Month: April 2011

Categories
Editorial Opinion

Editorial: BarstoolU

The student community was recently captivated by the story of Parinaz Hadi ’12, who made it to the Final Four of a March Madness-style popularity contest on a website called BarstoolU. The reason this story made it into The Bucknellian is because it captured the attention of so huge a portion of the student community. We’ve heard more students talking about this than just about any other recent story we could have conceivably covered—and while we are willing to meet our readers’ demands for the sake of maintaining a readership, students’ attitudes toward this story nevertheless upset us.

We have no problem with Hadi’s decision to participate in the contest, and we can understand why she was excited about it. Good for her that she did well; it’s got to be gratifying to know that that many people care about you or are interested in you or at least find you attractive. We don’t have the desire or the right to tell anyone what to do with their lives to make themselves happy.

However, we are baffled by the enormity of the student response. Hadi received 215,000 votes, and an administrator from the website commented that he had “never seen anything like” the interest demonstrated by students and that he had been bombarded with “Facebook messages and tweets and emails and hand-written snail mail letters from everyone on campus asking me vote tallies.” It seemed everyone on campus was talking about the contest during the time of the voting, and Facebook campaigns constantly reminded us to vote as often as possible. Furthermore, it wasn’t just male students who were involved in this, and interest spread far beyond the group of people who personally knew Hadi.

In light of constant talk on campus about campus climate issues, in light of the sororities’ recent declaration against misogyny, and in light of the on-going discussion about how we need to be better people and objectify each other less, it is disappointing to see so much of the student body take so much interest in what is essentially a “hottest college girl” contest.

We’re not entirely sure what sparked this interest. Surely some students wanted to support Hadi and others considered themselves to be helping the University’s reputation, taking pride in her success. People were also hugely excited by the huge number of kegs BarstoolU was supposedly going to bring to campus if Hadi won, disregarding the logistical problems of planning such a party at a school where kegs aren’t even allowed, and this motivation is more troubling. Is this what students really care about on campus—having big parties and proving that our girls are the hottest? Did students really have nothing better to talk about than this contest on a website that few had previously heard of? It seems that all of the people admirably striving for a better campus climate have a long way to go.

Categories
Opinion

Is the U.S. still a dominant superpower?

By Pranav Sehgal

Opinions Editor

In today’s day and age it no longer seems as if the United States is the world’s only superpower. With developing countries like Brazil, India and China growing at rates faster than that of the United States, American dominance over international affairs is already on the wane.

Although the United States is regarded as the world’s leader in many respects, we do not carry the same status that we once had during the second half of the 20th century.

China’s economic ascendancy, in particular, has challenged the Unites States’ identity as a superpower. Economically, it seems as if China has America on a leash as they have loaned and continue to loan us billions of dollars.

If China were to call in their loans, the consequences would be devastating to the U.S. economy.

While the Chinese government plans to invest $586 billion dollars in infrastructure, investment of infrastructure in the United States remains minimal and a comprehensive plan to revamp our nation’s roads, railways, runways and other various transportation services is yet to be implemented.

Internationally, in an effort to compete for the world’s natural resources, China has extended its reach to Africa.

While our government is preoccupied with our wars overseas and all the costs involved, China’s leadership isn’t taking any chances, as it has become the most aggressive investor-nation in Africa in an effort to gain the vast natural resources that Africa offers.

The effects of China’s dominance can also be seen on university campuses throughout the United States, as Chinese students compete with Americans for spots in our nations educational institutions.

Many regard the Chinese educational system as more rigorous than that of the United States. They have fewer days off, high standards for their school systems and now the means to come abroad, all factors contributing to their great success in standardized testing and superior academic results that eventually lead to success in work force.

In order to combat challenges to American domestic and international influence, the United States government must reassert itself as a global economic power by not only investing in infrastructure, but also leading the way in other technological pursuits such as alternative energy resources.

The United States has always led through great economic changes: the Industrial Revolution, the dot-com era, and the real estate boom, and we must continue to do so.

As globalization has caused the world to be smaller, the United States must extend its partnerships overseas in order to be competitive with China in places like Africa because our consumer-based society needs resources in order to fuel our economy.

We must also invest heavily in education if the United States wants to continue to compete with students not only from China but from all over the world. If measures and policies are not implemented to fight these challenges, America will no longer be the superpower that everyone perceives it to be.

If we don’t continue to advance with them, we will fall like all great empires that have ceased to be, countries like China will fill the void.

Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to the Editor: Bravman supports sorority decision

To the editor:

In last week’s issue of The Bucknellian, the presidents of the seven sororities on campus made a strong statement against misogyny and sexism, and I commend their decision to do so. As part of this decision, our sororities will no longer support or attend events whose theme objectifies women. Theme parties or any activities that degrade women and perpetuate divisions amongst us have no place at the University. I believe our sororities’ decision is a powerful positive step for the strength and integrity of our Greek-letter system, and reflects a value shared across the University that we will treat everyone with respect and dignity.

Last fall, I appointed a task force of faculty and staff to conduct a thorough assessment of our campus climate and all related data, and to recommend to me whatever steps they believe can ensure that we are supporting and encouraging the most positive university experience for our students. I am looking forward to receiving their initial report in May, and am grateful for the hard work they have given to this substantive review. Our sorority presidents’ decision is an important step forward in the continuing goal we all share to foster a campus climate as special as the individuals who make up our community.

A sincere thanks to these young women for their leadership, and to all those who have given their support to this meaningful action.

John Bravman
President of Bucknell University

Categories
Letters to the Editor Opinion

Letter to Editor: Students respectfully engage with speaker

To the editor:

The letter to the editor printed in last week’s issue of The Bucknellian gave a false impression of Tammy Bruce.

Last Thursday, Bruce spoke about the compatibility of conservative ideas with the core values of the LGBT community and other minorities. She argued that the conservative principle of individual liberty empowers everyone, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation.

Students with many different backgrounds, perspectives and opinions attended the lecture. Some students agreed with the opinions presented by Bruce, while others disagreed. Regardless of whether or not they held the same beliefs as Bruce, students came to the event with open minds, ready to hear a point of view not often articulated on the University’s campus.

At the conclusion of her initial remarks, Bruce opened the floor to questions from the audience. It was during the question-and-answer period that students displayed the finest qualities the University has to offer and undeniably affirmed the sacred purpose of a university — to encourage and nurture thoughtful, critical and open intellectual discussion. Students engaged Bruce in conversation for over an hour, asking pointed questions and challenging her conclusions. The guest speaker was also committed to constructive dialogue with the students, giving them the opportunity to stay afterwards to talk for at least another hour. Both Bruce and the students who continued the conversation acknowledged that they came away from the experience with valuable information that they otherwise would not have gained.

This event provided the University community with a priceless opportunity to openly discuss current matters of great significance and expose themselves to different opinions. The behavior of students at the event was exemplary. They effectively used this venue to challenge their beliefs and ultimately strengthen their own convictions. University students should be proud of the admirable conduct of their classmates.

Scott Henry ’11
Sami Prehn ’11
Sarah Thibault ’12
Wes Pyron ’12
Ashley Rooney ’14
Anthony Contarino ’14
Dominique Douglas ’14
Brian Cooper ’11
Monique McCants ’14
Robert Harder ’59
Michael Higgins ’12
Kalila Beehler ’11
Mallory Lyons ’14
Frasier Esty ’13
Oswaldo Galicia ’14
Bridget Gates ’13
Sophia Geraci ’14
Julia Bonnell ’14
Evan Kaufman ’12

Categories
Arts & Life Featured

Choreographer’s Showcase Preview

By Laura Crowley

Arts & Life Editor

Each semester, the Choreographer’s Showcase displays the efforts of a 200-level Dance Composition class required for dance minors. This year, the Showcase is expected to attract sizeable crowds to view its 25 separate choreographed pieces that display “the final culmination of their acquired skills and understanding of dance as an art form,” student director Leigh Bryant ’11 said.

Bryant said she and co-director Abigail Mason ’11 “have worked together for three semesters now on the Showcases” and are “excited to be ending [their] senior years with this event through the dance program.”

This semester, the Dance Composition class was co-taught by professor and director of dance Er-Dong Hu and Visiting Assistant Professor Kristy Kuhn and met twice a week to work on theory, composition and improvisational work, Bryant said.

Allowing students to choreograph their own pieces opened new doors for the students. One such student choreographer, Samantha Gosnell ’13, had never choreographed her own piece. “It was really interesting to see my style of dance on other dancers … [since] I never really knew that I had a style until people came up to me and said that they knew it was my piece right away,” she said. Through choreographing her own piece, she realized her “power to influence people and to create something out of [her] own inspiration,” she said.

Another student choreographer, Leigh Arnold ’13, realized the difficulty involved in getting the messages of her dance across to an audience.

“I knew what I wanted,” she said, “so I then had to focus on how to communicate that to the people watching the piece.”

Given the 25 pieces and 70 people involved in the production, Bryant is “proud of everyone’s collaborative efforts this semester” that enabled the group to “find enough space to rehearse and enough energy to get us to the end,” she said. While she admits that the production was “daunting” at times, she is proud that the showcase company was able to succeed by staying positive and supporting each other.

Dancer Patty Meegan ’12 felt this support in the “truly special” relationships between choreographers and dancers.  “[I am] thankful to be a part of this group that is constantly sharing support, friendship and memories through the art of dance,” she said.

For the production, students were allowed to focus on whatever genre of dance they chose and as a result, the genres include pointe, jazz, modern and hip-hop. By showcasing a number of dances, Bryant believes that the performance will display a “diversity of talents” and attract an equally diverse crowd.

With creative freedoms, Mason was able to choreograph a dance exploring the “tension between staying young and growing up” in her piece called “These are Hard Times for Dreamers.”

Performances will be held tonight, Friday April 15 at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Tustin Black Box Studio Theater. Tickets will be sold at the door if seating remains available. Tickets can be guaranteed ahead of time if bought from the Elaine Langone Center box office, the Weis Center for the Performing Arts box office, the downtown bookstore or online.

Categories
News

Student govt. starts committee focused on diversity

By Meghan Finlayson

Staff Writer

March marked the birth of the Bucknell Student Government Committee on Diversity, the newest of BSG’s nine internal committees. Consisting of presidents from various multicultural clubs and organizations, it is the first committee to allow non-BSG members.

The committee is made up of presidents from the Afghan Student Club, the Bucknell African Student Association, the Black Student Union, the Caribbean Club, the Chinese Culture Association, Essential, FLAG & BT (Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgendered), Japan Society, SAAB (Students for Asian Awareness at Bucknell), OHLAS (Organization for Hispanic and Latin American Students), South Asian Students Association, International Student Orientation and Multicultural Team Membership Program.

The purpose behind the Committee is “to advise the President on diversity issues at the University and to promote effective participation by members of all racial, ethnic and under-represented groups in the civic life of Bucknell,” according to the committee’s by-laws.

In January, Joey Martin ’12, Chair of the Committee on Diversity, began revising the BSG Constitution. “Prior to this year, only BSG members could sit in on these committees, and we want to move towards a more inclusive model,” Martin said. He opened the committee so other student representatives and presidents of clubs could contribute.

“My hope is that this committee will serve as a forum for groups and clubs to collaborate on campus initiatives and programs, and for collective discussions on campus climate issues,” Martin said.

So far the response has been positive. “I think that the new Diversity Committee is a great step forward for our community. Nothing can be solved overnight, but the existence of the committee serves as a great way to open up lines of communication and provide a link between BSG and our campus’ multicultural groups,” said Michael Tonge ’12, president of the Caribbean Club.

Still in the planning phase, the committee has only held one meeting so far this semester.

“It is an effort on behalf of BSG to reach out to these student groups, especially to answer questions they have. Establishing a connection [between BSG and these groups] is a motivating factor,” Martin said.

Controversial radio-show host Tammy Bruce’s visit was discussed at the last meeting, and the committee is planning The Black Arts Festival and Friday’s Day of Silence for LGBT.

Other ideas to expand are being considered as well. “I believe the leaders of fraternities and sororities should also join this committee as well as a few others that are not considered diverse groups,” said Mahilet Oluma‘13, Treasurer of BASA and Chairman of Alumni Relations for BSU.

The BSG Executive board is focusing on the potential to open up more of their internal committees in the future.

Categories
News

Female represents University in Barstool U competition

By Christina Oddo

Writer

Many University students supported Parinaz Hadi ’12 in a contest hosted by barstoolsports.com that placed female college students head-to-head in a March Madness-style bracket by frantically clicking in votes for her. The website promised a party, including a concert, to the champion’s school.

Clicking frantically on barstoolsports.com to support Parinaz Hadi ’12, many students of the University participated in a contest that placed female college students head-to-head in a March Madness-style bracket. The website promised a party, including a concert, to the champion’s school.

The competition included many universities, separated into four regions: north, south, east and west. Female students from each university were nominated and posted pictures on the site, and students voted to show their support. Hadi was the final contestant for the west but lost to the representative for Villanova, a school that is four times bigger than the University.

“I got a Facebook message from John Henry, one of the writers at Barstool U, saying that I got nominated by several students at Bucknell to represent Bucknell in NCAA tournament brackets,” Hadi said.

Morgan Kauffman ’11 did not hear about the voting until the University was in the Elite Eight. She was with her first-year hall, when Greg Stewart ‘11 coined the name “Vote For the Party.” Kauffman’s hall used her account to create a Facebook event and organize the logistics and invitations, making her the middleman in the ordeal.

According to Kauffman, four engineers made a program to allow students to continuously vote. In the end, Hadi received 215,000 votes, but Villanova’s representative won by only a small gap, with 220,000 votes. “The other match was between two other girls,” Hadi said, and “each got around 9,000 votes each.”

There has been talk that Barstool U’s site crashed twice, which has led to many rumors that perhaps Hadi could have won. “They then listed that Bucknell would be one of the top five schools that they wanted to host a party at, since we were so intense in our voting,” Kauffman said.

Barstool U contacted Hadi and said “that they will throw a party at Bucknell even though we lost, just because we got so many votes in,” Parinaz said. “The details of the party will come soon.”

The administration of Barstool U said that they have never ever seen anything like the competition between Hadi and her competitor. The amount of page views that they got from the two universities alone paid for the web master’s salary, he joked. This kind of support has never been seen.

According to Hadi, after the final four, it was no longer about the girls but more about the universities competing.

“I feel very honored in the first place that I got nominated among all these beautiful students at Bucknell, and I want to thank everyone who voted,” Hadi said. “I am very proud to be a part of this community.”

Categories
News

Black Student Union hosts arts festival

By Olivia Seecof

Writer

The Black Student Union’s 2011 Black Arts Festival began on Thursday and will continue until Sunday. The Festival includes dance, theater and music performances as well as a Block Party, fashion show and much more.

The Black Arts Festival is a University tradition that has been celebrated for generations by both the University and Lewisburg communities. This event was successfully resurrected last year by the members of the Black Student Union, and this year they want to expand its scope.

“I’m really excited about this year’s festival. I thought last year’s festival was a success and I’m certain that this year’s will be even better,” Whitney Jerome ’13 said.

The planning took much work, but the members of the BSU are extremely excited for the event.

“Planning the festival has been a wonderful experience though tiring at times. Despite some obstacles and occasional setbacks, our organization stood firm to its commitment to host an engaging and dynamic festival for the campus and its community,” Bryan Coleman ’11 said.

A major highlight of this year’s Black Arts Festival is the professor and Grammy-winning keynote speaker Patrick Douthit, better known as 9th Wonder. 9th Wonder began his career as the main producer for the hip-hop group Little Brother and has also worked with other hip-hop artists such as Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z and Destiny’s Child. As of 2010, 9th Wonder raps under the name of 9thmatic.

“I’m a huge fan of Little Brother so the fact that 9th Wonder will be here is pretty exciting,” Jerome said. He is passionate about educating others on the history and origin of hip-hop in order to sustain this genre of art. His keynote address will be taking place in Rooke Auditorium tonight from 7-9 p.m.

A dance workshop co-sponsored by the Bisonettes will be held in the Elaine Langone Center Room today from 3-4 p.m. and will cover African, Caribbean and hip-hop dance techniques.

“The Bisonettes are a majorette group scheduled to perform during football half time, but when the black Student Union called for performers in the Black Arts Festival, the Bisonettes were happy to answer the call,” Raissa Sorgho ’14 said. “After many hours of practice, sweat and choreography, we are eager to make our debut at the Black Arts Festival.”

Another highlight of the Black Arts Festival is the Block Party, co-sponsored by BAP, Caribbean Club, Greek Affairs and OHLAS. On Smith Quad tomorrow from 1:30-4:30 p.m. the Block Party will be blasting the sounds of live performances.

“From my view, the Block Party is the culmination of bringing together all members of the campus for a celebration of community, arts and fun,” Coleman said.

There will also be inflatables, food, memorabilia for sale and a step show competition. This event is taking place on Admitted Students Day, so even future students can get involved.

“The entire weekend is going to be fantastic and the fact that we get to share it with accepted students makes it that much more special,” Jerome said.

The Black Arts Festival will come to a close with the much anticipated BASA (Bucknell African Students Association) Bash located in Larison Dining Hall on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. This event will feature different traditional activities such as dancing, hair braiding and bracelet making.

“Seeing how invested your friends are at keeping their culture alive, even at a place as far away as Bucknell is something amazing that I loved being a part of [at last year’s BASA Bash],” Sarah Dubow ’13 said.

Other events today include the “Back to the Root” Poetry Slam and the freestyle rap and beat-boxing battle. Tomorrow there will be the ceremony honoring Professor Hilbourne Watson and Professor Linden Lewis, the “Runaway: The Fashion Experience” show and the “Fade to Black” after-party.

Categories
News

Beloved professor to leave University

By Nicole Briggs

Contributing Writer

Professor James Peterson, member of the University community for four years, will be leaving the University at the end of this semester.

Peterson’s main reason for moving on is his family’s recent relocation to Philadelphia; the 150-mile commute has become close to impossible to maintain.

More than anything, Peterson wanted to make it clear that this was an entirely personal decision. “I love teaching at Bucknell. I love the students. I love my faculty colleagues, and my department has been extremely supportive of my scholarship and all of my professional efforts the entire time I’ve been here,” he said.

Peterson is also a member of the Bucknell Innovation Group. This is one of the ways he and other professors continue to come up with new and compelling methods of teaching to keep classes interesting for the students.

“He has been exemplary in every way–an outstanding teacher, a highly productive scholar, and an active and engaged colleague in the department and in the wider University community. He was awarded tenure this year based on those qualities, and we hate to see him go,” English department chair John Rickard said.  “From the new courses he has designed to the students he has mentored and befriended, his presence will be felt in the English department for a long time. We certainly hope he returns and rejoins us here at Bucknell in the future.”

Peterson’s classes are some of the most popular on campus. “The kind of classes I teach appeal to young people because of the subject matter. The students who take my classes are not just smart, because all Bucknell students are smart, but they are especially eager to engage in class discussions,” he said.

Jen Shukusky ’11 has taken a class with Peterson every semester she has spent on campus. She stated that Peterson has made a strong impact in her life and career. Not only does he influence her inside the classroom, but he challenged her thoughts on the outside world.

“Professor Peterson’s courses are endlessly creative and never cease to challenge me and the other students in new and inventive ways. He designs his courses based on fairly untraditional topics which beg to be further explored. This alone has helped me to develop a new ideas and perspectives on literary works and figures that have not yet become part of the canon,” Shukusky said.

Peterson has been heavily involved in initiatives on campus such as the Black Student Union and Common Ground. Through his presence in many aspects of University life, he has been able to make a lasting impact.

“Personally, I am forever indebted to Professor Peterson for his mentorship. Not only has he guided me academically and socially but he has most importantly helped me grow as an individual. Professor Peterson challenges my ideas and perspectives continuously. As a result, I realized that it was OK for me to stand on the perimeter of my comfort zone. He taught me and many others that we should all embrace our uniqueness although it can be hard in new and foreign environments,” Nadia Sasso ’11 said.

Peterson is currently considering an offer of employment from Rutgers University’s Camden campus, but his future plans are not yet certain.

Categories
Arts & Life Movies Review

The old vs. new ‘Arthur’

By Michelle Joline

Writer

Looking for a break from the build-up to finals? A nice retreat from the scariness that is a college student’s reality can be found at the movies this week. The remake of the classic film “Arthur” builds a fantasy world that the audience just can’t resist. The remake stars Russell Brand as the story’s leading protagonist and Helen Mirren as the story’s true leading lady, Hobson.

The plot takes us on an enjoyable ride through the unrealistic life of Arthur, heir to a multi-million-dollar fortune. His life comes to a crossroads when his workaholic mother, who was absent for most of his life, provides an ultimatum to either marry Susan (Jennifer Garner) to get his life back on track or lose all of the money that he has become accustomed to living with. The plot unravels the humorous side to his mental turmoil while he chooses between money and love, telling the ever-compelling traditional love story.

Luckily, Brand plays a very convincing drunk in this contemporary remake and the majority of the laughs in the film stem from his alcoholic antics. We get to see what extreme wealth combined with alcoholism will get a socialite in New York, leaving nothing to be desired by the viewer (okay, maybe a lot, the Batmobile left everyone a bit envious). Even though Brand plays the alcoholic Arthur, he still manages to not only be forgivable in his innocence but also capture the heart of Naomi (Greta Gerwig). The on-screen relationship between the two seems very honest and leaves the audience rooting for them to beat the odds of love by the end of the film.

These qualities hold true from the original classic, which starred Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli. The only difference that stands between the performances from Minnelli and Gerwig is the change in their character’s name from Linda to Naomi. Gerwig managed to embody the effervescent and quirky quality that Minnelli brought to the original role, making us want to see more of her in future big screen hits.

The remake is a success because it does not tell the story with the same plotline as the original but spins it to make a contemporary film for a modern audience. Since the original was so well done and has such a strong following, a remake with the same screenplay could never stand up against it. With the help of new one-liners and Mirren as one of the most unexpected comedians, a new hit is made. Expect to be surprised if you venture out into the rainy spring weather to see “Arthur,” because the quirky film is a feel-good break that lets us live in a world devoid of responsibilities with Brand as our guide.