributions to the field; every treats ridiculous weather experiments complex task. It also happens to be economics major would be compelled in “Shake ’n Bake” as concrete the central objective of any institution to explain and take a stance on the scientific learning experiences, and the providing a meaningful education in the proper role of the Fed in monetary “substance” of the typical Princeton arts and sciences. The difficulty of this policy; and, yes, graduating politics experience is put into perspective. educational balance does not excuse majors would ideally know the Axis The ability of students to study a the failure to achieve it. Powers in World War II. variety of ideas is not the source of This problem is not one that we In years past, students at elite the problem. After all, the purpose of can continue to ignore. The prestige universities prided themselves on the a liberal arts education is to create a attached to Princeton – which is substance of their educations – what well-rounded individual; this, simultaneously attached its students they learned, read, and wrote in necessarily, can only be done by and alumni – is well grounded, at least college. An English major had not just pursuing a diverse plan of study. At for the time being. If we continue, skimmed Othello or looked up a issue is the fact that students often however, to churn out students who summary written by a Harvard student pursue these diverse curricula at the lack both a shared academic on the Internet, but had in fact read it. expense of gaining a strong foundation experience and a deep understanding A student of politics genuinely knew in a particular field. Breadth of of the subject in which they are and appreciated the classic texts in exposure has come to supplant depth concentrating (or of anything besides political theory, rather than sliding of understanding. binge drinking, for that matter), the through with the ability to associate Much of this can be attributed to power of Princeton’s once-touted misleading catch phrases with the left’s relativistic approach to diploma will be no more.

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 15 CAMPUS A View from Right Field The Virtues of Baseball

my glove on (just in case) when my To this day, almost twelve years Ryan Feeney ’03 freckle-faced, six-year-old sister, later, those words have only one previously indisposed by her chocolate meaning when someone mentions “Dad, has the game started yet?” malt (which she apparently decided to them at the dinner table. The laughter If you grew up in my house, you wear rather than eat), posed that most and series of blushes from my sister knew exactly what that meant, and it infamous question. push any problems to the backs of our made you laugh every single time. Let I’ll never forget the way she minds. me explain. When I was in the third looked, or the way my dad laughed, Our common joy at the grade, my dad took all of us to a Giants or the way that I, as a sophisticated, remembrance of our trip to the ballpark game at Candlestick Park in sunny sports-loving nine-year-old, could not way back when reminds me of all that San Francisco. It was the fourth inning believe that a person could be at that we’ve been through and all the good and the G-men had already scored game and fail to notice a) that the game times we’ve had. At those moments, two on a home run by Will Clark. I had indeed started, and b) that the the word “family” starts to make just was intently watching the game with Thrill went deep. a little bit more sense.

16 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 CAMPUS

That ballpark memory is one still the closest I’ve ever come to a game with him seemed to makes us of so many that stands out in my mind. catching one. Or the time he thought both forget about all that stuff. We I remember sitting in the bleachers on the game was over and we should were brothers at a baseball game. We sunny days, drumstick in hand. I leave early. When we pulled into the saw Barry Bonds take one deep. And remember the calls of the vendor garage of our house, my brother and I we talked. We talked about me and alerting me that he had “Peanuts, turned on the radio just in time to hear about him and about baseball and it Heeeere!”, the crack of the bat, and Matt Williams hit the game-winning was great. The game was in a different the roar of the crowd. I remember homer in the 13th inning for the Giants. park than the one I’d grown up with, the feeling I got when I saw my I don’t think he’s ever lived that one and there were different players baseball heroes for the first time “in down. And of course, wrapped up in making a whole lot more money, but real life.” But most of all, I remember blankets at one of the “Croix de it was still baseball. And there were talking baseball with my dad. It was Candlestick” extra-inning games, still Red Ropes. And we were, above always tough for him to get away from asking my mom for some more hot all else, brothers. the rigors of his work, but when we The point of all this is that the got the chance to, we found our way ballpark is a family place. There is out to the Stick. something about the purity of baseball I remember trading baseball cards that has kept it above the other major with my little brother (time has given sports in this respect. There are no me the presence of mind to crazy, mask-wearing fans, or acknowledge that “swindling” would cheerleaders, or loud music, or other probably be a better word than major distractions. There’s just the “trading,” but there were some good game. When you go to the game with deals, I swear). Once, I even your family, you watch the game, and convinced my brother that Candy you talk to the people you’re with. Maldonado was just as good as Barry Nothing else. And that’s why the Bonds, and we made the trade. ballpark is a place where real family Thanks for that one bro. bonding occurs. I remember my mom, always The first time I went to a Giants making sure I had an extra coat for game was the first time I felt like I was those night games. She was probably cool enough to really hang out with the more excited for me than even I was. coolest guy I knew, my dad. The And of course, my sister, who never ballpark is a place where you go as a really made it back to the park after kid thinking that you’re going to watch her instant of notoriety. She never was your heroes, not realizing that the real quite sure what all the fuss was about. chocolate, but (of course) my brother heroes are the ones sitting next to you The games were great, and the treats finished it. Thanks for that one too. the whole time. were good, but looking back, the I‘ve even had the opportunity to Even in an era where so many memories that are clearest in my mind wear the other shoe. My youngest people have a skewed perception of have nothing to do with athletic feats brother is 12 years old, and my being what real family values are, it’s still true or Red Ropes. I remember being with thousands of miles away from home that when you see a young kid out at my dad and my brother and sometimes has not done wonders for our a ballgame with his or her family, you even my mom and sister, and my best relationship. He’s into skateboarding, know that’s what family is all about. memories from the park always cartoons, and candy and I like skiing, Seeing a family out at a game with their include them. sports, and, well, candy. little one just gives you that feeling— Like the time my dad left his seat But last summer I had the that all is right with the world. So to make a phone call and a foul ball opportunity to take him out to Pac Bell here’s to baseball. May it continue to bounced off his seat into the lap of Park. Despite our differences and the create memories and build families for the person seated behind him. That’s little time we spend together, being at years to come.

MAY 2002 THE PRINCETON TORY · 17 LAST WORD Screeches and Ruffled Feathers The OWL “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Conference in Review

ethically superior to men in the financial Managing Director of J.P. Morgan John Andrews ’05 sector. She saw her position as that of Securities, such presentation reflects “guardian of the values,” which she a minimal grasp of the proper use of “This is so cowardly,” declared held to be “the right job for a woman.” statistics. Anyone with an ounce of Nancy Ippolito ’03, clutching a stack She stated that “my performance- common sense would realize that since of issues of the April Princeton Tory. based reputation and integrity fool- the Army is predominantly male, its “That they [distributors of the Tory] proofed my career against the guys statistics are inconsequential to the would just leave these here and overall likelihood of individuals not debate us face to face.” taking leave. Furthermore, Ippolito’s Organization of childbirth is reserved exclusively Women Leaders nametag to women, while sport is open proclaimed her “Co-Founder to both genders (as and Co-President,” which might demonstrated by the president seem remarkable until one of the WNBA in a later speech considers that OWL’s web site at the conference). Finally, such lists twenty-seven officers, a statistic is of even less use in including three “co-social application to the business world chairs.” (Résumé padding, because Army life encourages anyone?) Regardless, the co-ed sport but not reproduction. co-president then proceeded However, with nods and grunts to unceremoniously dispose of of approval, the audience the issues beneath a table laden uncritically accepted these with OWL propaganda, meaningless statistics as prima including extra-small T-shirts facie evidence of female bearing the slogan “Not Just Hooters.” who might have shot me dead a long superiority in the workplace. It also I later realized the metaphorical time ago.” That high performance and devoured Black’s anecdotal evidence: significance of her action; the entire high integrity do not always coincide Black argued that business practice is conference dispensed with legitimate is one of the harsh realities of business, obfuscated by “man-like sports discussion in favor of the inane but such discrepancies are in no way metaphor” and told a personal story catechism of “tube-top” feminism (see restricted to males. of a committee where the seven men Jennifer Carter’s article in April’s The second and third panelists, went to the Masters’ golf tournament issue). Lisa Black of TIAA-CREF and and left the three women with all the The inanity was off to a running Margaret Cannella of J.P. Morgan, work. start with the first panel, “Women in believed that women were harder I had begun to suspect that the the Financial Sector.” This panel was workers than men, portraying men as entire conference would be similarly marked by unabashed female sports-crazed simpletons. Cannella meaningless until Bonnie Reitz, the chauvinism. The first panelist, presented a series of statistics such as next speaker, gave her presentation. Michaela Walsh, formerly of J.P. that within the U.S. Army, men took Reitz, in fact, had just come from the Morgan’s world credit research more leave due to sports injury than Masters’ where she, as Continental division, argued that women are did women due to maternity. From the Airlines’ Senior V.P. of Sales and

18 · THE PRINCETON TORY MAY 2002 LAST WORD

Distribution, had hosted Continental’s mature, and charming address and Princeton University – should consider clients. She encouraged the young Publicity Chair Akila Raman ’04’s use each individual on his or her own merit. women present to play more golf, as of the word “like” five times in a This notion of equality is nurtured by it was a good way to form business sentence and her floor question “What the business-suit feminists, who seek relationships. She differed with the can we [women] do to make ourselves to transcend gender – and injured by previous panel on more than just golf: more marketable?” OWL revisionists, who seek to flaunt “You can take any statistic you want After several hours at a it. and support whatever argument you conference with the ostensible topic By the end of the day, no Tory want to make.” She restricted her use of the “glass ceiling,” I naturally cover story was needed to point out of statistics to ratios of businesswomen wondered if any of the speakers would the glaring tensions between OWL’s in prominent positions, a reasonable actually confirm its existence. Finally, lipservice to feminism and the feminism method of comparison. Indeed, it is at the “Women in Academia” panel, actually lived out by their accomplished striking that among the Fortune 500, Deborah Nord, director of Women’s guests. Nonetheless, I would like to there are only six women CEO’s. Yet Studies, alleged “overt and pure have asked Ippolito and her colleagues Reitz declined to ascribe even this discrimination” against women in terms whether it is not more cowardly to disparity to any sort of “glass ceiling,” of tenures and salaries given by suppress the voice of dissent – to partially because “men are statistically universities. It will be instructive to see remove magazines placed on distant more qualified.” “Men don’t if such “discrimination” ceases under tables accompanied by signs reading deliberately exclude you,” she told the Princeton’s new administration, of “Free – Take One.” conference. “You have to insert which women occupy the two most It is quite possible that, had the yourself… you can get whatever you powerful positions. Joyce Carol Oates staff of the Tory met Ippolito’s want; you just have to keep working was more circumspect. She professed challenge, they would have been at it.” She also rejected the necessity to have no proof of discrimination promptly escorted out at OWL’s of superiority through performance: “I during her rise as a writer and an request. With alternative viewpoints so never worried about having to prove academic and said, “I really don’t thoroughly stifled, the “conference” myself by doing more.” To resolve the know the answers.” Oates’s maxim, would be better labeled as Stalinoid scarcity of women in upper “As a writer, one transcends gender,” polemic. As the polemicists did a pretty management, Reitz called for building should be applied to all professions. good job of contradicting each other, workplace relationships between the Excessive concentration on gender, as though, formal dissent proved genders rather than sex-discrimination on race, with the purpose of proving unnecessary. One might consider the lawsuits. I was struck by the incidents to be discrimination, can do conference a debate or a jeremiad, dichotomy between “business-suit” more harm than good to relations but, outside of the presentations of feminism and OWL’s “tube-top” between the parties. Rather, Reitz and Oates, one must consider it variety – between Reitz’s eloquent, employers – from J.P. Morgan to a failure either way. “I have built it... Will you come?” -Brian Beck ’05, online editor princetontory.com

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