Editorials Censorship confusion
Ours is the most Christian nation on earth, yet obviously one of the most confused. We ask that the church teach us standards and that our police protect us, and then, like so many bumps on a log, we allow an ever-increasing wave of printed filth to sweep over the country.
WE SIT PASSIVELY by as some of this "neo-literature" tears down doors and throws up shades on things that are forbidden in all other forms of communication because of decency, modesty, taste, or restraint. Since the stalemate in our courts over what is art and what is filth, too many of today's pseudo-sophisticates accept without question some of the vilest scribblings as "art."
And the consequences of this apathy are indeed dire. Juvenile crime and delinquency have been directly connected to the increase in pornography.
STATISTICS RELEASED this year by the Federal Bureau of Investigation reveal that the rate of forcible rape increased 37 per cent in the last 10 years—with the greatest increase in the 16 to 19 age bracket.
Paralleling this has been the rapid rise in salacious and lewd literature.
Other crimes, ranging from armed robbery to homicide, although not on so spectacular an increase, are nevertheless real and present dangers.
The most important factor, however, is in the nature of today's juvenile delinquency. No longer are juvenile crimes the mischievous pranks of children, but the violent acts of sadistic young monsters spawned by an apathetic society.
There can be no doubt that the dirty book business is booming. Go to any newsstand—even those in a relatively small town like Lawrence—and observe some of the tasteless displays. The trash sex novel, once limited to circulation through old men who sneaked around corners "pssting" people into dark alleys for sales, has now emerged into full view as an $18 million a year business.
IT IS PREDICTED that this year alone, the smut industry will produce over 500 different books exploiting lesbianism, nymphomania, male homosexuality, sadism, masochism, fetishism, incest and other topics formerly found only in medical and psychological tomes.
These literary masterpieces will be presented under such enlightened and sophisticated titles as "Gutter Girl," "Queer for Kicks," "AC-DC
Lover." "Queer Hustler," "The French Way," and so on.
AS IF THE titles were not enough, these books tend to reveal their true nature with illustrations of hypermammary girls in various stages of undress on the covers.
What is the solution? How can we weed out such blatant dirt-for-dirt's sake stuff from legitimate satires and artistic erotica? How can we clean up our bookstands without endangering good literature?
That's an excellent question and, historically, one not easily answered. Perhaps there is no concrete answer.
WE HAVE ALREADY tried the negative approach by simply and arbitrarily banning anything approaching earthiness without considering the purpose of the work. That's what started the whole problem of how far censorship should go.
Now, we are at the other extreme where no limits exist. The problem is manifesting itself in a gradual erosion of our moral foundations.
The first step in the solution must be the recognition of the problem. When our society comprehends that sex and four-letter words do not necessarily equal art, and sees the danger of making such an assumption, then we will be making giant steps forward.
Monetary misery
Bob Curtright
Over the past few years the KU student has been badgered by increased expenses. This year has been no exception, for increases of "a couple of dollars here, and a couple of dollars there" have placed a strain on some of us.
THE KU STUDENT was going to be inflicted with a $4 charge for basketball tickets this season. A substantial increase in the price of football tickets is likely for next year. Will all these increases soon cease? Are there no limits?
Tuition fees increased $12 per semester this year and similar increases can be noted in the past few years. Parking stickers went from $4 to $10 last year. Student health insurance is up this year. Even senior dues increased by $2.
All questions should be considered by the Athletic Board over the next few months as it considers these increases for next year.
MISS FITT
Jim King
2 Daily Kansan Wednesday, January 12, 1966
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Haskell Institute-Instant acculturation
Editor's Note: As we struggle to solve the social problems that have grown with our history, we are increasingly aware of a social group and culture that is older than America. Sometimes described as "the forgotten American," the American Indian today is attempting to resolve the conflict of the ancient culture of life on the reservation and the necessity for adjusting to a fast-paced, technological society. How is he doing it? Principally by attending schools like the one in Lawrence—Haskell Institute. In a series of four articles, a Kansan editorial writer will examine the programs, the students, the conflicts and the future of Haskell graduates.
What is Haskell Institute? How is it operated? What function does it perform? What programs does it offer? How effective are these programs? What is the educational philosophy of the school? Why does it remain segregated? What is the attitude of the administration toward the student?
HASKELL INSTITUTE, located in southeast Lawrence, was founded in 1884. It is a United States government school for Indians, operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior.
First of a series.
The school is financed by Congressional appropriations. There is no state support. This year's budget is about $1,600,000.
The Institute, situated on 320 acres, is one of the oldest government boarding schools for Indians. It enrolls about 1.050 students, equally divided between young men and women, 18-22 years of age.
The school's motto, "Learn to Earn," is amplified by the slogan, "Every Haskell graduate is prepared to earn a living." Another motto is instilled in the Indian while he attends Haskell—"Always act to reflect honor on Haskell and the Indian people."
Requirements for admission include one quarter Indian blood, high school graduation and approval of agency officials.
"HASKELL IS A symbol of education and opportunity to the Indian race," Floyd E. Stayton, superintendent, said. "It prepares young Indian students for assimilation into the major culture."
The school is divided into five departments:
- The academic department supplements training students receive in other departments by offering courses in English, related math and related business.
- The guidance department provides counseling and testing services. It governs dormitory living and student activities.
- The business department offers training in the secretarial, stenographic, typing, clerical and accounting fields.
- The home economics department provides training in meat cutting, commercial and institutional baking, food service and dormitory management.
- The printing department offers job training in linetype operation, letterpress and offset printing.
MOST MALE STUDENTS enroll in the vocational department, where they prepare for jobs as auto mechanics, painters, plumbers and welders.
"Our whole program is geared to offer a terminal type educational program that will provide students with the necessary skills and social knowledge to become good citizens and productive and contributing members of the American society." Wallace E. Gallucci, principal, said.
Haskell no longer provides high school training. The high school was phased out over a four-year period. Beginning last September the school offers only a two-year post high school program.
WHY DID HASKELL phase out its high school program?
"There is a need for trade and technical training." Stayten said. "Our interest here is to provide a variety of vocational training fields so we will be able to work with any student."
WHY DOES HASKELL remain segregated?
"We don't look at it that way." Stayton said. "The government has Indian schools as a result of treaties. Reservations can't support Indians. Students would not be able to attend school if it weren't for Haskell."
Two special programs designed to introduce Haskell students to the new life they will enter after graduation were highlighted by Stayton.
ONE IS CALLED apartment living. A former staT residence has been converted into an apartment type dwelling with seven units. Four students live in each unit for four weeks during their last year at Haskell.
"They prepare their own meals and plan an imaginary budget—just as though they were in city life," Stavien said.
In another special program an instructional dining room has been set up for seniors. Each senior eats in the Rose Room about five times.
"Here they learn the social graces," Stayton said. "They receive instruction in buffet, family style and formal dining."
"THE PROGRAM AT Haskell stresses responsibility—being on time and learning to work," Galluzzi said. "Haskell prepares young Indian men and women for participation in the modern social and economic life of the nation. This philosophy is emphasized in orientation sessions, counseling services and training programs."
Tomorrow—The Haskell Student
— Robert J. Rollins