Category: Opinion

By Nicole Della Cava

Contributing Writer

Famous comedians that humor and impress viewers are now, more than ever, females. Big hosts such as Ellen DeGeneres, Chelsea Handler and Tina Fey stun viewers and prove that comedy is not just for men.

New actresses and comedians have emerged with more energy than ever before. In the 2012 Golden Globe Awards, females took the lead in several movies that were nominated for Best Comedy or Musical Motion Picture. In particular, Kristen Wiig’s remarkable performance in “Bridesmaids” took Hollywood by surprise. Wiig is known for her incredible work on Saturday Night Live and continues to premier in top movies and TV programs.

The witty and powerful women today begin to change the way the media portrays females. As women show the public that they can hold their own talk shows or star in the best comedies of the year, gender roles continue to diminish in the workplace. The media has always portrayed women as beautiful and affectionate; however, women should not be restricted by these characteristics. Comedy is no longer portrayed as a job only acceptable for men and I feel that as I approach graduation within the next few years, my career options are unlimited, even as a woman. I have the option of taking on any job that a man can.

Although women can hold the same job positions as men, I think that men treat women differently and do not give them as much responsibility. Men still occupy the majority of leadership positions, and it is proven that men receive a higher salary than women do. Not that men are more qualified or more diligent than women are, but gender roles are definitely still in existence. Beginning in childhood, boys and girls are taught social norms and gender roles that used to be so widely accepted. Such an example is that women should be married and stay home with the children. Although women have come a long way to prove that they can be just as successful and as well-rounded as men, the gender roles have been continuously decreasing. Recently, men are taking more responsibility for cooking, cleaning and childcare. If there is a child at home, one of the parents must sacrifice at least some of his or her job and be a good parent. Almost always, women surrendered their job for children. The social dynamic has changed drastically and more women today stick with an occupation. While women change the entertainment world and become top comedians, men have also learned how to take on other responsibilities in the home. Women still need to make large strides to overcome the gender roles in order to be accepted as equally competitive in the workplace.

By Mike Wolf

Writer

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women working 41-44 hour workweeks make about 86 percent of the salary that men in equal positions make. This is a fact and I can acknowledge that this discrepancy discourages the thought that the modern office promotes gender equality.

When one thinks of gender discrimination, most would probably think of the 1950s where typical male bosses could sexually harass any woman in the office without fear of repercussion. At this time, bosses were almost exclusively male and many jobs were designated as male or female work. I would say we have made great leaps in gender equality since that time.

I believe that men and women doing equal work should receive equal pay. Most would call that fair, but that is not the reality of the situation. Even today, business and industry favor a strong male leader over a female one. Call it ignorance or tradition, but men are more likely to make a higher salary when going into the same field as women. From the male perspective, this has almost no negative effect on me. As much as I want life to be fair, it isn’t. It is hard for me to argue against a system that gives me a natural edge.

At the same time, there is much to be said about earning what you get in life. This is really the reason I would argue for gender equality. I want everyone in the workplace to start out at the same point so that every raise I get, I know I deserved completely and earned over all of my peers, male and female.

Though I can honestly say I am for gender equality in the workplace, I also suffer from what some in gender studies call “gender fatigue.” This term refers to one who is tired of hearing about the issue of gender. As much as I understand women are discouraged, I am tired of hearing about women who feel they are treated unfairly in the workplace, or paid less because of their gender.

There are many people who complain about the unfairness of the situation. At the same time, many women don’t care. Many of these women are the ones who are CEOs of major companies, or have achieved such success in their fields. The days of women being prevented from achieving success are over. The women who put in more effort than their male counterparts and work as much as they can may easily surpass any man. The women who don’t complain about gender inequality are the ones who ignore the issue and keep their focus on advancement.

Overall, I would say gender equality is still an issue in today’s workplace. Many steps have been taken and much has been accomplished for the cause of equality, but the issue still exists. Now comes the time for women to step up and prove that they can be equal to or better than any man in a workplace environment. More women now go to college than men and I have total faith that women can take equal power within the office as well.

By Jennifer Mok

Contributing Writer

I personally like the dark. As odd as that may seem, there’s something calming about it. Granted, I most appreciate the dark when I’m in my room and 100 percent sure that I’m safe. Walking back to my room in the black, lonely and freezing cold night from the library, Bostwick Marketplace or a friend’s room is a different story. Because in truth, no matter what, you’re not exactly “alone.” To ensure our safety, there are a total of 43 blue lights all over campus. A majority of these lights seem to be located downhill while there is an evident lack of blue lights uphill. Is this really a problem? Should we be providing more security uphill?

Well, for starters, I’m not exactly sure how many people even use these emergency call boxes. I also have not seen enough people utilizing these security tools to even be sure that they work. So, does this mean that we are all safe on campus in the blinding dark of night? Yes and no. As a first-year, I can’t claim to have spent enough time on campus to attest to the trust and respect the students have for each other, but I can say that from the time that I have been here and from what I hear from upperclassmen, the University student body is a group of honest and trustworthy individuals.

This does not eliminate dangers and the unfortunate realities of an individual’s vulnerability at night, though. One of the foremost concerns on our campus is the possibility of sexual assault. This “possibility” is actually a crude reality not only on our campus but also on campuses nationwide. Our school as a whole has taken initiatives to address this matter by gathering the opinions of students and faculty members. Many can argue that the results and reports may seem skewed for several reasons but in the end, the students are faced with this potential danger no matter how safe the campus is perceived to be. So, could one step to ensuring the security of all students be the installment of more blue lights uphill? I believe so.

Why uphill? A great number of students spend an immense amount of their time uphill. It is where the Academic Quad is–-where we study, meet professors and engage in extracurricular activities. Students should not have to leave the library early and possibly lose study time for the sake of being safe on campus. In addition, why is there an uneven distribution of blue lights on campus? It may because of the perceived safer environment uphill in contrast to that of downhill, but this is a highly skewed and unjustified view on the two different sections of the campus. Each half should be secured and protected equally.

Lastly, I would like to say that in addition to the installation of blue lights on the Academic Quad, I believe that the school should encourage students to utilize them. Some of us are sometimes a bit too embarrassed or passive about the risks on campus and thus forgo using the blue lights. When your safety is in question, should you really be passive or timid? No. So, use the blue lights and hopefully, later in the future–-we will all have access to one no matter where we are: downhill or uphill in the Academic Quad.

By Sarah Morris

Contributing Writer

First Night was a bit of a mystery to me until the actual night it occurred. I kept receiving emails reminding me that some super-important event was coming up, blah blah blah, about inducting the first-years as University alumni.  Truthfully, I never read beyond the subject line.  Before I knew it, posters covered my hall demanding me to attend this event and to dress nicely: an idea I was not really at all for.

As a member of the volleyball team I was lucky enough to receive all of the ins and outs about Orientation before it occurred.  Never once did the upperclassmen mention an event called First Night.  So, I clearly thought it was neither important nor valuable. I actually considered skipping it so that I could shower, but due to my loyalty to our newspaper and the fact that my RA said it was mandatory, I attended First Night with as much as an open mind as possible.

I was actually thoroughly surprised by how enjoyable it was. I am not saying that there are not other things I would have rather been doing with my Friday night, but First Night was an experience I was glad I could take part in.

It was really fun to meet with the alumni and see what they had to say about the University so many years later. It was clear, due to the devotion and long travels back to their alma mater, that the University remained in their hearts. They definitely made me feel not only be proud to be a part of the University community but also hopeful for my future as a graduate. I loved listening to the alumni recount stories ranging in hilarity over weekend traumas to somber stories about final studying and class difficulty.  I felt as if I could really relate to the speakers, despite our age difference and different experiences.

I loved our class government’s presentation and collaborative speech. The words of Colin Hassell and Jen Lassen were motivational and really hit home.  Partially due to the communal feeling and the slide show of first semester pictures, First Night really made me feel more like a member of our University’s family.  This sentiment was far different from how I felt during orientation: a little lost, isolated and vulnerable.

I did think that the walk to the President’s House to sing to him was a little over-board. If it had been the summer, I would not have minded the treacherous hike, but the cold and snow made me a little weary of the walk.  Overall, though, First Night was a great bonding experience for our class.

I think First Night is an important way to connect with alumni and see all of the possible futures that result with diploma from our school.  But I am not certain an entire event in Rooke Chapel with a ceremonious walk to the President’s House is necessary to achieve that understanding of how such an education will benefit us in the future.

By Ben Kaufman

Sports Layout Editor

In my Education 308 class about democracy in education, my group sent out an informal poll about funding in higher education. Some questions included: “Do you think students currently attending higher education are getting their money’s worth?,” “Where do you think your tuition money is going to?” and “Where do you think cuts should be made in higher education?” In response to the first question, one student said: “No. I think I could get the same education at another lower cost school, but I’m paying for my degree to say ‘Bucknell.’”

When it comes to higher education, I personally do not think such a belief is the best reason to decide which college to attend. In the state of our economy, I can understand why people think this. Our university is a prestigious school with alumni in powerful positions. It seems students choose a school for its reputation more so than for the education the school provides. It would be as if I went to an Ivy League school solely to tell my future employers where I attended. In reality, you are going to get out of your education what you put into it; if you explore new opportunities at school, your education is going to be more worthwhile and where you get your degree will not hold such weight. For example, there are two English teachers from my high school who make similar salaries and went to two completely different colleges. One attended Harvard and the other, a state school. There are plenty of occupations in which the same job is available no matter the school attended.

What you receive from your higher education also depends on what you do on campus. I participate in four clubs and have three different jobs, and for this reason, I think our school is going to be worth the tuition because it is allowing me to gain practical experience for the future. From all my experience outside of the classroom, I have gained a lot of knowledge about a potential future for myself. Therefore, I can say I am getting my money’s worth because I am taking advantage of all the opportunities presented to me. There are a lot of people who sit around, don’t do any activities or join clubs, and they wonder why they attend our university as opposed to another school for half the price. Plenty of people say they would be just as happy paying half the price for their education as they would be at our university. One thing that sets our university apart is the experience you have and connections you make while here. It is clear we have a unique environment and a very close-knit campus that provides a great learning environment for both educational and personal growth. But if you are someone who does not take advantage of what our university has to offer, your money may not be in the right place.

It is easy to simply apply and get in to a well-known school solely for the degree once you graduate. Is that really what you want your college experience to be like? You’re not taking advantage of opportunities right in front of your face. If you know what you want to do after you graduate and our university can help you achieve that goal, good for you. But if you are simply applying somewhere because you know it is a prestigious school and want a degree from that school, then you may be taking the place of a student who would be better suited there. For example, I have two friends who both applied to Washington University in St. Louis. One wanted to go there for a writing program, and the other applied as a safety school as he recognized the caliber of a “WashU” degree. Guess what happened? My friend who applied as a safety got in over the other friend who actually wanted to attend.

It is unfortunate when someone doesn’t get in to a school he or she wants to go to. But if you are able to take advantage of the opportunities at the school you are at, then you will be getting your money’s worth.

By Elizabeth Bacharach

Opinions Editor

With the closing of the 130-year-old Wonderbread Plant in Jamaica, Queens, it becomes clear that the age of white bread is coming to a close. You no longer see hungry Jane delightfully devouring her delicious piece of white toast because Jane’s mommy now knows the truth. Why eat white wheat choices—toast, pasta, etc.— when one can eat whole wheat, an equally delicious, yet healthier, option?

I would not entirely label the University as an unhealthy school; there are plenty of “good-for-you” options in each of our dining facilities. But, it is clear that the Bostwick Marketplace is still stuck in the white wheat wonder days of the 1970s. As a first-year, I frequent the Bostwick Marketplace often, looking for healthier options. I come from a health-crazed family—one that is considerably carbohydrate conscious, where we eat pasta once every two weeks and have bread at dinner on rare occasions, I have not seen a product made of white wheat since I was three. It is clear that whole wheat items are extremely popular as well as frequently consumed. So, why is it almost impossible to find whole wheat edibles in our cafeteria? Though I realize that there are a few choices, such as the whole wheat toast that you have to dig to find at the deli or bread counters, I am fairly perplexed by the lack of whole wheat pasta.

Upon entering the Bostwick Marketplace one has to practically grab a backpack and become a veritable Dora the Explorer to uncover the healthy, whole wheat provisions. My friends and I wander, walking laps around the Bostwick Marketplace searching for the food we would find in our pantries at home. But, we are lost, practically asking our peers for help and recommendations of what to consume. But what to eat is not the problem; as I admit, we are sometimes picky. The real issue is when you crave that true, at home comfort food called pasta.

I have repeatedly desired a hearty pasta dish at school but have yet to actually consume one, because I have yet to discover whole-wheat pasta, dare I say a staple in many households these days. As the months pass by and I have my daily stare down with the white wheat pasta, I still have yet to fulfill my craving. I often ask myself, how could our school be so behind in acknowledging the simple and desirable health benefits of whole wheat pasta, as well as other edibles? So here I am, not hungry and unaware of health benefits Jane, on the search for my whole wheat products, especially pasta.  Bostwick Marketplace, do you hear me?

By Sarah Morris

Contributing Writer

It can be a bit uncomfortable for me when people inquire as to what I believe. I believe in many things in the concrete sense, but frequently that question concerns God and religion. Culturally, I am a Jew who celebrates Christmas and Easter, but religiously, I am a nonbeliever. Reluctantly, I use the word atheist.

I grew up in a house with a Jewish father and a Christian mother. Since religion had been more important to my father, my brothers and I grew up with traditionally Jewish values. We went to Hebrew school on Sundays, synagogue on high holy days and for the Sabbath, and of course, we were all bar and bat mitzvahed.

However, every year, we celebrated the winter months with a Christmas tree in our living room, and although we had a menorah in the adjacent room, we woke on Dec. 25 with a pile of presents under our tree. We celebrated Easter in the sense that we had an egg hunt and embraced baskets of candy from the Easter Bunny.

What is interesting is that while surrounded by all these different values to choose from, I chose none of them. I cannot remember a time my parents taught me anything about God. I never had conversations with them concerning the afterlife or that I had to be a good person because if I wasn’t, God would punish me. I also cannot remember a time in which I actually believed in God. Even after years of studying the Jewish religion, I never truly believed.

In my life, religion means almost nothing to me. I feel that I am capable of leading a meaningful and proper life without any sort of belief in a deity. There is, nonetheless, a backfire to being the way I am. I like to use the term “xenophobia.” It is a fear of a group of people. People hear the word “atheist” and automatically assume that person is the spawn of Satan (ironic, as an atheist would never believe in Satan). Many, many people house an enormous hostility towards those who do not believe like they do: my main argument against religion.

Of course I have friends who are religious, and I have no problem with that. I understand why someone would find hope and value in religion. Yet, I am averse to religion because it separates people into concrete groups. You can interpret religious writings however you would like, but religion has a dark past and certainly a visible dark presence; people throughout history have used such creed as an excuse to murder others who are different.

There are many who practice their religions to try and better the world through such observance and performance. I simply have a problem using religion as the means to improve the world around us. I believe that good can come out of people without the use of religion to explain whether an act is right or wrong.