Vol. 91, No. 10 April 2, 2014
50 Years of GC Pride by Scotty Inyama
Robert Harris is a kind, elderly man who once made GC history by being in the first class of males to graduate from the college when it opened its doors to men in the late 1950s. Today, he is a happy older gentleman still living in Greensboro and wearing his GC pride on his sleeve. Beyond GC, Robert Harris has made a little more history by being the oldest person to ever receive a SAG card at the age of 72 for his role as Old Man Cadwell in the 2002 film Cabin Fever. From his humble beginnings in Greensboro, where he was born and raised, Harris has always been deeply immersed in the arts. He tells me that he first thought about acting when his family used to go to the Carolina Theater each week in the ‘30s. There were stars dancing across the screen and young Robert thought he could join them. “It’s what got many of us through the depression, the Carolina Theater,” Harris told me, fondly remembering his youth. He was an only child of two loving parents, and his goal was to take care of them one day. He was accepted to Curry School, a charter school that is now closed that focused more on writing and college prep than other schools in Greensboro at the time. When asked what made him want to apply at Greensboro College, he says in that oh-so recognizable southern drawl, “Well, my father was a Methodist and all his female fam-
ily went to the school, so when they opened the doors to us males and it was in walking distance of my parents’ house, I didn’t really have to think about it.” When talking about his years at GC, Harris smiles bright and wide. “The girls didn’t like us very much, not until about my last year did they warm up to us,” he says of being in the first class of boys to attend the once all-girls school. “I loved every minute of it.” Majoring in Art and minoring in History, Harris went on from GC to teach art. Wanting to stay close to his parents, Harris took a local job after college. He was hired at Greensboro Cultural Center downtown. “I taught just about everybody in Greensboro how to draw,” he laughs. Along with teaching art to all ages in Greensboro, he was an active participant in Community Theater. He Robert Harris holding the poster of the film he starred in, Cabin Fever. acted at the center he taught at and was Photo courtesy Scotty Inyama involved with the UNCG Theater. The the grand music. Since his childhood early 2000s are when he landed his role he has had a great appreciation for his Screen Actors Guild card at 72. as Old Man Cadwell in the blockbuster black people and refused to say the The east coast premiere of the movie Cabin Fever. racial slur. Yet, the movie company movie was held at the Carolina Theater, “I was old when I went to audi- collaborating with local entertainment the very movie palace, with the grand tion,” he says, chuckling. At the age company Down Home Entertainment, chandeliers, that Harris loved so much of 70, Harris went to High Point to do found a friend of Harris’, a black stage when growing up. a screen test for the movie he almost actress he worked with on the comWith a smile and a determined look didn’t take. “I was all set to accept the munity stage, and she pointed him in in his eye, Harris tells me his message. part, except the script had that word the right direction. He recalls her tell“You think you’re too old, you get in it.” That word being the racial slur ing him that it would be the greatest out there and do your thing. You don’t dubbed the “N-word.” mistake of his life if he didn’t take the know what God has for you.” That is a In his youth, his grandfather would part. He did, and he was whisked off to lesson we can all take to heart from one take him to a variety of churches, his the Priddy General Store in Danbury, of our very special alumni. favorite being the black churches with N.C., to film the part that earned him
Phenomenal freshman
by DeMario Smith
Devan Gregory is a freshman phenom in basketball here at Greensboro College. Gregory is a 6-foot 3-inch, 155-pound freshman guard from right here in Greensboro. He attended James B. Dudley High School where he starred as team captain. As a freshman at Greensboro College, Gregory played in all 25 regular-season games as well as the two tournament games. Gregory led his teammates and all rookies in Division 3 with 15.7 points a game. He also led the team in free throw percentage and
was second among the team in 3-point percentage. Along with leading the team in points, Gregory also averaged almost four boards and two assists. Within the conference, he was in the top five in major categories: points scored, field goals, free throws, free throw percentage and, of course, points per game. Gregory played a key role in The Pride’s successful season. He put up some outstanding numbers as The Pride season came to an end and the tournament began. In five of the last six games, Gregory averaged over 18 points and
scored 22, 27 and 33 in three of them. In the opening round of the tournament he led all scorers with 22 points and helped The Pride upset one of the top seed, the Maryville Scots. In the second round of the tourney, The Pride fell short to the Lagrange Panthers 116-102, but Gregory scored 27 in his final game of his freshman year. Gregory’s exceptional performance didn’t go unnoticed; he earned several awards as a freshman. Gregory earned USA South Region Rookie of the year as well as being named the first Greensboro Pride men’s player to be named
Regional Rookie of Year. Gregory earned Rookie of the Week five times throughout the season. Gregory also earned All Second Team recognition along with teammate Damian Dixon who earned All Third Team, with an addition of Raheem Martin being selected to the team and earning All Sportsmanship honors. The greatest thing about Gregory is that he’s only a freshman and from the looks of it, he has no limits. I can only imagine what he has in store for us next year.
Commencement May 2-3
DEVAN GREGORY
Friday, May 2, 7 p.m. – Baccalaureate/Cap & Gown Ceremony, First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave. Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – Commencement Ceremony, Front Campus (weather permitting)
Editorial
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The Collegian
The Collegian has been known to publish hilarious and sometimes even unbelievable April Fools’ Day prank issues. This semester the paper arrived on campus shortly after the jester holiday so there will not be an April Fools’ issue. I do apologize that there are no random announcements or false findings this issue, but in honor of our tradition feel free to ask about our last year’s April Fools’ issue (it was entertaining) and someone on our staff will gladly dig up an old copy for you. My favorite Collegian April Fools’ Day article was on the front page last spring, and the headline read: “UNCG buys Greensboro College.” The school went bananas; it was the talk of the campus for a couple of weeks mainly because UNC-G buying
April 2, 2014
April Fools’ Day
Briana Thomas Co-Editor
our school doesn’t seem too shockingly far-fetched. Another past prank was an article in the Sports section that said there would not be a football program for the upcoming year due to the
incredible number of losses. Initially, the football team was not very fond of the joke, but the heat later subsided and the football team returned with a winning record. But enough about The Collegian’s April Fools’ traditions; what about the actual history of this holiday? Allegedly, in the 1500s France changed its calendar so that the New Year would be in January in order to match the Romans. Apparently word traveled slowly and many people continued to celebrate New Years’ in spring, thus being called “April Fools.” However, according to National Geographic this theory is completely false “because the day that the French celebrated the beginning of the year legally was Easter day, so it never really was associated
with April first.” Instead, researchers today believe the holiday originated from Roman jesters during the time of Constantine I: “April first, Constantine handed over the reins of the Roman Empire for one day to King Kugel, his jester. Kugel decreed that the day forever would be a day of absurdity.” Pranksters and jesters have a long history of promoting mischief. The idea of playing tricks on peers did not evolve from MTV’s hit show Pranked. Having a bit of carefree fun has been a part of our culture for centuries. Every year on April 1st I play a prank on my older sister. Last year I called her crying and told her that my brother was in the hospital because he was injured during football practice. My sister is extreme-
April Events
4/1
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
PHW 204
4/1 4/2-4/6 4/3 4/4 4/4-4/5 4/5 4/8 4/8 4/10 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/12 4/13 4/14 4/16 4/16 4/17 4/23
7:30 p.m. Various 7:30 p.m. 9:00-10:00 p.m. Various 10:00-11:30 a.m. 5:30-6:15 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 2:00 -4:00 p.m. 6:00-8:00 p.m. 6:00-11:45 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 4:00-6:00 p.m. 4:00-6:00 p.m. 12:00-2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 11:00 a.m.
4/24 5/1 5/2 5/2 5/3
7:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 7:00-8:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Huggins Parlor Theatre Alumni Dining Hall Mane Stage Various Huggins Finch Chapel TBD Alumni Dining Hall Galyon Gallery Meeting site TBD Galyon & Cullis Galleries Front Campus Cowan Lobby Mane Stage Front/Back Campus PHW 109 TBD Alumni Dining Hall Greensboro Science Center (meet in circle) Alumni Dining Hall Starmount Forest Country Club Cowan Lobby First Baptist Church Front Campus (rain site: Huggins)
ly dramatic, so needless to say she went bonkers. As if I hadn’t done enough emotional damage, I convinced one of the football coaches (who will remain anonymous) to call her and tell her that our brother had torn his meniscus. After about 30 minutes of panic I screamed, “April Fools!” She was, of course, upset with me but it was totally worth the laugh. If you didn’t participate in the comedic holiday this year then go ahead and start planning a prank for next year. Just make sure it is fun, safe, and not permanently and or physically damaging to yourself and others. Be smart, and as King Kugel decreed, celebrate life’s absurdity.
Compiled by Holly Jones
Lecture/Discussion: “Black Power,” featuring Civil Rights Activist Nelson Johnson GC Live! Play: “Mary Elizabeth” More events may CREAM Meeting occur than the events Funny First Friday listed above, and all Alumni Weekend Activities events are subject to Senior Investiture change. Alpha Chi Induction Ceremony Spring Fling CREAM Meeting Spring Student Art Exhibition Stream Walk Senior Art Exhibitions Opening Reception Relay for Life Admissions Open House Student Academic Awards Convocation Project Leap Spring Kinesiology Internship Showcase Meet & Share (Spanish Club & Art Students League) CREAM Meeting Trip for Pre-Health Society & AT Club CREAM Meeting Jim Locke Golf Tournament Fundraiser for GC Athletics Commencement Rehearsal for Seniors Baccalaureate Cap & Gown Ceremony Commencement
If you have any comments, questions, concerns, or information that The Collegian needs to know, please email us at thecollegian09@gmail.com or wayne.johns@greensboro.edu. Also, the editors and staff invite response from readers. Feel free to get in touch with us.
The Collegian Staff
Jessica Quah and Briana Thomas, Co-Editors Danielle Leslie, Managing Editor Holly Jones, Photographer
Contributors
Ajoya Long Addison Poole
Scotty Inyama Danielle Leslie Paige Brown
Rodrigo Lagos, Jr., Social Media Editor Ashleigh Benoit Xzavier Dale William Thomas
DeMario Smith Jennifer Lynn Cockman
Wayne Johns, Faculty Advisor Graphic Design by Carol Brooks
April 2, 2014
News/Current Events The Collegian
Page 3
Early morning explosion in Harlem by Danielle Leslie
A resounding explosion rocked residents of Park Avenue between 1600th and 1700th streets Wednesday, March 12. Two buildings collapsed in Manhattan’s upper eastside of Harlem in New York City early in the morning. The two buildings collapsed after an explosion was reported due to a gas leak. The explosion occurred just after 9:30 a.m. Eight people have been found dead and 74 others have sustained injuries. Nine people were reported missing. Reports came in to the police station about a smell of gas in
the area 15 minutes before the explosion happened. Building officials did not have enough time to evacuate the area. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stated “This is a tragedy of the worst kind because there was no indication in time to save people.” Residents in the area said that the blast could be felt a mile away from the site. Originally after the explosion, the police department bomb squad was sent to the area but the cause of the explosion was found to be a gas leak from one of the buildings. By-standers reported that after the explosion, people on the street started
screaming the metro-North, the subway, had been blown up. As the smoke began to clear people realized that buildings had collapsed. After the incident, the trains had been stopped due to debris that had been thrown on the elevated tracks. The tracks were tested and after a few hours were reopened once they were proven to be stable. De Blasio has given a statement that the New York City Real Estate Board will provide three months of temporary housing for displaced families.
and-rescue operations involving internationally mobilized forces from countries like Vietnam, Thailand, France and the United States, satellite images on March showed over a hundred pieces of debris in the Indian Ocean. 23 This is the most credible lead yet as to the fate of MH 370. While it was initially speculated that MH 370 may have crashed in the East or South China Seas, the search was moved to the Indian Ocean and Andaman Sea after military radar records showed that the plane might have turned around. There is no substantial evidence for why the pilots may have engaged in such a manoeuvre, and the Indian Ocean’s remoteness is thus far only hampering search efforts, being several hours’ flight from the closest air
base. There are presumed to be no survivors of the 239 people who were aboard MH 370, including a crew of 12. Heartbroken families, most of whom are Chinese, grow more agitated and frustrated with every passing day, and ties between Malaysia and China are quickly becoming more strained as Malaysian authorities struggle to provide adequate explanations and updates for the Chinese. To make things more complicated, attention from international investigations has brought up some troubling issues concerning MH 370. Firstly, a background check on co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid has revealed that he engaged in unprofessional conduct with female passengers in the cockpit during a 2011 flight, raising concerns that pilot negligence may have had something to do with MH
Malaysia scrutinized in international mystery
When Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH 370 left Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8 on its route to Beijing, the Boeing 777 had a spotless record as a commercial aeroplane, MAS was one of the most popular international airline companies for affordable travel, and there was no hint of the chaos that would unravel to leave Malaysia in the global spotlight for the apparently inexplicable disappearance of up to 300 metric tonnes of aircraft. After a loss of communications with the aircraft about two hours into flight time, MH 370 failed to land at all, leaving families around the world in shock and confusion. After some false alarms of sightings in search-
NSA, FBI, DIA sued over Mandela mystery by Xzavier Dale
Ryan Shapiro, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is suing the BSA, FBI and DIA over a decades-old Nelson Mandela case. Shapiro originally filed requests with the three intelligence communities about the records on Mandela’s case but the requests were met with failures to comply. In return on Tuesday morning, Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the three for failure to comply with his Freedom of Information Act requests (FOIA). Shapiro is in search of the truth behind the American government’s involvement in Mandela’s 1962 arrest. The infamous arrest is one that landed him in jail for 27 years. Shapiro strongly believes that the U.S. government played a significant role in assistance of both the arrest and prosecution of Nelson Mandela. However, these records are ones that the Intelligence divisions are intent on keeping secret. The NSA completely denied the request, insisting that any release of this information
would affect the national defense and foreign relations. Shapiro believes that not only will these records shed light on what part the U.S. played in the anti-apartheid of South Africa at the time of Mandela’s arrest, but it will bring to light the attempts from the government to cover up other secret involvements in global affairs, as well as similar actions that take place in our own country. He claims that the same actions have led the U.S. intelligence community to target the animal rights, environmental, anti-war, and Occupy movements as “threats to the state.” In his opinion, digging up old records on the Mandela case is just the beginning. This lawsuit is a gateway into showing exactly what our government works so hard to cover up. He states, “It’s not surprising those in power wish to keep their actions secret. What’s surprising is how readily we tolerate it.” He believes it is time to hold the government accountable for their actions.
370’s disappearance. Secondly, a check with Interpol indicated that two passengers boarded with false documents, which initially awakened fears of terrorism and kidnapping. It is now thought that the two passengers were actually Iranians seeking asylum in Europe. On top of all these matters, Malaysian officials have come under fire for being irresponsible and unreliable in their handling of MH 370’s vanishing act. Contradictory reports and seemingly disorganized operations have only further exasperated an already impatient audience of civilians and government figures alike, with some reporters, journalists and experts on Malaysia drawing parallels to the messy political drama that has been the norm for years within the country’s government. Malaysian political writer and journalist Kee Thuan Chye wrote
of Malaysian officials’ lack of substantial response and information release: “This not only shows the habit of our leaders to blame others instead of admitting responsibility, but also their own inadequacies when they have to face the world.” Understandably, MH 370 has spawned conspiracy theories and speculations ranging from terrorism to technical analyses of the Boeing 777-300 model, but there is no way to be completely certain of the flight’s course until the black boxes are recovered and analysed. Until then, Malaysia continues to play the main role in an international mystery, leaving its security systems and operations wide open to scrutiny and criticism while its people join China and other countries in an anxiety-filled wait for answers.
Graphic sourtesy themalaymailonline.com
by Jessica Quah
On Campus
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The Collegian
April 2, 2014
C.R.E.A.M.: The power of God is available to you
by William Thomas
The love and power of God is obtainable and available for everybody. All that believe in Him can receive from Him. Just like the blind man in John 9:1-7, “Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When He had said these things, He spat on the ground
On the Prowl … What do professors do for fun?
Wayne Harrison Professor of Chemistry If I have spare time, I usually try to run 4-5 miles per day and road bike (weather permitting). I watch Kim Possible and Scooby Doo with my 8-year-old daughter. I also ride motorcycles, help my family out with our farm, read, and cook.
Compiled by Holly Jones
Tatia Beal Professor of Spanish I like watching movies and Downton Abbey. I go wine tasting as well.
Jim Langer Professor of Art I’m a semi-professional addicted actor and a full time dad to two kids. I also read, draw, paint, dance, sing, and make a general clown of myself.
and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.” Others looked at him as a sinner and that he sinned against God. But I’m here to reveal to you that it doesn’t matter what you’ve done, what people see you as, what people think of you as … only one thing matters, and that is your belief in the one true God; the belief that he can bring you out, the belief that he can heal you from any situation or problem. It doesn’t matter how other people see you, Jesus sees you as his beloved. Now one might say and believe that when bad things happen to them that they are being punished, that if we sin or if we mess up or if we miss the mark that
God is going to punish us. No! Its because of his grace that we are saved. Its because of his grace that we are free! Jesus saw the blind man as a beloved child who deserves healing not punishment. God seeks to heal and bring
wholeness. We aren’t perfect people but we serve a perfect all loving God. And because we believe, that’s all God is looking for … and because of that we are his beloved, and have access to receive the power of the almighty God.
Entertainment
April 2, 2014
The Collegian
Page 5
Rocking the boat: The Lonely Island
by Jessica Quah
If you have a friendship that’s lasted since junior high, hang on to it! Comedy music/ video trio The Lonely Island consists of Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and Andy Samberg, all of whom knew each other for years while doing their growing up in Berkeley, Cal. They went on to room together in post-university years and were eventually hired, also together, on “Saturday Night Live.” Now in their 30s, all three members have impressive solo track records: Schaffer is a director, actor and video/film editor; Taccone is a director, actor and screenwriter; Samberg is a popular comedian, actor and rapper. And the list doesn’t stop there, because The Lonely Island (TLI) as a group has gone even further than its members’ individual careers. They have collaborated with the likes of Justin Timberlake, T-Pain, Akon, Norah Jones, and Michael Bolton (etc.). They have a massive following on YouTube, where the single, “I Just Had Sex,” has amassed over 200 million views (that’s nine digits and counting). Their songs have made it to the Emmys and have been nominated for the Grammys, their videos have been screened at events like the MTV Music Awards, and they’ve just released their third album. So, what can we expect from TLI’s third, “The Wack Album?” Reviewing their past work, it looks like “being inappropriate” is in town and here to stay. When a friend prompted me to write about them for The Collegian, I wasn’t even sure if I could, due to their colourful song titles and liberal use of both immature and adult humour. The result of these influences, though, has clearly seen a great deal of success, appealing to the side of us that
is especially prevalent among college students. According to Samberg, TLI takes its work very seriously – which just goes to show that at least some seriousness can be expected from a group that consistently celebrates the “rude” elements of society’s trends. In an interview with Splitsider. com, TLI explains that the reason they haven’t embarked on a live show tour yet is because they want it to be good, and that means taking the time to prepare for it and ensure consistent top-notch live performances. Nonetheless, TLI’s time already spent at the drawing board and in the studio has painstakingly combined undeniably original lyrics with music influences ranging from R&B (a song about an unlikely present), to 80’s ballad (“Cool Guys Don’t Look at Explosions”), and rap, to accessibly convey their brand of (wildly inappropriate) comedy. And therein lies their principal interest: comedy. It’s all about making it funny, and when anything’s fair game, few materials lend themselves so easily to humour as some of today’s trends and stereotypes. Although originality in musical terms isn’t TLI’s area of focus, this is a good thing considering the purpose of their releases, as using popular
and simple musical elements eliminates distractions so the audience can focus on witty songwriting. Also, while TLI may seem to rely as much on their videos as on their lyrics, having a video for audiences to remember things by is helpful too, particularly when the videos feature actors like James Franco in highly exaggerated yet relatable portrayals of pop culture. These building blocks of familiarity through music, satirical comedy and short but memorable filming have definitely helped chart TLI’s course, enhancing their somehow nonrude addressing of themes that are usually tricky to address in respectable company. It’s this ability to simultaneously push the envelope and turn things on their heads while adding comedy, pop culture (Jack Sparrow and Michael Bolton, enough said) and some random ideas (I’m On A Boat, anyone?) to the mix, that has earned TLI its badges and fan support thus far. So, this reviewer is all for letting their musical integrity take a back seat to the comedy that is their primary intent. Their lyrics continue to be wellwritten, and their latest singles point to another incredible (Incredibad?) album of hilarity, interesting collaborations, and all-round inappropriateness.
THE LONELY ISLAND
Movie night: “Frozen” by Briana Thomas
The record breaking Disney movie, “Frozen,” was presented in Huggins auditorium on March 19. Pride productions hosted the movie night which was open to faculty, students, staff, their families, and friends of the college. The only requirement was to flash your pride card at Kim Caudle (who stood at the entrance) and your entire party was free to join the festivities. Yes, it is a bit odd to show a children’s film on a college campus, but the movie Frozen is a movie that all ages can enjoy. The story begins with two small royal girls, Elsa and Anna, whom happen to be sisters. There is an icy accident and the younger sister/princess is wounded. The king and queen rush through the forest to find a cure for their daughter, but in return they are forced to keep the eldest princess away from all outside contact including contact with her sister. Tragedy strikes the royal family once again and the two sisters grow apart even more which is shown with the cute song, “Do you want to build a snowman?”
With the plot being centered on ice and harsh winds it’s difficult to imagine that the film could provoke giggles and smiles. However, the film has funny lines, most of them said by Olaf, a magical snowman created by Elsa. The unintentional sub plot of love between Anna and Kristoff gives off a sense of charm, but true love isn’t only portrayed between the couple. The ultimate twist of the film is at the end where Anna is faced with the dilemma to save her own life, Kristoff or Elsa. Anna’s choice it what makes the film suitable for all ages. The moral of the film is a lesson on true love. Love does not always have to be in an intimate relationship, family is what comes first. “Frozen” definitely provides a great lesson for kids growing up who are constantly arguing with siblings. It teaches children to forgive and love their siblings at all times. Yet, everyone over the age of 15 can also walk away from the film with chills learning and or remembering to keep your loved ones close no matter the circumstances. Thanks, Pride Productions for another successful free movie night!
TY BARNETT
Comedy show comes to Mane Stage by Kim Thore’
They say laughter is the best medicine, and what better way to de-stress, celebrate all of your hard work and have fun than a comedy date night. The Office of Student Activities is inviting all Staff and Faculty to Mane Stage, Reynolds Center 9 p.m. April 4 for comedian Ty Barnett. Make it a date night and enjoy comedy from one of the most requested comedians for college campuses across the country. Ty Barnett a much acclaimed comedian who has performed nationally and on Comedy Central. He first gained the attention of Hollywood after being named “Outstanding Performer” at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. In 2003, he made it to the semi-finals of CBS’s “Star Search” and by 2005 first appeared on CBS’s “The Late Late Show.” He was featured on “Comedy Central Presents” with his own 30-minute special in 2005, and in 2006 was a runner-up on season 4 of the NBC reality show “Last Comic Standing” when he faced off against Josh Blue. Since then he has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy” and as an actor in two episodes of “Til Death.” Barnett has also appeared in the feature film “Stand Up,” in “Premium Blend” and other television commercials, and at dozens of clubs on the comedy circuit Please note that Ty’s performances are edgy and may contain language not suitable for children. See you there.
Page 6
Student Interest The Collegian
April 2, 2014
You have the right to read … or do you? by Ashleigh Benoit
In my quest for worthy news articles I stumbled across a story out of Watauga County about a book controversy that had been going on for months. The book in question was Isabel Allende’s debut novel The House of the Spirits. I was immediately intrigued and purchased the book and read it. The debate over The House of the Spirits began in October last year when a concerned parent voiced her opinion about how inappropriate the book was for the classroom. Chastity Lesesne, parent of a sophomore in Mary Kent Whitaker’s 10th grade honors English class, brought up the issue which went all the way up to the Board of Education for review. Lesesne stated that the challenging themes and ideas the book presents are lost within the novel’s graphic descriptions of rape, prostitution, violence, abuse, abortion and death. The book also contains numerous curse words. What great literature does not offend? What is most startling is that this is no isolated incident. All over the coun-
try books are frequently challenged. From 2000 to 2009, 5,099 challenges were reported to the Office for Intellectual Freedom. • 1,577 challenges due to “sexually explicit” material • 1,291 challenges due to “offensive language” • 989 challenges due to materials deemed “unsuited to age group” • 619 challenged due to “violence”’ and • 361 challenges due to “homosexuality” After looking over the rather extensive list of books that have been banned over the past 10 years alone I found that many of my favorite books where included. On the list of the 100 most frequently banned/ challenged books from 20002009, The House of the Spirits ranked 97. The most frequently banned and challenged book of the decade? Harry Potter. Some of the books that have been banned or challenged in recent years include Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight, E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey, Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,
Toni Morrison’s Beloved, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy, John Greene’s Looking for Alaska, and Chris Crutcher’s Whale Talk just to name a few. After five long months the decision is in and the controversy has come to an end (at least legally). In a 3-2 vote on February 27 the Watauga County Board of Education voted to keep The House of the Spirits The House of the Spirits in the curriculum. What is most interesting is that Isabel Allende learned of this ongoing debate over her book and wrote a letter to Board of Education members. Allende described the situation in Watauga County as a person circulating fragments of the novel, primarily sexual in nature and taken out of context, among parents who “probably have not read the book.” She also stated “banning of books is a common practice in dictatorships, military and police states, religious fundamentalist governments and communist countries, but I did not expect it in our democracy.”
Penny Wars are Here!
Brought to you by the Residence Life team What are Penny Wars? An opportunity for you to get rid of your loose change AND donate to a great cause! Why are we doing this? To raise money for RELAY FOR LIFE, an organization devoted to cancer research and finding a cure! How do I get involved? 4 jars labeled with the name of each Residence Hall will be in the Cafeteria now through April 11. In that time, donate your pennies to YOUR dorm’s jar. For each penny donated, your team gets 1 point added to their total. See another Hall’s jar getting more full of pennies than yours??? This is war, so … Sabotage them! For each silver coin (nickel, dime, quarter) that is added to their jar 5, 10, and 25 points will be deducted. How do we win? 1. Put Pennies in YOUR Building’s Jar to rack up positive points. 2. Put nickels, dimes, and quarters in OTHER building’s jars to take decrease their points. 3. Building with the most positive points by Relay for Life is the WINNER! ***Are you a COMMUTER, STAFF or FACULTY member not living in West, Hill, Greensboro, or the Inn? Do you still want to DONATE to this GREAT CAUSE? You can pick any jar to donate to OR donate $dollar bills (no points will be added or deducted for paper money). ***
All proceeds benefit Relay for Life, happening here at Greensboro College, Friday, April 11!
Book Review: The House of the Spirits
by Ashleigh Benoit
After reading this amazing novel I’ve concluded that those involved in challenging the book in Watauga County are obviously not reading it right. Isabel Allende weaves the tragic and triumphant tale of the Trueba family in Chile in the early and mid-twentieth century. Taken from the summary of The House of the Spirits on Isabel Allende’s website: “The Trueba family’s passions, struggles, and secrets span three generations and a century of violent change, culminating in a crisis that brings the proud and tyrannical patriarch and his beloved granddaughter to opposite sides of the barricades. Against a backdrop of revolution and counterrevolution, Allende brings to life a family whose private bonds of love and hatred are more complex and enduring than the political allegiances that set them at odds.” It is, in my mind, ultimately a story of love. Yes, there is supposed “controversial material” (scenes of rape, torture, and violence), but it is not overarching and does not by any means play a central role in the novel. Allende constantly subverts traditional linear progression of the novel by adding what can only be called “spoilers”. She will occasionally drop in seemingly random sentences that foreshadow events to come, especially horrific and pivotal
events. These tragic things that come to pass are expected by the reader and though shocking, are not surprising. Isabel Allende also does an artful job of making the reader feel sympathy for every character, even the detestable ones. Esteban Garcia, the bastard grandchild of patriarch Esteban Trueba, is a cruel and ruthless man bent on revenge, but Allende quells any hatred felt by offering understanding and acceptance as to why he is who he is and why he does what he does. Esteban Trueba himself is a mean and uncompromising man with an abundant capacity for hatred, but as he ages and his hatred melts away, so do any hard feelings the reader has towards him. In the end one cannot help but love, in some way or another, every character. After looking in to the controversy over The House of the Spirits I asked my parents if they would ever have attempted to censor what I choose to read. I expected the response to be “of course not,” and it was. I explained the situation to them in an attempt to understand why parents would do such a thing and got no definite answer. Perhaps I won’t know until I am a parent myself. After finishing the novel I was left with a sensation that I can only describe as profundity. The House of the Spirits is going on my “Favorite Books” list and I will recommend it to everyone.
Around Town
April 2, 2014
The Collegian
Page 7
Breathe Carolina takes on North Carolina by Paige Brown
Breathe Carolina is an electronic rock band from Denver, Colorado. Together the band has put out three albums, two EPs, and has an increasing following. On March 17, Breathe Carolina performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina. This was my first time seeing Breathe Carolina. I personally attended the concert to see one of the openers, Jonny Craig. However, I was genuinely impressed with all the talented acts this show had to offer. Craig is one of my personal favorites, an R&B and soul artist from South Dakota who has been a part of many bands including Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa before going solo. Before attending this concert there were two other opening bands that I had never heard of before, Ghost town, an electronic rock band from Hollywood, Cal., and Divided
by Ajoya Long
by Friday, a rock/pop group from Laurinburg, N.C.. For anyone who likes bands like Panic At The Disco or Fall Out Boy I would strongly suggest you check out Divided by Friday, they have a great upbeat pop feel. And for anyone who likes techno, Ghost Town does an amazing job at incorporating screamo, techno and pop into one performance. By the end of the night both bands made me a fan of them with their vocals and catchy memorable songs. The Lincoln Theatre was a venue I had never been to before but fell in love with immediately. There was a great atmosphere with a large area for the crowd and a balcony for those who wanted to sit. It was the perfect place that allowed the bands to sound great and reach their full potential. Seeing as Breathe Carolina has a new album coming out on April 15 they played a great mix of new and old songs that
the crowd loved. Their show was possibly one of the most fun shows I have ever been to; between the flashing lights and the DJ they have in their band it certainly gets the crowd going. It was great to see the masses jumping up and down waving their hands back and forth, screaming and singing their lungs out. One of the more outstanding moments of the night was during Craig’s performance. Before singing his song titled, “The Upgrade,” which is about getting engaged, he allowed a couple to come up on stage where a man proposed to his girlfriend in front of the crowd. Don’t worry she said yes. In all, I would see any one of these bands again in a heartbeat. It was a great night of music that everyone left happy with. Everyone should check these bands out! BREATHE CAROLINA
GTA plans fare increase
The Greensboro Transit Authority plans to enact services and fare changes in the upcoming months. Due to a $2 million budget shortfall, GTA is looking for ways to supplement the shortfall while meeting the needs of riders. GTA held a public meeting on March 25 to discuss possible changes in SCAT. Previous meetings have been held to allow riders and the community to give input about the changes. Service cuts could include reducing the frequency of some evening or weekend routes, or dropping back to hourly service on midday routes that now run every 30 minutes during periods of relatively low ridership A GTA Proposed Service and Rate Change Steering Committee have been created to review the operations of the Triad’s largest public transportation pro-
Photo by Paige Brown
vider. Its goal is to close an anticipated $2 million budget shortfall created by increasing levels of ridership and demand while experiencing reduced funding levels. During the process, the committee will hold Real Talk, a series of public and community meetings to receive input from riders and residents. All information gathered at the community meetings will be reviewed by the Steering Committee. If one is unable to attend a meeting, we still welcome your input by taking our survey. Final recommendations will be presented to the full GTA Board and ultimately, City Council. Many people in the community depend on public transportation such as those who work and attend school. City Councilwoman Sharon Hightower is leading the new advisory committee with Lawrence Mann, chairman of GTA’s board of directors.
Photo courtesy City of Greensboro
Faculty, Students and Staff: Relay for Life is right around the corner, and it’s a night of fun that you won’t want to miss. Make sure to mark your calendar for April 11, 6p.m.-12 a.m. on Front Campus! Interested in starting a team? Or do you have questions about the requirements or what happens the night of Relay for Life?
KEEP CALM AND START A TEAM
Stop by to attend the team captain meeting on:
Monday, March 31, 1-1:30 p.m. in the Hall of Presidents or Thursday, April 3, 1-1:30 p.m. in Main, Room #118
Sports
Page 8
The Collegian
April 2, 2014
N.C. will not be dancing this time
by Addison Poole
It’s been 35 years since the state of North Carolina has been without a team in the Sweet 16. A drought for Tobacco Road and it’s big four (UNC, Duke, NC State, Wake Forest) hasn’t been seen in decades but in the tournament, nothing is guaranteed. Not even a spot for arguably the best state for the sport. This tournament, just like every year, is absolutely impossible to predict but that’s what makes it so great. Once it becomes tournament time there is no David and Goliath, your team’s record is meaningless, and everyone has the opportunity to advance. Clearly some just want it more than others, some have the team unity and experience that comes from being together for four years, and some even have another level of ability they didn’t even know they had that’s brought out by the sheer competiveness
of March madness. Whatever it was, things just went terribly wrong for every N.C. team in the tourney in a three-day span. North Carolina State wasn’t even expected to get in the tournament but they won a bid and ended up winning a playin game. Then they went on to Orlando to play against St. Louis in an early round matchup where they would put themselves up 16 with eight minutes to go, but somehow they managed to blow the lead and the game. Missing a staggering 14 consecutive free throws helped them snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. On the same night, Duke would end up losing in an upset to Mercer. UNC met their tournament demise days later losing in the final seconds of the game at the hands of the Iowa State Hawkeyes. If it weren’t for the UVA Cavaliers win over Memphis, the ACC wouldn’t have a team left able to compete for college
Lady Pride tops Randolph College by DeMario L. Smith
On March 14, the Lady Pride took on Randolph College at Greensboro College. Within 23 seconds into the game, the Lady Pride took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Nadya Fedun. Yet the lead didn’t last long with the Lady Wildcats soon striking and evening the game at 1. Quickly and efficiently, the Lady Pride scored four consecutive goals from a variety of players. Kirstin Norris, Amira Khatib, Ashlyn Parks and Alexa Besch all chipped in a goal during that four-to-zero run they put together. Lady Wildcats responded with two goals cutting the deficit to just two, the Lady Pride led 5-3. The Lady Pride played a great game, later scoring another goal, from Khatib took an assist from Fedun and put them up 6-3. It didn’t take long for the Lady Pride to score once again with a free position goal from Kelsey Cenate increasing the lead. Cenate soon scored again halfway through the first period
giving them an 8-3 lead. Finally the Lady Wildcats scored to slow down the Lady Pride run, narrowing the lead to just four, but that didn’t last long. Before the half ended the Lady Pride tacked on two more goals to give them a six-point advantage going into the half 10-4. To open the second half the Lady Pride left off right where they were with Cenate scoring a goal and already adding to the huge lead. Once again the Fedun and Cenate duo connected on another goal giving our Lady Pride a 12-4 lead. Randolph tacked on two goals which were their final goals of the game. Parks then connected on an unassisted goal to put our Lady Pride up 13-6. Norris and Fedun had the final two goals of the game to push the Lady Pride lead to nine and sealing the win from Randolph College. Goals were scored by several players on the team. Fedun led all players with four assists and Parks led the team with nine groundballs. This win improves the Lady Pride’s to a 6-3 record.
Support the Pride. Come out to all the home games!
Mercer players celebrate after victory over Duke.
basketball’s most coveted title. Syracuse and Pittsburgh didn’t make it either, the other powerhouses the ACC acquired during the offseason met a similar end this past weekend. The unpredictability of tournament time is
what makes it so exciting, and you never know who is going to be ousted by what small team in the middle of nowhere USA. Just because your bracket may be busted or your team is no longer in the tournament, it’s
no reason to tune out the tourney altogether. Tune in for the remainder of the college basketball season to find out who advances and which schools will be going home.
Holly Jones participating in one of the races.
Calling all runners! by Holly Jones
Like to run? For those of you who are athletes here, your answer might be an immediate “no” due to practices, games, or that one person on your team who overslept. If you haven’t gotten enough of running with your sport, if you do not play a sport here and like to run, or if you’re just trying to mark something off your bucket list, there are many local opportunities to do so. Adventure runs have been a hit recently, and there are many different kinds you can do: color runs, mud runs, obstacle courses, etc. Even if you’re not in for the added adventure, there are regular races at different locations nearby. I have looked around to see what’s going on in the upcoming months and have selected a few that I think might be fun. There are MANY more that are not included here, so be sure to look online to see if you find something that interests you! Color Me Rad 5K April 19 – Greensboro If your dream is to be blasted in an assortment of different colors, this one’s for you! Your shirt will start off pure white, and throughout the race you’ll be blasted with blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow. If you can’t make this one, there is another one in
Raleigh on April 5th and more in various locations around the state in latter months. Rugged Maniac 5K April 19 – Asheboro If you like mud and obstacles, this is your race. This race is packed to the rim with obstacles, including jumping into mud pits, crawling army style under barbed wire, jumping over fire, climbing cargo nets, and more. You will be drenched head to toe in mud after completing this one, but it is well worth it! Trust me, I completed it last year! Racers aged 21 and up get a free beer after the completion of this race as well, if that motivates some of you. Tuxedo Trot 5K April 26 – Greensboro Want to run for a good cause? This race is sponsored by the Greensboro Science Center and is named after one of their African penguins. Feel free to dress up, even if it’s just wearing black and white. There will also be a shorter fun run for children that will go through the zoo. Proceeds will benefit African penguin conservation. Plus, there are lots of prizes to be given out! What are you waiting for? Grab some friends, get signed up, and go running!