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Author discusses impact of porn industry

Christina Oddo

Writer

Gail Dines, author of “Pornland,” expressed how the porn industry is leaking into mainstream media in a lecture with University students and staff on Tuesday in the Elaine Langone Center Forum. She explained how this industry is manipulating how teenagers think about their sexuality and how they interact with one another.

“The estimated revenue of the porn industry is $12 billion, while the estimated revenue for the box office for mainstream films is $9 billion,” Dines said.
Dines explained that while  her generation is “print-based,” the generation of today’s college students is “image-based.” Instead of reading things in print, college students are overwhelmed with images every day. Dines said many college students and teenagers are “image illiterate,” and perhaps absorb the wrong messages that are portrayed through images. The “gaze” that is often portrayed through images of women and men in magazines, on television and on the Internet is directly connected to the hookup culture found on college campuses and beyond. It creates gender constructions that form socially acceptable behaviors and etiquette.
Women, Dines said, constantly compare themselves to images of other women. In this way, the porn industry has manipulated women into hating their bodies. American capitalism and the success of many industries depends on women’s overall dissatisfaction with their bodies, as they go to great lengths for fashion, diet and cosmetics.
In the media, women are reduced to all of the same; women, in these images, are merely a series of body parts. Dines said when she starts seeing men wear Speedos to restaurants, then she will be okay with women wearing extremely exposing attire out to dinner. 
In fact, most images in the media that portray both men and women often show men fully clothed, while women are much more exposed. Dines said being naked in the presence of clothed people is to be in a state of vulnerability; why else are men who are admitted to prison immediately asked to strip when they first arrive?
Dines included discussion regarding women of color in the media, and how animals often accompany them in images. In this way, the media is portraying women of color as hypersexual. 
In regard to celebrities and the privileged white, Dines said people who are extremely rich and privileged, as well as white in color, have the ability to make the label of “slut” work for them. No matter how well one can carry that label, being called a “slut” is “a collective rape of all of your identity,” she said. This label is a social construct because an individual does not chose his or her label.
Dines explored the journey of young stars through adulthood, and how these young stars escape the stage of invisibility. What image do you have to portray to be noticed? The porn industry is marketing the youthful image more and more, she said. Is this due to a lack of creativity?
Pornography, Dines said, is completely debasing and violates women’s human rights. Promotion for online pornography sites alone is ridiculously degrading. Dines spoke directly to the men in the audience: “What turns you on? Are you really like this?”
“[The] world they [the porn industry] want is a world not worth living in,” Dines said. Where is the respect for others and for yourself? What does a dependency on pornography say about your sexual identity? Does sexual integrity exist today? Dines questioned the audience relentlessly. She said people need to claim sexuality on their own instead of letting the porn industry shape it.
“Words exist in a material reality,” Dines said.
In this way, Dines said, people need to reshape how they think about and act upon different words that relate to sexuality and gender.
For more information, visit Gaildines.com and stoppornculture.org.
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News

Frank Abagnale to speak

Amanda Ayers

News Editor

The Student Lectureship Committee has announced that it will host Frank Abagnale, author of the autobiography “Catch Me If You Can,” on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. The talk is free and open to the public.

Abagnale began as one of the most famous con men alive, posing as an airline pilot, attorney, college professor and pediatrician, as well as cashing in $2.5 million in fraudulent checks. He  is now respected around the world as one of the best authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. He has worked with and advised hundreds of financial institutions and  government agencies around the world for the last 35 years.

“The lectureship committee is really excited to be bringing Frank Abagnale this semester. He has been on our ‘short list’ for as long as I have been a part of the committee and has always generated great buzz around campus. I think what makes Frank so appealing is the movie-like nature of his life,” said Mike Kurban ’12, head of the Student Lectureship Committee.

“Catch Me If You Can” was made into a film in 2002. It was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Abagnale has also written numerous other articles and books such as “The Art of the Steal,” “The Real U Guide to Identity Theft” and “Stealing Your Life.”

“It’s easy to think of his story as something created in some Hollywood studio, especially because many of us are familiar with it because of ‘Catch Me If You Can,’ but it is all the more exciting to think that everything that happened in the movie–the deception and conning and secret lives–were all a part of his real life,” Kurban said. “I’m excited to hear about his experiences and also how he transformed from a con artist to one of the most respected security consultants with the FBI.”

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News

Alpha Male

Olivia Seecof

Writer

Alphi Chi Omega sorority sponsored its second Alpha Male competition last Friday in Trout Auditorium to benefit the Susquehanna Valley Women Transition, an agency that aids victims of domestic violence. One man from each fraternity on campus competed for the title in a variety of events throughout the night. The 400 available tickets sold out on the day before the event.
The second round consisted of swimwear modeling. Many of the competitors sported speedos while others took a more relaxed approach with a sun hat and a ukulele.

“They were all definitely ready for beach season!” Eliza Macdonald ’14 said.
Next came the talent portion where the men performed a talent of their choice.
“My favorite part of the competition was witnessing the different hidden talents that all the contestants had,” CK Kumah ’13 said.

These talents included ribbon dancing, interpretive dancing, rapping about each sorority, pizza making, solving a Rubik’s Cube, and many more.
The presidents of each sorority judged the competition.

“We were so pleased to have each chapter represented on the [judging] panel,” said Jenna DeLuca ’13, president of Alphi Chi Omega. “I was honestly very impressed with each and every one of the contestants! Each man confidently represented his chapter in a unique way.”

“My favorite aspect of judging Alpha Male was being able to take part in an incredibly fun and successful philanthropic event that brought the Greek community together. Watching the representatives from each fraternity eat up a spotlight was priceless,” said Dana Musulin ’13, president of Alpha Delta Pi.

Kumah of Phi Gamma Delta was the ultimate winner and crowned Alpha Male 2012.

“Personally I thought it was a 10-way tie because each and every one of the contestants was equally impressive and made it difficult for the judges to come to a conclusion. I was literally blown away when they announced me as the winner,” Kumah said.

Brottman presented Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition with a check for $2,000, 15 percent of which will go to Fiji’s philanthropy in honor of Kumah’s winning.

“It was such an amazing feeling to know that Alpha Chi was making a true impact on the lives of these victims,” Brottman said.

“My favorite part of the event was the involvement of all the people there and everyone being so excited. The guys who participated were great and we had so much fun working with them!” Lewis said.
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News

Spring Break Shuttle Schedules

By Amanda Ayers

News Editor

Need to get to either Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for spring break travels? Card Services and Student Transit has posted its shuttle schedule on the University website. One-way transportation to or from Williamsport Regional Airport, Harrisburg International Airport or the Harrisburg Transportation Center is $36.00. One-way shuttle transportation to PHL is $76.00. Make sure to register online by March 7 at noon. 

Depart for Spring Recess

Classes end Friday, March 9 at 5 p.m.

Harrisburg and Williamsport
Friday, March 9 at 5 a.m., 7 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 10 at 5 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Philadelphia
Friday, March 9 at 5 a.m, 12:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 10 at  5 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.

Return from Spring Recess

Classes begin Monday, March 19 at 8 a.m.

Harrisburg and Williamsport

Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. 
Sunday, March 18 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Philadelphia

Saturday, March 17 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 18 at 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. 

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News

Frank Abagnale Jr. announced as speaker

Amanda Ayers

News Editor

The Student Lectureship Committee has invited Frank Abagnale to speak on campus March 19 at 7 p.m. in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts. This event is free and open to the public. Beginning as one of the world’s most famous con men (posing as an airline pilot, doctor and lawyer) Abagnale later became one of the most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement and secure documents. He has worked with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies. He was made even more famous through director Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film, “Catch Me If You Can,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, which was based on Abagnale’s best-selling autobiography.

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News

Athletes succeed on and off field

By Ali Napoli

Contributing Writer

 

During the 2011 fall semester, 252 University student-athletes earned Dean’s List honors, achieving GPAs equal to or higher than 3.50. Of those honored, 141 were accepted to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, which requires a GPA of 3.2 or better during the team’s competitive season.
“One of the special qualities of Bison Athletics is that our student-athletes are truly students, first and foremost. They take tremendous pride in their class-work, just as all Bucknell students do, and it is great that the Patriot League finds several different ways to recognize the academic achievements of its student-athletes,” said John Hardt, director of athletics and recreation.
Twenty-five of the University’s 27 varsity sports teams have a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The men’s cross-country team recorded the highest GPA out of all the male sports with a 3.32 average. The women’s swimming and diving team and the women’s golf team share the highest team GPA of all sports with an impressive average of 3.40.
A number of the student-athletes who achieved Dean’s List honors are team captains, representing various teams, from men’s basketball to women’s track and field.
“Being a captain on the team makes you want to do your best to set an example, especially for the younger guys on the team. I try to do my best in the classroom just so they know what to do, and just be there if anyone else on the team needs anything,” said Bryson Johnson ’13, captain and guard of the men’s basketball team.
Spencer Richley ’12, captain of men’s water polo, expressed similar feelings.
“[I’ve] found that being a captain of the water polo team actually helped [me] achieve a higher GPA because the two go hand in hand. Both require an increased amount of responsibility and forced me to effectively manage my time,” Richley said.
Leadership and encouragement to succeed on and off the field is not only fostered by team captains.
“The four members of our senior class are all tremendous examples of what it means to be a true scholar-athlete at Bucknell while pursuing excellence in their chosen fields in the classroom and on the field.  They represent what we want from all of our leaders, titled as captains or otherwise, and I’m extremely honored to have coached them all,” said Ben Landis, head coach of women’s soccer.
All in all, the athletics department is very proud of these numbers, and it believes that statistics like these are integral to the student-athlete experience at the University.
“Balancing Bucknell’s exacting academic demands with the rigors of being a Division I athlete is very difficult and takes determination and excellent time-management skills. They deserve all the recognition that comes with their accomplishments both on and off the playing fields,” Hardt said.
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News

Week aims to combat eating disorders

By Carleen Boyer

Writer

 

This week, the Women’s Resource Center planned events for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week on campus, which featured in-depth forums and panel discussions that focused on the effects and treatment of eating disorders. According to Mental Health America, a nonprofit organization seeking to helping Americans live mentally healthier lives, approximately eight million women and men in the United States suffer from an eating disorder.

The week began with a call for awareness and reflection. The events that followed focused on empowering individuals to have a positive self-image. Dustyn Martincich, assistant professor of theatre and dance, led an hour-long dance session in McDonnell Ski Lounge on Feb. 28.
There was also a dance program entitled “Womanifesto,” organized by Aliyah Johnson ’14, on Feb. 29. Held in Walls Lounge, this was meant to provide an opportunity to dance and celebrate the body through movement. It was open to all students.
To conclude the week, Activities and Campus Events (ACE) will host a spa day called “The Spa Spectacular” tomorrow. It will feature hair styling, make up, facials, manicures and yoga from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Terrace Room. This is all part of the effort to reinforce positive body image and to fight eating disorders on college campuses.
Psychological Services also promoted its free and confidential online eating disorder screening this week. Even though the screening is available throughout the year, the announcement highlights awareness in the spirit of the week. The screening can be accessed by going to the Psychological Services website and clicking on Online Mental Health Screening.
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News

Univ. reaches out to community with BILL program

By Siobhan Murray

Writer

 

The Bucknell Institute for Lifelong Learning (BILL) continues to host “Lunch and Learn with BILL” and “Tea and Talk” programs this semester. These informal lunch programs, free of charge and open to the general public, have grown out of the institute’s larger objective of providing college-level learning opportunities to mature learners in the local community. The events are held in partnership with Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village and are held at The Village Common on Tressler Boulevard in Lewisburg. Refreshments and lunch are provided for participants.

“Lunch and Learn” and “Tea and Talk” are designed to take place outside of class times so that they do not cause scheduling conflicts for the members of the institute. The program’s presenters have been University-affiliated staff and retirees. Participants are typically in the over-60 crowd.
“We’ve had participants from 18 to well over 80,” BILL coordinator Ruth Burnham said.
The “Lunch and Learn” series includes discussions about politics, biology, language and aging. Also, “Tea and Talk,” a newer program, focuses broadly on the arts. This semester, BILL’s “Lunch and Learn” programs have featured associate professor of anthropology Michelle Johnson, who discussed “Islam on the Margins: Religion and Ritual Among the Mandinga of Guinea-Bissau” on Jan. 24, and associate professor of biology Marie Pizzorno’s talk, “Do Honeybees Get Sick? Viruses that Infect an Important Pollinator” on Feb. 9.
“With any science topic, the jargon and concepts can sometimes get tough to understand, but the audience seemed to follow the discussion and responded with great questions,” Pizzorno said.
On March 13 at 3:30 p.m. at “Tea and Talk,” associate professor of theatre and dance Paula Davis will present “In Search of Balkan Folk Dress: Revealing Identities.” Additionally, on April 10 at noon, presidential professor of classics Janet Jones will host “Alexander the Great and the Seven Wonders of the World.” It is likely that attendance will be high for these discussions, as the programs have been very popular with usually 60-140 people in attendance.
Although largely a program for older members of the Lewisburg community, opportunities for student involvement are always open.
“I could imagine students co-presenting in classes, depending on topics, schedule, etc. We’d welcome student ideas on how they might like to be involved,” Burnham said.
The program has reached its goal of providing the Central Susquehanna Community with educational and intellectual opportunities that reflect the University’s value of a liberal arts education and emphasis on the importance of lifelong learning.
“Just because people are retired doesn’t mean they want to turn their brains off,” Pizzorno said.
The BILL program goes to show the importance of giving anyone with an intellectual interest a venue to learn.
“[It] has succeeded in drawing in those who enjoy learning for the sake of learning, and sharing with others who have similar interests,” Burnham said. “The program has proved to be a great way for newcomers to the area to meet members of the community, and we have heard stories of people who have based part of their decision to retire to this area on the existence of this program.”
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Univ. to add two sororities by 2013

By Jason Pepe & Amanda Ayers

Contributing Writer & News Editor

Two new sororities will be added on campus within the next two years. One will be a multicultural sorority added in the fall of 2012, and the other will be part of a Panhellenic extension, planned to start in the fall of 2013.

Mu Sigma Upsilon will be the multicultural sorority. A group of young women on campus saw the need for a multicultural Greek organization and reached out to Mu Sigma Upsilon about starting a chapter at the University. The presence of Mu Sigma Upsilon is planned to help foster diversity among the nine current sororities.

Jackie Petrucci, assistant director of residential education for sorority affairs, is optimistic about the sorority’s potential.

“I think this group will be well received because they are fulfilling a need that is not being met within our fraternity and sorority community.  Having a multicultural organization on campus will continue to add depth to our community and enrich the experiences for students at Bucknell University,” Petrucci said.

Mu Sigma Upsilon is planning to host several interest meetings this semester. Women who are interested in joining are encouraged to attend.  For more information, contact Petrucci at jackie.petrucci@bucknell.edu.

For the Panhellenic expansion, the chapter to be added in 2013 has yet to be determined. In order to decide this, there will be an extensive interview process in the near future which will allow various organizations to present information to the University in order to demonstrate that they will be the best fit on campus.

This decision was affirmed through a vote from each existing sorority chapter on campus. It reflects a desire to accommodate a greater number of undergraduate women who wish to affiliate. Another justification for the Panhellenic extension is that chapters have grown unreasonably large.

“With chapter membership over 120 women, the deep lifelong friendships all sorority organizations aim to foster can be compromised,” said the 2011 Panhellenic Evaluation, published by the Extension Exploratory Committee.

Additionally, the suites cannot accommodate all of the women who wish to live there, which can also inhibit the development of deeper relationships.

Women associated with the Panhellenic Council were not permitted to comment on the addition of this second sorority.

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Featured News

Univ. welcomes esteemed historian

By Sara Blair Matthews

Assistant News Editor

 

Historian Robert A. Caro, the 2011 Janet Weis Fellow in Contemporary Letters, presented years of research on former President Lyndon B. Johnson in a talk on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. Caro is the author of two Pulitzer Prize-winning biographies on Johnson and Robert Moses. 
His talk, held in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts, was entitled “Power in the Hands of a Master.”
“We [were] excited to have Robert. A Caro visit Bucknell in the midst of a presidential election. [He] is among the country’s foremost presidential historians, and his insight and expertise offer a valuable perspective,” said Andy Hirsch, director of media communications.
Caro explained that he wished to highlight the achievements of the accomplished political figures in his works.
“I never thought of [my works] as biographies. I thought of them as means of illuminating the lives of the people I was writing about,” Caro said.
Caro also discussed the importance of turning every page and not assuming anything when conducting research. He mainly discussed his research for the biography “The Years of Lyndon Johnson, The Path to Power.” Caro talked about how Johnson’s term was a “watershed presidency” because when it ended, the United States was a very different country than when Johnson assumed office.

“[Primarily,] America changed through Johnson’s use of political power,” Caro said.

Caro discussed how one of the main emphases of Johnson’s presidency was to drastically lessen poverty in America.

“He created a war on poverty, [but] no one understood why it meant so much to him,” Caro said. The historian began to understand why this was true when he went to live in Johnson’s native Texas Hill Country, a region in Central Texas, for three years while conducting research for his book.
“I’ll never forget the first time I drove out there. I saw incredible loneliness and incredible poverty,” Caro said. He believes that once he understood the place, he was able to better understand Johnson and his actions.
“I came to understand his ruthlessness to do anything to win, his desire to help the poor and his need to get out,” Caro said. “One man changed tens of thousands of lives. When I talked with people in the town, I kept hearing the same word, ruthlessness, over and over again. People said, ‘no matter what he was like he brought the lights.’”
He did so literally, as he brought electricity to the town during his term. Caro said he did not necessarily come to like Johnson by doing research on him, but he certainly did come to admire his achievements.
“He had a great desire to help poor people and people of color. [He was capable of doing so much.] It’s a tragedy for America that he ruined it [with the Vietnam War],” Caro said.
President John Bravman hosted a private dinner event with Caro at 5:30 p.m. prior to the talk. Students were asked to register, and the names of four students were randomly drawn to join Caro and other guests.
“We had thought that meeting the man who wasn’t afraid of Robert Moses, had won two Pulitzer Prizes and had been awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama would be intimidating,” said Margo Cain ’13, one of the students chosen to attend the dinner with Caro. “Robert Caro turned out to be a knowledgeable, humorous, fascinating man with a dedication to history and politics, and an interest in hearing how the younger generation views the world.”