11-12-10

The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Northern Iowan

Friday, November 12, 2010

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Volume 107, Issue 22

Slacktivism to the rescue!

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Cedar Falls, Iowa

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UNI vs. Syracuse Page 9 Page 7

John Stauber gives UNI an inside look at the public relations world KARYN SPORY Staff Writer

On Nov. 8, John Stauber presented his lecture, “Toxic Sludge is Good for You,” to University of Northern Iowa students, faculty and staff.

Stauber, an investigative journalist and New York Times best-selling author, wasn’t really trying to sell the crowd on the benefits of toxic sludge. In fact, his first book, titled “Toxic Sludge Is Good For You: Lies, Damn Lies and the Public Relations Industry,” explains how to promote critical thinking in the public relations profession.

“After decades of working as a public interest activist and organizer, I realized that there existed in the United States, especially, an institution devoted to propaganda and we call that institution a profession, the public relations industry,” said Stauber.

This realization inspired Stauber to start the Non-

Profit Center for Media and Democracy and its magazine, PR Watch, in 1993.

Stauber served for 16 years as executive director for the magazine before stepping down in 2009.

NICK CLUNN The Record MCT Campus

“After decades of working as a public interest activist and organizer, I realized that there existed in the United States, especially, an institution devoted to propaganda and we call that institution a profession, the public relations industry.”

John Stauber New York Times best-selling author

“I had never really given a lot of thought to the business or profession of public relations,” said Stauber. “I never really knew what it was until 1990 when I was See STAUBER, page 2

KARYN SPORY/Northern Iowan

John Stauber, a New York Times best-selling author, presented his lecture, “Toxic Sludge is Good for You,” in the Lang Hall auditorium Nov. 8.

HPELS to induct alumni into Hall of Excellence JESSICA SNOOK Staff Writer

On Nov. 13, nine graduates from the University of Northern Iowa School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services will be inducted into the Elinor A. Crawford & William R. Thrall Hall of Excellence.

This year, many of the inductees have pursued a wide variety of careers including professors, superintendents, athletic directors and coaches. One of the most notable inductees is Shellie Pfohl. Pfohl was a 1985 graduate who was recently appointed executive director of President Obama’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.

Thrall, who served as head of the department of men’s physical education when HPELS was first established, wanted to create a hall of excellence that would honor outstanding graduates.

In regards to the Hall of Excellence COURTESY PHOTO Inductees, Thrall said, “We’re proud of all Above is an example of the plaques that will be presented our graduates, but these are some of our to the graduates who will be inducted into the Hall of See HPELS, page 3 Excellence.

Students need lessons in offcampus safety, experts say The key cards and security guards that provide a layer of protection on college campuses might as well be a world away when a student steps beyond the front gates.

Within several blocks, students might see a campus police officer on patrol and the familiar faces of their peers. Expand the radius, however, and the occasional shuttle bus may be the only sign of a nearby college.

The call boxes and other safeguards installed on campus and often stressed to prospective students and their parents during tours can’t help out here.

“In my professional opinion, I don’t believe we’re responsible,” said Paul Cell, chief of the Montclair State University Police Department, about See SAFETY, page 3

Criteria for induction: •Graduate of School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services.

•Demonstrated mastery of the knowledge base within their chosen profession.

•Contributed significantly as a teacher, leader, executive and/or administrator and is widely recognized for the quality of that contribution to their chosen profession.

•Demonstrated scholarly activity through publications and presentations related to their chosen profession.

•Contributed significantly to their profession while holding offices in professional organizations of state, regional, national and international scope.

•Demonstrated cumulative record (including awards and honors) of effective and enthusiastic service to their profession with the intent to bring useful knowledge and pertinent information to their field of work.

•Completed at least 10 years of service to chosen profession.

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NEWS

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STAUBER continued from page 1

KARYN SPORY/Northern Iowan

SCOTT KINTZEL

NICK ROOS Advisor

Contact Information Northern Iowan Office

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LEAH JEFFRIES

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activist I decided this was the next issue I would take on: the issue of propaganda.”

In December of 1994, Stauber received a call from a publisher asking if he wanted to write a book on the things that he was investigating and discovering. This led to the publication of “Toxic Sludge is Good for You: Lies, Damn Lies and the Public Relations Industry.”

In July of 2003, Stauber and co-author Sheldon Rampton came out with “Weapons of Mass Deception: Bush’s War on Iraq.” This book deals with the political public relations spin that turned the U.S. on its head and sent representatives looking for alleged weapons of mass destruction.

Stauber ended his lecture with a Q&A session.

The last question of the night was from a fired-up public relations major who asked if Stauber felt he was shedding a negative light on the public relations world.

“My background is not public relations, my job isn’t to police public relations and it’s not to improve public relations. I’m an investigative reporter who is interested in exposing how propaganda campaigns work to help people use that information,” said Stauber.

Et cetera

BRAD EILERS

Editorial Staff

L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northern-iowan.org Friday, November 12, 2010 Volume 107, Issue 22

Advertising Staff

NORTHERN IOWAN

UNI students participated in a Q&A session after Stauber’s lecture. Jared Friedman, a senior public relations major, was the first to approach the microphone Monday night.

working with a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. called The Foundation of Economic Trends.”

It was while working with this organization that Stauber found that a lot of small dairy farmers were upset that a new bovine growth hormone was being injected into cows to increase production of milk. This hormone was making their milk the first genetically-engineered food product. The hormone was unnecessary and studies had proven that if the consumer knew a brand of milk was from the genetically-engineered cows, the consumer would buy a different brand.

After discovering this, Stauber organized with the dairy farm organizations and had his first look into the public relations profession.

“It was this combination of events that made me realize why social change activism is so difficult. This really dark undercover operation, reading documents, was why the mainstream news media was doing such a lousy job of covering this issue of bovine growth hormone, animal health, food safety, what farmers wanted and what consumers wanted,” said Stauber. “As an organizer

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CODY SCHWICHTENBERG Circulation

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Editorial Assistants at the Northern Iowan are a team of volunteers who assist the Copy Editor in reviewing content.

The Northern Iowan is published semiweekly on Tuesday and Friday during the academic year; weekly on Friday during the summer session, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications.

Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time.

The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees.

A copy of the Northern Iowan grievance procedure is available at the Northern Iowan office, located at L011 Maucker Union.

All material is copyright © 2010 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.

NEWS

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SAFETY continued from page 1

protecting students from off-campus crime. “But I do believe we have an obligation to provide them with information that they can use to protect themselves while they’re not here.”

Because university police can’t be everywhere, educating teens and young adults to make common-sense decisions to protect themselves is an important weapon against off-campus crime.

It’s easier said than done, however. An overwhelming number of incoming freshmen have never lived on their own. Students who leave suburban and rural settings to attend colleges in cities, where crime is typically more prevalent, can face additional challenges amid an unfamiliar landscape.

While many students who encounter crime off campus fall victim to theft, such as having a GPS unit snatched from a car, others in rare instances face tragic ends.

Last month, Jessica Moore, a 19-year-old sophomore from Seton Hall University, was shot dead while attending a private party at an apartment.

Police say the shooter, who has since been arrested, was denied access to the party, but returned later with a handgun.

Moore was killed in East Orange, N.J. one mile and two towns away from Seton Hall. The university responded by organizing a prayer service and encouraging students to travel in groups when walking off campus. It is unlikely that Moore could have done anything to protect herself from a shooter with no set target.

In other, more common, situations there are certain precautions that students can take. The website for the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark contains a detailed list of recommendations for what students should do when walking off campus, using public transit and even dating.

Education programs at NJIT start at open house events, when police officers staff a table to answer questions of prospective students and their parents. They continue at freshman orientation and into the school year.

NJIT police routinely extend patrols a few blocks off campus. Officers are assigned to monitor a city subway stop on campus, even though it’s technically covered by NJ Transit police.

Robert Sabattis, director of public safety at NJIT, said “it’s all about awareness.”

“For any police department, crime prevention is something you always have

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to keep beating the drum for,” he said.

Improving student safety off campus has also become the mission of many college organizations.

The Student government at Notre Dame University runs a website specifically geared toward off-campus life. It contains information about restaurants and bus routes. But there are up-todate maps pinpointing the locations of recent crimes, and contact information for municipal police departments.

One nonprofit organization based in New York, PEACE OUTside CAMPUS, has declared protecting students from off-campus crime as its sole mission. It has established several chapters at colleges. The organization was established by Mark and Kathleen Bonistall after their daughter, Lindsey, was raped and strangled in her apartment near the University of Delaware, where she attended school as a sophomore.

“For any police department, crime prevention is something you always have to keep beating the drum for.”

Robert Sabattis director of public safety at NJIT

The website for the group contains a checklist of questions to ask and security measures to verify when students are looking for an apartment. Another list tells students how to safeguard their apartments once they’ve moved in. Visit the website here: http://www. peaceoutsidecampus.org/.

Colleges can better convey that kind of information through police if students view the officers as approachable resources and not just law enforcers who like to arrest teens and break up parties, said Cell, of Montclair State.

Police at Montclair have attempted to change their image by offering free selfdefense courses, assessing the safety of foreign travel destinations for spring break vacations and mentoring students who run into trouble with municipal police over minor offenses, such as a noise violation.

But Cell said university police can’t get students out of paying a fine or appearing in court.

“If the town needs to enforce, they need to enforce,” he said. “We’re not going to interfere with the legal system.”

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HPELS continued from page 1

outstanding graduates that have accomplished an awful

lot within their chosen profession.”

The induction ceremony brunch is $20 and is open to the public. The ceremony

will be held in the Commons building at 9 a.m. Call Carol Bean at 273-2840 to make reservations.

Crossword 52 Colorful fish 55 Kirin beer rival 57 Starting stake 58 Spinner seen in an online video?

60 Bakery buys 61 Seaside flock 62 Bit of Marx’s legacy 63 It may number in the thousands 64 Ones changing locks 65 Agile

Across 1 Tic __ 5 Travis of country 10 Arrange in a tournament 14 Eliza’s greeting 15 2009 Man Booker International Prize Winner Alice 16 Poi base 17 Favorable time to place an online bid?

19 “__ Almighty”: 2007 film 20 Sacred scroll 21 Silent 23 Wellness gp.

24 __ de toilette 26 Nobelist Bohr 27 Online networking site

trainee?

31 What odes do 34 1987 Costner role 35 Hope-Crosby destination 36 Pay for periodic use 37 Coll. of 12 signs 38 Afghanistan’s Tora __ region 39 2007 honor for Hugh Laurie: Abbr.

40 “__ Ben Adhem” 42 Warned, in a way 44 Detective’s job concerning a personal online relationship?

47 Bottom bits 48 Word before or after pack 49 27-Down, e.g.

Down 1 Effectiveness 2 “Tuesdays With Morrie” author 3 Light smoke 4 Milk source 5 “I didn’t need to know that!”

6 Accumulates 7 Chinese leader?

8 Defeated decisively 9 Student resenters, perhaps 10 “__ By Starlight”: jazz standard 11 Gather information secretly 12 Some are named for music genres 13 Slips into 18 Milk by-products 22 Winter mos.

25 Suffix with lip27 49-Across from which Buzz Aldrin turned down a full scholarship

28 Actress Aimée 29 53-Down’s homeland 30 Fly catcher 31 27-Down fig.

32 Sitcom whose theme song was sung by its star 33 Toastmasters’ stock 37 Albee play, with “The” 38 Buzzer 40 Put oneself at risk, in a way 41 Messed up a hole, maybe 42 “Hey, ewe!”

43 Cornerstone abbr.

45 He played Marty in “Marty” 46 Serious depression 49 Prepared to take notice?

50 Church area 51 Wide-haunched 52 Cop stopping traffic?

53 Singer born Eithne Patricia Ní Bhraonáin 54 Odd character 56 Movies with “II” in their titles: Abbr.

59 Sub letters

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The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Features

Friday, November 12, 2010

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Volume 107, Issue 22

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Cedar Falls, Iowa

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He said, she said: ‘Due Date’ isn’t quite ‘The Hangover,’ but comes close Relationship advice

By EMILY HEYER Film Critic

Todd Phillips pulled off a classic comedy masterpiece with “The Hangover.” His next attempt at comedic awesomeness, “Due Date,” starring Zach Galifianakis (again) and Robert Downey Jr., comes close to “Hangover” hilarity, but doesn’t quite reach all the way, despite trying its best.

The plot is simple: two strangers, one an uptight, selfentitled businessman and the other a kooky, pot-smoking aspiring actor, meet outside an airport, get kicked off the plane and with absolutely no other options available, decide to drive across the country together to get home.

If you’re a fan of older comedies, you might be thinking, “hey, this is sort of like that Steve Martin and John Candy movie ‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,’” and you’d be right. Unlike that 1989 comedy classic, “Due Date” is a bit raunchy, a bit far-fetched, and a bit less classic – but don’t worry, it’s still hilarious.

Galifianakis’ character Ethan Tremblay provides by far the most laughs and craziness in the movie. An aspiring

actor whose dream is to make it on “Two and a Half Men” with a killer perm, Ethan gets the comedy rolling by sideswiping Peter Highman’s car, then gets him kicked off the plane by saying ‘terrorist’ and ‘bomb’ just one too many times. After that, as the saying goes, it’s all uphill from here (according to Ethan’s father, that is).

The character Ethan Tremblay is not quite as fantastic as the ‘one-man wolf pack’ Alan, but he does have some pretty good one-liners and excellent characterization from Galifianakis, including the perm, the walk and the dog. By far the leading man in this movie, it almost seems as though director Todd Phillips wanted to do an homage to Galifianakis, and managed to get Downey Jr. on board with it.

That being said, Downey Jr. is still fantastic. As businessman Highman, Downey Jr. pulls off the rich jerk without making us think ‘oh hey, it’s Tony Stark!’ Throughout the film, he is led by Ethan throughout the country, having no money or ID to make his own way. Despite the immense hatred between the

two characters at the beginning, Downey Jr. makes the transition from enemy to friend believable. The only thing lacking in Downey Jr.’s character is some of that good ol’ hilarity – the script doesn’t allow him much room for the comedy he is capable of (see “Tropic Thunder”).

With other appearances by Jamie Foxx (the best friend who is in love with Peter’s wife), Juliette Lewis (the drug dealer with two bratty kids) and Danny McBride (the handi-capable Western Union employee) the movie is complete. Of course, there is Peter’s wife, Sarah, played by the lovely Michelle Monaghan (“Made of Honor”) who is the whole reason behind the rushed trip across the country – but she hardly even matters in the long run, providing nothing to the film but a baby at the end.

The movie is hilarious. It isn’t as funny as “The Hangover,” but then again, what is? One thing is for sure though: if you love Galifianakis now, seeing this movie can only make you love him more.

Panther Portraits

Polar Bare Run

WHITNEY WILLIAMS/Northern Iowan

On Tuesday, University of Northern Iowa students and alumni participated in the fourth annual Polar Bear Run, Walk or Roll sponsored by the UNI Alumni Association and its student group, Connecting Alumni to Students. The event was a winter-wear drive for the Salvation Army. More than 300 students donated coats, windbreakers, hats, mittens, scarves, sweatshirts, jeans and more to families in need in the Cedar Valley.

By ANTHONY MITCHELL and KATIE HUNT Relationship Columnists

Q: I have been with my boyfriend for two and a half years.

He is 29 and I am 22. I am graduating next year and am in the process of choosing where I want to student teach. He wants me to move to his hometown and eventually settle down and find a house there. My problem is, that is not what I want. I want to move to Des Moines, and move by my sisters because we are all really close. He will not budge; he says his job is there and he would never move somewhere besides there, but his family is all where he is! If I do end up moving to his hometown that means I will be driving three hours just to see my sisters, and I am not willing to do that for the rest of my life.

But he is not willing to compromise with me. I love him; I just don’t know what to do! Is this the end of us?

He said: As the old saying goes, you have to bend or you’ll break.

If he is not willing to compromise, then you are going to have to, or yes, indeed, this could be the end of your relationship. The catalyst in

this entire situation is that his job is located in his hometown. If you are thinking of settling down together, you have to factor in income. If he already has an established job, it’s going to be hard to walk away simply because you want to be closer to your family.

Also keep in mind that if you were to move to his hometown, it doesn’t necessarily have to be forever. You can student teach in his hometown, perhaps teach there for a few years, but also keep your eye on open positions in the Des Moines area. Also, talk to your boyfriend about his job. Is it transferrable? Can he find a similar position without too much hassle? Can you find some middle ground between your hometowns?

If neither of you can budge on this, I think that it would be best to go your separate ways. If you are willing See RELATIONSHIPS, page 5

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RELATIONSHIPS continued from page 4

to end it all due to distance from family or who is closer to their respective family, then something seriously needs to change. The health of the relationship is the number one factor you both need to consider and what is best for you two and your future lives together alone as a functioning couple. If distance from family is going to tear you apart, some reevaluating of your relationship is in order.

Don’t give up hope — keep communication open and try your best to find the most plausible way to solve the issue. If you can’t, it’s time to move on.

“

If distance from family is going to tear you apart, some reevaluating of your relationship is in order.

She said: My hope is that this situa-

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tion does not have to result in the end of you two. Although I know it can be hard, try to stay positive and see both sides of the issue. Also, I’m not sure if I’m even allowed to suggest this, but have you given thought to whether you’re really supposed to be together? Maybe you’ll be better off going your separate ways if that means happiness for the both of you. Like I said, I hope it would not have to result in such a way but if staying together means one of you will be miserable for the rest of your life together, is it worth it?

You both sound like you’ve got your minds made up about where you want to be and you’ve established valid reasons behind your decisions. I can tell you that if you have your mind very much set on being in Des Moines with your sisters, you shouldn’t have to compromise yourself before he does. The same thing with him — he shouldn’t have to change his future plans. In a perfect world, these points would matter, BUT we live in the real world… where relationships are 50/50 and com-

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promises must be made every single day.

So which one of you will budge? Does it even have to come to that? Is there a town in between both of these places, close to your sisters and close to his hometown? Can the two of you find a place in between where he could realistically commute to work? If there is any way that both of you can give a little, you’ll be better off in the end because you won’t resent the other one for making you move somewhere you don’t want to be.

Another way to look at it could be to see it as beneficial to you to move somewhere outside of your comfort zone — give your relationship a real shot where you’re fully dependent on each other and not your family as well. Hey, if it doesn’t work out, just move back home.

If he is not willing to compromise with you, I know it can be hard to be willing to compromise with him. Why should you be the one to change your future? Just take into consideration all of the options you have. The two of you can call it quits and go on to live the separate lives you’ve been dreaming of, or you could say that no matter what, the two of you need to stick together. Just give it some thought. It also won’t hurt to continue to bring the topic up and ask him if maybe he’s given any more thought to compromise. I truly, truly do wish you the best of luck.

UNI professor to address communication issues in the workplace

By SARAH KELZER Staff Writer

Jayne Witte, a University of Northern Iowa associate professor of communication studies, will be hosting a free webinar, “Communication Renovation: Little Fixes that Make a Big Difference” to support healthy workplace relationships. The webinar will be held Nov. 17 from noon to 12:50 p.m.

Healthy workplace relationships can be an important factor in organizational productivity and employee satisfaction. Proper communication needs to be established to avoid the damaging extra time spent trying to repair the relationships needed for workplace success.

The webinar will allow alumni, business leaders and citizens to engage with UNI from the comfort of their offices or homes while learning about communication issues.

Witte’s main focus will be on how to deliver effective feedback.

“We all fall into patterns and ruts with our communication that simply don’t work anymore,” she said.

Witte hopes “to show that there are little changes we can make in our daily interactions

that can have an impact on the value of our relationships.”

The webinar will also teach how to maintain and enhance relationships, how to choose words and phrases that will maximize your effectiveness, how to minimize backstage conflicts in your workplace and how to prevent misunderstandings and needless quarrels.

“If feedback is done right, relationships can actually be strengthened.”

Jayne Witte associate professor of communication

For instance, Witte will address the issue of negative feedback and the problems associated with it. According to Witte, leaders tend not to address the negative issues because it makes them uncomfortable. However, this can lead to group failure since the group standards are unintentionally lowered. Witte will show which words and phrases are appropriate and more importantly, which are not.

“If feedback is done right, relationships can actually be strengthened,” Witte said.

To register for the webinar, visit www.uni.edu/pantherspeakers.

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FEATURES

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The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Opinion

Friday, November 12, 2010

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Volume 107, Issue 22

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Cedar Falls, Iowa

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From the editorial staff

Coughing up the facts

Many of you have probably noticed a recent decline in attendance in a majority of your classes. This observation could be attributed to late-semester laziness or it could have something to do with the cold and flu season.

The cold and flu season is often a dangerous time for college students because we are part of the 17 percent of the population that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention does not usually recommend getting the flu vaccine. We aren’t in near as much danger as children because our immune systems are stronger and we aren’t near as physically weak as the elder, which makes us in the clear for flu season, or so it seems.

But here is the thing about college students: we are in constant contact with other people. The dorms consist of many students living in rather tight quarters with other students, making it almost impossible not to contract an illness. Also, there is always that one person who comes to class hacking up a lung. As college students it is difficult for us to control whom we have contact with.

A simple way to prevent yourself from becoming infested with the loving flu bug is to get a vaccine. A study done by Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine showed that students who received the vaccine were 30 percent less likely to contract an influenza-related illness. They were also 47 percent less likely to visit a doctor and 32 percent less likely to miss class. These are important factors to consider, given that prime flu season hits around the time of finals week. As if you aren’t staying up late enough cramming for test, do you really want to be up another two to three hours every night struggling to breath through your nose?

Of course, vaccines aren’t an option for everyone. In this case it is important to take precautions before it is too late.

There are the common forms of prevention like washing your hands, coughing into your elbow and staying hydrated.

However, along with these it is important to keep a balanced diet and exercise. The CDC states that a nutritious diet and regular exercise will help keep one’s immune system strong and increase one’s ability to fight off illnesses. Also, in your backpack or purse, carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and a small package of tissues. Places such as faucet handles and public tissue boxes often carry more germs than they help prevent.

So while we aren’t considered to be in as much danger when it comes to flu season, we still need to take precautions in order to protect ourselves. Perhaps the lack of attendance in classes could be result of just another rough weekend that led to the “bottle flu,” but it is likely that many people on campus are getting ill. So take precautions and be aware of the health status of people around you. Nothing could be worse than getting sick right around finals, causing studying to be more than just a headache.

This editorial reflects the position of the Northern Iowan’s editorial staff: John Anderson, Leah Jeffries, Brad Eilers, Cassie Tegeler, Anna Schreck and Kari Braumann. All other articles and illustrations represent the views of their authors.

Slacktivism to the rescue!

TREVOR BOECKMANN

trevor@unifreethought.com

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The color pink covered everything from UNI Students Today Alumni Tomorrow shirts to NFL uniforms to 7-Up bottles. “Save Second Base” shirts and other pink merchandise flew off the shelves. Statuses about bra colors and purses were all over Facebook. So much was accomplished... right?

I don’t buy it. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is nothing more than a chance to exploit stereotyped women while relegating other cancers.

Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I’m not looking to undermine what any breast cancer survivors or their families have ever gone through. I remember vividly going to the hospital when I was young to see my cousin fight through cancer. I’ve known friends who have lost family to the disease and I’ve proudly been a part of Relay for Life. I realize the magnitude of cancer and don’t wish to diminish it. It’s a terrible, terrible thing -- I just don’t believe pink ribbons are doing anything to help.

Look at the impact it’s having on other cancers. Every

year, more people are diagnosed with prostate cancer than breast cancer. More than 32,000 will die from prostate cancer this year. Yet the NFL, with its predominately male audience, chooses to focus on breast cancer awareness. Ever heard of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month? Me neither. The problem is the prostate isn’t sexy. But boobs?

Everyone wants to save them!

That’s really what this campaign comes down to -- a crusade of sexism. Proponents grasp onto the color pink, a stereotypical color for women.

They embrace slogans like “Fight Like a Girl,” as if women can’t fight like anyone else, and “Save the Ta-Tas,” as if they’re really all that’s important in the fight against breast cancer. And where are men with breast cancer in this pink ribbon waving? While, admittedly, far fewer men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, the breast cancer awareness campaign seems to forget they even exist.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month has turned a serious illness into nothing more than a cheap marketing campaign.

As the Center for Media and Democracy correctly points out, “pinkwashed” See SLACKTIVISM, page 8

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‘Diversity Matters’... but why?

CASSANDRA BOEVERS boeversc@uni.edu

As Americans, we are regularly exposed to a wide variety of cultures and nationalities both within our native citizenship and from our international visitors. We are lucky enough to have a wealth

of diversity within our own communities and on our campus.

When it comes to foreign exchange students, the University of Northern Iowa is a bit below other Iowa universities. According to the UNI Factbook, about 3.5 percent of UNI enrollment consisted of international students for the 2009-2010 academic year. The majority of international students

came from Saudi Arabia and China, but students also came from India, Russia and Hong Kong. International students composed about 6.5 percent of Iowa State University’s student enrollment and about 8 percent of the University of Iowa’s, according to their respective factbooks.

These statistics demonstrate that internationalism is not widely represented in Iowa’s universities. However,

even with a relatively small percentage of non-American students, there seems to be distinct divide on campus.

International students interact mostly with other students from their same nation or possibly with other international students from other nations. Americans interact mostly with other Americans.

Of course, these are major generalizations. Please agree that there are fortunately

exceptions to my personal observations and opinion.

However, in general, there does not seem to be extensive collaboration or interaction among different nationalities and ethnicities in settings where it is not necessary to have it, such as classrooms.

Why is this?

With more ethnicities and cultures, more conflict and See DIVERSITY, page 8

PAGE 8

OPINION

status updates. Women posted where they liked to set their purses, leaving faux sexual continued from page 7 posts such as “I like it on the desk” or “I merchandise typically give a small, token like it on the counter.” These statuses about donation to breast cancer research while purses, intended to be hidden from men, were supposed to raise making huge sums of awareness for breast money. Notably missing from their efforts, Really, all the breast can- cancer? I don’t get it.

What sort of awareand from Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a cer fad has done is foster ness? That it exists? whole, are ways to actu- the rise of slactivism. Rather Does anyone not know ally, you know, prevent than raising money or pro- that? Unsurprisingly, real tips for how to cancer. But really, who wants to encourage actively helping to prevent prevent cancer are women to quit smok- cancer, wanna-be activists noticeably absent. ing when you could sell do as little as possible to feel Really, all the breast cancer fad has done them a pink ribbon comlike they’re making a dif- is to foster the rise pact!

The lack of real ference. In reality, they’re of slacktivism. Rather than raising money or awareness and preven- doing nothing. proactively helping to tion isn’t reserved to prevent cancer, wancorporations; students nabe activists do as are more than involved as well. In January, Facebook statuses were little as possible to feel like they’re making a awash with single word status updates stat- difference. In reality, they’re doing nothing.

Want to actually do something about ing only a color. Apparently a group of women had decided posting cryptic sta- cancer? Ditch the pink ribbon and form a tuses with their bra color was a perfect Relay for Life team. And while you’re at it, way to increase breast cancer awareness. make a difference for all cancers -- not just the sexy ones.

Impeccable logic.

October brought a new wave of derisory

SLACKTIVISM

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Editorial Cartoon

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MCT CAMPUS

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DIVERSITY continued from page 7

social tensions develop.

Observe the illegal alien or unregistered citizen dilemma and the subsequent debates among politicians for how to resolve the conflict.

Examine how “equal opportunity employers” and other slogans within employment and academic settings draw attention to our diverse nation. Realize how prevalent minority scholarships and other affirmative action vehicles cause heightened tensions and mistrust.

“

Ethnocentricism from any point of view -- whether it is that of the native citizen, the international student, the immigrant or the tourist -- is a recipe for continued resentment among cultures, nationalities and ethnicities.

While the tension with minority groups in America has become less pronounced (or possibly just less publicized) in the last couple of decades, I do not believe American society is yet one that is comfortable to those that break the WesternEuropean-descent mold.

There is still harsh intolerance of beliefs, practices, cultures and appearances that in any small way threaten the traditional and stereotypical American image of normalcy.

I believe this intolerance is due to a combination of factors and attitudes that certainly do not end at active antipathy towards immigrants, visitors or minorities. In fact, I think such behavior is practiced by a very small portion of our society and is less significant than my alternative suggestion: mere apathy and ignorance. Since many of our citizens and students do not actively educate them-

selves about various cultures or beliefs and since a wide knowledge of other nations is not required in our curriculum, many individuals cannot comprehend the importance of acceptance, tolerance, cooperation and interaction with others.

While Americentrism is one prominent factor, I also argue that there is a lack of interest of non-citizens to gain knowledge or respect of the traditional American way of life. If immigrants or international visitors practice outright disrespect toward the laws and practices that make up this openarmed nation, it is no surprise that proud Americans will take offense and begin harboring mutual disrespect.

Ethnocentrism from any point of view – whether it is that of the native citizen, the international student, the immigrant or the tourist – is a recipe for continued resentment among cultures, nationalities and ethnicities.

I think the university should constantly be supporting programs and providing tools for students – both citizens and international – who seek more cultural diversity in their lives.

Moreover, I think most of the responsibility lies on the students to individually take the steps to more willingly accept those that are different. Increased interaction with different cultures and nationalities is not a path toward changing one’s own beliefs, practices or heritage.

It is merely a way to better oneself and society, totally devoid of any social, cultural or religious group to which one belongs.

Keep in mind how marketable and employable international communication skills are (for instance, bilingualism or communication among cultures). If we are lucky, the generations to come will consist of individuals who are more tolerant, well-rounded, accepting and adaptable to all the challenges with diversity – ranging from races, gender, sexuality and religions.

The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Sports

Friday, November 12, 2010

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Volume 107, Issue 22

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Cedar Falls, Iowa

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Panthers look to clinch conference title against Missouri State at home

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Five Panthers place at Loras Open

Courtesy Photo/NI NEWS SERVICE

UNI’s Seth Noble claimed the title at 149 pounds in the Loras Open.

NI NEWS SERVICE

SCOTT KINTZEL/Northern Iowan

The Panthers will take on the Missouri State Bears in an MVFC match-up that will have a significant impact on who wins the MVFC title. UNI is currently atop the MVFC standings while the Bears are still in the hunt and just two games behind the Panthers. UNI leads the all-time series 25-5.

By TIM GETTING

Sports Writer

The University of Northern Iowa Panthers are one win away from clinching at least a tie for the Missouri Valley Football Conference Championship. Saturday,

the Panthers will look to earn their fourth conference title in the last six seasons as they host the Missouri State University Bears in their final home game of the regular season.

The No. 16-ranked Panthers (6-3 overall; 5-1

MVFC) can claim the MVFC title outright and earn an automatic bid to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs if a victory is coupled with a Western Illinois University loss. The Leathernecks play at Southern Illinois

University this weekend.

Any consideration of other games will probably be disregarded in the minds of Panther players and coaches during their Senior Night contest, however. The Bears See FOOTBALL, page 10

It’s show time!

UNI opens the 2010-11 season with a marquee match-up at Syracuse

By BRAD EILERS group of returning players Sports Editor

The University of Northern Iowa Panthers will open the 2010-11 regular season Friday when they travel to Syracuse, N.Y., to take on the No. 13-ranked Syracuse University Orange.

This marquee match-up will feature two teams that each went 30-5 a year ago and reached the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. The 60 combined wins between the two schools is the most of any match-up nationally for a 2010-11 season opener.

“This week there are some important practices in getting ready for the game on Friday night and playing against one of the better programs in the country year-in and year-out,” said UNI head coach Ben Jacobson. “They have a Hall of Fame coach, a very good

and a great recruiting class.”

Jacobson’s counterpart Jim Boeheim had kind words to say about UNI as well.

“We’re opening up with an NCAA (Tournament)quality team in the first game of the year, so these exhibition games are important,” Boeheim said following SU’s 96-60 exhibition victory over Kutztown University on Nov. 2. “Northern Iowa’s going to be very good this year. They lost a couple guys, but they’ve got a lot of good players.”

While UNI won both of their exhibition games with ease behind solid defensive performances, the Panther offense shot just 39.7 percent from the floor.

“We’ve got some work to do offensively,” said Jacobson. “We’ve got to spend some practice time

The University of Northern Iowa picked up two titles and had three other wrestlers place at the Loras Open on Nov. 6.

Competing as unattached wrestlers, freshmen Levi Wolfensperger and Seth Noble claimed titles at 125 pounds and 149 pounds, respectively. Jake Damon, Joey Lazor and Taylor Kettman also placed for the Panthers in their respective weight classes.

Wolfensperger captured the 125-pound title picking up four wins by fall and topping Marc Escobedo in the championship match by a major decision score, 14-2.

Damon finished in second place at 133 pounds, picking up a pin and major decision along the way.

Lazor finished in third place at 141 pounds, finishing the day with a 4-1 record including two major decisions and one technical fall win.

Noble captured the 149pound title, topping Coe’s Dmitri Boyer in the title match 6-3. Noble also recorded a pin and a major decision en route to his title.

Kettman took third place at the 197-pound slot, picking up three wins by fall.

UNI returns to action on Nov. 14, heading to the Northwestern Duals facing UW-Parkside, McKendree and Northwestern.

WHITNEY WILLIAMS/Northern Iowan

The Panthers travel to Syracuse, N.Y., to take on the Syracuse University Orange and their notorious 2-3 zone defense.

there as well to allow the guys to get some reps and make some improvements in practice before we take the floor on the offensive end.”

The Panthers will likely need their backcourt to have

success shooting the ball if they want a chance to pull off the upset. The Orange play a 2-3 zone defense that tends to shut down their See BASKETBALL, page 12

The Northern Iowan is still looking for sports writers to cover wrestling and track. If interested, contact Brad Eilers at: eilersb@uni.edu

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FOOTBALL continued from page 9

(4-5 overall; 3-3 MVFC) will enter the UNI-Dome with arguably one of their best teams in recent memory for a meeting that will feature two interesting match-ups.

Missouri State’s offense is one of the conference’s best in terms of scoring (35.2 points per game) and yards earned (443.4 yards per game) and is led by the league’s most-experienced quarterback.

“It’s as good of a team as Coach Allen has had, and you can see the growth in his team.”

Mark Farley UNI head football coach

Senior Cody Kirby has assumed the starting quarterback role since the fourth game of his true freshman season in 2007.

Since his debut, Kirby has become Missouri State’s alltime leader in total offense.

Currently, he has gained a total of 8,688 yards in his career.

WHITNEY WILLIAMS/Northern Iowan

The Panthers will recognize 15 seniors Saturday for “Senior Night.” The senior class has helped lead UNI to a 37-11 record over the past four years.

“He’s really been the building block of our program. We’ve been able to get better each and every year, and it has truly revolved around him,” said Missouri State head coach Terry Allen.

Saturday, Kirby is expected to start his 40th consecutive game against the only team that has defeated

his Bears every season since his freshman year.

Junior quarterback Tirrell Rennie is in his first season with the Panthers but has also reached some milestones himself. Last week, Rennie became the first quarterback in UNI football history to reach the 1,000-yard mark in rushing.

Rennie is currently first in

the MVFC and eighth in the nation with 1,135 rushing yards, the only quarterback to break the top 25 in that statistical category. “(UNI has) built their offense around him, and it’s an impressive job,” said Allen.

“He’s a player that we can work with within our system, and I think he makes

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the other players around him more effective,” said UNI head coach Mark Farley.

While Rennie and Kirby could provide an exciting array of offense on the field, another interesting matchup will take form on the sideline.

Missouri State and UNI head coaches Allen and Farley coached alongside one another for 14 seasons from 1987 until 2001. Allen, an alumnus of UNI, became an assistant coach for Panther football upon his graduation in 1979. Farley joined Allen as an assistant coach in 1987 immediately following his own graduation from UNI. In 1989, Allen took over as head coach for the Panthers, while Farley remained an assistant coach.

As head coach, Allen became the conference’s winningest coach in its history, compiling a record of 75-26.

Following the 1996 season, Allen accepted the head coaching position at Kansas University. Farley followed, becoming an assistant coach for the Jayhawks. The two finally parted ways in 2001 when Allen became an assistant coach at Iowa State University and Farley accepted the head coaching position at UNI. Farley is currently in his 10th season as UNI head coach and has compiled an 88-35 record over that span.

Allen, now in his fifth season coaching at Missouri State, has taken a bottomof-the-conference team and turned them into MVFC title contenders. The Bears found themselves in the conference championship hunt up until last week’s loss to South Dakota State University.

“It’s as good of a team as Coach Allen has had, and you can see the growth in his team. These guys have grown older now, they know the system and they’re getting better all of the time. I think that’s a credit to coach Allen,” said Farley.

Kick-off for Saturday’s game will take place at 6:05 p.m. in the UNI-Dome. The contest will be televised on Mediacom Channel 22 and CFU Channel 15.

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BASKETBALL continued from page 9

opposition’s inside game and forces them to hit outside jump shots, which means the Panthers will want to improve upon their 23.3 percent shooting from threepoint range before Friday night’s game.

Jacobson expects SU’s defense to be very good.

“They’ve played primarily that 2-3 zone (defense) that they’re known for, and I would think we would see quite a bit of that,” said Jacobson. “They may mix in a little bit of man-toman (defense) as they’ve done early in the season in previous years. We expect that their zone (defense) will be very good.”

UNI’s starting line-up should be the same as in the two exhibition games against Wartburg College and the University of Mary.

Expect the starters for the Panthers to be senior guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe, junior guard Johnny Moran, senior guard Kerwin Dunham, sophomore forward Jake Koch and senior forward Lucas O’Rear. SU’s projected starting line-up will consist of junior guard Scoop Jardine, sophomore guard Brandon Triche, junior forward Kris Joseph, senior forward Rick Jackson and freshman center Fab Melo.

Both the Panthers and the

Orange were picked to finish third in their respective conferences (Missouri Valley Conference, Big East Conference). This will be the first meeting between the two schools. Under Jacobson, UNI is 0-2 against the Big East and 2-6 against teams ranked in the top 25.

The Panthers’ last victory over a ranked opponent came against the No. 1-ranked Kansas University Jayhawks in the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament.

UNI’s last four opponents (UNLV 1990, Kansas 2008, Michigan State 2000, Syracuse 2003) dating back to last season have all won national championships since 1990.

“We expect that their zone (defense) will be very good.”

Ben Jacobson UNI head basketball coach

The Panthers have won eight straight seasonopening games. The last time UNI opened the season with a loss was in 2001, a 71-57 loss to San Diego State University in Greg McDermott’s first season as head coach of the Panthers.

Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

Central time. The game can be seen online at ESPN3. com or you can listen to Panthers play-by-play announcer Gary Rima on KXEL radio (1540 AM).

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Ryan’s Rants

I almost looked like ‘The Situation’…

By RYAN FRIEDERICH

Sports Columnist

Since coming to the University of Northern Iowa I have progressively gotten a lot fatter. Most people gain the usual freshman 15 during their first year, but I think I surpassed that during my first semester. Being a senior, I am starting to get nervous and a little sweaty when I see a doorway that seems a little narrower than the standard width.

I did have one moment in college, however, when I started to get back into shape and that was when I started P90X, a home fitness program. If you stay up late eating Hostess snack cakes and watching television like I do, you are bound to catch infomercials for this program. A buddy and I decided we were going to give it a whirl one summer and let me tell you, it’s the real deal.

The reason I am writing this article is because there is actually a collection of professional athletes who do this program in the offseason.

Some of the biggest names that have admitted to starting P90X are Ray Lewis, David Akers, Donovan McNabb, Matt Diaz, Barry

Courtesy Photo/MCT CAMPUS

Tony Horton leads the P90X workouts with various jokes and entertainment all while helping you stay in shape and lose weight.

Zito, Brian Wilson, Ray Allen, Baron Davis and Brett Favre. Maybe Favre was just sending pictures of his upper thigh muscles to Jenn Sterger?

Anyhow, P90X utilizes muscle confusion to completely exhaust a person day after day until 90 days are up and you finally look like The Situation from Jersey Shore. I will admit, the longest I have made it is about 50 days. The first session has you working chest and back on Monday, plyometrics on Tuesday, arms and shoulders on Wednesday, yoga on Thursday, legs and back on Friday and kenpo on Saturday.

Tony Horton is the P90X cult leader and he mans all the DVDs. The first few days will have you laughing at all his corny jokes and

you will be giggling at all the funny moves that are involved with P90X. By the second and third week you will be cursing Mr. Horton and quietly crying in the corner once your workout buddies leave.

If you are looking to lose some quick weight or learn some moves that you can do for the rest of your life, I recommend P90X. There is one thing that bugs me however, and that is when people decide to do it when they are completely out of shape and have never really worked out in their life. If you have never played a sport or worked out on a regular basis, P90X will be too much for you. If you want to look like men on reality television, order it.

Until then, go Panthers!

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