Month: February 2012

By Molly Brown

Contributing Writer

Here at the University, students have copious opportunities for learning, both in and out of the classroom.  From guest lecturers and film screenings to concerts and artistic showcases, there is always something to go see.  Despite the immense opportunities, students do not embrace these occasions as much as they should, or even at their own free will.

Recently I attended a poetry reading by Mark Doty in Bucknell Hall.  Much to my surprise (and delight), it was packed full of students, faculty and members of the Lewisburg community.  As I sat down next to an acquaintance of mine, she turned to me and conversationally asked, “What class are you here for?”  When I responded that I was there by choice she looked astounded.  I surveyed the room and then asked, “Are all these kids here for classes?” The answer was, unfortunately, yes.

I understand that professors require their students to attend lectures outside of class, and this is not a complaint against that but rather a comment on the relative apathy of students to attend academically or artistically-based extracurricular events.  The fact that the common sentiment at one such event is “my professor’s making us go” is deplorable.  The only time there seems to be heavy student involvement is when the scheduled event has a sort of degree of prestige attached to it, like the recent John Legend concert or Herman Boone’s appearance last semester.  As a frequent attendee of events at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, the John Legend concert was the only time I have seen it at full-capacity, despite the fact that the Weis Center for the Performing Arts brings in some of the highest-caliber artists week after week.

Students at the University are highly motivated, but that motivation should not be limited only to the classroom.  There should be an equal balance of work and play, but we as students are here to learn.  The University is bringing in a wide variety of opportunities for us to broaden our studies, and they are included in our tuition.  At the end of our time here, how wisely will we have spent the hefty sum if we, as a collective body, do not take advantage of these writers, thinkers, innovators and artists?  How can we succeed if we do not take example from those who have and follow their examples?

Many students will use the timing of these events as reasons for their nonattendance.  Many students wish to socialize and have fun after fulfilling their academic duties in class, and these events may take place during the evenings in the prime party times.  It should be noted, however, that most of these events take an hour to an hour and a half at most.  If a lecture starts at 7 p.m. on a Wednesday night, there is still ample time to go out after the event.  The same is true of a performance on a Friday or Saturday evening–they rarely go past 9 or 9:30 p.m.

The flyers promoting the lectures, films, concerts, and readings are not plastered throughout campus because the administration is in want of wallpaper.  They exist to alert the student body to events that carry merit, whether academically, artistically, socially or spiritually, and students need to be aware of this.  If students only attend these events to preserve their letter grades, is this the same mentality in which they plan to live their future jobs and lives, only doing the bare minimum and not seeking to reach their fullest potential?  The choice is up to you.

By Nicole Della Cava

Contributing Writer

Ever wanted to know what it takes to become a model? There’s “America’s Next Top Model.” Do you want to know what it’s like to go to rehab? There’s “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” If you really think that becoming a guido or guidette is your next calling, then start watching “Jersey Shore.”

There are reality TV shows that seek actresses, singers, daredevils and dancers, but what real talent do the stars of “Jersey Shore,” “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Hoarders” or “The Real Housewives” really have? Honestly, none of these TV shows really express talent or an importance; what they do have is a real understanding of what drives our generation today.

The directors of the reality TV shows have done their research to find out what our generation finds stimulating and entertaining. In order for a reality TV show to become popular, it must play to the needs, desires and emotions of its viewers. Seeing that the media and entertainment worlds are dominated by the youth, directors know exactly who to attract. Our generation is less conservative and reserved compared to older generations. Reality TV has taken advantage of this fact and turned entertainment into a world of possessions, gossip and dirty humor. People are obsessed with strangers’ relationships, as demonstrated in “The Real Housewives,” embracing a new life during difficult times such as in “Teen Mom,” and competing for the prize in “Survivor.” Who wouldn’t want to be titled the toughest individual, both mentally and physically, on reality TV? Simply stated, our generation today is hooked on reality TV shows like these.

These shows demonstrate that our generation is competitive, imaginative and most importantly, bold. I think, as a general rule, our generation wants to be the best, brightest and most unique in what they love to do. Reality TV humiliates people and shows weaknesses, but in the end, there is always redemption and success that intrigues the audience. That is what our generation today sees in reality TV. If you look at “Teen Mom,” many adults think that their children should not be watching it, for it is about a foolish girl who messed up her life. That girl struggles and through her several mental breakdowns, she is forced to grow up faster than most teenaged girls. “American Idol” transforms ordinary people into famous artists, similarly forcing young adults to grow up in a world of challenges and hard work. 

When our generation looks at these TV shows, they see what it takes to be bold, which enables them to reflect that drive and ambition that they see on TV into their daily lives. Besides, anyone who watches “Jersey Shore” knows that they would never want to act like Snooki or “The Situation,” as they roam around bars and skip out on work. Yes, it is incredible funny to watch, but our generation is smarter and can truthfully say, “Who would ever want to live like that?”

By Jen Mok

Contributing Writer

Our school has set out to better the climate and is making a great effort to address issues such as sexual harassment. Among the many concerns of our campus is the possibility of a romantic relationship between faculty members and students.

Last week, “The Bucknellian” featured an article addressing the new policy presented by the Faculty and Academic Personnel Committee (FAPC) that stated: “Any sexual or romantic relationship between a faculty member and a student may damage the integrity of the academic and living environment at Bucknell, and is therefore strongly discouraged.” This new policy clearly expresses disapproval of and opposition to any sexual affiliation between a faculty member and student.

So there you have it. It is officially inappropriate for students and faculty to engage in intimate relationships. Some of you may be disheartened by this formal declaration, but I completely agree and am content with the committee’s decision.

I personally view professors as adults who have extensively studied their specialties and are mentors who are there to provide both academic and moral guidance. They are people who I have immense respect for and truly appreciate. I would never, no matter how incredibly intelligent, handsome, witty or irresistibly alluring a professor may be, act upon any romantic impulses in order to keep my respect for him first and foremost as my teacher.

I am also against dating a professor because of the inevitable biases and conflicts that would arise. The most crucial detail of a relationship between a professor and a student is that no matter what, the professor is still a teacher. It is highly likely, no matter how unfair, that the student involved would receive extra help due to the nature of the relationship. In addition, a romantic relationship would alter the advice or guidance normally given by the professor and therefore ruin the nature of a teacher-student relationship.

I am also against the age/generation gap between the two individuals. A young professor may be around his late 30s or even early 40s. As a first-year, if I were to date my professor there would be at least an 18-20 year gap. This means that when I was born, my beloved or lover would have already graduated from high school. Can we all think about this for a minute? The numbers clearly show that this is a highly inappropriate relationship. When I was a baby, wearing diapers and sucking on my thumb, my professor was already attending frat parties and researching possible careers. Does that not seem odd?

Popular TV shows such as “Gossip Girl,” “Pretty Little Liars,” “One Tree Hill” and “90210” all have featured some sort of romantic teacher-student relationships. These may have skewed our views by making the professor more charismatic or seductive and making the whole scenario a bit more sexy, dreamy and normal. But as stated above, the realities are far from what is presented on television. Besides, how many of these unrealistic romances actually survived or even concluded on a positive note? You might want to think about that the next time you start crushing on a professor.

By Jasmine King

Contributing Writer

The “BucknellU” Facebook page has started posting an abundance of pictures under the album titled, “Bucknell in Love.” Of course, being the avid Facebook user that I am, I sign on to see at least one new picture a day of cute couples who both attended the University. The various techniques used in each set of pictures and the very attractive people standing in front of our own Rooke Chapel makes you wonder: why would a student not want this for the rest of their lives? College is a place where people can be themselves and be accepted for who they really are; it is no surprise that a lot of students find “true love” here. Not to mention that we are secluded in the “Bucknell Bubble,” making it hard to extend our outlooks anyway. Seeing all of the couples walking around campus, being with someone for the next four years, having fun with their mates here at the University and all of the myths surrounding the concept of “Bucknell in Love” (for example, if you sit on the stone benches in the quad and watch the sunset with someone, you will marry them), a student could feel pressured to find a fellow classmate to spend their life with.

For this writer, this is not the case. I do not feel pressured at all to find a fellow student to serve as my soul mate. In my opinion, it is all overrated anyway. I have been dating the same guy for a little over five years now and he currently attends Penn State. From this, I feel no pressure to find another boy to fill the void. It is possible to find a guy who is not of the same “breed” as that of a University student. But this is overshadowed, as the students here are very similar in the way that they act, dress and their interests in general. To be sucked into our culture is a very easy thing to do and then your entire life revolves around the University. But, then again, true love does not care which school you graduate from or even if you went to school. Students should love whom they want and not worry about the label that comes with it. Most importantly, be happy with the person you have, whether it’s a fellow Bucknellian or your best friend.