Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, October 1, 2012
Sports
Golf Aggies play tournament host at the Territory Classic in Duncan. Page 6
Voter registration week underway at Cameron
News
A&E
Art guild Students take opportunity to beautify campus and community. Page 3
Sports
BCM Focus Week A week for students to revive spiritual awareness with one another. Page 3
Volleyball Aggie Volleyball takes on three LSC opponents at home and on the road. Page 5
A&E
Voices
Amanda Goemmer Staff Writer
Film society Magic Lantern Film Society offers entertainment mixed with education. Page 5
Volume 87 Issue 3
Cameron’s Voter registration week came to a close last Friday, and thanks to volunteers from several student organizations on campus roughly 300 citizens are now registered voters. According to Student Activities Specialist Steve Sassaman, encouraging students to register to vote is just another part of CU’s mission. “It is a part of the CU
mission to prepare educated citizens to get out there and actually use their education to make an impact,” Sassaman said. Though individuals have already taken the initiative to register to vote, they will still have to find the time in November to actually cast their votes in the presidential election. Though Sassaman said that the voting process is nothing to sweat about. “It is really important to get out there and vote,”
Sassaman said. “It is just a matter of taking 15 minutes to go to the polling station, filling out the ballot and spending some time researching the candidates so you know what the important issues are and which candidate will best represent you.” Elementary education major Tristin Holt volunteered to register voters last week on behalf of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega. Holt said that even though she is unable to vote
during this election season, she has not let it deter her from making an impact on the voting community. “I am too young to vote,” Holt said, “but I wanted to help other people to know that they can register now.” According to Holt, the right to vote is an important opportunity of which every American citizen should take advantage. See VOTING Page 2
Hispandering Pandering to Hispanic and Latino voters called into question. Page 2
New face on campus:
Cameron welcomes Xiao to language department Sarah Brewer A&E Editor
Hengbi Xiao, a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) from China, has joined the CU Department of English and Foreign Languages for the 2012-2013 academic year. Xiao has taught courses in English Literature, Western Culture and Film Studies for seven years as a Lecturer at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, and she is teaching Beginning and Intermediate Mandarin Chinese during her term here. The Fulbright FLTA Program arranged this auspicious match according to her educational background and expectations, Xiao said. “In my application material, I mentioned how I come from a very busy city that hustles and bustles, and I wanted a quiet place that fits my personality,” Xiao said. The change of scenery was just what Xiao had in mind when she applied for the opportunity to teach in the United States. Xiao hails from Guangzhou, China, which is the capital and largest city of the Guangdong province. The institution where she teaches rests on 600 acres and serves 20,000 students. “Lawton is much quieter compared to city where I am from. I love the tranquility here,” Xiao said. According to Xiao, most of her free time is spent immersing herself in the environment on campus. “I think the most enjoyable moments here happen in the afternoon when you lie down in the grass and you look up and have the colors of the clouds and the whole sky,” Xiao said. “It is much different in my city. There are too many cars and the whole sky is grey. Some whole days are dark, and when you look outside and see nothing,” Xiao said. Xiao said the blistering summer temperatures caught her off guard during her first few months in the United States. “The first month here in August was a really harsh time for me because I never experienced such heat before,” Xiao said. Xiao said students have already warned her how the mild autumn weather can turn frigid during the winter. “I have not seen snow in 20 years, so I am looking forward to it, but I do not want to see the power go out during a blizzard,” Xiao said. Xiao said she is learning with Cameron students in tandem, and she plans to share the knowledge she obtains from her CU experience with her students in China. “The education system here, in particularly the first class
Photo by Sarah Brewer
Welcome to CU: Hengbi Xiao joins the Department of English and Foreign Languages teaching Beginning and Intermediate Mandarain Chinese. Xiao spent seven years as a Lecturer at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. meetings, are quite different,” Xiao said. “When you read the syllabus here, you see very detailed requirements about particular essays and papers. This is something I will adapt later on when I return and face my students.” Xiao said she is implementing her own creative approach to make learning Mandarin an enjoyable challenge. “Students like the challenge. I sometimes arrange games for them to play. I also arrange office hours so I can talk to them individually,” Xiao said. She has made several observations regarding the differences and similarities shared by the CU students and the students of her home country. “In China, most of the students are of similar age and they
are peers to each other. Here, you can see students who are 20-something and 70-something,” Xiao said. “People in China also choose group work more often and have a strong sense of community.” While her students in China rely more on their parents and peers, Xiao said she is pleased to see Cameron students take initiative in class and think more independently when contemplating the direction of their college career. “Changing majors is considered a big thing and does not happen until they [the students] talk to their parents and they agree,” Xiao said. “Students here really think things through about majors and courses. They do not follow trends. It is a good thing.”
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News
October 1, 2012
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BCM hosts week of spiritual revival Sarah Brewer
time with other students.” The night program started A&E Editor at 9 p.m. throughout the week, and this is when the The Cameron University Baptist Collegiate Ministries guest speaker was featured. Bowers said the guest organized a Focus Week speaker invited was Mike for students from Sept. 17 Teel, the Associate Pastor through Sept. 20 at the of the adult ministry at Baptist Student Union Cameron Baptist Church. building. He explained the importance According to the BCM, of maintaining a close this event was organized for relationship with God. students to get away from “He spoke about the distractions, have fellowship with other students and focus second coming of Jesus, fulfillment of prophecy, the on God. great tribulation and how Focus Week allowed to build a relationship with student to take a break from the books and indulge in food God,” Bowers said. Different Baptist churches and entertainment. There was throughout the community a free lunch during each day provided the free food for and a guest speaker at night. Rebekah Bowers, a senior students. Different churches had plans for each day, and Biology major, said that they supplied a variety of Focus Week was all about meals. reaching out to students on “The first night was the campus. only time we had food, but She said it was a time to various Baptist churches in revive the hearts of believers the community provided and work on their religious the free lunches,” Bowers commitments. said. “Some of the churches “The Focus Week is a revival week set aside to reach that sponsored us were First Baptist Temple and out to students on campus,” Indiahoma, located out of Bowers said. “It is organized Lawton.” for students to give their According to Bowers, focus back to God and spend
there were over 100 students in attendance every night and the praise team created a great worship atmosphere throughout the event. “Last spring we had an event during Easter week and the turnout was low,” Bowers said. “This week there were over 100 students every night, which is a good thing for the ministry.” Ruth Okenye, a freshman Accounting major, said that there are times people need to be reminded of their duties as Christians. “As a freshman, I feel it is a great thing for the church to remind us of our duties as Christians,” Okenye said. “This is my first Focus Week in Cameron, and it reminded me that God will never give up on me.” According to Bowers, not only is the BCM available and welcoming to those in spiritual need, but the ministry also provides a meal for students every Wednesday. “We also provide Photo courtesy of Cameron BCM free lunch for Cameron students and faculty every Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. Getting closer to God: Students interact during a BCM event on Aug. 29. The BCM hosted Focus Week from Sept. 17 through Sept. 20. to 12:30 p.m.,” Bowers said.
CUSS adds to religious diversity Kaitlyn Stockton
“I would love for the group to be bigger. We invite people from all types of religions. We have yet to have a Mormon or Newswriting Student ex-Mormon come to a meeting,” Castricone said. According to Castricone, CUSS is an organization of Cameron University Secular Students (CUSS) is entering comfort for students who are going through life changes. its first full-fledged year as an organization. “If students are ever feeling isolated or confused, this is CUSS began the new school year with hopes of a great way to meet other people,” she said. “We meet 5:30 expanding its beginnings by taking part in Cameron p.m. on Wednesdays in the Science Complex 101.” University’s diversity celebration. President of CUSS, Billings, said that CUSS on campus Admissions Coordinator Jennifer Castricone said she is a way for Cameron to experience more diversity. agreed to become the adviser to CUSS from conversations “We knew that CUSS was an immediate need for the with student worker and future president of the campus. We are another minority not well represented,” organization, 23-year-old Daniel Billings. Billings said. “Throughout many conversations, we discovered that Billings said while CUSS is a home for atheists and some students on campus felt left out,” Castricone said. “The agnostics, it is also a place for freethinkers. university has quite a few religious groups, so he [Billings] “We are an organization that holds forums for any suggested we start a secular student alliance. It can feel isolating living in the Bible Belt and having different beliefs.” debate,” he said. While the club holds meetings and sponsors movie Castricone said her favorite part of the organization is the discussions held between herself and its’ members. Every nights, Billings said their major event is, “Ask an Atheist Day.” week, the group posts topics on their Facebook page to vote “We set up a booth and let students ask us what our on an issue that will be discussed at their upcoming meeting. everyday life is like,“ Billings said. “We try to break any “We have had discussions over such things as zombies, inclinations of who and what we are.” prostitution, the right to die, the death penalty and Billings said the club is currently working on the idea of a morality,” she said. Castricone said that a goal of the organization is to make Stone-a-Heathen event. “We have the idea of a fundraiser in the future. Members sure the voices of the students are heard. will hold signs with various sayings and beliefs on them as “In most parts of society, you have to be careful of what you say. Here, you can come to a place where you will not be students and others will pay to throw water balloons at us,” he said. “It will all be for a charity.” judged,” she said. Billings said he finds that many people are hesitant about Castricone said that not all individuals have agreed with CUSS, but he encourages people to try out the club. what this organization stands for. “If you have issues with the club, just come to a meeting,” “We have had a couple complaints because we exist. he said. “We are very welcoming. We are not going to push We are just like-minded people getting together to have anyone out.” conversation in our version of church,” Castricone said. Castricone said she plans on expanding CUSS, if possible.
Crossword
Across 1 Scottish hat 4 Cries out loud 8 Dull sound 13 Wharton’s “The __ of Innocence” 14 Summer Olympics event venue 15 Covering for “piggies” 16 Big stink 18 Stored in a database, say 19 Rural storage structure 20 Amateurish dive 22 Opposite of a big star 25 “__ a trap!” 26 “The Ballad of John and __” 27 Men 28 Bearded flower 32 Barely get, with “out” 34 Added a chip to the pot 36 Maine college town 37 Bearded fairy tale trio 40 Cartographer’s book 41 Oven setting 42 Word in most Commandments 43 Finger-on-hot-stove reaction 44 Sinister 45 Neuter, as a horse 47 Seasonal potable 48 Stand the test of time 50 Mumbai-based film industry
VOTING Continued from Page 1 “It is not a right, it is a privilege,” Holt said. “There are so many people in the world that cannot vote for their leaders.” Holt said she had the opportunity to guide several people through the registration process, and really felt as though participating in registration week was significant. “I have definitely felt like I have made a difference,” Holt said. “I actually helped a friend register to vote.” English major Lance Latiolais stopped by Holt’s registration table on Friday. He said that he appreciated the reminder to register. “I would have forgotten about it if I had not seen the table,” Latiolais said. The registration tables, according to Latiolais, are beneficial to those who are plagued with forgetfulness. “I think it heightens awareness… even if people know about it, there are people like me that are absent-minded who forget,” Latiolais said. “When they physically see the table and they are walking by, they think to themselves, ‘hey, take two minutes, register and potentially make a difference.’” Sassaman said that the week had been quite a triumph. “I think it was really successful,” Sassaman said. “Most of the students who were not already registered were really excited about it and did not know how easy of a process it was.” Time remains for those who missed out on registration week to fill out the paperwork and register to vote, though. “We still have plenty of voter registration forms and the deadline to register to vote is not until October,” Sassaman said. Students seeking more information on voter registration may contact the Office of Student Activities at 580.581.2217. 55 Protected inlet 57 Camden Yards ballplayer 58 Hired hoodlum 61 Long-lasting resentment 62 Frozen drink brand 63 Outlaw Clanton 64 Gather a bit at a time 65 Student’s book 66 Composer Rorem
28 Outlet store abbr. 29 Tournament in which you play everyone else at least once 30 Facts, briefly 31 Tender-hearted 32 Site for cyberbidders 33 Flier on a string 35 Trinidad’s partner 36 Made goo-goo eyes at 38 Murphy’s __ Down 39 Communicate with hand 1 Settings for columned gestures documents 44 Leafy hideaway 2 From the top 46 Charlie Brown’s tormen3 Mountain Dew competi- tor tor 47 Hosiery material 4 Undercover agent 48 Draw forth 5 “__ la la!” 49 Bring to mind 6 Word with hatch or prize 50 Tennis great Bjorn 7 Gin fizz fruit 51 Like some doctorate 8 Broadway awards seekers’ exams 9 “The Tao of Pooh” author 52 Queue Benjamin 53 “Livin’ La Vida __”: 10 Either of two Monopoly Ricky Martin hit sqs. 54 “In memoriam” write-up 11 Venus de __ 56 Viewed 12 Little chirp 59 Superman nemesis 15 Makes a mad dash Luthor 17 Western wolf 60 Allow 21 Wasn’t honest with 23 Gives a thumbs-up 24 Second of two bell sounds 27 Caught wind of
Answers on Page 5
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A&E
October 1, 2012
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Art Guild brings creative students together on the right foot at CU. “We want to let them know that they are welcome into this family and to give them an idea of what to expect as an art major,” Hughes said. The Art Guild strives to help its freshmen members in several ways and events like freshmen orientation are just the beginning, according to Hughes. He also explained that the organization holds regular meetings that are dedicated solely to studying art terminology. “We have huge amounts of vocabulary words that we have to learn, because we have to know how to talk about art,” Hughes said. Hughes considers the guild to be more than a student organization and hopes that the incoming freshmen will grow to feel the same way. “We are really a tight Making a masterpiece: Senior Art major Blagica Ristovska carefully works on her painting for her class. The knit group. We are basically CU Art Guild offers all creative students a setting for them to bond, study and develop their talents together. like a huge extended family,” is to develop as artists. We featured past and present CU Hughes said, “especially Amanda Goemmer members. during the end of the semester, According to Art Guild work on community service art guild members. Staff Writer President Matthew Hughes, projects and engage not only After dinner, Department when we are all here working on projects.” On Sept. 19, the Art the organization is committed within the campus, but within Chair Edna McMillan According to Hughes, Guild hosted its freshmen to helping its members the community as well.” discussed the art degree checkweekend and evening projects orientation, officially improve as artists, among During the event, which sheets that were available to keep many art majors on welcoming incoming Art other things. was held in the Cameron art those in attendance. campus late into the night. majors to Cameron University “The art guild is open to building, attendees feasted Hughes said that the event However, the Art Guild is while familiarizing them any student of any major,” on a Billy Simms buffet while was orchestrated specifically to with the organization and its Hughes said. “Our main goal watching a slideshow that help freshmen students get off trying to make these late night Photo by Amanda Goemmer
work sessions easier pushing for the instillation of card readers in the art building. Hughes said that having card readers would benefit the guild as well as students and faculty, while also reducing stress placed on CU security. “The way it is now, we have to call security to come let us in the building and there has to be two people to be allowed in,” Hughes said. “With card readers we would be able to bypass that whole issue.” Bryna Williams, a new Art major who attended freshmen orientation, said that she was excited about getting involved with the guild. “I like getting creative and having a blast,” Williams said. “Obviously, these guys do too.” According to senior Hailey Harris, Art major and long-time guild member, the organization is always involved in something fun. She said that those new to the guild — like Williams — have a lot to look forward to after orientation, because the group provides an ideal home for aspiring artists to flourish. “It provides a way for artists to get together, collaborate on their pieces, discuss different things about their artwork and grow,” Harris said.
Magic Lantern illuminates classic cinema Sarah Brewer
“I think it is exciting to be part of an organization that A&E Editor has been continuing for over thirty years on campus,” Dr. Flickering lights and the Stegmaier said. “I think it aroma of buttered popcorn transformed a classroom into improves the cultural life of the campus.” a cinema when the Magic This improvement, Lantern Film Society cued “Kriemhild’s Revenge” for the along with precedent, was gathered crowd on the evening the impetus behind Dr. Stegmaier’s decision to form of Sept. 21 in Nance-Boyer. the group. The film concludes the “I have never been on a silent fantasy epic, “Die campus before that did not Nibelunge,” a series the have a film series,” he said. organization screened “We are hoping to enhance while celebrating its 30th our greatness by having a film anniversary as a CU student series. This was the idea at organization. first, and it is still going on.” The Magic Lantern Film Their inaugural showing Society owes its name to a was a double-feature that theater History Professor included 16 mm films. Now, Mark Stegmaier frequented while attending the University over thirty years later, the Magic Lantern Film Society of California in Santa screens dvds from a laptop Barbara. He established the onto a pull-down projector. organization with Professor Technology might have Marilyn Beaney in the spring changed how the Magic semester of 1982. Lantern Film Society presents Professor Sregmaier was present for the organization’s movies, but according to current faculty adviser latest showing of the film and maintained how the film Professor John Morris, their purpose has remained the series has made campus life same. vibrant.
“We strive to be a theater student organization that holds an educational function,” Dr. Morris said. “It is one thing to watch films in a theater, and another thing to watch videos on a screen. We believe in the film experience.” This film experience includes westerns, science fiction flicks, foreign language pictures, superhero serials and cult classics. This year-long experience offers students a chance to learn more about the movies that are not only historical for their contributions to the medium, but also memorable for their iconic and often-quoted scenes. Professor Emerita Sherry Newell and Professor John Morris confer with the student president to choose films from the numerous solicitations the organization receives from students and faculty throughout the year. The three select films based on certain criteria: Films must be at least 10 years old and have garnered critical acclaim, but they must
also have the kind of allure inherent in all classic films. “We try to come up with a season that is varied and full of rich experiences for students,” Dr. Morris said. “For example, Professor Newell is pleased we are showing ‘Casablanca,’ a movie we have not shown in 19 years. She believes every college student should see that movie.” Senior English major Mary O’Doherty serves as student president and has been an active member with the Magic Lantern Film Society for two semesters. “I have always liked classic films, but I do not think I can claim to be as enthusiastic or as knowledgeable about them as Professor Morris,” O’Doherty said. “In fact, Professor Morris asked me to join Magic Lantern shortly after I took that class.” Horror enthusiasts can Photo by Sarah Brewer catch the Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller “Shadow of a Doubt” before Halloween at 7:30 p.m. Classroom Cinema: Professor John Morris explains the orgins of the epic German fantasy scheduled for on Oct. 12 in the CETES that evening. He advises the Magic Lantern Film Society. Conference Room.
Kaylee Jones
vestiges of summer by wearing a turquoise shirt today,” Storey said. “In the fall, I like warm colors. They feel like fall – burnt oranges and browns.” Instead of resisting the change, some students are seguing more naturally into the cooler season by incorporating layers as opposed to packing their summertime favorites away for the winter months. “I am a layer person,” said Junior Communication major, Nicole Bucher. “If I have a dress that I love that I wore during the summer, I will throw a cardigan on, throw some boots on and voilà.” Common staples students should be looking to see around campus this fall are winter boots and lots of scarves. Jamie Wright, a senior Business Administration major at CU, said that she thinks a lot of people will use the colder weather as an excuse to be lazier with their fashion choices.
CU embraces recycled fall fashion trends
Photo by Kaylee Jones
Summertime shades: Erika Perez shows off her patriotic color scheme. CU students are ready to usher in fall fashions that recyle trends from other past eras.
peplum silhouette, militaryinspired wardrobes, and new Collegian Intern spins on old classics such as Summer is almost over, and faux leather as a fabric. Regardless, some students with its departure comes the have welcomed the seasonal onset of fall fashion. change with mixed emotions. As the New York and Ashleigh Fletcher, a senior London fashion weeks wind Journalism major, confessed down, fashionistas across the she was hesitant to say Midwest are trading in their bikinis for berets and crop tops goodbye to summertime. “I have not switched over to for cardigans. The students my fall wardrobe yet. I am still at Cameron University are no on high-waisted shorts, and no exception to this seasonal shift. one else is,” Fletcher said. Elizabeth Wall, a Despite her excitement, sophomore and Sports Robinson admitted she would and Fitness major spoke of miss her summer staples. the upcoming change with “I am going to have enthusiasm. withdrawals from my flip flops “I love winter the most, and sandals when it gets a lot so I am really excited for fall cooler,” Robinson said. clothes,” Wall said. However, female Junior Kali Robinson, students were not the only a Journalism major at CU, expressed a similar sentiment. ones reluctant to make the “I am excited to unpack my transition from summer to fall. Josh Storey, a sophomore long-sleeved shirts and pea Agriculture major at CU, said coats,” Robinson said. he was cherishing the last few The Fall 2012 Ready-toWear collections that debuted weeks of the season by wearing last spring brought with them brighter colors. “I am holding on to the last recycled trends such as the
“I like boots, scarves and blazers,” Wright said. “But I think a lot of people will be wearing tights and hoodies to school and enjoy their winter lazy days.” An unsurprising challenge that can arise while transitioning between seasons is that of working within a budget. DIY (do-it-yourself) fashion is always a popular alternative to buying an entirely new wardrobe. Self-proclaimed “DIY fashionista” Geneva Vanderzeil is best known to the Internet community through her fashion blog, “a pair & a spare.” Her blog serves to inspire aspiring fashionistas to recreate runway looks without emptying the bank. Students can look to online sources, such as collegefashion. net or kendieveryday.com com to help them make taking high fashion trends from the runway to the classroom not only possible, but also affordable.
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Voices
October 1, 2012
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Save the pandering, give me policy
Tiffany Martinez News Editor THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief - Matthew Berberea News Editors - Teewhy Dojutelegan, Tiffany Martinez Crossroads Editor - Dianne Riddles A&E Editor - Sarah Brewer Sports Editor - Tyler Boydston Copy Editor - Alex Rosa-Figueroa Aggie Central Editors- Mitch Watson Archivist - Mitch Watson
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Goemmer, Lizzy Owoyemi Circulation Manager - Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Matthew Berberea Photographers - Kali Robinson, Misty Neal
Newswriting Students
Charlene J. Belew, Jordan K. Godlewski, Terry I. Gonzalez, Mei Ling Grooms, Michaela D. Haire, Philip D. Harrington, Eloise A. Herbert, Dena N. Jennings, Kaylee M. Jones, Sadie L. Jones, Whitney N. Mefford, Jaime R. O’Bannon, Melissa C. Solis, Shelby M. Stancil, Kaitlyn M. Stockton, Carson B. Stringham, Matthew L. Thompson,Cindy A. Walter, Skylar D. Williams
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Christopher Keller
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
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Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to collegian@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www. aggiecentral.com.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Aggie Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
The 2008 presidential election was an exciting time in my life. I hit the polls only days after turning 18, and I was so determined to have my voice heard I stood in a line that curled around the courthouse for over an hour and a half. It was an unforgettable event in my life. This year’s presidential election has proven just as exciting to me; however, there are points of focus in this campaign that have hit home in the worst of ways. Media coverage of the 2012 presidential campaign has highlighted the fact that both the Democrat and Republican parties are seeking to win the Latino vote, so much so that a new phrase, “hispandering,” has been coined. Hispandering refers to political parties’ penchant for pandering to Hispanics. How does one pander to Hispanics? There were a number of examples shown in both conventions this year. As I sat in front of my television screen watching, I thought the show was more ridiculous than offensive — but offensive, nonetheless. At the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval took center stage in singing the Grand Old Party’s praises. Soon after, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez followed up, spreading the red word. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida was the lucky duck that introduced Mitt Romney, only minutes after Romney’s own son, Craig Romney, delivered half of a speech in Spanish. “It is my privilege to say a few words in Spanish … so please bear with me,” Craig said. In the following weeks, Democrats hit the nail on the head in Charlotte,
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
The chosen one: San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro addresses the crowd at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Castro was the keynote speaker for the event and one of many speakers of Hispanic or Latino descent. choosing San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro to be the keynote speaker at their convention. Illegal immigrant Benita Veliz also shared her personal story on stage. Even Cuban-American talk show host — yes, talk show host — Cristina Saralegui made an appearance to wail out a few words in Spanish as she pleaded to her people across the country to vote Democrat. Even more blatant than these dark-tanned individuals consecutively taking the stage were the video segments produced and presented at the conventions. “So-and-so cares about the Latino people,” I heard, as images shot in hot climates flashed before my eyes. Are not these people supposed to care about everyone? Votes win elections — I get that — but I feel the way in which you try to win the
vote is what truly matters. When someone is set in front of a podium that has the same eye shape, hair texture or accent as I do — is that supposed to automatically make me want to vote for the party with which they are affiliated? When did color become more important than policy? More over, who decides who is “Hispanic”? What qualifications must one meet? Being a MexicanAmerican, I have pondered this question for years. I could not tell you how many surveys and tests I have taken requiring me to check one of the three: White, Black, Hispanic (or other). What always bothered me were the words, “or other,” placed within parenthesis beside the word Hispanic. Is Hispanic, then, any and everything beside Black and White? Or is the definition of Hispanic
altered to the benefit of the given situation? In today’s society, the words “Hispanic” and “Latino” are believed to be interchangeable; in actuality, they are anything but synonymous. While the distinction is wrought with other details, “Hispanic” largely refers to people of countries that were once under Spain’s rule, and “Latino” refers to people of Rome-ruled countries. I realize that I am 22-years-old and only beginning to dive into the world of politics, but I am astounded. I’ve heard from a few close friends, “It is politics. They are aiming toward the swing voters.” They are aiming toward swing voters by repeatedly underlining an issue — immigration — that polls have shown is not the top priority of these Hispanic and Latino citizens.
They are aiming toward swing voters by granting speaking privileges to whoever is willing to put on a suit and blurt out a few words “en Español.” They are aiming toward swing voters by transparently aiding stereotypes. They are aiming toward swing voters by laughing behind closed doors at the thought of Hispanics and Latinos being too foolish to actually educate themselves on policy instead of hopping on the first political bandwagon carrying their home country’s flag. Maybe the process has always been this way, but precedence certainly does not make practice right. The political campaigns of this country should center around one, united people as far as I am concerned — a beautiful people of all creeds and colors — the American people.
Free speech may carry heavy cost for world-wide canvassing campaign that would culminate with an over-night event scheduled for April 20 that was called “Cover the Night.” Worldwide turnout disappointed initial expectations, and the contents of the attractively-packaged activist kits—posters, stickers, buttons and t-shirts—have not been nearly as ubiquitous as they were designed to be, and Sarah Brewer nothing seemed to happen. A&E Editor Southern-fried chicken sandwiches became a symbol In addition to brandishing for protest against same-sex signs emblazoned with marriage months later from obscenities at funerals and July to August after Dan state capitols, some of the most Cathy, the CEO of Chick-fil-A, popular forms of protest this said he was “guilty as charged” year have included making viral for his opposition toward samevideos, scheduling appreciation sex marriage and support for days and boycotts for fast-food organizations that endorse sorestaurants via Facebook, called traditional family values. spewing vitriolic comments Mike Huckabee, the former and furiously sharing political Governor of Arkansas, invited pictures online. his fans to a “Chick fil-A The increasing use of Appreciation Day” set to take these tactics could be a sign place Aug. 1 at Chick-fil-A of the times and an everrestaurants across nation, and shifting paradigm, but such said there was “no need for social media strategies do not anyone to be angry or engage in translate online interest into a verbal battle.” honest, on-the-ground activism Countless Lawton citizens without fail. clamored to the Chick-fil-A Invisible Children, a San located on Cache, and while Diego-based charity, released a the line of customers waiting 30-minute video in March that to order chicken nuggets and called for the arrest of Ugandan waffle fries obstructed traffic cult and militia leader Joseph on this already busy city street, Kony and petitioned viewers to their endeavors did nothing plaster his name over buildings more than raise revenue for the and other social media walls in franchise and further ostracize efforts to “make him famous.” my friends who belong to the The film also called LGBT community.
Photo courtesy of MCT Campus
The sum of these aforementioned incidents gave me pause, but it did not prepare me for what would later test my interpretation of free speech. Heavily-armed attackers stormed the U.S. Consulate in Libya, killing the U.S. envoy J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans, and breached the U.S. Embassy in Egypt. This attack took place amid angry protests on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 after a 14-minute clip was translated into Arabic and posted on YouTube. The crude, low-quality clip that cost a reported $5 million to produce supposedly serves as a trailer for a fulllength film entitled “The Innocence of Muslims.” The trailer first surfaced when user “Sam Bacille” posted the clip online in July. The clip mocks the Muslim Prophet Muhammad by portraying him as bloodthirsty thug
who espouses polygamy and pedophilia and shreds the authenticity of the Qu’ran as a sacred text through a series of shoddy voiceovers and garish green-screen sequences. Co-Producer Steve Klein makes no attempt whatsoever to hide his disgusting agenda in an interview with The New York Times. “We have reached the people that we want to reach,” Klein said, “and I’m sure that out of the emotion that comes out of this, a small fraction of those people will come to understand just how violent Muhammad was, and also for the people who didn’t know that much about Islam.” His abhorrent purpose leaves me no choice but to immediately classify the clip as hate speech. I have been delving into the complicated minutia that comprises free speech and defamation while studying
mass media law, and have emerged after hours examining case summaries and listening more confused than before. We can distinguish speech that is offensive from speech that is blatantly tailored to put lives and property in jeopardy, but the issue at hand is one for international courts to judge. I cherish my right to voice my opinion freely as an aspiring journalist, but I cannot help but hope the filmmaker and the armed extremists are both brought to justice. Witnessing the crisis in the Middle East has alleviated my confusion by showing me how compassion should resonate louder than the need to express our opinions and attack our enemies. Protests taken to such brazen and deadly boundaries do nothing to ameliorate or reform the situations that instead require rational thinking and positive action. They accomplish nothing except to aggravate the furor that consumes states, political parties, the nation and the world as a whole. Nothing can justify the loss of life left in the wake of the attacks in Libya and Egypt. Social media campaigns make indulging and gratifying the need to be involved in politics easy, but they can reduce online efforts to little more than the popular, passing phases and inject hateful messages in otherwise harmless media.
5
Crossroads
October 1, 2012
www.aggiecentral.com
Photo courtesy of United Way
Helping hands: Volunteers working during the Day of Caring on Sept. 7. Several people volunteered their time and energy to help tidy things up at the Salvation Army.
United Way of neighbors helping neighbors Dianne Riddles
your dollar goes a lot further,” Dial said. “I feel good in Crossroads Editor knowing that every dollar I The United Way is a donate is being allocated in a nonprofit, 501c3 agency way that is most beneficial.” that brings people and Dial explained that communities together. working at the United Way is According to its mission a gratifying experience, if not statement, the United Way just for the impact the agency strives to improve lives by has on people. mobilizing the caring power of “I’ve worked for the United communities around the world Way for 38 years and I love to advance the common good. what I do very much,” Dial According to Donor said. “My job is very rewarding Management Director Judy because I see the difference Dial, the best way to help that it makes.” a group of local agencies is She said there are many through the United Way. different ways to donate to the “One of the reasons that United Way. Donations can be I believe so strongly in the made via cash, check or credit United Way is because United card. Donations can also Way just encompasses so be made online or through many different services that a payroll deduction at the
donor’s place of employment. Dial said that the 19th Annual United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill Day of Caring took place on Sept. 7. The Day of Caring, a day the Lawton-Fort Sill United Way established in 1994, promotes the spirit and value of volunteerism and increases the awareness of agencies that meet the critical needs in our community. “This day demonstrates what people working together for the community’s good can accomplish,” she said. According to Dial, there are many events throughout the year that United Way partner agencies host, in which the community has the opportunity to take part.
Dial will be hosting one such event, the United Way Whopper Day on Oct. 9, a fund-raiser that will raise 50 cents for each Whopper sold at all Burger King locations. According to Christina Erman, CEO of the United Way partner agency Roadback, Inc., there are several upcoming opportunities for the community to show support for the services provided by this agency. She further explained that Roadback, Inc. would be hosting the annual outreach event, Moonlight Walk against Drugs on Oct. 17, at Elmer Thomas Park, and that the Second Annual Roadback, Inc. Golf Scramble would be
at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, at the Ft. Sill Golf Course. Additionally, Roadback Inc. is currently and through the end of the year offering a Cinnabon card that is redeemable at Central Mall. The card costs $10 and is redeemable for four cinnamon rolls. Proceeds from these fund-raisers will benefit drug and alcohol treatment as they did in 2011, when more than 4000 prevention and education contacts were made in outreach efforts and 556 individuals were treated. According to Armed Services YMCA Director of Administration Kate Whitehead, the Armed Services YMCA will be
2011 State of the State’s Health Report, the state is leading the United States in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular deaths. The same document’s state report card gives Oklahoma an F in physical activity, with the state being 7.6 percent more inactive than the rest of the nation. Fit Kids consists of a number of organizations and inf luential agencies, a number of which are found in town: Lawton Public Schools; the Great Plains Technology Center, the Lawton Family YMCA, the
Lawton-Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce and Cameron University. Vice President Holland explained the impetus behind Cameron’s involvement with Fit Kids, as the movement made for better minds as well as bodies. “A student who is in good health is a better learner than one who is unhealthy,” Vice President Holland said. Cameron has made a number of strides in the name of healthy living. The Aggie Mile, the one-mile path around the campus, was put into place as a means to motivate students into activity. Additionally, the Athletics Department is partnering with the City of Lawton and the YMCA for the Coaches University project, an initiative in which the coaches of Lawton encourage youths to make healthier lifestyle choices. The core of Fit Kids’ goal, healthier lifestyles, can be tracked through the State Department of Health’s Health Reports and their certifications. Vice President Holland said that the Department gives out awards to those displaying measurably healthy habits—and indeed, Cameron University was certified healthy this past March. For the City of Lawton’s part, steps have been taken to raise health awareness.
The Lawton Farmer’s Market is, as Vice President Holland said, giving the city access to fresh produce and increasing its chances of being certifiably healthy. “That’s one of the ways the State Health Department measures health.” Vice President Holland said. “The amount of access to fresh fruits and vegetables the city has.” The city has also passed an initiative, “Complete Streets,” that will ensure sidewalks and bike paths alongside every new street—such as the walkways running down 38th street. Vice President Holland said that this initiative, originating with the Fit Kids coalition, makes Lawton safer for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Another project was Nature Quest, which is a partnership between the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the YMCA and Lawton Public Schools, started in 2009. Nature Quest is a weeklong summer camp held in the Wildlife Refuge that encourages children to live healthy, giving campers an experience in the outdoors while teaching them about survival and ways to have fun outside. More information on the Fit Kids of Southwest Oklahoma and their projects can be found at fitkidsofswok.org.
hosting the Fifth Annual Armed Services YMCA Y-fry, 5-8 p.m. on Nov. 14 and 15, at the Comanche County Coliseum. This event will raise money to help soldiers and their families such as they did in 2011, when the branch was able to offer outreach services to 12,199 clients. The United Way of Lawton-Fort Sill currently has 19 funded agencies that contribute to the needs of our community as well as helping others in the surrounding area. Information on volunteering, donating and connecting with the LawtonFort Sill United Way can be found on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, and is available at www.uwlawton.org.
Fit Kids brings healthy lifestyles and choices Alex Rosa-Figueroa Copy Editor
The Lawton-Fort Sill community has come together in order to foster a healthy lifestyle for kids. Fit Kids of Southwest Oklahoma, originally Lawton Fit Kids, is a coalition of community agencies interested in encouraging healthier lives for children. The organization was formed in 2006 to combat the unhealthy lifestyle prevalent in southwest Oklahoma.
Vice President for Student Services Jennifer Holland explained the need for such a group, citing the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles. “This generation is the first generation whose life expectancy is lower than their parents due to obesity,” Vice President Holland said. “Fit Kids brings key figures in the community together to work on changing that.” Oklahoma is no stranger to poor health. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s
Photo by Alex Rosa-Figueroa
6
Sports
October 1, 2012
www.aggiecentral.com
Volleyball faces competition at home Matthew Berberea
The Black and Gold would not go down without Managing Editor a fight as they picked up the pace in the second After a tough stretch in set. Down 1-5, Mariah which they dropped four Westlake had two service straight matches, Aggie aces and the Aggies won Volleyball looked to get six straight points on her back on track with three service to take a 7-5 lead. straight games against The teams continued conference opponents. to trade leads with neither First up for the Aggies squad leading by more than were the Javelinas from four points in the set. Once Texas A&M-Kingsville on again the Cardinals were Sept. 21 at Aggie Gym. able to put away CU in a The Black and Gold started close 26-28 set. off on the right foot with a The third set saw much victory over the Javelinas in of the same as UIW played four sets securing their first suffocating defense and conference victory of the finished off the Aggies in season (19-25, 25-20, 25-23, another close loss 22-25. 25-13). The Aggies struggled The night did not start to create offense all night, off as the Aggies hoped as finishing with only 37 kills they dropped the first set and three players tied for 19-25. The Aggies put that nine kills each. set behind them quickly and After the loss, the Aggies jumped out to a 9-3 lead in travelled to Portales, N.M., set two behind kills from on Sept. 25 where they freshman Shannon Dulaney faced the Eastern New and sophomore Rebecca Mexico Zias. Green and five assists from Despite career nights junior Jenna Risoli. The from Jenna Risoli and Aggies never looked back Kathryn Evans, the Black from that point forward and Gold fell short in five and won the final three sets sets (29-27, 16-25, 26-24, clinching the victory. 21-25, 9-15). Risoli led the team with Coach Tabbert said the 44 assists and helped set the Aggies played well but made pace for the Aggies all night some key mistakes that with her strong play in the Photo by Matthew Berberea ENMU was able to turn middle. Freshman Kathryn into points. Evans once again led the Power play: Freshman Annelise Carpenter reaches out during a match against the University of Incarnate “We played some great Aggies with 18 kills on the defense at times tonight but night and earned her fourth Word during the match Sept. 22. The volleyball team lost their match 3-0 after a 3-1 win the day before against we did not do enough at the Texas A&M. The volleyball team’s next match will be Oct. 2 at home against Midwestern State. 15 plus kill match of the net,” Tabbert said. “There season. said. “We did not play great Cameron did not have momentum as they fell Aggies fell behind 8-14 were too many unforced Head volleyball coach at the start but finished time to bask in the win to the Cardinals in three before Coach Tabbert called errors tonight and we were Doug Tabbert said his team a lot better. It was just as they faced off against straight sets (17-25, 26-28, timeout. Out of the break inconsistent offensively.“ responded well after the a match that we needed conference rival Incarnate 22-25). UIW continued to play well The loss brought first set and emphasized the to win. We need to win the following afternoon. The first set started with and the Aggies struggled to Cameron’s record to importance of the win at these matches at home and The Aggies started off both teams trading points find any rhythm offensively. 5-9 overall and 1-4 in home. need to get another one slow and were unable to but quickly saw Incarnate Ultimately the Cardinals conference play. “It was a good win for carry the previous day’s Word take control as the took the first set 17-25. us to get at home,” Tabbert tomorrow.”
Men’s golf team strikes away at the Territory Tyler Boydston
on the second day of the competition affected the Sports Editor competition as wind gusts The men’s golf team reached the course. recently placed fourth in the “The wind was a major Territory Classic that took factor,” Hrnciar said. “It was place Sept. 24 and 25 in difficult on everybody, and Duncan. with pin placements being The event, which has as difficult as they were in been held for six years, that wind, if someone was was the team’s second off just a little bit and got tournament of the fall impatient, it could really season. make a difference in the According to men’s golf final score.” coach Jerry Hrnciar, the The teams improved Territory Classic served their score the second day, as a way to play his entire with the Varsity team team, unlike other, more reaching fourth place with a restrictive tournaments they score of 606 overall and the play during the season. JV team placing ninth with “We get to play a score of 622. everybody, so I get a chance “We played with more to look at the competition determination on the second and see who has their game day,” Hrnciar said. “We together and who does not,” fought for every shot. On Hrnciar said. “That would the first day, I felt that a probably be the biggest lot of the players had high point of preparation for expectations and when they the year. In all the other weren’t meeting them it was tournaments, I can usually discouraging.” play only five players.” Hrnciar said the The men’s golf team had Territory Classic has been their Varsity and JV teams held at the Territory course made up of five players in Duncan for the past six on the course and four years barring the 2011 fall individual players, which season, when it was held at Hrnciar explained was three Dornick Hills in Ardmore, a more individuals than the result of weather conditions other schools that played in in Duncan at the time. the tournament. “Last year we held it on “They play for individual Dornick Hills in Ardmore honors, but not for any because of the drought and team,” Hrnciar said. “Most of the teams brought one extra player, while Cameron brought four.” At the end of the tournament’s first day, the Varsity team was in seventh place with a score of 305, Photo courtesy of Brandon Neris while the JV team scored Teeing off: Freshman Cullen Stahl stares down his drive after hitting the ball down the tenth with 309. According to Hrnciar, fairway at the Territory Classic Sept. 24 and 25. The Varsity men’s golf team walked away the weather conditions from the Territory Classic with fourth place as the JV team placed ninth overall.
the conditions that affected the Territory,” Hrnciar said. “We played 36-18 at Dornick while we played 18-18 at the Territory this year.” According to Hrnciar, the JV and Varsity men’s golf teams came to the Territory Classic more prepared than their first tournament of the season due to the regulations set in place by the NCAA. Due to the regulations, the team has had three practices between the Coody-West Texas Intercollegiate on Sept. 11 and the Territory Classic that began 13 days later. “I think we have more talent than what we showed in the first tournament. The NCAA rules we are under let us only have one day of team practice before the first tournament,” Hrnciar said. “It is kind of hard to expect a lot during the first tournament of the semester. We got to play three times between then and this tournament, though the players have to come in from the summer prepared and ready to play. They have to play during the summer.” The men’s golf team will play again at the Ryan Palmer Invitational Oct. 8 and 9 in Amarillo, Texas.