04 24 09 | reportermag.com
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EDITOR’S NOTE EDITOR IN CHIEF
Andy Rees
Being a white, straight male who’s currently attending college, I don’t bring much to the table in the way of
| eic@reportermag.com MANAGING EDITOR
diversity. One day I may grow up and become the dreaded Man that people are always fighting.
Ilsa Shaw
However, that doesn’t mean that I’m blind to the world around me.
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Growing up, I was a member of one of the most institutionally homophobic organizations in the U.S.:
David Spiecker
COPY EDITOR
The Boy Scouts of America. In essence, I still am a member. I took a lot of lessons away from my experience
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as a scout, but one of the most important revolved around the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy. While not
Michael Conti
NEWS EDITOR
uniformly implemented on a national level, this is a dangerous and misinformed attempt to avoid
| news@reportermag.com LEISURE EDITOR
addressing a problem.
John Howard
The results can be bad. In the summer of 1999, at a camp where I would later work, a 16-year-old
| leisure@reportermag.com FEATURES EDITOR
Madeleine Villavicencio
to be known as “Black Tuesday” among the staff. For the first time in its 80 years of operation, the camp
| features@reportermag.com SPORTS/VIEWS EDITOR
Emily Bogle
was effectively shut down by a sit-down strike. The striking workers, aged 15 to 23 and scouts themselves, demanded the reinstatement of the terminated employee.
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employee and Eagle Scout was fired after being questioned about his sexuality. The following day came
Adimabua Ofunne
The local media jumped on the story and the employee filed a suit for wrongful termination. When the dust settled, the employee was rehired, many top-level administrators at the camp and the council were
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fired, and the camp changed forever. WRITERS
Derrick Behm, Alecia Crawford, Janis
Connor, Michael Conti, Carolyn Dunne, Jamie
When I started working there, five summers later, Black Tuesday had become something of an urban legend. Most of the staff from 1999 had grown up and moved on. All we were left with was bits and pieces
Langley, Laura Mandanas, Emily Mohlmann,
of the camp’s most important campfire story. The longer I worked there, the more I came to know the story
Kimberly Reeb, David Spiecker, Kelly Votolato
and how it had affected the lives of the staff that had lived through it. Even though the employee had been rehired, there was still a fear reprisal if someone were to be openly gay. There was an unspoken distrust
ART
of the administration, even 10 years later.
ART DIRECTOR
I know many gay scouts, some of whom chose to remain in the closet to maintain their connection with
Evan Anthony
scouting. While we may be growing up in a post-Will and Grace world (see “Breaking the Silence,” pg. 16),
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PHOTO EDITOR
this old guard mentality.
Steve Pfost,
The lesson that I learned is this: Despite the radical advances that our society has made, there are still
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there are still a lot of walls to overcome. When I look back at pictures from 1999 and see young men in scout uniforms giving the finger to the administrative building, I see a generation that’s ready to overcome
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AD DESIGNER
Eric Drummond,
places (not too far from here) where this civil rights movement has yet to get off the ground.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
04 24 09 | VOLUME 58 | ISSUE 28
NEWS PG. 06
FEATURES PG. 16
Above photograph by Steve Pfost.
MARLEE MATLIN
BREAKING THE SILENCE
The driver of the newly designed RIT Formula
Sell-out or the best of both worlds?
GLBT student groups at RIT.
SAE car suits up before a test run.
RIT and the Lake Wobegon Effect.
SPORTS PG. 23
Cover photograph by K. Nicole Murtagh and
INFOGRAPHIC: SG ELECTION RESULTS
RIT/GALLAUDET SPORTS WEEKEND 2009
Evan Witek.
Matt Danna and Jackie Robinson win by
RIT earns some bragging rights.
INFOGRAPHIC: VILLAGE TECHMILLA
a landslide. SG UPDATE
VIEWS PG. 28
Message Center Abuse.
BEYOND BELIEF
RIT FORECAST
An analysis of the argument against gay
It’s Honesty Day. I’m not lying.
LEISURE PG. 10
marriage. WORD ON THE STREET What do you think about gay marriage?
RELAY FOR LIFE
RINGS
Fundraising for a cause.
[crunk] faced.
FIRST FRIDAYS The galleries of Rochester open their doors. REVIEWS Who doesn’t like Skittles? AT YOUR LEISURE Syzygy.
5
MARLEE MATLIN:
SELL-OUT OR THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS? These past few weeks you may have seen a poster announcing Marlee
beginning of May. After her book was released on April 14, comments
Matlin’s appearance at RIT. Maybe the one you saw had a mustache
like, “You’re deaf, so act deaf” were left on her Facebook page.
drawn on it, or maybe you haven’t seen one at all, since someone ripped
“She should raise her children in both the hearing and Deaf world,”
them down. Kari Calenzo, director of Public Relations for Student
stated Joshua Struck, a third year Information and Computer Science
Government, found out that some of their flyers were being torn down
major at NTID. Struck explained how Matlin should continue to
in NTID. Rumors were spreading that a portion of the Deaf community
incorporate Deaf culture into her family life more. He also feels that it is
was unhappy with Matlin’s appearance at RIT.
beneficial to teach your baby sign and that it improves communication
In 1986, Matlin became the youngest recipient to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her motion picture debut in Children of a Lesser
between a baby and their parent. Unlike Struck, many deaf individuals are unwilling to go on record,
God. When she accepted her award, she chose to use verbal speech
preferring to remain anonymous due to feeling that, no matter their
instead of sign language. At that moment, her fan base split down
opinion, they will be judged by other deaf individuals. Some feel that
the middle. One group was happy, proud of her for winning and representing the
Matlin is an incredible inspiration to others who are deaf. Since her six week run on Dancing With the Stars last season and the release of
Deaf community. The other group was disappointed that she chose not
her autobiography, her fan base has increased. Others feel that Matlin
to use American Sign Language (ASL) during her acceptance speech.
should be less oral, or even have married a deaf man instead of a
Twenty one years later, those feelings still resonate among those who
hearing man.
identify with Deaf culture. When flyers that promoted her nationwide
It seems that Matlin has adapted throughout her life to the many
tour for her autobiography were recently posted on campus, those
environments that she has been in and has learned how to excel.
feelings reappeared through vandalism.
There is the possibility that Matlin feels fortunate for having the ability
In addition to stirring up negative feelings within some of the RIT/
to use her voice with her family, her friends, and with whomever else
NTID Deaf community, members of the Deaf community have reacted
she wants to. In her recent interview on Good Morning America, she used
to the release of her autobiography, I’ll Scream Later. Her speech is just
both ASL and her voice. •
one of many appearances she has scheduled throughout April and the
6 News | 04.24.09
by Kimberly Reeb | photograph by Steve Pfost
VILLAGE TECHMILLA compiled by Michael Conti
5
International Students
44
75
Recieve some type
Work on Campus
13
IF THE RIT STUDENT POPULATION WERE REDUCED TO A VILLAGE OF 100 PEOPLE, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
43
will change programs within RIT at least once
Involved in a campus club
60
32
First generation of college students
5
rated themselves as above average in creativity as compared to their peers
Active members of a fraternity or sorority
33
Female
Source: Open Administration Series, March 2009 Based on an idea by Donella Meadows, Dartmouth University (1990)
7
5 WAYS TO DRINK YOUR SOCKS OFF
CHEAP THRILLS: GREAT GAMES FOR LESS
GAME REVIEW: RHYTHM HEAVEN
by Danielle Gotschall
by Chukwuma Morah
by Chukwuma Morah
FIVE CRAZY DRINKING GAMES THAT PROMISE TO MAKE YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN COLLEGE.
SSX3: ONE OF THE GREATEST SNOWBOARD GAMES OF ALL TIMES; WHAT MADE IT GREAT AND TIMELESS.
RHYTHM HEAVEN IS A NEW GAME THAT LAUNCHED WITH THE NINTENDO DSI. IT IS A CUTE CAME TO PUT YOU IN A HAPPY MOOD ALL DAY.
AUDIO SLIDESHOW: A UNION AT RIT?
GLBT PORTRAIT SLIDESHOW
ALBUM REVIEW: DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE by Alex Pagliaro
by Eric Drummond
THE OPEN DOOR EP: THE LATEST RELEASE BY DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE THREATENS TO BE GREATER THAN THE RECENT ALBUM.
SEE THE RALLIES AND LISTEN TO THE VOICES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT.
8 News | 04.24.09
by K. Nicole Murtagh
A LOOK AT THE FACES OF RIT’S GLBT COMMUNITY.
SG UPDATE
RIT FORECAST
ACADEMIC CHANGES PROPOSED
25 SATURDAY
by Jamie Langley
compiled by Alecia Crawford
Doug Meadows, member of the Academic Affairs Committee,
GUEST CHEF AT ROONEY’S
presented the senate with two topics regarding a change to the
Rooney’s Restaurant. 90 Henrietta St. 8:30 p.m. A guest chef from
add/drop period and the grading system. Meadows expressed
Lyon, France graces the restaurant with French cuisine.
concern with having two full weeks for the add/drop period,
Cost: Appetizers start at $5 and main courses start at $19.
as students adding a course in Week 2 may be very far behind in that course. The Academic Affairs Committee’s current proposal is
26 SUNDAY
to allow students to add/drop courses until 11 p.m. of the seventh
HUG AN AUSTRALIAN DAY
calendar day after the quarter begins. Members of the senate
This is a great opportunity for you to do your part in improving
expressed concern that ending the add/drop period in Week 1 will
international relations. And Hugs. Cost: Free.
not make a difference in how far behind students could potentially
RENT
be in an added course. Adam Richlin, College of Imaging Arts and
Auditorium Theatre. 885 East Main St. 2 p.m. The hit movie
Sciences senator, said that the change should allow for flexibility;
returns to the stage as a tour around the US for all who can’t
if the add/drop period ends in Week 1, academic advisors should
make it to NYC. Cost: Tickets start at $29.50.
be able to determine if a class can be added or not. Meadows and Phil Amsler, the Residence Halls Association representative, will take SG’s opinions back to the Academic Senate. Meadows also discussed adding pluses and minuses to RIT’s grading system. The senate expressed concerns that doing so
27 MONDAY TELL A STORY DAY Celebrate story-tellings of all kinds, like books, movies and rap music. Cost: Free.
would lower student GPAs. The senate would like to discuss this
$1 BOWLING GAMES
issue with members of the student body before ultimately deciding
L&M Lanes. 873 Merchants Rd. 4 - 6 p.m. A dollar can get you a
whether they favor or oppose this proposal.
lot of things — a McDouble, two apple pies, frosties, and now bowling games. Cost: $1 plus shoe rental price.
MAJOR STUDENT ORGANIZATION (MSO) GUIDELINES REVISED Kiersten Shinrock, Director of Organizational Recognition, outlined
28 TUESDAY
revised guidelines for Representative Student Organizations (RSO)
BASEBALL VS. KEUKA
to become MSOs: Prior to petitioning SG for MSO status, the RSO
RIT Field. 2 p.m. Come support the Tigers against the
must have been functioning for at least a year with a constitution
Keuka Storm! Cost: Free.
and officers; the RSO’s constitution and bylaws must be reviewed by SG; the RSO must represent an underrepresented or minority
29 WEDNESDAY
population; its advisor must be a faculty member; and 20 percent
CONCERT: O.A.R. WITH GUEST PARACHUTE
of the group’s members must sign a petition for MSO status.
Gordon Field House. 7:30 p.m. Live music in the field house returns with O.A.R., commonly hailed as “one of the best live
INBOX OVERLOAD Matt Danna, SG vice president, said that the Message Center system is being abused, as students are receiving a large volume of
bands on the planet.” Cost: Students: $25, Others: $30.
30 THURSDAY
e-mails unrelated to them. Ed Wolf, SG president, discussed how
NATIONAL HONESTY DAY
students could unsubscribe from some of these e-mails through
Use this day to practice something everybody should already be
the http://my.rit.edu portal. The senate decided to take the issue to
practicing: telling the truth. Cost: Free.
the IT Committee.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
INVOLVING STUDENTS IN POST-TENURE REVIEW
comes the timeless tale written by the amazing and controversial
Dave Mullaney, GCCIS senator, discussed post-tenure review and
photographer Lewis Carroll that has inspired psychedelic
how to further involve students in evaluating faculty members.
musicians. Cost: RIT: $5, Others: $7.
Panara Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Brought to life by NTID Performing Arts
The senate’s concerns were that students did not feel as though they get anything out of filling out evaluation forms. Another
1 FRIDAY
concern was the timeliness of the results from the evaluation
SLIM REDMOND BAND WITH JATOBA
forms. Paper evaluations take too long to get back to the professor
lovin’cup. 9 p.m. This unique blend of roots-roch, Afro-Caribbean,
and the professor may not be able to address issues in time for the
and reggae music from Ithaca, NY is for your listening pleasure.
upcoming quarter.
Cost: Free.
9
RELAY FOR LIFE: FUNDRAISING FOR A CAUSE by Carolyn Dunne | illustration by Joanna Eberts
Have you been affected by cancer? According to the American
The Rotaract Club at RIT first brought Relay for Life to campus in 2008.
Cancer Society, an estimated 1,437,180 new cancer diagnoses
Despite being the first year for the event, several teams showed up and
were made in 2008. Cancer not only affects the person whose
raised a good deal of money, which went to support research at the
diagnosis it was, but their families as well, further impacting
University of Rochester, advocacy for cancer patient rights, educational
millions more lives.
programs, and support efforts for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.
10  Leisure | 04.24.09
questioned as to how he felt about people
for remembrance of loved ones who have been
not attending the event because they think
affected by cancer, or to reflect on someone’s
these sort of events are more “feel good” than
own experience with cancer.
“do good,” Smith reacted strongly in favor
Throughout the night, comments were
of attending. “Treatment for cancer is very
overheard in terms of how great the event had
expensive … It’s a good thing to go and
turned out. Just as we were not disappointed
help out.”
last year, Rotaract did a great job of getting
He felt that the support he received during
people involved in the different events and
his time at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
sustaining the excitement all night long.
Hospital’s Cancer Center in New York City
Several attendees even spoke about how they
really helped him through the experience.
planned to stay the entire night, from 7 p.m. to
The groups that are funded through this effort
7 a.m., despite other commitments they had to
give patients a chance to relax and enjoy
fulfill in the morning.
themselves. Without Relay for Life and similar
Relay for Life wound up bringing in over two
events, several projects would be
hundred RIT students, who came together and
short of funds.
worked towards a common goal of not only
This year, over $18,000 was raised.
marginalizing cancer within our lifetime, but
There were a total of 31 teams and 207
to provide support for those living with cancer
participants in attendance, more than twice as
and the organizations that want to work with
with about 15 teams present. Some were even
many people from last year’s event.
them and help in any way possible. •
fundraising, from selling tie-dye t-shirts to
Gary Wolyn, third year Marketing and
holding a group date raffle. The event was
Psychology major, raised over $1,500
On Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. in the SAU room
faithfully attended and supported by everyone
singlehandedly, in addition to being the Head
1829, there will be a meeting to form the committee
who registered.
Event Coordinator for the night’s activities.
for next year’s Relay for Life. Rotaract would like
The top five online fundraising teams were RIT
that all interested students attend.
At the 2008 event, about 100 people attended,
Various fundraising teams volunteered contestants for fun events throughout the
Rotaract, the Rush Henrietta society,
night to provide entertainment, including
the Society of Software Engineers, RIT
a drag contest, a contest involving each
Women’s Basketball, and BAMF,
competitor drinking a pitcher of unknown
with each team raising
contents, and even a bit of karaoke. Local acts
well over $1,000.
such as DJ Keo and the RIT Capoeira Club were
Games and events took place
also in attendance to perform and get people
throughout the night to keep
up and dancing to keep the night going
Relay for Life as lively as possible,
until morning.
with old favorites such as musical
The high point of last year’s event was Jason
chairs and limbo being played
Smith, second year Software Engineering
right alongside both a drag show
major, the featured speaker for the luminaria
and a frozen t-shirt contest,
ceremony. Speaking simply from his own
where the goal is to unknot a
experience and battle with bone cancer,
frozen t-shirt and put it on as
his recounting of how his life had changed
quickly as possible. Accompanying
with one phone call in September 2006 was
these games were several area
a poignant reminder of why it was worth the
musical artists and the Brick
time and effort each team member put into
City Singers, though the talented
their group fundraising.
DJ was definitely the musical
“When you’re out for a year, you see things from a different perspective,” Smith replied
highlight of the night. The event of the night was the
when asked why he was going to participate
luminaria ceremony,
in Relay for Life for a second year. When
where people attending the event walked silently around the track with the lights dimmed so that they could read the inscriptions on various bags commemorating cancer patients and survivors alike. It was a time
11
May 15 - May 21
You’re graduating! Come celebrate with your fellow graduates! Here is a week of events for seniors to enjoy:
Senior Night Friday May 15 Dinner at 5pm - 7pm Festivities at 6pm Free! Sign-up in the cab office SAU a-402
darien Lake Saturday May 16 10am - 8pm $5 sign up fee sign-up in the cab office SAU a-402
outdoor movie & bbq Monday May 18 8pm - 11pm
Role Models on the Greek Lawn Free!
rust belt comedy show Tuesday May 19 9pm - 11pm Ingle Auditorium Free!
hoppin’ down monroe Wednesday May 20 9pm - 1am Monroe Avenue Continuous busing provided Free!
livin’ it up at lovin’cup Thursday May 21 6pm - 2am Three bands playing inside and outside Free!
cab.rit.edu
FIRST
FRIDAYS by Emily Mohlmann
in structure to battery packaging). Genesee Pottery will also have an opening reception for Stimulus Pots, the newest work by Chea Peng and Josh Duttinger. For a mix of art and music you may want to check out the Renaissance Art Gallery, which will feature David Braun, an
From its start in October of 2007, Rochester Contemporary Art Center has brought together non-profit, university and commercial art
artist whose watercolor works have nautical
PARTICIPATING GALLERIES
and floral themes. Braun’s opening reception
Gallery r
will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 1 and will
Gallery @ Record Archive
include live music and refreshments.
More Fire Glass Studio
In past open Fridays, the Rochester Contemporary Art Center had paintings and
Studio 34 Crocus Clay Works
venues for one night a month to showcase
sculptures on display from Brooklyn-based
Studio 354
Rochester art. This grand collaboration
artists Malin Abrahamsson and Ricky Sears.
Renaissance Art Gallery Visual Studies Workshop
happens at downtown galleries the first Friday
These works will still be on display during
of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. The best part
May’s First Friday. Past First Fridays have also
Gallery One Fine Arts
of First Friday — aside from the great art,
included live music from Hemlock Ridge,
Gallery at Downtown Fitness Club
music and food — is that it’s free.
a bluegrass band, at Bernunzio Uptown Music,
Method Lab
No car to get downtown? No problem.
plus small animal paintings by Yolanda Daliz
Hartnett Gallery
at Crocus Clay Works.
Creative Arts Co-op and Gallery
A shuttle runs from the Booth Fine Arts Building’s (7A) bus stop at RIT to Gallery r.
Don’t think all these galleries are just filled
Image City Photography Gallery
From there, you can check out the works in
with painting and photography either.
Baobab Cultural Center
Gallery r and pick up another shuttle that runs
On Friday, May 1, the Anti-war Storefront and
Gallery at the Art and Music Library
between all participating galleries
Gallery will be having Poets Against War and
Design Gallery at RRCDC
(from December to June only). If you take the
Occupation. Other stops on the route will
Viahealth Archives Consortium
shuttle, however, keep in mind that you’ll
include live music, most notably Bernunzio
Writers and Books
need to be back on your bus by 8:15 p.m. in
Uptown Music. If you hear your stomach
Rochester Contemporary Art Center
order to get back to RIT.
growling along the way, don’t worry. Spot
Bernunzio’s Uptown Music
Coffee is on the route for a nice beverage and
Greenwood Books
Last month, there were 29 participating galleries, some with extended hours before
snack. While you’re there, be sure to check out
Spot Coffee
and after First Friday’s regular time slot.
the works of local artists and artisans
Galvin/Davis Studio/Gallery
With 29 stops, you’ll have to choose carefully
featured on site. •
Anti-War Storefront and Gallery
for May include Martha Schermerhorn and her
Your next available chance to experience this event
The Mercer Gallery at MCC (The gallery
what you want to see. Some upcoming exhibits
Genesee Pottery and Booksmart Studio
Ikon-a-paks at Crocus Clay Works gallery.
is on May 1. More information on exhibitions and
also participates in First Friday but it is
An Ikon-a-pak is a three dimensional collage
participating galleries, as well as a shuttle map,
not on the bus route so alternate
housed inside a plastic blister pack (similar
can be found at http://firstfridayrochester.org.
transportation is necessary.) •
13
REVIEWS
a beautiful and successful 40-year-old
difference. That is, until it’s brought up again
Television Series
mother of four. She likes to date younger
(about every five minutes). The attractive
THE COUGAR
guys because she believes that men reach
males who don’t prefer to date women their
their prime in their 20s (while women,
age grow a bit aggravating and are,
by Alecia Crawford
RATING / DIG IT TV Land’s new show, The Cougar, is one of the
according to Anderson, don’t hit their peak
incidentally, a turn off. This is all climaxed
until they hit 40).
with an intense “kiss off” elimination where
Any fan of reality TV or dating shows will
Anderson kisses the guys she wants to stay
be addicted to The Cougar for the simple fact
and offers her cheek to the guy she’s not in-
that there’s someone ultimately trying to
terested in. Talk about all the guys indirectly
find love and everyone can relate to love
kissing each other.
most recent additions to the television mess
(or at least the idea of it). What this show
It’s a dating reality show that can fulfill the
of prime time. With good-looking people, lots
does, with the help of host Vivica A. Fox,
expectations of reality TV addicts and hope-
of testosterone, and one older lady, the social
is try to change the image of older women
less romantics for true love that only these
situation definitely makes things interesting.
dating younger men from robbing the cradle
shows can deliver. For everyone else, Fox is a
to female P-I-M-Ps.
hot mamajama who’s doing her thing. •
Similar to The Bachelorette in structure, 20 guys compete for a chance at the girl – in this case, the “cougar,” Stacey Anderson,
The fact that Anderson doesn’t look her age at all makes you forget the disturbing age
Candy
SKITTLES CRAZY CORES
by Janis Connor
CHERRY-LEMONADE
BLUE RASPBERRY-LEMON
Cherry-lemonade begins its flavor journey
Not being a fan of blue raspberry, I must say,
with an artificial cherry, one that isn’t as
this tart concoction is an instance where the
bad as the Wild Berry variety. The lemonade
flavor works well. The acidity of the lemon
flavor transforming the piece will distract your
balances the tang of the blue raspberry.
tongue from any cough syrup association.
The end result is a scrumptious mix.
STRAWBERRY-WATERMELON
RATING / DIG IT
The watermelon and strawberry share equal
To me, there is nothing novel about Crazy Cores. Both the Tropical and Smoothie Mix
flavor time, blending harmoniously. I don’t
varieties of Skittles are comprised of two
Who doesn’t like candy? Who doesn’t like
like strawberry and watermelon a great
different flavors in each piece. Many may prefer the unadulterated, original mix.
Skittles for that matter? This wonderful new
deal to begin with, and since the strawberry
twist on a staple of bite-sized treats will give
tasted identical to the original variety,
Still, there is nothing egregious about them
new meaning to these questions. Skittles
I didn’t fall in love with this flavor. It will
and I wouldn’t turn them down if someone
Crazy Cores has to be one of my new favorite
appease fans of those flavors.
offered me a bag, but I would probably buy
candies. With strawberry-watermelon,
MELON-BERRY
a different flavor if it were my own money I
cherry lemonade, mango-peach, melon-
I am confused by this flavor simply because
was spending. •
berry, and blue raspberry-lemon, there are 10
Wild Berry Skittles already contain a melon-
different flavors in one bag! If anything, it’s the
berry flavor. Either way, this piece refuses
best bargain under the sun.
to seek classification. The generic terms of
MANGO-PEACH
melon and berry offer no actual suggestion
Instead of mango, you get a blast of nectarine.
as to which melons or berries are being
It’s a juicy rush that then transitions into a
utilized and, upon tasting, I still had no
peach flavor reminiscent of the Jelly Belly
answer. I suppose it seemed like kiwi fruit
flavor. Despite not being mango, it does have a
more than anything else.
very tropical taste.
14 Leisure | 04.24.09
04.24.09 AT YOUR LEISURE
by John Howard
REPORTER RECOMMENDS
QUOTE
PHONESPELL.ORG If you’re looking for a catchy way to remem-
“I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT ME. JUST BE SURE TO SPELL MY NAME WRONG.”
ber your own phone number and the whole numerals thing just isn’t cutting it. Or perhaps you might be superstitious and think your phone number actually spells out something
by Baraba Streisand
of meaning. Either way, you should consider giving this site a good once-over. Simply go to the web page, punch in you or your friend’s number, and presto: A list of all possible
OVERSEEN AND OVERHEARD
word combinations matching their associated letters on a
Male student attacked by a bird on the west side of the
touch-tone phone keypad. Useless? Of course it is. But there’s
Engineering Building.
no harm in starting to brainstorm early for that radio jingle you’ll have to make when you drop out of engineering school
SG car #84 with a bicycle on the back, two and a half hours
to start up a local, ambulance-chasing law firm.
from campus in Utica, NY on Easter weekend.
WORD OF THE WEEK
SYZYGY
n. the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (as the sun, moon and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse) in a gravitational system. Definition provided by http://merriam-webster.com.
“You don’t need your arms or your hands to drive.” -Student in heated argument with friends in the SAU
SUDOKU 7 2
STREAM OF FACTS
Difficulty Rating / Medium
9 5
8
5
4
8
7
4
4 3
The milk of cows and goats are not the only types used to
9
6
2
1
The CHEESE dog, an average hot dog injected with cheese
7 6
4
is currently in the works and set to hit screens in 2011. It will
1 5
1 2
in the center, was born in the Finkbeiner Meat Packing Co. during 1956 in LITTLE Rock, Arkansas.
LITTLE Fockers, the third of the Meet the Parents trilog y,
9
2
make cheese. Buffalo milk and water, for example, are used to make traditional mozzarella CHEESE.
3
8
1
4
5
7
8 4
be directed by Paul Weitz of American PIE. Apple PIE, unsurprisingly enough, had the top score in 2008 when the makers of Mrs. Smith’s surveyed America on its top
CARTOON by Cartoon Band
THREE favorite types of pie. Before his role in the original The THREE Stooges, Moe Howard was part of Annette Kellerman’s vaudevillian aquatic act as a slapstick DIVING “girl”.
DIVING, dating back to the 17th century as training for gymnasts, was introduced as an Olympic event in the year 1912 in St. Louis with the title of “FANCY diving”. A FANCY rat is the name for the domesticated rat you’d find in a common pet store. The larger and lazier males are the bucks and the smaller FEMALE rats are called does.
FEMALE blue whales are larger than the males of this species with hearts the size of cars. These mammals, larger today than their prehistoric ancestors, weigh in at three tons as newborns. All art is conversation. CARTOON BAND is an open dialogue. Words and pictures puzzle as we pass the pen…this is idea intercourse.
15
Breaki n g theSilence
GLBT STUDENT GROUPS AT RIT
BY LAURA MANDANAS | WITH KELLY VOTOLATO CONTRIBUTING | PHOTOGRAPHS BY K. NICOLE MURTAGH
From their origins as a small, nameless group meeting in obscure rooms at ambiguous times for their own protection, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) student groups at RIT have undergone quite a change. No longer do membership rosters need to be kept under lock and key; with a community of 300 or more proud members, there’s no denying their presence on campus. ¶ Over the past three decades, GLBT student groups have experienced great growth. Last April 17, you may have noticed a few members of these groups wordlessly gathering in locations around campus, handing out informational cards. Taking a day-long vow of silence, their actions were done in symbolic protest of the silencing of GLBT students and their supporters through bullying and harassment. ¶ Now, the time for silence is over. Here is their story.
16
17
A SECRET SOCIETY
recalls, that file of involved students was liter-
Reporter, the former president of the InterVar-
ally kept under lock and key.
sity Christian Fellowship wrote, “In as far as the
Pr ior to the for mat ion of any for mal GLBT
Eventually, the group decided that they did
GLFSO intends to contribute to the moral de-
group on campus, there was a group of gay
not want to be a secret organization. Calling
generation of individuals and society as a whole
students that met privately. Mike D’Arcangelo,
themselves the Gay, Lesbians and Friends Stu-
by anesthetizing the consciences of gays and
director of the Center for Campus Life, describes,
dent Organization (GLFSO), the group went be-
encouraging homosexual lifestyles, I must voice
“They didn’t want to be recognized as a club be-
fore the Student Directorate board on October
my vigorous opposition. Jesus Christ provided
cause they were afraid at that point, in terms of
11, 1983, asking for recognition as a Class II club.
an alternative. Why not look into it?”
retaliation ... So the director at that time kept
Although an unusually large number of people
a listing of them privately and made room res-
attended the meeting to express their concern,
ervations for them so they would have a place
the board did not express any negative feedback.
to meet.” D’Arcangelo believes that the group
The proposal passed with only one abstention.
LIFE IN THE BRICK CLOSET Ignoring the harsh opposition, GLFSO continued
would probably convene in a small room at
In the weeks that followed, GLFSO’s recogni-
about 10 p.m. right before the buildings would
tion was a topic of hot debate within the student
their weekly meetings. The group discussed the difficulties of acceptance on conservative
close. “But because there were rosters that were
body. Many spoke out against their recogni-
campuses such as RIT and noted that it was
required then, just like they are now, students
tion, declaring homosexuality to be a sickness
primarily due to a lack of support, organization,
didn’t want to put their names down.” As he
and/or an immorality. In a letter to the editor of
and a fear of losing job and co-op opportunities.
The group concluded that the best way to ad-
munity to think about GLBT rights and to make
had five years to comply before facing suspen-
dress this would be to sponsor educational ac-
a conscious decision about the GLBT commu-
sion at RIT. (In the years that followed, however,
tivities that benefited the entire campus. Despite their efforts, tensions on campus es-
nity: Either to wear jeans on that day in a show
RIT did not discontinue ROTC. The program is
of support for GLBT issues, or to not wear jeans,
alive and well today, as is the prohibitive policy.)
calated. AIDS was on the rise and — although
showing that they did not support GLBT issues.
Removing “gay,” “lesbian” and “bisexual” from
medical knowledge was limited — it was a well-
The group wanted to reveal to the campus that
the title, BIGALA was replaced by the Alterna-
known fact that the disease was most preva-
GLBT students do exist at RIT and that they are
tive Student Fellowship (ASF) in 1996. Although
lent among gay and bisexual men. With a full
not ashamed of who they are.
students noted that Rochester had a large
50 percent of all known AIDS cases located in
gay community, they often described RIT as
DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL
New York State as of 1983, fear of GLBT individuals was very high at RIT. Following a forum
“the brick closet.” Hoping to help others come out and to find acceptance at the institute, one of
on AIDS, an editorial piece in Reporter observed,
Facing continued prejudice and discrimina-
the big events that ASF promoted was National
“AIDS has brought homosexuality to the front
tion, BIGALA’s membership hovered around 30
Coming Out Day on October 11.
page, forcing society to acknowledge it.”
active student members for the next several
In 1989, GL FSO b e -
years. Members of t he
came the Bisexual, Gay
g roup worked with fac-
and Lesbian Association (BIGA L A). Facing more d iscr im inat ion t han ever, GLBT students reported both verbal and physical abuse from fellow students. As a group, BIGALA faced discriminat ion f rom t he fac-
How to be an ally
ulty and administration.
ult y and staff on R IT’s
GLBT AWARENESS D’Arcangelo recalls the stir on campus the first
Policy Council to include
National Coming Out Day created. It occurred
sexual orientation as a
right around open house days. Members of
protected item under the
ASF chalked slogans up and down the Quarter
school’s anti-discrimina-
Mile, creating much controversy. “People would
tion policy. In winter of
react to them ... People would bring out their
1994, the first ever Ally
own chalk and write comments — some which
We ek was held at R I T,
were supportive, some which were antagonis-
stressing a positive re-
tic, some which were phobic, some which were
lationship between het-
just questioning. It really became this whole
They found themselves
Don’t make assumptions about a
erosexuals and the GLBT
dialog ue.” After the week ended, however,
b ei ng ha s sle d a nd de -
person’s sexual orientation or gen-
community. Members of
campus-wide discussion of GLBT issues died
nied room reservations.
der identity.
PIERS (Peers Informing &
right back down again. Still, some impact must
On top of t hat, t hey
Speak out against all anti-gay
Educating RIT Students)
have been made; in the years immediately after
were ref used the r ight
jokes or statements. Even the
trained professors and
ASF began recognizing National Coming Out day,
to advertise their meet-
seemingly innocuous statement
certified their offices as
club membership grew to over 100 members.
ings in desig nated dis-
of “That’s so gay” is harmful.
play cases in the College
“safe zones” on campus,
Two years later, during Gay Awareness Week,
Avoid stereotyping and make it
places where GLBT stu-
the group (now calling themselves the RIT Gay
Alumni Union (now the
clear to others that stereotypes
dents can comfor tably
Alliance or RITGA) held a candlelight vigil for
Student A lumni Union
don’t represent the entire GLBT
talk about academic and
murder victim Matthew Shepard, a student
(S AU )), de spite la rg e
community.
social problems without
at the University of Wyoming who had been
portions of the display
Talk about GLBT issues and let
fear of discr im inat ion
targeted with hate crimes because he was gay.
cases being empty.
people know that you are in sup-
due to sexual orientation.
Despite bad weather conditions, students met
Dur ing t his t ime, a group of anonymous stu-
port of the GLBT community. Use the words “gay” and “lesbian”
L at e r t h at y e a r, t h e
in front of the SAU to honor Shepard’s memory
government’s “Don’t Ask,
and raise awareness in the community about at-
dents formed an organi-
instead of “homosexual.” Most
Don’t Tell” policy came
tacks on the GLBT community. Three and a half
zation with the specific
gays and lesbians do not identify
under intense scrutiny at
hours after the ceremony ended, two students appeared on the evening news with disturbing
intent of targeting GLBT
with or use the word “homosexual”
RIT. The policy excluded
st udent s. The y ca l le d
to describe themselves.
openly gay, lesbian and
information: Following the ceremony, members
t hem selves St udent s
Keep an eye out for heterosexism
b i s e x u a l p e o pl e f r om
of the group received death threats. Some of the
Against Fags Everywhere
— the belief that heterosexuality is
ser ving in the militar y.
calls were from the dorms on campus.
(S A F E ). When BIG A L A
or should be the only acceptable
Finding it to be in viola-
sponsored “Jeans Day,”
sexual orientation — and point
t ion of R I T ’s a nt i- d i s-
SA FE ran a simult ane-
it out to others when you see it.
crimination policy, both
COMING OUT
ous counter-campaig n,
Many do not realize when they
Student Government (SG)
Making clear RIT’s zero tolerance policy towards
ripping down BIGALA’s
are being heterosexist.
and t he Fac u lt y Coun-
discrimination, 1999 was a turning point for di-
posters and replac-
Be aware of the word choices you
cil suppor ted a resolu-
versity. Despite the continued social activism of
ing them w ith g raphic,
are making and use inclusive lan-
tion that RIT notify the
student groups, D’Arcangelo notes that it was at
der og at or y p o st er s of
guage. Ask “Are you seeing some-
Department of Defense
this point that lasting progress really began to
t h e i r o w n . T h e e v e nt
one?” instead of “Do you have a
that the Reserve Officers
be made. Julie White, who was the director of
prompted the RIT com-
boyfriend?”
Training Cor ps (ROTC)
the Women’s Center, received a grant to pur-
19
sue her interest in gender issues. Discovering that the GLBT student population had very little
“out” has grown by leaps and bounds.
formalized, institutional support, she began to
Currently, RITGA has
reach out to them and created programs to ben-
o v er 3 0 0 memb er s on
efit the GLBT community. It was her initial pro-
their mailing list.
gram of exercises that has turned into today’s Safe Zone training. In 2003, a climate study was conducted at RIT.
As more students have come out, GLBT issues have enjoyed higher vis-
More ways to be an ally
be open [to GLBT people], i t d o e s n’ t m e a n t h a t they’re educated about it. That’s what we’re working on now.”
A GENERATION RAISED ON WILL AND GRACE
Even after all of the progress made, just under
ibility on campus than
half of the student population reported that the
e ver. C u r r ent ly, t her e
Educate yourself on GLBT issues
campus was “non-homophobic.” About a third
are three main organi-
and history. The GLBT center on
last 10 to 15 yea r s, I
of students had a neutral response. The remain-
zat ions t hat ser ve t he
campus is an excellent resource for
sense college students,
“My g uess i s t hat t he
ing one-fifth of the student body reported that
GLBT communit y: R I T-
educational material, gay publica-
especially, are more ac-
they felt the campus had homophobic tenden-
GA, OUTspoken, and the
tions and programs for allies.
cepting of these issues,”
cies. D’Arcangelo explains, “What it showed was
GLBT Center. Spectrum,
Don’t assume t hat a fr iend is
says D’Arcangelo. “I joke
that the climate towards gay, lesbian, bisexual
the Deaf GLBT stu-
sexually interested in you simply
t h at it ’s a g e ne r at ion
and transgender people and issues were at
dent organizat ion that
because they’ve disclosed their
that was raised on Will
the highest rate of phobia than all other areas.
for med several years
sexual orientation to you.
and Grace. There’s not the shock value anymore. It’s
More so than racism, more so than sexism,
ago f rom Deaf GLO,
When talking to GLBT people, be
more so than phobia of disabled people. So what
h a s d i s b a nde d a nd i s
respectful and use common sense.
just like, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s
that says to me is it’s either not on people’s ra-
c u r r e nt l y i n a p e r i o d
The same rules of polite conversa-
possible, that’s accept-
dar screens at all, or people are afraid to address
of reorganization.
tion apply. Asking someone about
able. I saw that on TV.’”
it, or there’s some real active stuff that goes on
David Yip, a fourth year
the gory details of their sex lives,
Much prog ress has
out there on a low level. It could be very subtle.”
Mechanical and Electri-
for example, is generally not appro-
been made over the past few decades.
Troubled by the results, RIT began to take a
cal Engineering student
priate in casual conversation.
closer look at the top three isolated populations:
and c u r rent president
Use pronouns that match a per-
Fo r m e r l y a d v e r s a r i a l
Women, Latino students, and GLBT students.
of R I T G A say s, “A l l of
son’s chosen gender — for exam-
g roups now show their
All three of these groups were given a represen-
t he organizat ions [t he
ple, if a male-born person identi-
suppor t for t he GLBT
tative on Student Government’s senate. Just this
GLBT Center, OUTspoken,
fies as female, refer to that person
community. For example,
past year, the GLBT senator position ended and
and R ITGA] tr y their
as “she.”
the InterVarsit y Chr is-
transitioned to representation through a Major
b est to work tog et her.
Treat partners of GLBT friends in
tian Fellowship partici-
Student Organization (MSO) called OUTspoken.
We have cer tain goals:
the same way that you would treat
pated in a lock-in with
a straight friend’s partner.
RITGA last quarter. Still,
In addition, a GLBT Center was established
Education, advocacy, and
in 2007. While the support available at the
— I g uess you can say,
not ever yone is as sup-
Women’s Center was a large step forward for
s o m e w h at — c e l e b r a -
portive. Two years ago,
the GLBT community, it still did not fully meet
tion.” As relatively new organizations, the three
in the weeks leading up to RITGA’s spring drag
their needs. Gay men in particular were unhap-
groups have a lot of work to do in establishing
show, someone defaced one of the posters
py with having to go to the Women’s Center to
their relationships with each other so that they
with an explicit comment. Yet upon noticing
have issues addressed. With the founding of the
won’t be continually stepping on each other’s
the comment, someone in the RIT communi-
center, GLBT students finally had a permanent
toes. In the past year, says Yip, each organiza-
ty — RITGA’s members still don’t know who —
place on RIT’s campus.
tion has chosen a unique foothold: The GLBT
immediately took action. They cut out the
Center focuses on education and support; OUT-
word and replaced that section of the poster.
spoken focuses on advocacy and awareness; and
They then reported the incident and a sample of
RITGA focuses on the social aspect and celebra-
the paint was taken. It ended up being matched
tion within the community.
to some spray paint used on rocks.
THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE Cory Gregory, a third year Electrical Engineering major and current president of OUTspoken,
When Gregory first approached RITGA about
Yip says, “Just the fact that they went through
estimates the size of the GLBT population as fol-
creating an MSO, the group was somewhat op-
all this trouble and realizing that it was such a
lows, “Approximately 10 percent of people are
posed to the idea, fearful that it would split
big thing for our community was very impor-
GLB — not including the transgender — so at
the community into smaller groups. Now that
tant to us. The way that was handled and taken down really quickly, I think a lot of people just
RIT, that would be approximately 1,650 people
OUTspoken is established, however, the orga-
plus however many transgender students we
nizations work together and support each other.
saw that and were like ‘Oh, wow, it’s fine and
have on campus.” It’s difficult to track exactly
As an MSO, OUTspoken has access to a larger
cool to be around here’. I think we’ve always
how many GLBT students there actually are but
budget and is better able to reach the RIT com-
been supportive, it’s just showing more now.”
he notes that the number of students who are
munity. He notes, “Even though people might
20
Jack Gold, a third year Graphic Design major
and female to male (FTM) transgendered mem-
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
ber of RITGA, shares, “There’s kind of the little
and housing arrangements on campus, and, in general, a greater amount of awareness and
things — people throwing around “gay” as an
D’Arcangelo, Yip, Gregory and Gold all agree
insult or whatever — but nothing personal.”
that there is much room for growth and im-
education regarding GLBT issues. As a final note, Yip adds, “I think it’s impor-
People sometimes have difficulty remember-
provement in the years to come. Top items on
tant to know that we, like everybody else, are
ing which pronouns to use when referring to
their wish lists include: Mandatory safe zone
just people. We have the same desires and
him, but, in general, he has found RIT to be a
training for all employees, a top-down state-
have the same rights and have the same feel-
very supportive environment. In the future, he
ment of intent to specifically serve the GLBT
ings. Like any other group that has rallied and
would like to see greater awareness and edu-
population at RIT, a set of programs targeted to
come together for their rights — women, Afri-
cation about transgendered people. Explains
serve students who are not yet out and don’t feel
can Americans, Asians — I think that recently
Gold, “Thing is, GLB are all sexual orientations;
comfortable going to the GLBT Center, greater
it’s just become our time to shine and kind of be
transgender is a gender identity. So you can be
participation from GLBT students in the three
in the light. We are definitely open to helping,
transgendered and straight; you can be trans-
student organizations, the inclusion of “trans-
to educate, and sharing our community with
gendered and gay; you can be transgendered
gender” options on official RIT forms, optional
anyone that’s interested to learn.” •
and bi. We tend to get lumped together because
consideration of sexual orientation by RIT when
we all sort of transgressed a gender boundary
roommates are assigned for on-campus housing,
in one way or another. But it’s not the same.”
the addition of more gender neutral bathrooms
RIT/GALLAUDET SPORTS WEEKEND 2009
Imagine a daylong competition where 36 different sports are played, all of this an accumulation of more than thirty years of rivalry. This is RIT/Gallaudet Sports Weekend 2009. This weekend, hosted by RIT, is an annual, long-standing tradition in which RIT and Gallaudet University engage. Both universities alternate hosting the competition and, this year,
IT’S OUR TURF.
23
teammates. D ur ing t he second half, Gallaudet fell apart as they st r ug g led to make a goal. Toby F it c h , a f i r s t y e a r N e w M e d i a D e s i g n m aj o r a n d g o a l k e e p e r, made some great saves, giving RIT a shutout game w it h 4 - 0 as t he final score.
eSPORTS You heard r ig ht. eSpor t s. What took mainstream culture so long to adopt, took less time for RIT and Gallaudet to add to the list of competitions. This competition was split into two parts: Madden NFL 09 and Halo 3. There was a large crowd watching the Madden match. It turned out to be a heated match as the score on either side kept creeping up. It all cumulated into one final play that had the whole audience sitting forward in their seats. When Gallaudet “pressed t he w rong but ton” and allowed RIT to score, the fans went wild. Josh Weinstock, a first year Deaf Studies and Communication dual m aj o r at G a l l au d e t , c o n c e d e d ,
THE weekend started off properly with a pep
after the tournament — which lasted from 10
rally that was held on Friday, April 17. Fans and
a.m. to 8:30 p.m. the next day — that a victor
[his opponent] good, we both put in great effort
athletes all gathered at the Gordon Field House
would emerge.
and had a great game.”
MEN’S SOCCER
in order to compete in Halo 3, each team
competition is something that both universities
During the first minutes of the soccer match,
had to bring four players. Gallaudet only
look forward to all year.
Gallaudet certainly put the pressure on our
had three show up and had to concede
to cheer and heckle each other. All of it was played in good sport, acknowledging that this
“It was a great game, I just had a bad start. Tim’s
A disappointment for this event was that,
Ja s on S c hw e bk e, a t h i r d y e a r I n for m a-
team. The ball spent the most time deep in
the game to RIT. However, this did not
tion Technolog y major, said, “It’s my third
the RIT side of the field. However, this was a
stop everyone from being good sports.
time attending the RIT/Gallaudet weekend.
guise, as RIT quickly took control with some
Neil DuPaul, a RIT alumni, played in the
It’s changed; the pep rally is now in the Field
excellent passing and scored the f irst goal,
remaining spot on the Gallaudet team
House instead of the Clark Gym, I like it. The
starting the day well. It wasn’t even six minutes
and both teams held an informal match.
weather’s been good for this particular week-
when RIT scored another goal. This was due to
True to its gaming reputation, RIT swept
end; we definitely get lucky every [other] year.
the great passes made between each player.
the virtual floor with Gallaudet.
I just hope that nobody gets in trouble, because
Gallaudet made a lot of steals, but would often
last year, we lost [the competition] on a techni-
lose the ball to bad passes. Just before the first
cality. So, I’m expecting another close one.”
half ended, Gallaudet became visibly frustrated
Not muc h w a s e x p e c t e d f r om t h i s
with the lack of goals.
sport. As it was relatively new to the
“I just want to have fun, play hard. I’m look-
COED WATER POLO
ing forward to some hot competition and to
“I’m very proud of our guys. We did great in
just enjoy myself,” said Liz Jarashow, a first
the first half. I want to see more of the same
competition, there hadn’t been much at tent ion for t h is par t icular match.
year Undeclared major transfer student at
stuff. We’re going to take back what’s rightfully
Anyone who decided to skip this sport would be missing out on a heated match.
Gallaudet from RIT and the individual sports
ours. We have good control, good support, and
chairperson. When asked to predict the winner,
good communication,” said Gabi Nocciolino,
Gallaudet scored t he f irst goal ver y
“I’m not sure, we’ll see about that tomorrow!”
a fourth year ASL/English Interpretation major
quickly, catching RIT off guard. To make
exclaimed Jarashow. Once everyone was fired up, the pep rally left
and coach of the RIT men’s soccer team. The
matters worse, Gallaudet scored the
players on the sidelines were noticeably relaxed,
second goal. Not one to be intimidated,
every contender anxious to declare themselves
as they were casually conversing with each
RIT got its groove back and made some
the victors of the weekend. It would not be until
ot her and occasiona l ly cheer i ng on t hei r
goals, bringing the scores head to head
24 Sports | 04.24.09
for the rest of the game. An impressive play was
It’s better than coming when there’s nothing
made by RIT when a player got the ball, spun
to do. It’s a great weekend to go to RIT, espe-
instead of on the other side. RIT started to slow-
around, and made a score with a throw from
cially when your daughter’s competing, it takes
ly catch up. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to
behind his back. The fans definitely went wild
me back to her high school days,” added Cyd
win and we lost by a few points.
with this play.
Lindeman. Cyd also noted, “It’s great because
The final match was by far the most com-
we’re not exposed to Deaf culture very much.
petitive and emotional match of the three.
minute of the game with the score tied at 12-
Going to the pep rally, seeing everyone get ex-
You could clearly see RIT’s passion to win. Not
12, the coach of RIT’s team joined play. Gallau-
cited, it’s really cool.”
only that, the fans started to stand up, anxious
Things became intense when, in the last
det objected to this and confronted the referee,
more turnovers. The spikes ended up in the net
for their teams. RIT continued to make some
interrupting gameplay. The argument escalated
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
when a RIT player splashed the objecting per-
The men’s volleyball game turned out to be one
some great sets and spikes, ones that Gallaudet
turnovers, but Gallaudet did as well. RIT made
son, and more people quickly gathered as the
of the most lively games of the day. On Gallau-
players couldn’t reach in time, sending RIT fans
argument continued to escalate. Things got
det’s team, half of the players grew up together
in a frenzy. RIT ultimately won 15 to 13.
tenser when a fan from the Gallaudet side of the
and played volleyball together. While on RIT’s
While R I T was celebrat ing t heir v ictor y,
stands threw something into the pool. An offi-
team, two were on the Deaf Olympics team and
Gallaudet grumbled but showed good sport.
cial showed up and calmed things down, having
the rest have practiced together for a while.
They knew it was a good game and we did too.
everyone come to an agreement that the argu-
Traditionally, Gallaudet has also always been
ment would be settled after the match played
dominant in winning the men’s volleyball—
itself out. Unfortunately, Gallaudet scored a goal
and in the first match, they were determined to
Results would not be announced until the party,
with 30 seconds left on the clock. RIT attempted
keep the bragging rights. Everyone anticipated
which took place at RIT and was called Brickfest
to make one, but had the ball stolen and stalled
an animate competition.
(when hosted at Gallaudet, the party is called
until the clock ran out of time.
THE CUMULATION OF THE WEEKEND
Each player put all out, showing no mercy to
Rockfest). There, it became evident to everyone
Sitting amongst the large turnout for the wa-
the ball. Practically each spike sounded like
that RIT was the victor of this year’s competi-
ter polo game were some people unquestion-
a gunshot, traveling at such a speed that the
tion, snagging 222 points to Gallaudet’s 165.
ably older than the average college student.
player on the other side didn’t have time to
We won what was stolen from us the previous year, with the hope that, next year, we will take
It turns out that they were actually parents,
blink. RIT, however, proved to be a worthwhile
who made the journey from Atlantic, Iowa, to
opponent and was always a few points ahead or
the trophy back home as well •
watch their daughter, Molly Lindeman, a fourth
behind Gallaudet. RIT won the first match, 27 to
by David Spiecker
year Business Administration major, compete in
25, and the Bison became more determined to
with Derrick Behm contributing
the weekend. “It’s been a lot of fun!” said Fred
defeat the Tigers.
Lindeman. “It’s a good time to come [to RIT].
In the second match, RIT panicked as Gallau-
There’s so much to do, so many things to see.
det picked up an early lead. This led RIT to make
photographs by David Spiecker and Eric Drummond
1. The women flag football team huddles up during a timeout. Photograph by David Spiecker. 2. Volunteers from the audience try to fire up the crowd during the pep rally. Photograph by David Spiecker. 3. The water polo teams practice before the game. Photograph by Eric Drummond. Log on to http:// reportermag.com for a complete list of scores.
25
beyond
BELIEF
26 Views | 04.24.09
as
we become more connected
in the Internet Age, talk gets cheaper, and we see the lines
of the senator’s decision-making
of gay marriage? Are there
process. Simply, McKinley did not
contradictions that emerge when
that we make to an institution
examining one’s understanding of
so traditionally rich as marriage
a functioning of society?
are complex. The cultural
“think,” he “believed.”
The subconscious attachments
dissolve between intelligent
Belief implies a whole set of
discourse and one-sided
unknowns, delving into realms
pandering. A topic such as the
of ethics and morality that are
unsure of what the implications
part of our self-image
changing of the traditional
based upon a wide variety of
would be if gay marriage were
and identity.
definition of marriage is worth
sources, including religious
legalized. Arguments in this
As symbol-oriented people,
more than just a meaningless
texts and cultural values. For the
vein include concerns about
the changing of an institution
sentiment or a flippant remark.
average person who “believes”
homosexuals’ ability to parent
such as marriage certainly
I want to use this opportunity to
something, the best method to
effectively. Others maintain that
threatens our traditional identity.
encourage one’s own
get him or her to start thinking
legalizing gay marriage would
When our identity is disturbed,
critical thinking.
again is to ask questions. The
start a slippery slope towards the
or is in danger, the natural
following questions are important
deterioration of marriage. If it was
reaction is to spring into arms
to ask for those who believe that
proved that homosexuals could
without acknowledging the complexities of the issue.
On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court confirmed that:
Many people are simply
associations we attach make a
“Couples ... may not be denied
marriage should only be between
not create a loving household,
licenses to marry or certificates
one man and one woman: What is
then this could have disastrous
of marriage or in any other way
the historical basis of a religious
implications for the country.
and our country has always stood behind the rights of
Free will is a powerful thing
prevented from entering into a
condemnation of gay marriage?
A generation of young people
civil marriage ... by reason of the
Are there contradictions that
could grow up in a fractured
the individual. Even the first
fact that both persons comprising
emerge when interpreting Bible
environment — damaged
amendment spells out that
such a couple are of the
passages literally?
emotionally, mentally and
Congress shall make no law
physically. This could potentially
concerning the “sanctity” of something, no matter
same sex.” The ruling was also significant
Specifically, the Jews of the Old Testament era viewed
damage the proper functioning of
because it was an unanimous
homosexuality as a sin because
a democracy or, even worse,
how hard people try for a
7-0 decision coming from a state
it did not result in procreation,
the consumer capitalist economy!
constitutional ban.
supreme court that is located
which was necessary to spread
in the heart of the country, a
the faith. Many people quote one
But no such proof exists.
As our generation faces
There has yet to be a long-
the problems started by our
true “red” state. In response, Paul
translation of Leviticus 18:22,
term study concluding that
grandparents and parents,
McKinley, a leading Republican
which states: “Do not lie with a
homosexuals are any worse
we have come to understand that
in the Iowa Senate, issued a
man as one lies with a woman;
parents than heterosexuals.
it is not always the best policy to
statement: “I believe marriage
that is detestable.” But if we
To say so one way or another is
follow the rules they have laid
should only be between one
are to quote another chapter in
relying on a belief rather
before us without question.
man and one woman and I am
Leviticus, specifically 11:12,
than fact.
One could say that this is why we
confident the majority of Iowans want traditional marriage to be
we see a strange inclusion: “Anything living in the water that
But why do people believe
have an enormous national debt
these things? Why are some
and an unprecedented amount of environmental concerns.
legally recognized in
does not have fins and scales is
uncomfortable with the idea of
this state.”
to be detestable to you.” So by
two people of the same gender
Hopefully, we can look at
this logic, eating shellfish is as
marrying? The answer may lie in
questions of “tradition”
Allow me to dissect this statement as the typical structure
sinful as two people of the same
our unconscious, in our natural
more rationally and spend time
of an argument against the
sex having intercourse. This is
human tendency to use symbols
with other, more serious issues. •
legalization of gay marriage.
just one example of how religious
as a way of simplifying complex
Senator McKinley began with,
texts were used to protect their
subjects. For many, marriage
“I believe,” rather than “I think.” While this may seem like a difference in semantics, this is actually a significant identifier
small tribes of followers in
means much more than a simple
by Michael Conti
uncertain times.
legal union. It means the white
illustration by Joanna Eberts
picket fence, the family of four,
The opinions expressed in the Views
even the security of the hearth.
section are soley those of the author.
What is the contemporary basis of fear-based condemnations
27
29
“AS LONG AS THEY LOVE EACH OTHER, I DON’T THINK IT SHOULD BE AN ISSUE.” Shawn Gaskill First year Engineering
“I’M NOT REALLY A RELIGIOUS PERSON, BUT I THINK WE DESERVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS EVERYONE ELSE. I COULD CARE LESS WHAT THEY CALL IT, WHETHER MARRIAGE OR CIVIL UNION.”
Steven Deridder First year Photojournalism
“EVERYBODY DESERVES SOME LOVIN’.”
“EVERY PERSON IN THIS COUNTRY DESERVES EQUAL RIGHTS, AND IN THIS DAY AND AGE GAYS ARE GROUP WITH THE MOST DISCRIMINATION. LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE OR BAN ALL MARRIAGE, IT’S ONLY RIGHT.”
Phil Amsler Second year Mechanical Engineering
“IT DOESN’T BOTHER ME, IF PEOPLE ARE IN LOVE THAN THAT’S COOL!”
Kevin Graham First year Psychology
Erin Horstman Second year Biomedical Science
“SO MUCH MORE MONEY WOULD BE PUT INTO THE ECONOMY BECAUSE OF ALL THE TAXING ON GAY MARRIAGES. THAT’S MORE MONEY THAT CAN HELP! BESIDES, GAY PEOPLE MAKE EVERYTHING FABULOUS. LET US GET WHAT WE DESERVE.”
“I’M ALL FOR IT. WAY TO GO!” Kerstin Jakiela First year Visual Media
Michael Mendoza First year ASL/English Interpretation
“IF ALL THE GAY PEOPLE WANT TO GET MARRIED THEN THEY CAN START THEIR OWN GAY COUNTRY AND GET MARRIED THERE.”
“NELSON, YOU’RE AN ASSHOLE.” Will Shorrock First year Computer Science
Ryan Nelson Second year Photography
“I THINK THAT UNTIL THERE IS A CLEAR DEFINITION OF WHAT MARRIAGE/LOVE IS, I DON’T THINK WE SHOULD JUDGE.” Stephen Patterson First year Undecided
photographs by Robert Carr
30 Views | 04.24.09
“TO EACH HIS/HER OWN. EVERYONE DESERVES EQUAL RIGHTS.” Chris Josefson First year Packaging Science
RIT RINGS 585.672.4840 compiled by Neil DeMoney All messages subject to editing and truncation. Not all messages will be run. Reporter reserves the right to publish all messages in any format.
FRIDAY, 2:39 A.M.
MONDAY, 2:24 P.M.
FRIDAY, 11:22 P.M.
Rings, I found Margaret Thatcher’s facebook. Not only is she all boobs and no brain, but she also smokes enough weed to embarrass Kurt Cobain. I’m completely turned off.
Hey Rings, I got three phone numbers from girls last night. On a Wednesday night! How is that for a RIT student?
SATURDAY, 5:22 P.M.
MONDAY, 1:06 A.M.
I WENT TO MY DRUG TEST, HIGH AND DRUNK FML!
Peace be with youuuuuu!!!
THE WEATHERMAN DESCRIBED THE FORECAST LAST NIGHT AS STARLIT AND CHILLY. WHAT EXACTLY DOES STARLIT MEAN AS IT RELATES TO THE WEATHER?
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MONDAY, 2:24 P.M.
We’re on the quarter mile handing out oranges, saying that it will prevent scurvy. However, it seems that everyone wants scurvy because no one is taking the oranges. So yeah, do something about that.
WEDNESDAY 8:47 P.M.
So, I’m walking outside on my way to Sol’s with some people and we overhear a group of guys, and one of them just says, “No, you cannot buttsex someone.” submitted via text
submitted via phone
TUESDAY, 12:02 P.M. Hey, Rings! I had the most terrible night ever. I didn’t know my roommate was gay all this time. Tonight, I opened the door and saw him [fudging] with another boy. Sicko! submitted via text
FRIDAY, 3:36 A.M.
Hey Rings, I am totally [crunk] faced here in Riverknoll, drinking Red Bull, just to [jump] a girl I met at a party to stay awake. Just to let you know. Peace!
SUNDAY, 11:27 P.M.
Do you think if I smoke my 80-year-old data analysis teacher up during class break, he would be chill enough to give me exam answers? submitted via text
submitted via phone
31
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