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University Daily Kansan Tuesday. December 14, 1954
Spirit of Christmas:
And when the warm glow of Christmas spreads around us we turn our cynical thoughts to love and good will. We want to walk down the street and talk to everyone we see, bless them and wish them a Merry Christmas.
Christmas, as we all know, is more than Santa Claus-coming-down-the-chimney time. It is a time for rejoicing as we commemorate the birth of one who had a deep respect for mankind—a respect incorporated in Christianity.
Why Not Keep Christmas A Year-Around Spirit?
And come Christmas, we all feel a little closer to one another—we care a little more about one another. We guess it's what is known as 'The Spirit of Christmas.'
We momentarily forget the misery that is ever present in many parts of the world today. We forget about such things as wars, deaths and starvation. We forget about the bloody Indochina war, the 13 Americans held by the Reds. We forget to curse the junior senator from Wisconsin—we even forget that there are two political parties constantly hammering at each other throughout the year.
But when Jan. 1 dawns our loving thoughts again turn cynical. We remember, and we wish again we could forget. And we think, "wouldn't it be wonderful if men and women could carry the spirit of Christmas with them throughout the year?" Then maybe—in time—there would be nothing to forget.
We are filled with the spirit of giving, whether the gift be spiritual or material.
Idealistic? Maybe. But worth thinking about.
—Karen Hilmer.
Trees, Church, and Presents What Does Christmas Mean?
Everyone's talking about Christmas—what they're saying may or may not be too important, depending on how you look at it. Most of the talk concerns Christmas trees—what color to buy, Christmas presents, what to give Aunt Susie, and how many fruit cakes to bake this year.
Now all of these things have some importance, but it does seem that there is one glaring lack when it comes to Christmas talk. As yet, we haven't heard much said about Christmas itself. We haven't heard many discussions on Christmas—the fact that it's the day Christ was born, and we haven't heard a bit of talk on what Christ means to the individual.
Well, it's about time for a lot of us to be going to church—it's nearing Christmas time you know, and the churches usually draw their best crowds then—especially Christmas eve.
But then, that's the way it goes. It seems that people are always just a little hesitant to talk
Religion is part of our lives, most of us will admit, and most of us will probably claim to be "practicing Christians." And if we don't go to church, well our thoughts are there, even if our bodies are home.
Religion is certainly connected with Christmas. It should be a major part of Christmas. Maybe this annual or semi-annual visit to our local church would be a good time to do a little soul-examining about what religion really means to us.
about religion. We have, unfortunately even seen people blush when they say they've been to church.
Maybe this Christmas will bring us one step closer to being what we call "practicing Christians"—meaning those people who every day practice and obey the teachings of Christ. Surely that would be an excellent Christmas present to give ourselves.
—Mary Bess Stephens
To the Editor:
...Letters ...
In the November 29th issue of the Daily Kansan you printed an article written by a graduate student, obviously not in Sociology, who made some rather outlandish statements concerning the recent experiment conducted by one of Mr. LoBello's sociology classes.
Mr. Cranefield states: "If I interpret this properly, these sociology students are being taught that conformity is something that should be cultivated while nonconformity should be avoided because it makes you feel lonesome and furthermore, people may call you names. In other words, if society happens to be wrong (condoning slavery, for example) the individual happens to be right (being against slavery) should compromise his principles and go all out for slavery so that he won't offend "society"."
In the first place, the experiment was not to teach the students the virtues of conformity and vices of nonconformity, it was merely an experiment to show how the folkways of our campus have become so embedded in our sub-culture that students who go against these "laws" are immediately cast into an ingroup of their own and the other
members of the student body become an out-group.
LITTLE MAN ON CAMPUS by Dick Bibler
In the second place, comparing this experiment with the slavery question is hardly a just comparison. Conforming to the mode of dress on a campus affects only the individuals concerned, while conforming to such a large principle as slavery simply so as not to offend society might well affect an immense group of individuals.
ulations which prevent any accident to the young lady, interior or exterior. Naturally there will be exceptions when an occasional injury occurs, but no more frequently than injuries which will occur by riding with a "man" friend (as Mr. Lynn would probably say), who drives at a break-neck speed just to show off like some immature people do.
In closing, I wish to agree with Mr. Cranfield in the certainty the tastes and values of the group or society are not always right. But, when they are obviously wrong, then it is up to the individuals of that society to change these tastes and values, not to conform to them out of fear of being ostracized.
Maybe "no girl ever became more feminine by playing basketball," but it seems rather ridiculous to think she becomes masculine by a little active fun. I was under the impression that such behavior was due to certain body hormones.
By now I imagine that some girls are wondering (especially with the appearance of Mr. Lynn's rather individualistic report of women's basketball) just what the outlook of society is toward our newly debatable topic of women's sports. May I now take my stand?
Jane Thompson College Junior
Also, there are several desirable qualities a few of our very feminine KU ladies might gain by trying their hand at such a "vulgar" sport.
I am in favor of any young lady's participation in any sport which has been duly set forth for her protection and enjoyment. One such sport, I believe, is women's basketball.
First, no one will deny that sportsmanship is an excellent virtue to be possessed by any marital mate. Where can one find a better developing ground for sportsmanship than on the basketball court. Another thing to be learned is that all of life is not just "powder-puffs and white shirts," so to speak. No one learns too soon that there is a winner and loser in every contest. Don't say that the average college student has learned this either, please without a little unbiased thought first. Then, probably, you
There are adequate rules and reg-
心
"I'm surprised that his passes are lousy—after some of the 'wild ones' he made at me the other nite."
The 'Big Lie' for 56? It Looks Like It Now
The backers of Sen Joe McCarthy must be wondering where to turn for power.
For doubtless there are more pro-Eisenhower Republicans than pro-McCarthy Republicans. The first GOP president in 20 years was swept into office in a virtual landslide in 1952.
Does Sen. McCarthy think he is stronger within the party than the party standard bearer? Probably not.
But Sen. McCarthy's first open denunciation of President Eisenhower was obviously slanted in the direction of the nation's headlines, which means more power for the censured senator.
Sen. McCarthy's opening skirmish has rendered the efforts of Vice President Nixon, who worked so hard and traveled so far to hold the party together in last November's elections, virtually useless.
The wrinkle within the GOP elephant's hide is now an open sore, not likely to be healed by the mendicant of compromise. Republicans couldn't or wouldn't compromise over the recent McCarthy censure. They won't compromise now
Does Sen. McCarthy think he can continually ride "the big lie" into more power in 1956? Apparently so.
Otherwise, he would not have attempted to split his party so early in the political season.
Sen. McCarthy derives his power from the nation's headlines. It should be a busy season for the censured senator.
Ron Grandon
won't honestly be able to say that this is not a true statement.
Maybe Mr. Lynn did take social dance to become more attractive to the feminine sex. So did I, but does he hunt and fish for the same reason? No. I believe he does this for pure enjoyment just like some girls play basketball for enjoyment.
Well, this is just another man's comment—if a 20 year old college male can express a man's opinion.
Dale Dill College Senior
Phog says that the home court is worth at least 10 points to the home team, but wouldn't you agree that Hoch auditorium is worth a few more than 10 to the Jayhawks?
Just think, a little more than a week, two hour exams, four dates, three basketball games, and one term paper till Christmas vacation begins.
Daily Hansan
University of Kansas Student Newspaper News Room, KU 251 Ad Room, KU 376
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