Voyeur
Page 2
University Daily Kansan Wednesday, October 24,1956
Activities: Profit Or Vicious Circle?
It has often been said that "Satan finds work for idle hands." And where is this more evident than at the University in Lawrence as hordes of students hustled and bustled frantically about in preparation for the annual Student Union Carnival. Swarming like harassed hornets, they buzzed in and out of the Union, back to their houses, zipped downtown for "a few supplies" and began the relentless pounding, hammering, sawing, and general confused construction of booths and scenery.
Meanwhile, back on fraternity row, fellow brothers and sisters screeched endlessly into the night, singing clever songs, speaking witty lines, sennading the housemother into the wee hours of the night in order to prepare themselves for a round of 10-minute shows before their cynical and sneering college friends.
And so it went, hour after hour, day after day, week after week. Rehearsals, fittings, sewing of costumes, blaring of car horns, campaigns for this man and that man—all seeking the coveted, time-honored title of "Little Man on Campus."
And thus, Kansas University students compose their own epitaph for the Fall Season. With the completion of these Fall epitaphs, everything falls--grades, morale, dispositions, and perhaps even more important, the eyelids! For who can be expected to stay awake in class when the quiet, lovely sleeping hours of the night have been filled with bedlam, mayhem, and chaos?
Are we being archaic and old-fashioned or has the idea of a good education been completely discarded? We do not wish to imply that all idle pursuits be abandoned. What we do advocate is the application of common sense and perspective to these pursuits.
What are we here for? Is our purpose merely to give skits, songs and dances for the entire 36 weeks of school-time? Education is not only studying, reading and writing. It is also taking the time to talk seriously and intelligently to fellow students and professors. It is a study in human relations and human needs. It is a growing awareness of the beauty of the world that surrounds us—not only that which is plainly
visible in our physical environment but also the beauty that must be sought after and drawn out of other men and women. Isn't the song and dance routine which is so prevalent around this campus a rather shallow and confining means by which to reach our ideals?
A similiar major performance, corresponding to the Carnival, is staged again in the spring with the famous Rock Chalk Revue. It is granted that Rock Chalk is something in which all loyal KU supporters can take pride. It has a wide reputation as a good, entertaining show. But do the two evenings of its presentation justify the loss of sleep, study time, and general peace and good will that are so essential to our lives?
The real fault of such extravanganzas as the Carnival and Rock Chalk lies in the fact that there is no lasting use made of the energy expended. What happens to the funds' that are derived from these events? Some of it is returned to the sponsoring organization, such as the proceeds from Rock Chalk going back to the KU-Y (YMCA-YWCA); some of it is given back to the houses so that they may resume anew the endless chain of activities. But if the Rock Chalk Revae were taken to Kansas City for example, would the profit have to be given to the houses.
If we must continue to concoct these schemes, wouldn't it be more satisfying to know that our efforts had helped a child recover from polio; or perhaps provided needed equipment to a hospital or research center?
The writers of this editorial are as much a part of this confused "rat race" as anyone, and we do not pretend to put ourselves above it. We merely wish to say something that needs to be said.
Let us think more rationally and consider our actions in comparison to those bigger actions that transpire each day. As the situation now stands, is there any real point in all this busy activity?
Are we college students, the alleged "cream of the crop," turning into curdled milk because of a lack of perspective?
... Just Browsing ...
in case you can't remember back as far as last year, this was once the campus where all sorts of practical jokes were attempted, and more than a few of them were pretty darn successful.
Of course, there was the almost-weekly effort to paint the beloved statue of Uncle Jimmy over by the law barn, but even this has become a dead tradition this year.
Dona Seacat Elaine Morrison
My, but the good old University seems to be going to the dogs, and for no apparent reason at all.
And in past years, a few students have shaken off the old "conformist" label and have really come up with some tremendous ideas, some of which actually were successful. (If you can call such stunts successful.)
While our KU predecessors of the roaring '20's had their great sport by attempting to chug-a-lug goldfish, the gung-ho Jayhawker of last year got his thrills by pouring either soap flakes or marker dye into either the Chi Omega fountain or the Chancellor's Fountain. The Chancellor's fountain is more accurately known by some other name, but no one in the office can remember it.)
Of course, some of the pranksters point out that pouring soap flakes into the west-end shower bath actually did KU a great service, claiming that it stopped more cases of BO than Mum ever did.
But back to practical jokes, or pranks, or vandalism, or whatever you may wish to call it.
LITTLE MAN ON CAMPUS by Dick Bibler
It seems that the KU-Kansas State peace pact has been renewed, thus pledging both schools to eliminate acts of vandalism toward each other on the eve of the forthcoming traditional football game.
"I SEE IVE LECTURED PAST THE BELL AGAIN—"
Dick Walt
It takes no genius to realize that a good many students of both institutions don't give two hoots in you-know-where what kind of a pact their schools have signed. These students feel that it is self-glorification for themselves to toss paint, steal wildcats, etc.
And it is, apparently. Also, so is taking part in a panty-raid. That is, if you can get back in school to brag about it.
Dailu Hansan
University of Kansas student newspaper
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