friday, october 3,2003
news
the university daily kansan 3-
3A
Speaker causes students to question views on hate, life
Courtny Kuhlen/Kansan
Author and lecturer Derrick Jensen spoke to an audience of about 200 people last night in the Burge Union. His books, which include A Language Older Than Words and The Culture of Make Believe, discuss some of the issues surrounding social and environmental problems, such as industrialization, discrimination and capitalism, among others. He is also know for his casual manner." I used to wonder why it takes 12 or 13 years to learn what we learn in that time when it could take four years," he said.
By Paul Kramer
pkramer@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Sitting cross-legged on a folding table, writer and speaker Derrick Jensen shared his views last night on a potpourri of controversial topics.
The crowd at the Burge Union was an eclectic group of well-dressed middle-aged adults and bagy-clothed college students who hung on his every word. He spoke about the ills of society, highlighting problems with industry, education and hone.
Jensen's style was filled with humor and personal stories that he mixed with poignant and leading questions, which let listeners such as Laura Burke, Cranbury, N.J., freshman, focus on his message, not his celebrity.
industry, education and Jensen, who is concerned with environmental issues, civil rights and human rights, is known for his casual manner.
"His comments made me question my views," Burke said. "What type of future do I want in terms of my jobs and my future?"
Jensen said when he was working as a physicist, he would look at the clock every day wishing it was 5 p.m.
"I looked at the clock at 2, and the second hand was barely moving," Jensen said. "And then I would go back and do three hours of work and it was 2:10."
Jensen said he didn't want to be 65 years old having wasted his life in a job he didn't enjoy.
Although the night featured some stories of wasting time with an unenjoyable job, or worrying about "meaningless" grades, Jensen gravitated toward more controversial topics.
Burke was referring to an example that Jensen gave about time and the time we waste.
Jensen described a journey he took to discover the meaning of hate. He said that he researched hate Web sites, read books and articles dealing with the traditional ideas associated with hate and hate crimes.
The conclusion he reached, Jensen was that hate itself is not bad. The problem with hate is that it's generalized onto stereotypes,
not individuals. He said it was perfectly fine to hate a person for being the person they were.
Jensen was quick to conclude his comments with the fallacy he sees in the idea of hope as a solution to hate and other problems that aren't actively addressed.
Jensen's ability to condense this complex topic into 20 minutes of his two-hour speech impressed Joe Morgan, Newton junior. Morgan said Jensen's ability was why he is an avid Jensen reader and why he came to the speech last night.
Jensen said that hope led to inactivity and activism was more effective than hoping.
Jensen took his creed of confrontation and recognition to all issues he addressed.
When asked what he thought about education, Jensen wasted no time delving into the topic with unabashed criticism.
"I used to wonder why it takes 12 or 13 years to learn what we learn in that time when it could take four years," Jensen said.
Two new buses replace old vehicles on campus route
Robert Perkins rperkins@kansan.com kansan staff writer
—Edited by Jonathan Reeder
The new buses, numbers 320 and 322, are cruising the Jayhawk Boulevard this semester.
The 25 to 30 buses driving every day on the University of Kansas' campus belong to the
The old buses on campus can pull over and yield. Two new rides are on campus.
"Students have been asking for new buses for a long time," said Tim Akright, transportation coordinator for KU on Wheels. "But buses cost a nice chunk of change. They don't just grow on trees."
Lawrence Bus Company which Akright, Overland Park sophomore, has contracted with to supply KU on Wheels.
Though providing new vehicles is not part of that contract, he said, the company added the new buses because of their interest in the KU community.
"They're very focused on us," he said.
Buses 320 and 322 should be just the beginning. Akright said he's working with the bus company to start phasing out the older buses for new ones.
"We're hoping to modernize and undate the fleet," he said.
This isn't to say that the old buses are obsolete, however.
Johnna Mobley. Linden junior, rides the old buses every day and thinks they work fine.
thinks they work for "They may look ghetto, but they get around," she said.
Akright agreed, noting that their heavy construction gives them an advantage in slick snowy driving conditions common during Kansas winters.
"The day the buses can't run, it's pretty much impossible to go to school," he said.
KU on Wheels rents the buses partially with money from student fees attached to tuition, and partially with money from bus passes and fares.
Students at the University pay
"Students have been asking for new buses for a long time. But buses cost a nice chunk of change. They don't just grow on trees."
Tim Akright transportation coordinator
$18 per semester to cover transportation costs, of which $1 goes to the lift van service, $5 go to Safe Ride, and $12 goes to the buses.
— Edited by Shane Mettlen
Jordan Freed, Clearwater junior, rode on the 15th and Louisiana bus route yesterday afternoon in one of the two buses new to KU on Wheels.
Courtney Kuhlen/Kansan
Time Changes
Friday:
• 4:30 p.m.
• vs Texas
Sunday:
• 12:00 p.m.
• vs Texas A&M
-- Classified Staff --
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