4A - THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
FRIDAY,AUG.31,2001
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Kursten Phelps
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" COMPANIES THAT CARE "
A+ LAST, THE WORRY OF SUDDEN,TINY DAY HAVE INCREASES ARE OVER
MONICA WHITE/KANSAN
LETTER TO THE EDITORS
STEPHENSON HALL RESIDENTS
Dear editors.
"They" was such a small word in Tuesday's Kansan article, "Lack of air conditioning angers Stephenson residents" (Aug. 28): "Last year the hall's residents had an art show where they publicly wet their pants."
This gives the impression that during the art show 48 Stephenson residents lined up and let it fly. In fact, only about 10 residents were seriously involved with the creation or the show. The number of students that wet themselves: two.
Whether you agree with the art show and the float of doom is beside the point. As for myself, I supported my hallmates' right to express themselves even if I did not agree with the message.
Throughout the article, the improper use of "they" transformed what would otherwise have been an informative piece on the last un-air-conditioned hall on campus into an inaccurate and unfair piece of journalism.
By concentrating on the "bad boy" image, the Kansan made Stephenson Hall into a stereotype. In my opinion, the essence of Stephenson is not necessarily obscenity; it is freedom.
I wish that the paper could see what made me come back to Stephenson: impromptu discussions of philosophy and politics at odd hours, an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity, a hall rooted in tradition, and a diverse group of men who manage to live with each other in true friendship and brotherhood. Why else would I return to a hall without modern amenities?
Articles in the Kansan over the past year about Stephenson have been overwhelmingly negative. Although this latest article made the campus aware of the air conditioning issue, it still contained overtones of disapproval.
Next time, get your facts straight, and report the whole truth. The smallest word can make the difference.
Adam Pracht Emporia sophomore
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PERSPECTIVE
Understand history behind the perfect college holiday
with our demanding class and work schedules ripping us away from our beds and couches, it's easy to see why three-day weekends are such a blessing. We're all quick to know when a break is, but whether it's Memorial Day, Labor Day or Presidents' Day — it doesn't really matter because we spend each holiday about the same way.
We often get so caught up in all the numerous possibilities of what we can to with our new-found free-time, to actually stop and think of the significance behind these days. National holidays were established for more than just giving us a break from our daily obligations.
Our first holiday of this school year, Labor Day, is quickly approaching.
Weekend trips, barbecues, and sleeping late are popular pastimes associated with this break. It just so happens, the ways we've chosen to spend this particular three-day weekend aren't far off the mark of why Labor Day was declared a holiday in the first place.
But what does Labor Day mean to us?
Other than "no class on Monday," here's the rundown on why Labor Day came to be.
Commentary
Akilah YaDullah Guest Columnist opinionansan.com
On the first Monday of every September, we are released from our schools and jobs, to take some time for relaxation. Labor Day is a day that has been set aside for rest and recreation. Celebrated in the states, Puerto Rico and Canada, it also symbolizes the end of the summer season.
In Australia, it's referred to as the Eight Hour Day and is meant to celebrate the successful struggle for a shorter working day. In Europe, Labor Day falls on May 1, to celebrate the approach of summer. For us, that day is set aside for the rejoicing of fertility, but that's another holiday.
I'm almost positive that we working people are always in support of honoring working people, but you're probably wondering how such a holiday came into existence. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York
City in September 1882. Matthew Maguire, a machinist from Paterson, N.J., and Peter J. McGuire, a New York City carpenter, were the main planners of the parade.
They felt the working class needed a break — and many agreed. Oregon was the first state to make it a legal holiday in 1887. President Grover Cleveland signed a bill in 1894, making Labor Day a national holiday.
So now, along with being quick to know when the breaks are, we can also take pride in the fact that we know what they're for — or at least what Labor Day is celebrating, for starters.
I say take this time off without an inch of shame or guilt for avoiding responsibilities. For now, we are all aware that is the fashion in which we were meant to spend this weekend. Enjoy your holiday of rest and recreation.
YaDullah is a senior in journalism from Overland Park.
PERSPECTIVE
Feigning apathy toward class is worse than powdered soap
It's good to be back and see your friends, acquaintances and possibly one-night stands. It's a darn shame, though, that the "schoolwork aspect" has to get in the way of everyone's college experience. The most overused conversation piece overheard lately goes something like this: "Yeah, it's great to be back, but class sucks."
The most basic truth is that higher-education rates internationally have risen, but an astounding percentage of the world won't ever get a chance to attend a university. We are undeniably a first-world country with many benefits I hope others will someday enjoy. As students, we need to be critical of our country, of course, but not forget the millions of privileges we take for granted.
Apathy. Most of us know the value of an education. However, the trend to act bored about school should be No.1 on the "out" list every year. Now, excuse me a hundred times to the many bright and curious students who don't dismiss education so readily in front of others.
We even forget the fundamental fact that in the U.S. many high schoolers lack the luxury of being pushed to go to college. All KU students are here by pure luck. Neither destiny nor any other divine reason can explain why we were handed the first levels of security and shelter to even get a chance to complain about the "crumbly soap" in Robinson. It's a KU student's obligation to use education to become aware and help others do the same.
Monica White Columnist opinionkansan.com
Commentary
Many of you work, have scholarships or financial aid, and choose to spend your hard-earned money on school. Nontraditional students realize how important education is when they return to KU. And, of course, many students have it all taken care of by parents. Right now, use extra precaution not to take monthly allowances for the latest Gap shirt or Free State beer for granted.
Still, regardless of how you got here, acting as if school is a bore is just too easy.
Finally, you may think some classes are too horrible to bear — especially when your TA denies you the grade you didn't deserve. But push through school with an open mind and make yourself well-rounded. Enjoy the only four or five years where you get unlimited resources and help. The University is a business, but the teachers it employs wouldn't be here getting underpaid if they didn't already know that an education is the best way to help us move toward a better society.
Class will get stressful, and at times you'll think it's a burden. People will try to understand when you explain that it's hard to attend class while you can't figure out how learning which minerals make up sandstone will help you get your business degree.
I don't believe we all have to get good grades to be successful or satisfied. Some have other priorities and distractions. Grades are just superficial ink anyway. But start this year with the nonconformist talk that school truly is the best place to be.
Now, if you still absolutely don't care, you're probably just lying, lazy or immature. But it's hard to be part of that minority, and college will soon teach you that. Just realize what people are really thinking when you say "school sucks."
- white is a junior in magazine journalism and Spanish from Tulsa, Okla. She is also a contributing cartoonist.
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. The Kansan reserves the right to edit submissions, and not all of them will be published. Slanderous statements will not be printed. For more comments, go to www.kansan.com.
Lawrence cops need to spend less time handing out MIPs and spend more time handing out DUIs.
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I would just like to say rest in peace to the singer, Aaliyah, who passed away this past weekend at a young age of 22.
Anyone who thinks it's appropriate to walk into class without a shirt on is dead wrong.
So according to Meghan Bainum that writes the sex column, we should just sleep with everyone on campus and spread those STDs.
Doesn't this Meghan Bainum girl, the new sex columnist in the UDK, doesn't she know you can't burn candles in your dorm room? Hello!
I approached a girl from a class of mine today with an intent to speak with her casually. A few times she had spoken in class, she had done so very intelligently. I was drawn to her right away, but yet now I feel ashamed considering she enrolled in school to learn, not to be approached by strange, hard-core boys. Additionally, reading all the perverted nonsense in the Free for All makes me ashamed to be a man.
remember when people had good things to protest, like Vietnam? I think people should stop looking for an enemy all the time. So Abercrombie makes some good clothes, deal with it.
Not only should "normal clothes" kids get punched in the face, but they should just get out of the gene pool.
--remember when people had good things to protest, like Vietnam? I think people should stop looking for an enemy all the time. So Abercrombie makes some good clothes, deal with it.
--remember when people had good things to protest, like Vietnam? I think people should stop looking for an enemy all the time. So Abercrombie makes some good clothes, deal with it.
As if one wasn't enough, we got blessed with two C-SPN1!
The UDK needs to quit printing the cross word puzzle so big because it makes it impossible to do in class without being caught.
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I am Q-ACK, the masked avenger. I have been sent from the future to recruit students.
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Why can students get the scoop about Kinsey and Duncan, but not the UDK? What's up with that?
I was wondering why none of the cop cars in Lawrence have hub caps.
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Yes, I want to know where I can find the girls' soccer team swimsuit calendar and how much does it cost?
Armed with nothing but blue hair and a bed sheet, my sole mission is to destroy Captain Poovy Pants and her blasted stocking cap.
This message is for everyone I know, just so that I can stop saying it every five minutes.
Hi, how's your summer, how are your classes going? Great, we should get together. Bye.
remember when people had good things to protest, like Vietnam? I think people should stop looking for an enemy all the time. So Abercrombie makes some good clothes, deal with it.
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Let it be known that I have now captured the stocking cap of Captain Poopy Pants!
(Toiletflushing.)
I am sitting next to the hottest girl I have ever seen before in my entire life. Oh man, I have collage
To whoever urinated on my friend's car last night, the police have a description, and they're after you.
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How does one stumble into the ECM parking lot and by chance stand four feet away by the only car and manage to accidentally pee all over the windows and softtop? Who are you? I hope that slap still burns on your face.
I was just wondering if anyone else had noticed that Mario Kinsey and Reggie Duncan had stolen a pused today? It's getting pretty ridiculous. Why don't you guys proof-read before you print these things?
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Personally I don't care if 5-year-olds work hard to make my shirts just as long as it makes me look good.
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I think you need more articles about drugs. Drugs are always good. More drugs.
I was riding on my moped on the way to a residence hall to study, and I got hit by a car. So I'd like to tell all the people who drive cars out there to be careful and watch out for people who ride mopeds because it hurts when we get hit.
Who really cares anyway?
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I have a complaint about learning conditions. Why do class sizes keep increasing, and the number in salaries of KU administrators sky rocket? And faculty members have shrunk, and all instructors have to teach more students. It is not good practice.
Girls in pig tails rock!