Skip to main content

Sept. 11, 2012 issue of The Chronicle

Page 1

T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y

The Chronicle

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTH YEAR, ISSUE 14

WWW.DUKECHRONICLE.COM

Huntsman: Dissolving the classroom walls ‘Do cultural Committee suggests paths for enhancing intellectual life at Duke exchanges’ by Linda Yu THE CHRONICLE

Pulling from his experiences as the former Utah governor and former ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman discussed foreign policy issues in a discussion with political science professor Peter Feaver held Monday at Page Auditorium. In introducing Huntsman, President Richard Broadhead shared an anecdote from when Huntsman was still ambassador to China and helped free a Duke student who had been detained by local authorities in a distant province of China. Next, Huntsman took the stage by introducing his wife, Mary Kaye—who was sitting among the crowd—and telling the Jon Huntsman audience it was her birthday. He said before he began his ultimately failed bid to become the Republican presidential nominee, she sat him down and made him promise that he would not pander or sign any pledges. Huntsman joked that it was this promise and the fact that both former President Bill Clinton and noted liberal filmmaker Michael SEE HUNTSMAN ON PAGE 4

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

A committee, convened by Duke Student Government, set out to assess Duke’s intellectual climate. Committee chair Amanda Peralta said the key to a thriving intellectual climate is uninhibited academic interaction inside the classroom and out. by Julian Spector THE CHRONICLE

On a campus where Busch Light and Boyle’s Law vie for students’ attention, a group of undergraduates set out to capture a sense of Duke’s intellectual culture. Duke Student Government convened the 10-student Intellectual Climate Committee in Spring 2011 to investigate the state of intellectual life inside and outside

the classroom. They sought to start campus dialogue and suggest improvements the University can make to enhance the intellectual lives of students. The ICC findings, published Tuesday, compile a large-scale survey of Duke students and interviews with leading students, faculty and administrators. The key to a thriving intellectual climate is seamless intellectual interaction from class time to free time, said committee

chair Amanda Peralta, a senior. “It’s essential in an intellectual climate for socialness to be a part of that,” she said. “If the only interactions that students have with each other that are intellectual are in the classroom and when they leave they don’t talk about it anymore, then that’s not a real intellectual climate.” SEE ICC ON PAGE 6

Experts say Bible has Students: Alpine second to ABP role in American life by Elizabeth Djinis THE CHRONICLE

by Jill Rubin THE CHRONICLE

Contrary to popular belief, the Bible affects people’s everyday lives because of its influence on the political and social realm, experts said. Biblical scholars gathered for a two-day conference from Sunday to Monday to present the applications of the Bible in politics and foreign policy. The event, titled

“The Bible in the Public Square,” discussed the correlation between current events and the Bible, including those in national politics and international affairs. The series was a joint collaboration of Duke’s Center for Jewish Studies, Religion Department and Southern Methodist University. “Because the Bible was, is and probably still will be an important part of American life, we wanted SEE BIBLE ON PAGE 3

KAYLA FAULK/ THE CHRONICLE

A student gets breakfast at Alpine Bagels, an eatery that is possibly seeing business decline due to the popularity of Au Bon Pain.

With the addition of Au Bon Pain to the Bryan Center, Alpine Bagels is striving to maintain its status as the campus’ primary bagel provider. Employees of both Au Bon Pain and Alpine Bagels say that each restaurant has a solid customer base and strong sales this year. But students said they are sensing that their peers prefer Au Bon Pain to Alpine because it is new and offers more choices and better hours. SEE ALPINE ON PAGE 5

MAKE THIS YEAR COUNT

365 140 35 FACEBOOK UPDATES

CUPS OF COFFEE

BASKETBALL GAMES

20

1

PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS

MASTER OF ACCOUNTING DEGREE

Invest just 12 short months and expand your career options and earning potential. With a degree from UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked Master of Accounting (MAC) program, you’ll be ready for anything. This fast-paced program is designed for non-accounting majors. We have an impressive placement rate of nearly 100 percent. 919-962-3645 mac_info@unc.edu www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/programs/mac


2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

THE CHRONICLE

Climate change to affect corn price Duke doctor wins by Elise Bruguera THE CHRONICLE

As humans add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and global temperatures rise due to the greenhouse effect, corn prices will change rapidly and unpredictably, said Noah Diffenbaugh, assistant professor of environmental earth system sciences at Stanford University. Diffenbaugh—who participated in the Nicholas School of the Environment’s Center on Global Change seminar series—presented his research on climate change and corn price volatility to a room of professors and graduate students Monday. He said the principal influence on future volatility in the price of the crop is climate change, not market forces or legislative policy. His models of future conditions in the Corn Belt—the

major corn-growing area in the Midwest—showed that future average summer conditions will resemble what are currently considered extreme, hot and dry events. Additionally, skies will be clearer, allowing for more sun exposure, and soil will dry out, both of which will put heat stress on the crops. “[Corn is] an important crop for the United States, both for food and energy, and we know that it has important sensitivities to climate,” Diffenbaugh explained. “[The data] was a potential indicator of climate change impacts.” During hot, arid years, corn farmers will produce a smaller yield, causing a supply shock that will drive prices up, he added. The price result will be volatile because, though the general temperature trend is upward, not every year will predictably follow

this trend. High corn prices will drive away everyday consumers of the crop, Diffenbaugh noted. But due to U.S. biofuel mandates, part of the consumer base of the crop is corporations involved in the ethanol industry, which he said causes the demand for corn to be highly price-inelastic. Additionally, when there is high demand for oil and petroleum, the ethanol demand increases accordingly, further allowing for the price of corn to remain high. Diffenbaugh’s team’s research proved that climate change increases price volatility more than other influences, contrary to what he believed before conducting this research. “Climate change is the dominant factor in our analysis, to my surprise,” Diffenbaugh said. “I SEE CLIMATE ON PAGE 3

NC biotech grant from Staff Reports THE CHRONICLE

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center awarded $100,000 to a Duke doctor to plan an interdisciplinary personalized medicine center. Dr. Geoffrey Ginsburg, director of the Duke Center for Personalized Medicine and director of Genomic Medicine in the Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy, was awarded $100,000 to develop the Center of Innovation. The center is intended to advance personalized medicine, which focuses on treating an individual based on their environment, personal lifestyle and genes, according to a press release. “This NCBiotech planning grant will allow us to bring together the key personalizedmedicine stakeholders from across the state to develop a plan for collaborative solutions, public-private partnerships and to develop a network that will accelerate the state’s leadership in this important area of health care,” Ginsburg said in the release. The $100,000 awarded to Ginsburg is one of several grants among the $1.83 mil-

lion NCBiotech distributed during the year’s second quarter to boost biotechnology research in 11 programs. Funding was given to successful applicants across the state to support scientific entrepreneurship, technology, commercialization and education. The grant is intended to develop a business plan for the COI, and if the plan is successful, NCBiotech will award a $2.5 million Phase II grant to launch the Center itself. “I am very optimistic that this initiative will develop into a robust Center of Innovation for patient care for North Carolina and also for economic growth for the many entities in this state, both public and private, who are committed to personalized medicine as a strategy,” Ginsburg said. “NCBiotech has provided us an extraordinary opportunity to be a model for other states across the country.” NCBiotech has been awarding funding since its establishment in 1984 and has contributed to North Carolina’s status as the nation’s third-largest biotech cluster, the press release said.

qduke.com SOPHIA DURAND/ THE CHRONICLE

Noah Diffenbaugh, assistant professor of environmental earth system sciences at Stanford University, spoke to a group of students about climate change at the Sanford School of Public Policy Monday.

DUKE MARINE LAB T I M L Th

is i s

M AR

f eau INE LAB B

,N ort

C

Biology 201LA Gateway to Biology: Molecular Biology. NS, NS STS Fall/Spring/Summer Term I

Molecular Biology is offered YEAR ROUND at the Duke Marine Lab! Complete this BIOLOGY GATEWAY COURSE in Beaufort with Professor Tom Schultz · · · ·

Small class size One-on-one attention Accessible professor Supportive learning environment

PLUS many more experiential courses and research opportunities for all students!

VIEW A COMPLETE LIST OF SPRING COURSES AT dukemarinelab.net QUESTIONS? CONTACT LAUREN STULGIS AT LAUREN.STULGIS@DUKE.EDU OR 252.504.7531


THE CHRONICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 | 3

A day in the gardens

BIBLE from page 1 to highlight the way it plays out to a certain extent in American politics,” said speaker Carol Meyers, Mary Grace Wilson professor of religion. Meyers noted that many people do not understand the context by which presidential candidates are quoting the Bible, and the purpose of the lectures is to raise awareness for voters in Durham. The lecture series featured professors who specialized in biblical research so that references by politicians from the Bible would be more accessible to the average voter. The Bible is especially pertinent to this year’s upcoming

presidential election, since it appeals to all the constituencies of the religious political spectrum, she said. “It is very hard to get the real Bible,” Meyers said. “I would urge students therefore to try to take courses that help them bridge this gap between the way the Bible appears in contemporary media and the way it would have conveyed its messages in its ancient context.” When politicians cite scripture, they are doing so strictly with a political mindset and not because of their love for God, said Jacques Berlinerblau, associate professor and director of the Program for Jewish Civilization at Georgetown University. He noted that there is

LUCY DICKS-MIREAUX/THE CHRONICLE

Students relax in the Sarah P. Duke Gardens as the weather cools down.

CLIMATE from page 2 expected it not to be, but it was.” Due to the future issues facing the corn industry, it is important to consider how to adapt the industry to warmer climates, said Holly Davis, a graduate student in the Nicholas School of the Environment, who attended the seminar. “His paper points out a new way of thinking about questions related to growing corn,” Davis said. “How do you adapt to a

warmer climate? Do you genetically modify the corn or do you consider growing in different areas, like further north?” Although research on global warming is not groundbreaking, Diffenbaugh said his research on the importance of climate change in the corn market is new information. “This is new work, and it’s important for college students to be engaged in understanding what’s established knowledge and what’s emerging knowledge,” Diffenbaugh said.

CHELSEA PIERONI/ THE CHRONICLE

Experts gathered at Duke Sunday and Monday to talk aboutthe Bible and it’s place in the public sphere in a conference sponsored by the Divinity School.

Do goo d in the com mu nit y!

no direct link between George W. Bush’s seemingly religious political policy and his religious devotion. There was no biblical reference that justified his invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. Berlinerblau also addressed the reason for the sudden increase in scripture citings in politics. The Democratic Party has switched from a separationist secularist to a accomodationist secularist standpoint. Instead of promoting the separation of the church and state, the Democrats now engage politics alongside religion, as long as it encompasses all religions, Berlinerblau said. Because American secularism is declining at an increasing rate, switching to an accommodating view is more attractive to voters, he said. Senior Sarah Bartleson said the Bible plays an important role in elections, noting that candidates who cite the Bible are ultimately more successful. “Whether or not they believe the Bible should be cited that way, it’s sort of pandering in a sense,” she said. Senior Hannah Smith, who also attended the lectures, noted the role of the Christian right in elections makes addressing the Bible necessary. “The upcoming presidential election is necessarily intertwined with the Bible.” Smith wrote in an email Monday. “The Christian right has so many voters that both presidential candidates will need to use the Bible in order to appeal to a large voting block.”

35th Annual Volunteer Fair

Be active!

Meet with representatives from Durham non-profit agencies, schools, and Duke student service groups to learn how you can get involved.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

12:00– 3:00 p.m. Schaefer Mall, Bryan Center

Get Involved!

For more information, call (919) 684-4377 or visit our website http://csc.civic.duke.edu/main/ > click on programs and services.


4 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

THE CHRONICLE

HUNTSMAN from page 1

SOPHIA DURAND/THE CHRONICLE

Jon Huntsman, former ambassador to China and governor of Utah, spoke about foreign policy and the economy Monday evening in Page Auditorium.

Moore cited him as “a Republican they would vote for” which sunk his bid for the Republican nomination earlier this year. Many in the Republican Party felt he was tainted during the race because he had crossed party lines by serving a Democratic president in a foreign policy position, he added. “Which, by the way I will do again since I believe in putting my country before the political,” Huntsman said. A central theme of his talk was bipartisanship—although he never used the word itself. “We’ve forgotten how to come together,” he said. He also struck a more populist tenor when he described the note he left in the Utah governor office’s desk for his successor. “The wealthy, the corporations all have lob-

byists. Those who don’t, expect you to be their lobbyist.” Huntsman said, garnering the most applause he received all night. The former ambassador described many of the problems in America that he saw in terms of the economy. While he was respectful toward President Barack Obama, he said he ran for the Republican nominee was because someone needed to re-fire the country’s economic engines. “When you see the world from Beijing, there’s a lot of optimism there and blue skies— even though the sky is so polluted,” he said. On the other hand, he said, America has better public institutions than China, yet it lacks that Beijing optimism. He cited three deficits—fiscal deficit, deficit in trust in government and deficit in confidence—as the reasons the U.S. is in a rut. Huntsman said that he remembered a Chinese official who once told him, “When

Q&A with Jon Huntsman Huntsman sat down with The Chronicle’s Linda Yu for a one-on-one interview before his presentation, discussing China and foreign policy and demonstrating his Chinese ability. The Chronicle: Do you have any insights into Asia from your time as Ambassador to China and Singapore that you think the average American isn’t aware of? Jon Huntsman: We’re in a period of insecurity, and [there are] people who read the rise of China as being something that is calculated and that part of a homogenized attempt to keep America down. In fact, their growth is the extension of their population of 1.3 billion people and a large landmass with lots of natural resources and trade and markets have opened over the last 30 years, and it has resulted in enormous growth—but I think that is to be expected. But now they are entering into a period of uncertainty. I would call it a period of insecurity of where the party goes, about where the economy goes, about their regional

relationships and about their relationship with the United States. They don’t have the answers. I don’t think they have a grand design of where this all goes, It is more of a tactical effort to keep the economy growing year in and year out, caring for the needs of a very large population—most of whom are very poor. Our perceptions are a bit off when it comes to understanding and interpreting China in ways that would allow us to have a fact-based dispassionate discussion as opposed to the hysteria that is often confused into the political discourse. And because of the enormous implications for the United States for the rest of the 21st century, it really deserved a thorough vetting. TC: You can speak Chinese fluently. Do you have any advice or thoughts for Duke students pursuing the language? JH: You can’t understand China’s culture and history without seeing it through the prism of language. Language is as central to life as culture, and it is an extension of 5,000

years of history. To be able to interpret events that are playing out or to be able to fully understand their history and why they made certain decisions, knowledge of Chinese is critical. By studying Mandarin, you’re actually opening a window through which you can better interpret one of the most important relationships of the 21st century. TC: During the Republican presidential debates, you spoke Chinese but many Republicans reacted negatively to it. How do you think the GOP will be able to reconcile this attitude with attracting more minority voters to their base? JH: It’s a problem within the Republican Party right now and it will need to be addressed through taking on issues such as immigration realistically and broadening the base that they appeal to. A lot of the insecurity right now is highly partisan and governed by an economy that is broken and a fear that we’re not moving ahead in the world and others are moving forward.

SS E CL A H T D BE YON

INFO SESSION

ROOM immersive. intensive. inspiring.

Apply to the Global Health Student Research Training Program

Thursday | Sept 13 5:30 – 7 PM Old Chemistry 116

With project locations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and

ALL STUDENTS WELCOME!

work on global health topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to

Work with Duke faculty and community partners worldwide to begin your global health journey. the United States, you will have the opportunity to community development to cancer prevention.

globalhealth.duke.edu

Woldorff Family Optometry Our goals: Your best vision. The style you love. Comprehensive eye exams, contacts, and glasses. Currently accepting… BlueCross BlueShield United Healthcare OptumHealth Vision Vision Service Plan Superior Vision EyeMed Community Eyecare Medicaid & Medicare

813 Broad St., Durham, NC 27705 (Near East Campus, Next to Nice Price Books)

(919) 381 - 5365

Find us on Facebook and @ woldorfffamilyoptometry.com


THE CHRONICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 | 5

HUNTSMAN, CONT’D

ALPINE from page 1

American loses confidence the whole world suffers.” He maintained that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney—who he had endorsed when he conceded the primary—is better suited than Obama to reboot the economy. He dodged the question as to which presidential candidate was better suited to solve the other two deficits, but said that the solving the fiscal deficit superseded the others. China was also one of his main talking points when he sat down with The Chronicle in the green room beneath the stage of the Page Auditorium prior to the event. He cited the U.S. economy as the main reason for America’s current antagonistic relationship with China. Huntsman described the relationship between the U.S. and China as “the most important relationship in the 21st Century.” “China is looked at through a prism of fear as opposed to opportunity—which shouldn’t be the case, since there is a lot of opportunity in the relationship if you play it right,” Huntsman said in the interview. “So when we had unemployment of 5 percent, China was more of an opportunity, right? Let’s get close. Let’s do cultural exchanges. Let’s trade and invest.” However, he said when the economy changed, so did that optimistic attitude towards China. At the end of 90 minutes, the audience gave him a standing ovation. Freshman Carrina Dong said she likes how he never seems to waver in his convictions and does not pander. “He’s obviously really smart, and I really respect him even more [after the event] than I previously did,” she said. “He’s a really respectable guy.” Isaac Weitzhandler, a doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering, liked the speech but said he wished that Huntsman had asserted his conservative beliefs more. “I just wish he’d owned it a little more,” he said. Although, Weitzhandler said he was impressed that Huntsman was willing to speak before and engage with what he called a “liberal university audience.” Huntsman will be returning to Duke for the second part of the speaking engagement Oct. 30, when he will cover domestic issues.

“I’ve only been to Alpine Bagels once since i A Au Bon Pain opened, and there was no one there,” senior Lily Cha said. Despite the arrival of Au Bon Pain, Alpine Bagels employee Enrique Ross believes there is still steady business that stems from Alpine’s proximity to dormitories and its frequent customers, who come in at similar times each week and order the same items off the menu. Although Ross said he thinks the regulars will never change, the restaurant has noticed a slight decline in sales since the opening of Au Bon Pain. “Students like to try new things,” said Ross, who has been an employee at Alpine Bagels for one year. When asked for numbers regarding Alpine Bagels’ sales for this year compared to last, supervisor Marquis McMillan said no one was available who would be willing to comment. Rick Johnson, assistant vice president of student affairs for housing, dining and residence life, could not be reached for comment in time for publication. McMillan said a typical day at the eatery this year is not that different from years past. “[Students] usually come right before class or after class,” McMillan said. “I haven’t noticed any significant changes other than maybe a little fewer people.” David Frankel, one of Au Bon Pain’s assistant managers, noted that sales have exceeded expectations—particularly at breakfast. “We didn’t expect the sheer volume of people,” Frankel said. “We did expect how busy it is during lunch, but we did not expect how busy it is during breakfast. People come in just for breakfast sandwiches.” He also said that Au Bon Pain has particular amenities that attract students. “We are open late, 7:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week,” Frankel said. “We have that opportunity for students to come in and study. We have soft seating and a cool outdoor patio.” Some students note that, although their dining experiences at Alpine Bagels have been positive, Au Bon Pain tends to be more popular because of its location and nutritious options. “I usually go to Au Bon Pain, if only because of conve-

TechConnect SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

57 Companies 1 Evening Join us for Tech Connect, the annual Student – employer networking event hosted by the Pratt School of Engineering, the Department of Computer Science, and the Duke career center. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with employers to learn more about internships and job openings. Each year a panel of employers is selected to provide industry relevant advice to students on topics including the recruiting process, career paths and interview tips. The panel discussion is followed by a vibrant networking event in the FCIEMAS Atrium. (Hors D’Oeuvres and beverages provided). Students from all classes are welcome to visit with employer representatives, many of whom are Duke Alumni.

nience,” sophomore Stephanie Laughton said. “The Bryan Center is closer than West Union, so it’s an easier walk, and Au Bon Pain is normally a healthier choice than other BC plaza options.” Sophomore Sarah Collins said that although she enjoys their choices, she tries to avoid Au Bon Pain at peak times due to the crowd. “Au Bon Pain is fresh to order and has a good bakery, but the lines get a little ridiculous—during lunch time, it’s terrible” Collins said. “Alpine Bagels has good bagels, and I like the people that work there. I don’t use it too much, but this year it’s next to one of my classes so I go Wednesdays and Fridays.” But Laughton said she thinks the crowds currently surrounding Au Bon Pain will die down after its newness wears off. She added that some people will return to Alpine. “Au Bon Pain has a big hype because it’s new,” Laughton said. “It will eventually settle down because there are only so many options at either place. People will go to what they want or what’s closest to them.”

KAYLA FAULK/THE CHRONICLE

Some students have been choosing Au Bon Pain over Alpine Bagels for breakfast.

LEARNING to LISTEN:

EMPATHY in LITERATURE and MEDICINE What is empathy? A precious human quality? A necessary component of healing? A teachable skill? Can reading great stories or poems help medical and pre-med students develop it? These workshops will explore how empathy is valued, measured and employed by literature and medicine and what these two disciplines might learn from each other.

Introductory workshop September 11th, 5-7 PM, Soc Sci 107 TechConnect 2012 Schedule Date: Tuesday September 11th, 2012 Time: 6:00pm until 9:30pm Location: Fitzpatrick Center, Schiciano Auditorium and Atrium Attire: Business Casual

Door prizes sponsored by

2009

Accenture Bank of America Merril Lynch Belvedere Trading Bronto Software Cisco

Google Humana Jane Street Microsoft Rosetta Stone

Open to all: undergraduate and medical or other grad students, and interested faculty. Five Tuesdays, 5-7 PM, Social Sciences 107 First Workshop: September 11, 2012 Subsequent workshops on October 9, October 23, November 13, December 4. Light Dinner, drinks and dessert will be provided. For more information, see http://sites.duke.edu/learningtolisten/ or email learningtolisten@duke.edu.

Sponsored by the Duke Humanities Writ Large Initiative


6 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

ICC from page 1 The ICC collaborated with the Office of Institutional Research to frame the questions and execute the survey. They sent it to 2,002 undergraduates, of whom 542 responded—a 27 percent yield. In the survey, 84 percent of respondents said they were moderately or very satisfied with their intellectual experiences in the classroom, whereas 66 percent were similarly satisfied with their intellectual experiences outside the classroom. Forty percent were moderately or very satisfied with the availability of intellectual outlets on the weekend. Although the response rate was not as high as hoped, the sample was representative of the broader student population based on subgroups such as year, social demographics and undergraduate school, said Jiali Luo, assistant director of institutional research. Young Trustee Kaveh Danesh, Trinity ’12, who convened the ICC as DSG vice president for academic affairs, said the lower rate of intellectual satisfaction outside of the classroom should not be a cause for alarm because the classroom is an inherently intellectual space, but the outside encompasses many types of spaces. The administration can create more social intellectual spaces by working with students to host recurring events that can have alcohol present, but not as the central focus, Danesh said. Organizers should aim to merge the intellectual and the social, “rendering them

THE CHRONICLE

indistinguishable.” Danesh suggested the weekly E-Socials, hosted by the Pratt School of Engineering, and the annual President’s Ball as models of this sort of event. The committee identified several focal points for discussion that recurred in the surveys and interviews. For instance, prevalence of extracurricular interaction between faculty and students ought to increase, Peralta said. The survey found that half of students think faculty encourage intellectual climate moderately or very much. Some faculty members have lively engagement with students, but the administration should encourage this more, Peralta said. “[Faculty] aren’t incentivized,” she said. “There’s a clear pressure for them to do research and publish papers and [pursue] tenure track and all that. But there aren’t any specific incentives from the administration... for them to really interact with undergraduates on a deeper level.” Steve Nowicki, dean of students and vice provost for undergraduate education, said the ICC report will be most successful if people avoid the opportunity for excessive selfcriticism and embrace the search for ways to do things better. He added that the administration cannot change student behavior by fiat, but that there needs to be a collaborative effort with the administration supporting organic, student-led initiatives. Former DSG president Paul Slattery, Trinity ’08, for instance, drove the creation of the Dukefunded FLUNCH program, which pays for students and professors to interact outside of

the classroom over meals. Duke’s architecture makes routine social interactions between students and faculty difficult because there are few social spaces where that happens naturally, Nowicki said. There are only two faculty residences on West, for instance. “At the moment, a faculty member has absolutely no reason to go over to the Gothic dorms [on West Campus], and even if she wanted to she couldn’t get in,” he said. “How do we make it so faculty have reasons to hang out in productive ways in the houses?” The house model and the West Union Building renovations should improve the situation by creating more physical spaces, like Von der Heyden Pavilion, where undergraduates, graduate students and faculty can congregate. The administration would be interested in funding houses to host professors for dinner chats, if they choose to do so, Nowicki noted, and in the long term faculty

members may develop relationships with particular houses. The discussion of intellectualism at Duke should avoid a narrowly highbrow definition of the term, he cautioned. “You know, I like to have a few beers, and I’m a successful intellectual, and I tell stupid jokes sometimes,” he said. “To assume that to be an intellectual means you’re only talking about Chaucer or cold fusion or Laplace theorem is misplaced because nobody is like that. What it simply means is that you have a broader view of what is interesting to talk about, and it might extend beyond just one subject and that you’re willing to talk deeply about the issues.” Peralta said she hopes the report will serve to expand the conversation to the whole campus. “My intention is not to tell people what to do, but I just want people to talk about it and think about it more,” she said.

SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE

A committee, convened by Duke Student Government, set out to assess Duke’s intellectual climate. Committee chair Amanda Peralta, a senior, said the key to a thriving intellectual climate is uninhibited academic interaction inside the classroom and out.

All dates, acts, and ticket prices subject

to change without notice.

Subject to applicable service fees.

Rain or Shine.


Sports

>> THE BLUE ZONE

The Chronicle

TUESDAY September 11, 2012

Check out the sports blog for our weekly segment in which we breakdown and grade all facets of Duke football’s play from its 50-13 loss to Stanford on Saturday.

www.dukechroniclesports.com

WOMEN’S SOCCER

MEN’S SOCCER

Time flies by with the Blue Devils Duke looks to bounce back by Andrew Beaton THE CHRONICLE

Kaitlyn Kerr has had three surgeries in the last three years on her left knee. Although she runs back and forth across the field as one of Duke’s starting midfielders, the fastest she ran this weekend might have been on Saturday, in between the Blue Devils’ games on Friday and Sunday. She was not chasing a soccer ball, but rather the band Timeflies—which has a new Extended Play album coming out in October— as it drove away after it performed as the lead act in Duke’s Heat Wave concert Saturday. “And to the girl chasing the car. Respect,” the band tweeted. But Kerr is not alone in her affection for the band—much of the Duke women’s soccer team has grown fond of the musical duo. The team’s entrance song for home games at Koskinen Stadium this year is Timeflies’ song “Stand by Me.” In the week leading up to the concert, members of the team began tweeting the hashtag #kickitwithcal, trying to gain attention from the band’s lead singer Cal Shapiro. In addition to Kerr, teammates Kelly McCann, Libby Jandl, Avery Rape, Kim DeCesare, Callie Simpkins and Katy Colas all used the hashtag, with Shapiro eventually replying to Jandl saying, “word?! Let’s kick it.”

by Nick Martin THE CHRONICLE

After Friday night’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Virginia, Duke will look to rebound against the Georgia State Panthers at Koskinen Stadium at 7 p.m. The Panthers (2-1) also come in looking to get back to their winning ways after dropping their last match to Evansville in a tight 3-2 GSU overtime thriller. Georgia State has played only vs. three games, but star Duke player Alex Vivanco has already racked up three goals. The Panthers will Tuesday, 7 p.m. look to him as a major Koskinen Stadium offensive threat as they test their 4-3-3 offense against a Blue Devil defense that has let up five goals in four games and is still searching for their first shutout of the season. Duke (1-3) has gotten off to a slow start, but BRIANNA SIRACUSE/THE CHRONICLE

SEE TIMEFLIES ON PAGE 8

Many members of the Duke women’s soccer team got to see one of their favorite bands perform at Heat Wave.

SEE M. SOCCER ON PAGE 8

MEN’S TENNIS

Redlicki gains grand experience at the U.S. Open by Vaishnavi Krishnan THE CHRONICLE

Last year Duke had Beatrice Capra, this year it has Michael Redlicki. Two weeks ago, freshman Michael Redlicki was not preparing for the rush of the first week of college like every other student—he was not even on campus. Instead, he was saving three consecutive match points in a third set thriller with his doubles partner on one of tennis’ biggest stages—the U.S. Open. After moving into Randolph dorm, the Illinois native jetted off to Flushing Meadows, N.Y. to prepare for his first round match alongside partner Denis Novikov of UCLA. The pair, who met at a tournament in California in February, had only played two tournaments together prior to the U.S. Open. The first one was in early July and ended prematurely after Redlicki was sidelined with an injury. In August, they played their second tournament, the USTA Boys 18 National Championship in Kalamazoo, Mich., which gives both its singles and doubles winners a spot in the U.S. Open. Unlike their first tournament together, this one ended in a victory, giving the duo a wildcard berth into the prestigious Grand Slam. “After four match points we finally got one,” Redlicki said. “I remember we were playing on our match point and I hit a really good forehand through one of our opponent’s legs. It was great just because the stands on the court we played at were absolutely packed and there were hundreds of people watching, and everyone went nuts after we won that match.” After sliding past fellow Americans Bobby

Reynolds and Michael Russell in the first round 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (9-7), the team took on the No. 12 men’s team in the tournament. “We played two other Americans, so everybody was cheering for everybody—it was a great atmosphere. There was no rivalry, we were happy to be there,” said Redlicki. “Whatever we did was huge, the fact that we won our first round was ridiculous in itself because we were playing against two opponents who were nearly twice our age and have been on the tour for at least ten years—they have so much experience playing.” Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Marcelo Melo of Brazil proved to be overwhelming for one of the youngest teams in the field, ending their run in two straight sets 6-1, 7-5. Regardless of their loss, Redlicki said he is proud to have made it that far in a tournament that hosts the likes of Bob and Mike Bryan, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. “These are the best players in the world that everybody knows,” Redlicki said. “You don’t even have to play tennis and you know these players—they are just that famous. I was overly excited to win a wildcard and get a chance to play in the open.” Now, Redlicki is back on campus, already trying to catch up on the work he missed in his first week of classes. Although he just spent the last two weeks playing in a top professional tournament, most students seem to be unaware of his ac-

complishments. “Not a lot of people know that I went [to the US Open],” said Redlicki. “Whenever I am with the guys and I am meeting new people through my teammates, they always just start out with ‘Oh, do you know my friend Mike, who just played in the US Open.’ I never ask them to [and] I never really want them to most of the time.” This 6-foot-8 tennis player did not always know that the sport would take him to the world stage. Growing up, his parents realized that he was going to be a big kid, and quickly put a racket in his hand at the age of five. But, like most kids, Redlicki dabbled in other sports, playing basketball seriously while growing up and mixing electronic tracks on the side—a passion he still pursues. The summer of 2010 changed all of that. Winning 30 straight matches and garnering two top junior titles made Redlicki decide to focus on tennis, while it also gained the attention of many universities—including Duke. After signing with the Blue Devils in 2011, Redlicki has already had the chance to play with both former and current Duke players. Besides both qualifying for and playing in the U.S. Open, Redlicki teamed up with current Blue Devil Jason Tahir for a tournament in Pittsburgh. The duo was

eventually crowned the USAF 18 Futures tournament doubles champion, and has been practicing as a pair recently. “We have been playing together all the time,” Redlicki said. “We really agree with one another and believe in each other. In doubles the biggest thing is belief in your partner, not having to worry if he is going to do his part. When I play with Jason I know he is going to do his part, he is going to play his game and I am going to play my game.” At the same tournament in Pittsburgh, Redlicki also met up with former Duke standout and 2010 graduate Reid Carleton. Carleton played with Henrique Cunha as the top doubles team in the nation his senior year. Redlicki plans to partner with Carleton for a tournament at some point, especially if Tahir is not available. Looking into the future, Redlicki said he hopes to win a national championship. He added that he is hungry enough and that the title is definitely within the team’s reach. As of Friday, he is now the top newcomer and freshman in the ITA and he owes it all to his undying determination on the court. “The best part of my game is the fact that I never give up. Whenever people think I have lost because I have created such a deficit in a match—that’s when I stun people,” said Redlicki. “The beauty of tennis is that you don’t officially lose a match until it’s over— tennis isn’t timed, you have to win.... Hopefully I can keep that going here at school and improve my fundamentals so that both will combine to make a great product.”


8 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

TIMEFLIES from page 7 “We found him about a year ago on YouTube, and me, Laura Weinberg and a couple of us fell in love with him because we think he’s so cute,” Kerr said. “We just always followed him and wanted him to come play a concert.” So when the Duke women’s soccer team heard that Shapiro and the band’s producer Rob Resnick were performing on campus, the team made sure to get their attention. And the concert happened to fall on the date of their home soccer tournament. Although the band could not attend either of the matches—they were not in town yet for Friday’s game and departed too early Sunday—they have no shortage of respect for the team, which they knew made the NCAA finals last season. Coming from Tufts, the pair said they appreciate getting to see top-flight athletic programs, something that was missing from their collegiate experience. “Now that we’ve been traveling around seeing all these schools, we’re jealous of

THE CHRONICLE

the Division I rah-rah aspect of college,” Shapiro said. “It was kind of hard to watch at our school.” But since the duo has heard about the Blue Devils’ affinity for them—describing the choice of ‘Stand by Me’ as “really cool”— they have found a new team. The pair also expressed excitement about how the team painted “DWS wants to #kickitwithcal” on the bridge near East Campus on Campus Drive. “We’re big Duke women’s soccer fans.” Shapiro said. Although the members of Timeflies could not attend either of the Blue Devils’ contests during the weekend—which they won by a combined score of 9-3—the band did not forget about their biggest fans on campus during the concert. Although Heat Wave was postponed a few hours Saturday during the rain, Kerr and other members of the team waited it out to see their favorite band perform. And, when the band performed a freestyle rap, Shapiro made sure to give a give their biggest fans some love, singing, “We had to shout it out to kick it with Duke soccer.” “We’re obsessed with them,” Kerr said.

M.SOCCER from page 7 is looking to use this week to revamp its slowpaced offense. A team that has started eight underclassman, the Blue Devils are trying to bring a fresh, attacking attitude to the offense, while minimizing the defensive lapses which have recently been their downfall. Kerr and the Blue Devils have been using their recent practices to work out their offensive issues. “We’re making some differences in practice. We’re trying to attack space,” Kerr said. “In the past we’ve sort of hesitated and haven’t been as deliberate at attacking space that our opponents leave in front of us. We’re making sure that when we have openings in the defense, that we go after it right away, and don’t hesitate” This game will be a good opportunity for

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HELP WANTED

ESSENTIALS OF HR COURSE

BARTENDERS ARE IN DEMAND!

Two-day overview- an introduction to the 6 main areas of HR on 10/9-10. Register now at learnmore.duke.edu/certificates/hr 919-684-6259.

Earn $20-$35/hr. in a recessionproof job. 1 or 2 week classes & weekend classes. 100% job placement assistance. Raleigh’s Bartending School. HAVE FUN! MAKE MONEY! MEET PEOPLE! Back to school tuition rates as low as $299. CALL NOW!! 919676-0774, www.cocktailmixer. com/duke.html

GOING ON SABBATICAL?

ELYSIA SU/THE CHRONICLE

SIMPLY THE BEST!

cosmic cantina +HDOWK\ /RZ )DW 2UJDQLF 9HJDWDULDQ RSWLRQV DYDLODEOH

Menu Sampling Old School Veggie Burrito $2.86 Regular Chicken Burrito $5.65 Cheese Quesadilla $1.41 Chicken Quesadilla $3.59 VeggieNachos $4.12 Chips & Salsa $2.06

Open until 4 am 1920 1/2 Perry St. at Ninth Street Just a block from East Campus Also serving from Chick-Fil-A on Campus

ERIC LIN/CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO

With Duke’s offense struggling, goalkeeper James Belshaw will need to step up between the pipes.

CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES OFFERED

Members of the Duke women’s soccer team painted “DWS wants to #kickitwithcal” on the Campus Drive bridge.

Duke to work out its kinks on both sides of the ball before they begin heavy conference play, starting with Clemson (1-2-2), which will be traveling to Durham this Friday night to take on the Blue Devils.

Need a reliable house sitter to care for your pets? Excellent references. Many years experience. Katie 919 619 7517 Email Kseeek@gmail.com

Advertise here for the best results

How stressful is it to be a teenage girl? A new UNC study wants to know. • Project ARCH is for girls aged 12 to 16 who have had difficulty with sadness, anxiety or related symptoms. • Families can earn up to $440 by participating in this research study.

WANTED - FREELANCE STUDENT ARTICLE WRITERS for an online ezine for young travellers (travel experience required). Continuous assignments. Email: editor@omnitraveller.com

TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE 3BR 2.5 BATHS CONDO (CROWN MOLDING)

Garden tub, crown molding, walk-in closet (all closets have lighting), laundry room, ceiling fans and decorative lighting through-out, central heating and cooling, space saver oven, range top stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, pantry, wraparound porch (w/ceiling fan), private yard, and storage room. (very quiet and private end unit) - 520C EastWay Ave, Durham, NC 27703 - NCCU(3 minutes), Duke University (6 minutes), RTP (10 minutes), UNC (20 minutes), near Hwy 147, HW 85, Downtown Durham - call for appt. 919-451-3596 - see link for photos http://www.findmyroof.com/ ad/94118 Email telizmartin@yahoo.com

The Chronicle classified advertising

For more information visit www.projectARCH.org or call us toll free at 1-855-ARCH-UNC

www.dukechronicle.com/ classifieds


THE CHRONICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 | 9

Diversions Shoe Chris Cassatt and Gary Brookins

Dilbert Scott Adams

Doonesbury Garry Trudeau

The Chronicle on disney: http://bit.ly/MSsFki: ............................................................ locopop mowgli: ...............................................................................shwanth, hipster ariel:............................................................................ jewels http://bit.ly/xFyq4k: ........................................................thornberry princess ratatouille: ............................................................. mar-got doesnt get it; none of us do: ................................................briggsy air bud: ............................................................og abeats, shmooney bit.ly/UGaHE8 new equipment: ...................ChelC, emily y, philip c

Ink Pen Phil Dunlap

Barb Starbuck: ........................................................................... Barb Student Advertising Manager: .................................. Allison Rhyne Account Representatives: ..................... Jen Bahadur, Sarah Burgart Courtney Clower, Peter Hapin, Claire Gilhuly, Sterling Lambert Liz Lash, Dori Levy, Gini Li, Ina Li, Vivian Lorencatto, Lalita Maraj Parker Masselink, Cliff Simmons, James Sinclair, Olivia Wax Creative Services: .......... Allison Eisen, Marcela Heywood, Mao Hu Rachel Kiner, Anh Pham, Izzy Xu

Sudoku

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. (No number is repeated in any column, row or box.)

qDuke.com your landing page for all things

Answer to puzzle

Duke www.sudoku.com


The Independent Daily at Duke University

The Chronicle

2 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

A place to learn Duke’s most hotly debated ment outside of the classroom issues—Tailgate, dining op- is not as robust as it could be— tions, an ill-defined campus exposes a serious problem culture—often have little to in undergraduate social life. do with the University’s educa- Although the majority of stutional mission. When we pine dents wish to cultivate a love of for the freedom knowledge, the to customize the report suggests editorial college experinot only that ence, we forget that Duke ex- many students feel dissatisfied ists primarily to help us learn, with the level of intellectual not serve as a playground to stimulation in their social lives, our wildest collegiate desires. but also that they purge intelThe Intellectual Climate Com- lectual pursuits from their free mittee, which released its re- time. Given the importance of port today, has refocused the a healthy intellectual climate conversation on learning. Its to the central mission of highfindings, though not all clear, er education, the committee’s illustrate the importance of in- findings are disturbing, if not tellectual stimulation outside wholly unexpected. of class and point to the emerThe college experience, gence of a changing student thanks to John Belushi and body desires more of it. ESPN, has become so closely The committee’s basic find- associated with activities other ing—that intellectual engage- than learning that its under-

“

The solution is simple! If poor people want things like food, shelter, and medical care, they should just... not be poor! —“Malia Mia Lehrer” commenting on the story “Skin in the game.” See more at www.dukechronicle.com.

”

LETTERS POLICY The Chronicle welcomes submissions in the form of letters to the editor or guest columns. Submissions must include the author’s name, signature, department or class, and for purposes of identification, phone number and local address. Letters should not exceed 325 words; contact the editorial department for information regarding guest columns. The Chronicle will not publish anonymous or form letters or letters that are promotional in nature. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit letters and guest columns for length, clarity and style and the right to withhold letters based on the discretion of the editorial page editor.

Direct submissions to:

E-mail: chronicleletters@duke.edu Editorial Page Department The Chronicle Box 90858, Durham, NC 27708 Phone: (919) 684-2663 Fax: (919) 684-4696

The Chronicle

Inc. 1993

YESHWANTH KANDIMALLA, Editor LAUREN CARROLL, Managing Editor JULIAN SPECTOR, News Editor ANDREW BEATON, Sports Editor CHRIS DALL, Photography Editor MAGGIE LAFALCE, Editorial Page Editor KATHERINE ZHANG, Editorial Board Chair PARKER KUIVILA, Managing Editor for Online JIM POSEN, Director of Online Operations CHRISSY BECK, General Manager KRISTIE KIM, University Editor TIFFANY LIEU, Local & National Editor ANDREW LUO, Health & Science Editor TORI POWERS, News Photography Editor PHOEBE LONG, Design Editor MICHAELA DWYER, Recess Editor SOPHIA DURAND, Recess Photography Editor SCOTT BRIGGS, Editorial Page Managing Editor MATTHEW CHASE, Towerview Editor ADDISON CORRIHER, Towerview Photography Editor KAL CHAPMAN, Multimedia Editor SAMANTHA BROOKS, Senior Editor REBECCA DICKENSON, Advertising Director MARY WEAVER, Operations Manager DAVID RICE, Director of External Relations

lying purpose—to produce knowledge and encourage intellectual development—can feel almost like an ancillary concern. The recurring debate of Tailgate, one of the largest University-sponsored events, exemplifies Duke’s confused priorities and legitimizes the belief that, in order to have fun, students must divorce their social lives from their academic interests. Indeed, nonacademic activities constitute an important part of college life, and stellar athletics and a lively social scene distinguish Duke from its peers. However, these activities should come second to learning. The quality of a school depends on its ability to educate, and Duke’s continued prominence will depend on fostering a vigorous intellec-

tual climate. Students—and their parents—swallow Duke’s enormous tuition bill only because they expect to exit college knowing more than when they entered. Duke students know this at heart. If they did not, they would be better off spending that money to fund four years club-hopping in Ibiza. We agree with the report that the pressures of credentialism hinder meaningful intellectual growth and obscure alternative paths to rewarding careers. The report does not offer prescriptions, but the committee’s findings should prod the administration to rethink how it allocates resources to encourage learning. Events like the library party go a long way in improving Duke’s intellectual climate, but the Uni-

versity should do even more to merge the social and the intellectual. Despite the significance of its findings, the committee’s analysis remains incomplete. The report does not compare Duke’s intellectual climate to that of other universities, and some of its data will require more clarification before students or administrators can use it to structure changes in behavior or policy. However, we commend the group for undertaking the survey and exploring the issue at the core of the University’s mission. The committee has provided the basis for an informed discussion about the issue, and the results can help us think about how to reorient Duke’s undergraduate experience towards intellectual growth.

Share your cake and eat it too

onlinecomment

Est. 1905

THE CHRONICLE

commentaries

MARGOT TUCHLER, University Editor JACK MERCOLA, Local & National Editor DANIELLE MUOIO, Health & Science Editor ELYSIA SU, Sports Photography Editor ELIZA STRONG, Design Editor HOLLY HILLIARD, Recess Managing Editor CHELSEA PIERONI, Online Photo Editor ASHLEY MOONEY, Sports Managing Editor SONIA HAVELE, Towerview Editor MELISSA YEO, Towerview Creative Director NICOLE KYLE, Special Projects Editor MAGGIE SPINI, Senior Editor MICAHEL SHAMMAS, Recruitment Chair BARBARA STARBUCK, Creative Director MEGAN MCGINITY, Digital Sales Manager

The Chronicle is published by the Duke Student Publishing Company, Inc., a non-profit corporation independent of Duke University. The opinions expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of Duke University, its students, faculty, staff, administration or trustees. Unsigned editorials represent the majority view of the editorial board. Columns, letters and cartoons represent the views of the authors. To reach the Editorial Office at 301 Flowers Building, call 684-2663 or fax 684-4696. To reach the Business Office at 103 West Union Building, call 684-3811. To reach the Advertising Office at 101 West Union Building call 684-3811 or fax 684-8295. Visit The Chronicle Online at http://www.dukechronicle.com. © 2010 The Chronicle, Box 90858, Durham, N.C. 27708. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior, written permission of the Business Office. Each individual is entitled to one free copy.

O

ccupy Wall Street got the numbers wrong: redistribution through income transfers, specialIt’s not the 1 percent but rather the 0.0001 ized programs like Medicaid and Medicare or pubpercent with all that money. Data from lic goods, such as schools, highways and parks. 2009 indicated that the net worth of the richest 400 Clearly both of these options occur already, with people in the United States is more the private donation option perthan the net worth of the bottom 50 ceived as much more palatable than percent. forced government redistribution, Of course the discussion isn’t just especially in cases of healthcare or about 400 people. Income inequaldirect income transfer. But private ity forces a debate about the role donation alone won’t achieve the of redistribution of wealth within “socially” optimal level of redistribuUnited States policy. Many governtion. ment endeavors are fundamentally To explain this, consider an envirajlakshmi de redistributive practices. They create ronmental example: pollution levels. minority report opportunities, services, programs Pollution is usually an individual or and goods for a wide range of needs company-level decision, but it has efand are funded by progressive taxation. Whether fects for all of society. We make the decision based they’re highways, parks, museums or Medicaid, on our personal costs, but there is also a social cost these policies facilitate social inclusion and allow of pollution that doesn’t get fully factored into the people who were not born into riches to still enjoy decision, leading to higher levels of pollution than education, arts or health, for example. Redistribu- if the social cost were internalized. There is also the tion can also be intergenerational—Social Security free rider problem—some people won’t reduce and Medicare, for example. their emissions because they think their individual We all know how politically divisive these policies contribution won’t be dramatic. It’s easy to see that are. But how do people perceive inequality? More if most people are free riders, pollution levels will importantly, are we content with the status quo? be much higher than what is socially optimal, where Dan Ariely of Duke and Mike Norton of Harvard “socially optimal” refers to taking into account the conducted a study in which they first asked people social costs in addition to the private costs. to estimate the percent of wealth held by the botThe same analysis can be applied to redistributom 40 percent and the top 20 percent of Ameri- tion levels when using the channel of private docans. The average response was 9 percent for the nation, except instead of an extra social cost, as in bottom 40 percent of people and 59 percent for the case of pollution, there is a social benefit that the top 20 percent of people. People grossly under- doesn’t get fully factored into the decision. As a estimated the disparity; the numbers are actually result, the level of redistribution is less than the about 0.3 percent and 84 percent for the bottom 40 optimal level, rather than too high as in the polpercent and top 20 percent, respectively. The sec- lution example. In terms of free riding, the idea is ond part of their study found that people generally that if the end goal is more equality, why donate my prefer a society with far less inequality than we have own money if all my neighbors are going to donate in the United States. This preference for a more theirs? Again, if most people become free riders, equitable wealth distribution was generally true for a method of private donations alone won’t really both Republicans and Democrats, men and wom- work. en, and among various levels of income earners. In These types of analyses are based on economic an article published in The Atlantic, Ariely wrote, models that are rife with assumptions, so of course “Americans want to live in a much more equal they’re not fully representative of reality. A lot of country (they just don’t realize it).” Their research people donate and volunteer and maybe that can is an empirical representation of a concept that is sustain the level of equality that we desire. But often employed in the economics of policymaking: there’s a strong case for continuing the levels of Our utilities are interdependent. This means that government redistribution that we’ve seen recently we derive some amount of happiness or benefit because it’s a way of being bound up in each other’s from the wellbeing of others. In other words, “self- well-beings. It’s a way for us to collectively commit interest” is not the only human driving force. to a long-term vision of a fluid society where you So if we as a society care about each other’s wel- don’t have to be born into the 0.0001 percent to fare, what are our options for realizing this more have a strong influence. egalitarian desire? In terms of funding, one possible route is private donation for any causes one deems Rajlakshmi De is a Trinity senior. Her column runs worthy, whether it’s a favorite museum or a nearby every other Tuesday. You can follow Rajlakshmi on Twitfood bank. Another option is a government role in ter @RajDe4


THE CHRONICLE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012 | 3

commentaries

On Disney

Prayerful reflections of Sept. 11

W

hat is there to write about in today’s column, gradually, continue to grow from this calamity. One of other than the barbaric and heinous attacks the most helpful ways that we can turn these evil terby those heartless terrorists that took place rorist attacks into blessings is to use the pain and les11 years ago today? Thousands of people in New Jer- sons to improve our empathy toward those nations and sey, New York City and the District of Columbia started societies that are still battling this cancer of terror. We their mornings on that day in their usual should stand in solidarity with those who manner, but since then things have nevhave experienced similar violence and er been the same, for them and for the destruction in their own lands. rest of the world. In cold blood, fewer There is no doubt that our immedithan 20 men rocked the boat globally ate reactions to these despicable crimes through their unjustifiable, despicable didn’t always reveal our best sides. Often and treacherous actions. Many innocent anger, revenge and frustration took the lives were lost during these attacks. lead from common sense, wisdom and Each anniversary of this tragic day, I abdullah antepli compassion. We were deeply shaken by make a habit to set aside a substantial the impact of 9/11, and at times our blue devil imam amount of time for myself to pray. My fears took over our hopes and underimmediate prayers are always for the standably all we wanted was to take revictims of these reprehensible attacks. I pray for those venge. This unhealthy situation changed us, damaged who died, and I pray even harder for their loved ones. our civic culture, and as a result, we found ourselves I try to empathize with the pain and grief they must partially going astray from our principals and moral have felt on that day and ever since. I can only imagine values. But after 11 years of stormy developments, the terror in the hearts and minds of those people who costly adventures and sailing in unhelpful and counheard the news of the attacks and desperately tried to terproductive waters, I pray that we can now return contact their loved ones in Manhattan and Washing- to our senses and forcefully disallow these reprehenton, D.C. In the early hours of that horrific day, I can sible attacks from defining us or our national history. only imagine the pain of those who waited, in panic, I pray that we can reach out to our sources of strength to hear from a spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, and find a way to uphold the foundational ideals of relative or friend who would never come home. I can this country and return to those qualities that make picture the flowing tears of those who finally received our nation great, even after partially shying away from the heart-wrenching news about their loved ones, but them in the years following 9/11. I can only imagine their states of mind, how their And last but not least, I pray that the upcoming presthoughts sunk into deep sorrow. As I pray, I wonder: idential elections will be a turning point in this healing What do these people do every Sept. 11? How do they process and that its outcome will provide answers to hold it together? I bring up these wounded souls in my prayers. We will show ourselves and the rest of the my thoughts and prayers and pray for strength, recov- world that the worst is over—that we are on our way to ery and healing for them. being in a better place than where we were before. I pray that as a nation we will never fail to hold these In addition, I hope, as a clergyman, that I will be people, support them in any way that we can, and remem- accepted for sharing these prayerful reflections in a ber them in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that their highly confessional and spiritual language. These are stories will not be stolen from them. I hope and pray that my sincere personal prayers and hopes. Some might we will not pour salt into their bleeding wounds, abusing dismiss these prayers as the wishful thinking of a naïve their memories by using them to score political points Imam, but I invite all those who are willing to join me or advance our own agenda. Immediate relatives of the in saying a heartfelt “Amen!” to them. victims personally told me that seeing 9/11 misused to justify all sorts of non-worthy and cheap things deeply Abdullah Antepli is the Muslim Chaplain and an adjunct hurt them and increased their pain. faculty of Islamic Studies. His column runs every other TuesI also pray that we will, as our wounds are healed day. You can follow Abdullah on Twitter @aantepli

Mariah Hukins, Trinity ‘13

Like to draw? Think you’re funny? The Chronicle is looking for new cartoonists. Contact Maggie LaFalce at mfl5@duke.edu for more information.

“

Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase! Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze!” As the 20th century drew to a close, the curtains parted for wide-eyed children who were treated to a renaissance of Disney movies. Eventually, this generation of children drifted into college. But even as these youths soar, tumble and freewheel through an endless galaxy of activities, non-3D, non-HD motion pictures continue to move us. Disney films were no passing craze. This craze prevails at Duke with the weekend Disney sing-alongs hosted in Griffith Theatre. jing song ng We clutch red solo cups and boo jingapore says at Gaston’s chauvinistic pontificating. We cheer as the hyenas shred Uncle Scar and squeal in rapturous delight on recognizing the drumbeats preceding “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You.” Even now, in the 21st century, these masterpieces animate our lives. Still, the blithe optimism of “Hakuna Matata” doesn’t always prevail. Disney films can be a mooring point for our turbulent and worrisome journeys. We read ourselves into the blossoming romance of Belle and the Beast. Parental figures like Maurice, the frizzy-minded French inventor, and the magnificent Mufasa couch the protagonists in a context with which the once indignant brat in us can connect. We are privileged beings who are blessed with gadgets and gizmos aplenty. Yet, our cluttered material possessions and productively bloated schedules do not fill our chambers of emptiness. We identify with Ariel’s mermaid yearnings to explore the shore up above and be part of another world. Our legs made for jumping and dancing often scurry and skitter from lecture to gym to section to dorm. The magnificent tableau introducing the “Circle Of Life” brings to mind an idyllic serenity belonging to a world apart from ours. But these aren’t always distant longings suspended in fantasy. Disney movies edge us toward the pond of introspection. Mulan’s reflection shows neither a perfect bride nor a perfect daughter but a strong-willed woman. It is about heaving off the bell jar of conformity, occasionally choking on adversities, but refusing to go home, pack up and be through. Heroes and heroines struggle to come to terms with their destinies both on the big screen and in our un-fanfared everyday existence. As we, and they, grapple with our insecurities, the companionship of little, and often bestial, friends is indispensable. Ariel receives the counsel of Flounder, the chubby tropical fish, and Sebastian, the crusty red crustacean. The lizard-like Mushu, the nagging Zazu, the sassily sentimental Timon, his more ponderous companion who could clear the Savannah after every meal, Pumba, the cheery Chip in the Beast’s enchanted castle.… In our lives, we treasure similar companions who are steadfast stumps of wisdom. Frank words can be chafing but we learn not to swipe them away with a paw. At times, we find ourselves on the other end. We want to swoop in with well-intentioned words. Looking at the experience of Zazu, our feathers might be ruffled by irate friends, but we continue to nag and intervene because we care. The little animal companions also engage our moral sentiments. Sentient creatures become intelligible even to our human minds. The meerkat and warthog can smell that love is in the air. Abu is staunchly loyal to Aladdin. Iago, Jafar’s redfeathered, orange-beaked sidekick, flits between Aladdin and his evil master. We find ourselves searching for valuable virtues in our circle of friends. Furthermore, we engage with the thick consciousness that resides in the lively existence of these non-human creatures. They become emblematic of the less subtle line uttered in “Colors Of The Wind”: “You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” Those beings and people who are often far-flung in our terrain of ethical considerations become imbued with personable and relatable attributes. Such experiences broaden our moral horizons. The lessons gleaned from Disney are not ground-breaking. They become indelible because of luscious plot undulations and moments freighted with emotion. As the final hoofs of a galloping wildebeest recedes, the dust settles on the limp body of Mufasa. The wringing of our emotions engraves important messages on our hearts. When my tiny paw does not match the impressive imprints left by people who inspire me, I can look to the stars expectantly for counsel and comfort. We live in a shining, shimmering, splendid world and continually discover that Walt said it best: Hakuna Matata. Jing Song Ng is a Trinity senior. His column runs every other Tuesday. You can follow Jing on Twitter @jingapore


12 | TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

THE CHRONICLE

The Department of Theater Studies and the Performance & Integrated Media Working Group present

Anonymous Ensemble’s

September 11-17 Exhibitions Student Action with Farmworkers: 20 Years of Growing Farmworker Activists. Thru December 9. Perkins Library Gallery. Free. Documenting the Politics of Food: Photographs from the Rubenstein Library Collections. Thru December 10. Rubenstein Library Photography Gallery. Free. Eat, Pray, Weave: Ancient Peruvian Art from the Permanent Collection. Exhibition opens September 15. Nasher Museum of Art.

Events September 13 Art+ Where Art & Math Intersect Lecture Series. Talk by George W. Hart, Mathematics inspiring Art. 4:30pm, Nasher Museum Aud. Free. Reading and Discussion. Julia S. O’Grady on her book Good Busy: Productivity, Procrastination, and the Endless Pursuit of Balance. 7-9pm, CDS. Free. ‘80s to the M-M-M-Max. Free film series to complement Time Capsule: Wild Style (1983, Charlie Ahearn, 82 minutes). 7pm, Nasher Museum Aud. Free. September 14 Film Screening. The CDS “Fresh Docs” series presents Landscapes of the Heart, a work-in-progress documentary. 7pm, CDS. Free. Faculty Recital. Louise Toppin, soprano & David Heid, piano, with Fred Raimi, cello. Art songs by African-American composers. 8pm, Nelson Music Rm., East Duke Bldg. Free. September 15 SOULOWORKS Repertory Workshop. Dance professor Andrea E Woods conducts modern dance workshops. Registration required: americandancefestival.org/studios/ Workshops Across The Threshold. Deadline for proposals for papers, panels, workshops or lecture-demonstrations for the 2013 interdisciplinary conference. Extended to October 15, 2012. danceprogram.duke.edu September 17 CDS Info Session. Learn about continuing education courses and workshops. 6-7:30pm, CDS.

Liebe Love Amour!

a tryst between cinema and live performance that invites the audience to participate in the artifice of cinema and the magic of theater simultaneously

Screen/Society All events are free and open to the general public. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are at 7pm in the Griffith Film Theater, Bryan Center. (ED) = East Duke 108. (N) = Nasher Museum Auditorium. (SW) = Smith Warehouse - Bay 4, C105. (W) = Richard White Auditorium. 9/11

INDOCHINA, TRACES OF A MOTHER AMI Showcase. Documentary about West African soldiers presented by Idrissou Mora Kpai, dir.

9/12

THE RUNNER (Iran, 1985) Tropes of Home: Films from the Middle East

9/13

WILD STYLE (CHARLIE AHEARN, 1983) (N) ‘80s to the M-M-M-Max

9/17

FILM SOCIALISME Tournées French Film Series ami.duke.edu/screensociety/schedule

September 14 and 15 at 8 pm Shaefer Theater, Bryan Center

$10 general public $5 students and senior citizens

tickets.duke.edu or 919.684.4444 This residency is made possible by support from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation This message is brought to you by the Department of Art, Art History and Visual Studies, Center for Documentary Studies, Chapel Music, Duke Dance Program, Duke Music Department, Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University Libraries, Screen Society, Department of Theater Studies with support from the Office of the Vice Provost for the Arts.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Sept. 11, 2012 issue of The Chronicle by Duke Chronicle - Issuu