4A
Monday, August 29,1994
OPINION
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Romantic film informative in lesbian culture
DAVID JOHNSON
Although amateurish in production, award-winning movie gives unique view of
lesbian lifestyle.
I just recently caught a showing of Rose Troche's "Go Fish," a new film, for lack of a better description, about lesbians.
The film is a little amateurish (both the acting and directing), but in this case, that adds to the charm.
Aside from warm, fuzzy feelings about lesbian love, I also got a little bit of a culture lesson. Even though I'm gay myself, I am somewhat "lesbian illiterate."
Of course, this must be followed by the standard, "this movie is not a representation of the whole lesbian community," much like I am in no way a
representative of the queer community.
But this film did provide a brief, intense glimpse into the lesbian experience.
Where else can you hear a discussion of the proper terminology for referring to female genitalia? ("Honey pot" fortunately won out over "love mound.")
This small, independent film shares the title of Best in New Queer Cinema with Greg Araki's "The Living End," a film about two HIV-positive men who meet by chance and end up on the road leaving a few dead bodies and empty food containers in their wake.
By no means am I meaning to compare these two films on the basis of content (they're as different as fags and dykes — like I know, right?) But there is a comparison to be made on the effect of these films.
The overall feeling I got from "Go Fish" was, as I said, warm and fuzzy — it's a romantic comedy but also confronts issues lesbians come up against every day (outing, men, relationships, etc.)
But the overall feeling from "The Living End" is one that is tragic; two men who have nothing to lose and end up losing themselves to each other and, eventually, AIDS.
Noncartoonish portrayals are what seem to be the larger strength in these films. "Fish" and "End" are the antitheses of "Desert Hearts" and "Philadelphia," respectively. These are films for the community. The attitude is, "Hey, if straights like it, more power to them."
Hollywood is still, for some ungodly reason, unable to confront homosex. While I empathize slightly, there are still a lot of people who have a good friend who's gay but cannot handle the sex.
The power of "Go Fish" is far more redeeming than films like "Henry and June" or even "Fried Green Tomatoes," where lesbians are relatively
prominent characters.
But homosexuals are not the target audience. "Fish" is not obvious in its intentions. It's like the first time you go to a gay bar (the Edge doesn't count).
You've seen gays and lesbians before, but now they're in their own territory, answering to no one.
Unfortunately, "The Living End" tries to make so many statements in the small space of the film (and succeeds at a few), but really all that's left is a misogynistic roller coaster ride with two buff guys having great sex.
VIEWPOINT
David Johnson is a Coffeyille senior in magazine Journalism.
Critics should keep quiet about moment of silence
Georgia recently enforced its state law that requires all public schools to observe up to one minute of silence at the start of the school day. Critics of the law have
work, think about their weekend plans, or choose to do nothing.
labeled it as unconstitutional because it fosters an establishment of religion that is in direct conflict with the First Amendment.
The Georgia law does not attempt to advance or inhibit religion, rather it gives the student the option to choose whether to silently say a brief prayer to start the day. This law accommodates students who have deep religious beliefs, and at the same time it protects the rights of
SILENCE IN SCHOOLS
SILENCE IN SCHOOLS The Georgia law that allows a moment of silence in schools respects students' religious and constitutional rights.
However, the
purpose of the law is not to force the students to pray. The law only gives the students a chance to pray if that is in fact their desire. Under the moment of silence law, students may also do their home-
other students who may have opposing viewpoints.
Because of its neutrality and fairness, the Georgia law should continue to be enforced in the public school system.
LANCE HAMBY FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD.
Station shows courage broadcasts gay rights ad
The First Amendment promises freedom of speech, even to the press.
less of the consequences.
However, fears of lowered advertising sales or a drop in viewers have been known to keep a
story from being broadcast or printed.
During its newscasts, KSNT broadcast the country's first gay-rights television commercial.
Topeka television
GAY RIGHTS
This is especially true in the case of material portraying homosexuality, such as a kiss between two men
In fact, the station took an unprecedented risk by being the
station resists advertising pressures and shows commercial to dispel sterotypes about homosexuals.
on FOX's "Melrose Place," which ended up on the cutting room floor.
The commercial, first of a possible four, emphasizes
But a Topeka television station chose to assert its First Amendment rights Friday night, regard-
first in the country to run the commercial. Baltimore stations may also be running the commercial.
that homosexuals have the same values — including family and church attendance — as the heterosexual community.
Unfortunately, it took until August 1994 to be aired.
BOBERTA JOHNSON FOR THE EDITORIAL BOARD
KANSAN STAFF
STEPHEN MARTINO Editor
CATHERINE ELLSWORTH Systems coordinator
TOM EBLEN General manager, news adviser
CHRISTOPH FUHRMANS Managing editor
JEN CARR Business manager
JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser
CAMERON DEATH Retail sales manager
Editors
Editors
News ... Sara Bennett
Editorial ... Donelia Heame
Campus ... Mark Martin
Sports ... Brian James
Photo ... Daron Bennett
... Melissa Lacey
Features ... Tracil Carl
Planning Editor ... Susan White
Design ... Noah Mueller
Assistant to the editor ... Robbie Johnson
Business Staff
Campus mgr ... Todd Winters
Regional mgr ... Laura Guth
National mgr ... Mark Maestro
Coop mgr ... Emily Gibson
Special Sections mgr ... Jen Pierer
Production mgrs ... Holly Boren
... Regan Overy
Marketing director ... Alan Stiglitz
Creative director ... John Carlton
Classified mgr ... Heather Niehaus
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Sean Finn/ KANSAN
Athletes should not be viewed as infallible
You hardly can pick up a newspaper these days without reading about some new scandal involving a professional athlete.
For months now America has been greedily devouring every detail about O.J. Simpson, whether it be in Time magazine or the National Enquirer. Before that we read about Jennifer Capriati being arrested for marijuana possession, Daryl Strawberry going into drug rehabilitation and Michael Jordan's gambling problem.
Oh, and who could forget the whole Tonya Harding thing?
Perhaps it is time we stopped putting professional athletes up on pedestals and then watching them fall.
I'm not saying that the stars mentioned above all fell from grace because of media and fan pressure, but think about it: In today's society, professional athletes are media dartlings and national heroes. Some, such as Capriati and Harding, are thrust into the spotlight at early ages, even before they can legally drive.
The pressure to succeed, to win, to get the best advertising contracts and make millions of dollars has got to be
Maybe that's where we went wrong. Maybe, as fans, we shouldn't have elevated the athletes to such an elite level.
Maybe Charles Barkley was right when he said he wasn't a role model. At least he admits it. People don't expect Barkley to be perfect. Oh the contrary, they expect him to be bad. But that leniency doesn't seem to be granted to most other top professionals. And so every move, every mistake
ERIKA RASMUSSON
COLUMNIST
phenomenal. And while each one made a choice to pursue greatness, and thus put themselves in the public eye, they probably didn't count on becoming role models for an entire country.
And when they make an inevitable mistake, the fall is long and hard.
As much as I love and am involved in sports, I think too much pressure is put on professional athletes. When the public turns them into household names, national heroes, and role models, they become elevated to a level they can't possibly be expected to stay at.
By idolizing professional athletes, we forget that underneath the fame they are only human, and humans make mistakes. In the end, I think, it spoils the game for everyone.
You might disagree with this. You might think the public deserves to know what athletes in the professional leagues of their sport are doing. And if they're doing wrong, then so be it. You might say an athlete in the spotlight, such as Jordan or Barkley, has no choice but to be a role model, regardless of whether they want to be.
Erika Rasmusson is a Minnetonka, Minn,
senior in magazine Journalism.
they make, is recorded for all to see,
hear, or read about.
However, I see it from a different angle.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
James D. Caruthers professor of english and associate dean of liberal arts and sciences
I was not sure whether to just laugh or to both laugh and write after reading the editorial on the selection of a new chancellor for the University. The editorial was one of the most wishy-washy, I don't want-to-offend anyone editors I have ever seen from the Kansan editorial board in the two years I have been at this school. The board should take a more forceful position and defend adequately in choosing issues to comment.
Horoscopes?
James B. Carothers
What the editorial should have said in half the words is that there should be no unwarranted discrimination against any applicant. Should the selection committee discriminate at all? I would hope so. Discrimination is not entirely a bad idea. I would hope that the University would discriminate against those without the adequate education or experience to lead the University.
I am worried about the editorial board's position that "...some attitudes are still in need of overhand..." Does anyone else smell the stinking rat of political correctness and the thought police? It is to be hoped that this University will not succeed to the temptation of thought control or abridging the First Amendment rights of students and faculty. Some might think that I defend racist notions by criticizing policies thought to be helpful to minorities. I do not, but I feel that "making" people more "sensitive" backfires and can lead to more animosity.
Tom Grelinger Kansas City, Kan., senior
You are extremely fortunate to have this man at the helm of the student services division – he is second to none! I strongly urge the members of student government to geto know him, for his wisdom and knowledge of the university system will be valuable assets to you.
As for the remainder of the student body, make it a point to get to meet Dr. Kitchen, I guarantee that you will not regret it.
I am writing this letter to you in regard to Dr. James R. Kitchen, your new dean of student life.
Joel S. Kostman
During my two years as the student body president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Kitchen on various projects and committees. He is without a doubt the most student-orientated administrator I ever had the pleasure of working with. His caring and devotion to the student cause is unparalleled.
I have said it many times since Dr. Kitchen agreed to take the position at Kansas — the Rebels loss is certainly the Jahayhaws gain.
Joel S. Kostman University of Nevada-Las Vegas student body president, 1992-94
HUBIE
By Greg Hardin