4 Friday, September 21, 1990/ University Daily Kansan Opinion It's time to stop campus ignorance I hope it is not too late to say welcome back — not to the beginning of another school year, but to our own microcosm of the world's prejudice, bigotry, injustice and hiviscrys. The University of Kansas is celebrating its 125th year of existence, which in all essence is a celebration of humanity, racism and voluntary ignorance. The seriousness of not allowing people with a different sexual preference to participate in the ROTC program (by participate I mean receive scholarships, be commissioned to jobs, etc.)... didn't really sink in until the third time I viewed the diversity videotape produced by the summer orientation staff. In it, Chancellor Gene A Bustow states her seriousness and emotion in his voice, says there is no place for prejudice, bigotry, racism and the like at this University. Ardra Tippett Guest columnist What hypocrisy! Our school code says that no one will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. There should be an addendum that says, "As long as you are white, you must be on a tribute to the advancement of the White, male, heterosexual, Anglo-saxon ruling structure, or, the administration." The mindlessness and stereotypic, oppressive behavior being exercised throughout this campus is disheartening. For one to believe that the professor could possibly negatively affect any activities that he performs outside the bedroom is ludicrous, shallow and simply ignorant. If bedroom behavior had an adverse effect on people, there undoubtedly would be a detrimental or defective, impaired heterosexual walking around this campus-world. I am truly sorry that the University's ROTC program has to suffer because of inadequacies in the laws of this so-called land of opportunity, but that's this society for you. One reaps the repercussions and suffers the consequences of his or her own actions or affiliations whether they are legitimate or unjust. Members of groups that discriminate, harm or regulate other human beings deserve whatever they get. If that means something as minor as no commission exercises on campus or ROTC credits not count ing towards graduation, then so be it mg towards graduation, then be so it. This University said it would not prohibit free speech, and as sure as this is Lawrence, they allowed the Ku Klux Klan on campus and speak in 1988. Why are they now allowing discrimination against students because of their sexual preference? How contradictory. I wonder how the decision-makers sleep at night - Somesite? Injustice, bigotry and racism are internal to our political, educational and economic systems. Thus, the so-called majority is too shallow, self-centered and utterly ignorant to what it is doing daily to be able to identify the problems as they actually are. And too weak to correct them if it is done, they identify the problem as definitely problems with racism, bigotry, prejudice and discrimination in this society and on this campus. When a student organization, whether it be greek or academic, violates the University's code of conduct, it contributes to and thus condones one of the harshest forms of discrimination toward another human being — spewing racial slurs. When the University claims it cannot and will not do anything about it, the students are involved. There are problems, only a question of how and if they will be solved. I refuse to believe that any semi-intelligent person can't see that there are problems within this system. When it is no longer to the University's advantage to purchase left-handed desks, left-handed people will find it difficult to fit into their ramps and walkways for the elderly. FLETCH + MO 110K and disabled becomes inconvenience, they will be the target of alienation. If one of the athletic programs stops bringing the University the money or the services, it is also alienated. Mute people can see this destructive, selfish pattern, and concerned, compassionate people will try to do something to stop it. Women should fight to stop wars Arda Tippett is a St. Louis senior majoring in African-American studies, history and political science. Why can't women fight? Just because they haven't been able to traditionally, not to mention the fact that they haven't wanted to, doesn't mean they should not be allowed to bare their teeth and weapons at the enemy. MIDEAST MEETS MIDWEST Amelia Beard Staff columnist Just because women's fights rarely escalate to scratching and hair-pulling doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to blow someone's brains out. Just because women have traditionally been the peacemakers, or gentle sex, does not mean they should be unrecognizable. In the blood of fellow human beings. Surely there must be some kind of primitive glory in seeing someone's blood seeping into foreign soil. It must be quite a feeling to see someone you've shot holding his or her stomach in agony. If women really, genuinely want the experience of seeing a human being explode, then I say, "Go for it." Fight War is glorious and exciting, so why should women be excluded? True, women don't have the brute strength to lift 60-pound shells into guns, as a recent article in Newsweek said. But they are far from deficient. Why not put women right on the front lines, where they seem to want They can handle a ship of war or drive a tank as well as any man. They can lift and fire machine guns or knives, should it come to that. to be? So, maybe they might get killed. Men leave wives and fatherless children, why can't women leave kids or motherless children? Fair is fair. Perhaps having women in war would offer a calming influence on the bectic, frenzied attitude of men and children. The country and told it's good to kill蒋 Maybe there would be fewer civil killings, or perhaps orphan homes would be established and manned by U.S. servicepeople. Yet, if women are a calming influence, why should there be war at all? Why not stop it at ground level? Are women excluded from the decision-making process, is there some prerequisite that makes some women glory in gore? I find it difficult to analyze the attitude that some women have about fighting ability. I understand they want to be treated as an equal human being and have the advantages that come with that treatment, but why insist on accentuating the negative? If women are going to do something to be actively involved in war, why not try to stop it? Sure, let's fight for equal rights. And let's fight (verbally) for the right not to fight. I prefer not to fight. My reasoning is simple, perhaps simplistic. One, I don't think fighting ever solves anything. Two. I'm scared of guns. Four, I'm scarred of guns. Three, I want to remain in one piece. As for the others, those brave, courageous women working their way toward the trenches of war, we head and fight. I'm staying home. Amelia Beard is an Atchison senior majoring in English and journalism. Wall Street's gulf war The increase in oil prices by the financiers and the companies of the big capitalist countries serves, on one hand, to bring in comfortable labor costs; on the other, to make oil production in North America and more viable. Other Voices Moreover, the surplus profits will serve the multinationals usefully in their battle to take over the mark on the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. It's a question of controlling a group of strategic countries and at the same time getting a hand on the oil. It's Wall Street, currently relieved by the American army, that controls the whole network of prices. United States has disembarked in the Middle East. We understand better why the It seems rather strange that, while the Germans themselves profess no interest in the matter, the Soviet It seems rather strange that, while From the L'Humanite, Paris Germany a member? the Germans themselves profess no interest in the matter, the Soviet Union should suggest that a united Germany become the sixth permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. Nikolai Portugalau, who advises Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev on German affairs, said that Germany should return to world politics as a "modern great power," a role in which a seat for Berlin in the Security Council is not only necessary but will come about and, what is more, will be accepted "almost unanimously." A letter from a woman physician to college women (and the men who love them)? Where do I begin? This letter is addressed primarily to women because sexually transmitted diseases have a far larger impact on men, although the responsibility for spreading them falls on both. LETTERS to the EDITOR Please use protection It seems rather strange that The majority of these infections cause more subtle symptoms in women, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. They are harder to diagnose in women than in men. Women are more likely to infertility, total pregnancies and cervical cancer. You cannot count on your partner to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. You need to protect yourself. There are ways to be sexually active — kissing, massage, mutual masturbation, oral sex, and anal intercourse. abstinence is the only sure guarantee against contracting a sexually transmitted disease. If abstinence is not possible for you, the use of latex rubber condoms with the spermicide containing Nonoxyl-9 is the most effective known method of protecting yourself by tracting a sexually transmitted disease, with the coincidental benefit of contraception. Find out about your partner's health and sexual history. Talk about previous partners and previous sexually transmitted infections. Be prepared to postpone or not have sexual intercourse if your concerns or is not responsive to your concerns or is not taking you seriously. I am not trying to unduly scare you. Sexual activity is normal and pleasurable, but in today's times can be a hazard to your health, carrying the risk of long-term consequences. Please take the responsibility for preventing sexually transmitted diseases. And if prevention should fail, please seek care as soon as possible. Toby Jacobowitz University Health Service, University of Michigan A tolerated prejudice of the Kansan last week and saw a man holding a sign that read, “No fags in my foxhole.” I was shocked. Last year in a fraternity house, a black woman was called a nigger and bad pizza boxes out of her hands. For weeks the University was in an unroar. When I looked at the front page What has happened to Chris Wallingford and his friends as a result of their actions? I ask myself why the gay and lesbian community on campus doesn't do the same thing the Blacks did last spring and march on the chancellor's office or hold a forum. The answer is sad. It is because gay people are just as indoctrinated to discrimination against homosexuals as most other people in our society. They don't combat it because it seems acceptable, sometimes even funny. You can bet that if the signs had read, "The K in Kansas is not for Kike," or "No watermelon-eaters in my classroom," some response would have been forthcoming from the University, and ROTC would be taking as much criticism as SAE did last spring, not to mention the fact that the Kansas problem would not have printed a picture of the saint to avoid exciting racial tension. As it is, Chris Wallingford and his friends are "entitled to their opinions," according to William McGaha, professor of military science. Mr. McGaha, Mr. Lane, Mr. Wallingford and those who feel as they do — most importantly Chancellor Budig — make no mistake. Gay men and lesbian women are the ones who are being discriminated against in this issue. The women whose work represents the ones suffering from a selectively-applied University policy, and no matter what you believe, gay men and lesbian women stand in the right in this issue. David Wacker Topeka junior Ryan's gift was love As the family of Ryan Gray, we wish to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the many individuals and families who offered their well-wishes, prayers, help, encouragement and condolences during Ryan's recent illness and death. The extension of love in his care came from calls, visits and phone calls was heartwarming to Ryan during his illness and to his family after his passing. We have been blessed with the experience of seeing and feeling the love, compassion and innocence that Ryan projected into the world during all his days, especially during his final ones. We will continue to support him and be supported and befriended this special child throughout his lifetime. Ryan will always be remembered for his association with University of Kansas basketball, which provided unique opportunities to him in developing friendships, self-esteem and public exposure. Ryan was able both to create a worldly good fortune by exemplifying the most primary of virtues — love. While Ryan has physically left us, he touched us beyond our understanding — and the universal gifts of his life remain for all of us. Cap, Kitty, Megan and Margot Gay Some defending the cartoon make the art for art's sake argument: the strip is a refreshing postmodern blend, '90s Archiesque. Lichtensteinian pop Who is Lichtenstein? Some of the best art is upsetting, and at least there are no bullwhips or chocolate syrup. Avery cartoon defended It will be hard to defend "Three Imaginary Girls," but to prevent the artist, Tom Avery, from becoming the victim of a terrorist attack on campus, I will sacrifice myself. Now, the angry male and female feminists who recently have attacked the strip might be more concerned, not with its "offensive, destructive sexism," but its possible influence on campus women. Overheard from three real women last week: "We're not going to the library to study, we're going to see cute guys," after discussing in detail the guys they scored on the weekend before. This strip could be dangerous in this age of sexually transmitted diseases, if life is hard here. Perhaps those three real women were just bad apples, maybe even the inspiration for the strip. However, some believe the mirror Avery holds up to this campus is as exacting and precise as his brushstroke. They say it has a "potent awareness" and "intuitive way things are, not as they should be." George Gurley Lawrence senior KANSAN STAFF DEREK SCHMIDT Editor KJERSTIN GABRIELSON TOM EBLEN General manager, news adviser TOM FRIEN Editors editors News Julie Mettenburg Editorial Mary Neubauer Planning Pam Sollin Campus Holly Lawton Sports Brent Maycock Photo Andrew Morrison Features Stacy Smith MARGARET TOWNSEND Racinee maniaca MINDY MORRIS Retail sales manager Campus sales mgr Chrisit Dool Regional sales mgr jackie Schmalzman National sales mgr David Price Co-op sales mgr Deborah Salzer Production mgr Missy Miller Production assistant Julie Axlond Marketing director Audra Langford Creative director Gail Einbinder JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser Business staff Three Imaginary Girls Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words. They must include the writer's signature, name, address and telephone number. Writers affiliated with the University of Kansas are required to submit a copy of their letter. Guest columns should be typed, double spaced and fewer than 700 words. The writer will be photographed. The Kansas reserves the right to or edit letters, guest columns and cartoons. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansas newroom, 111 Saunier Hall Floor, letters, column and cartoons are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kansas. Editorials are the opinion of the Kansas editorial board. By Tom Avery