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Tuesday, November 13, 1990 / University Daily Kansan
Opinion
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
A burning symbol
Burning cross left in front of the SAE fraternity is just another example of racism's foolishness
A recent racial incident on campus has gone mostly unnoticed, and for once, perhaps it is for the best. The way the racists chose to express themselves was so cowardly and idiotic that maybe it would be better if they just crawled back under the rock where they came from and were forgotten.
There has been no outcry concerning the burning cross and racist note left Wednesday morning on the front lawn of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. The note accused all Whites of being racists.
This does not compare with what happened on campus last spring after a Black KU student was struck and racially insulted at the SAE (fraternity while she was delivering pizzas.
Protests and outrage may not be necessary this time, though. Because no suspects have been apprehended by police, there are no KU students or organizations to be punished.
Instead, it might be best if students simply take a few moments to reflect on the inherent stupidity of racism, which this incident so clearly reveals.
A symbol usually associated with the Ku Klux Klan was used to accuse Whites of being racists. The Klan has not been known to use burning crosses to accuse Whites of being racists, but instead to terrorize Blacks. The idea of using a racist symbol in an apparent statement against racism is an exercise in hypocrisy.
Ironically, Blacks and Whites now find themselves in the same boat as victims of racism.
In place of the natural outrage students should feel because of this incident, perhaps there should be understanding instead — understanding of the warped nature of racists and the mindlessness of racist action.
Bryan Swan for the editorial board
Space shortage
Kansas should let private company run prisons
cross the country, public systems are paroling more convicts as states A lift
- struggle with stricter sentencing laws and court-ordered prison population limits.
and court-ordered prison population limits.
Last year, nearly a half million inmates were paroled, a 12 percent increase from the year before. That nearly matches the 13 percent growth of the prison population.
Therefore, granting parole to a greater number of prisoners kept pace with the growing legion of people going to prison.
In Kansas, 37 percent more paroles were ordered than in 1988, a greater jump than in Kentucky.
During the past decade, prisons were pinched by legislation to toughen sentences and court rulings to control crowding. States were told to build more prisons. A new facility is being built in El Dorado.
The prison is needed, and Kansans should be grateful for it. But legislators should be
ashed that plans for new facilities did not accompany drives for vigorous prosecution and longer penalties.
Tough stances on crime, of course, are more appetizing to voters than are new prisons in their neighborhoods. But several small, fading communities would benefit from jobs provided new prisons.
Kansas, suffering from a serious prison space shortage and a tight budget, should consider contracting a private company to plan, build and maintain new prisons. Such arrangements have saved other states the difficulty of choosing which prisoners to allow to leave prison early.
Not surprisingly, private prisons cost those states less than the government-managed ones they replaced or supplemented, a benefit tax-tired Kansans should take to heart.
Rich Cornell for the editorial board
LETTERS to the EDITOR
One realist not amused
I must say that I, too, am a realist and I don't agree with the statement that some of the situations depicted in the cartoon, "Three Imaginary Girls," do happen sometimes in real life. But, being the realist that I am, I can't help thinking about the cartoon's failure to meet one of the main standards that I think cartoons should have. It isn't funny.
Mike Fatall Prairie Village junio
'Girls' cartoon offends
Avery's cartoon is realistic?!!? Who are you, and where did you come from? Moreover, if that's the credit you give women in our society, when are you going back there?
I am writing in response to Mary Neubauer's column Nov. 6 concerning the "Three Imaginary Girls" cartoon.
Avery's cartoon has repeatedly confused and offended me. Not only is his depiction of women demeaning and harmful, but not once it has been the least bit amusing. By listing some other cartoons that use these same
sexist tactics (Popeye, the Simpsons,
etc.), you have already proven my
point.
"Aren't these cartons demeaning, too?" you ask. Yes, they are. Does the fact that they all exist make them OK. Ms. Neubauer? No, it does not.
Sexism is a terrible problem that exists not only in society as a whole, but in this community It is not a problem that can be solved overnight, but we have to start somewhere.
So, please, no more excuses.
Sheri Watts Lawrence junior
Avery strip a big waste
I don't know Tom Avery. He's probably even a pretty cool guy, but I care for his cartoon . . . not! Usually an editorial cartoon is supposed to mean something or perhaps make you think about a certain subject. All this cartoon, and I use the term "friends," so I'm sure I or anyone else would read it or, for that matter, put up with it in the paper.
I am writing in response to Mary Neubauer's column regarding the cartoon "Three Imaginary Girls." I along with many, many peers think that this "carton" is the worst, most waste of paper ever produced.
Some people say that this cartoon is sexist to women, unfair to men and that it presents a bad image of women who depict it; just get it out of the paper.
Here is my proposal: Take this thing out of the paper for a month, space the sell the space for advertising, and use it to create a new word here a syndicated cartoon
The only time I laughed was when he used the word "Fahrvergungen," and that was because I have a Volkswagen.
Until then, bring back Camp Uhneely. Please!
Tom Ahlschwede Lincoln, Neb., junior
Class closed. Michaud
We are also pleased to know that these courses are seen as academically challenging, although "nightmare" may be a little too strong. After all, women's studies affiliated faculty have been the recipients of numerous teaching awards over the years.
We are writing in response to Tom Michaud's comic strip, "Home Remedies," which appeared November 6.
We were pleased to learn that the women's studies courses listed in the cartoon are so well known. That has led us to develop a program since its beginning in 1972.
We're sorry Michaud doesn't feel up to the challenge, but since the problem he listed are closed, he'll probably have to look elsewhere anyway.
Angel Kwolek-Folland, Charlene
women's studies instructors
FLAXMAN university daily Kansan
Market condoms everywhere
I don't know what to think about condoms being put in residence hall cake machines. Personally, I disagree with the policy because of my religious beliefs. But then, it's not up to me.
However, it might be a good thing. It's easily accessible to those rude rakes who are going to do it anwav
Furthermore, placing condoms in the machines may lead to terrorist acts similar to abortion clinic bombings. I'm really going to hate being dragged out of bed because some well-meaning Christian terrorist trained by Basque separatists is going to blow up the condom
Well, it is easily accessible if you don't mind the fundamentalist Christians with the Gideon Bibles who have chained themselves to the base of the machines. And if you can get by those people, you have to look out for the others coming behind you in order that you can't be convinced that you can't formulate. It's amazing what complete strangers will do to save your soul.
Michael Paul
Staff columnist
machines. I'll hate being maimed by the molten lates that will splash on us when a bomb blows up as I am the pop machine getting a Dr Pepper.
But does this policy go far enough? I think this nation needs a concentrated AIDS prevention program, with a Sex Czar, or a Condom Czar, just as William Bennett has been in the drug war. The planes that spray for mosquitoes in Florida also should drop condoms. Clowns at circuses and parades, instead of thronging in crowds, should protect condoms. Driver's side airbags should be shaped like condoms, just to keep the United States condom-conscious. Cereal companies should put condoms in their boxes instead of
the submarines that sink and rise when you put baking soda in them. Motel chains should put condoms in the bedside table drawers next to the Bible and the road atlas, and rangers should give you condoms with your camping and park information. Perhaps condom machines could even be put next to the blue emergency phones or across the street from churches, especially those opposed to the machines. Instead of shipping condoms through guerrilla movements, we could send condoms to them. Or maybe we could take prevention a step further by having government-tested prostitutes so one wouldn't need to worry about catching something nasty.
We need to take more effective measures to deal with this problem, instead of stop-gap measures such as installing a residence in hallway candy machines
Michael Paul is a Manhattan sophomore majoring in journalism and political science.
Guide lets people shop according to issues
W when you walk down the grocery store aisle and come to the facial tissues area, you probably see two dominant brands: Klenex and Puffs. Each brand is versatile in shape and high-quality tissues in several colors, scented and unscented. The brands are comparably priced, usually differing by only a few cents. There is hardly any reason for shoppers to choose one over the other, but whom - hardly an obvious reason
Kevin Parker
Buying products manufactured by certain companies because of their social records is not a new occurrence. But it is a consumer power of rapidly growing importance. It is also made very simple, even fairly fun, by a recent publication of the Council on Economic Priorities, an independent, non-profit research organization called "World" is an easy-to-use guide that rates companies whose products you choose among regularly.
Guest columnist
This little book shows ratings in eleven categories such as women's advancement, environment, South African investment and donation to charity, supplies and supplies, a crucial knowledge to make informed decisions.
What decisions? Which shaving creams can one buy to avoid supporting cruel animal-testing techniques, what breakfast cereals are made by companies that don't seem to be bothered by their poor environmental records or even which companies refuse to answer certain sections on the voluntary questionnaires that were part of CEP's research?
Maybe you wish to avoid throwing business to corporations that also make cigarettes (or pesticides, or disposable diapers) or have no one of an ethnic minority in top offices or board of directors. Or maybe you want to reward companies that provide on-site day care, promote their community in various ways or have other high ratings.
Brand recognition, bright packaging, entertaining ads (often with celebrity testimonial) and unforgettable slogans (The Silver — The Gold) are some of the most usually all there is to consider when choosing which corporations to support with your paycheck this week. But not anymore. Now you can write to CEP at 30 Irving Place, New York, N.Y., 10030, or call 1-800-824-6345 for a free consultation. You can email, or simply to order "Shopping For A Better World." It costs $9.95.
A few months ago, every major tuna-production company used methods that killed thousands of salmon. But the industry have rejected that policy. This was not because of sudden enlightenment but because of supermarket "voting" by consumers. According to CEP's guide, several companies that had started tuna production year were cooperative for the 1990 edition. Borden executives even
asked to meet with CEP to find out how to earn top ratings in every category. No need to kill Goliath. Just twist his arm a bit and he'd good
Make choices at the grocery store based not on which product has the loudest label or cleverest ads with the sexiest models but on which company behaves in a way you like. When you are supporting your beliefs merely by selecting some brands over others, it is truly gratifying. When I get to the tissues I pick Puffs, made by Procter & Gamble, and sheer at Kleenex, made by Kinney-Clark Knowledge is power.
I should make one distinction, though I have used facial tissues to illustrate my point, but one or two brands now available are made of recycled fibers. While I'm glad for this trend, I want to stress that the issues I'm addressing are corporate responsibility and responsiveness, not the quality or environmental virtue of specific products.
I have, in fact, seen two recent guides that seem well-suited for those focusing on environmental concerns. But the unique attribute of the guide I'm pushing here is that it instantly gives a little insight into many realities of behavior of the human being behind Noya's past Mrs. Butterworth, the Jolly Green Giant and all such animated envoys for a look at what endeavors you'll be supporting when you pay up.
Kevin Parker is an Austin graduate student in systematics and ecology.
KANSAN STAFF
Editors
News ... Julie Mettenburg
Editorial ... Mary Neubauer
Planning ... Pam Salmieri
Hawaiian ... James A. Hawkins
Sports ... Brent Maycock
Photo ... Andrew Morrison
Graphics ... Brett Bronner
Features ... Stacy Smith
DEREK SCHMIDT
Editor
KJERSTEN GABRIELSON
Managing editor
TOM EBLEN
General manager, news advice
Business staff
Campus sales mgr. Christ Dool
Regional sales mgr. Jackie Schmalzmed
National sales mgr. David Price
Co-op sales mgr. Deborah Salzer
Production mgr. Missy Miller
Production assistant Julie Aikland
Marketing director Audra Langford
Creative director Gail Einbinder
MARGARET TOWNSEND
Business manager
MINDY MORRIS
Retail sales manager
JEANNE HINES
Sales and marketing adviser
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Home Remedies
By Tom Michaud
I MEAN...SHE IS ALWAYS DOING RESEARCH...AND SHE CLEARLY DOESN'T LOOK AT YOU THE WAY YOU DO HER.
ALEXANDER 913