Sports
Wojcik breaks win record, gets love from TU fans p. 4
Variety
Valentine’s Day movie staff picks p. 5
a student newspaper of the university of tulsa
Opinion
Roses red, violets blue; is this the holiday for you? p. 6
february 14, 2012 issue 17 ~ volume 96
I don’t think anybody else has the right to tell you that your value is attached to whether you have sex, or how often you have sex
We want to support girls and let them know that staying pure is something that is valued
Your sexuality isn’t unnatural, it’s not bad, it’s not something to be ashamed of
WAR of the ROSES While many a rose may change hands between smitten couples this Valentine’s Day, neither the Newman Center nor the Coalition for Women’s Issues will be offering anyone actual roses. Catherine Roberts and Emily Callen
O
n a cold February two years ago, then-sophomore Tara Drwenski was rushing through ACAC, on her way to class. A stranger handed her an unexpected object, a red carnation. Thinking it was a nice Valen-
tine’s Day gesture, she hurried on. “Then I looked at the flower,” she said, “and it had a tag on it that said, ‘True love waits.” This Valentine’s day, the men of the Newman Center, the University of Tulsa’s Catholic student union, will uphold a long-standing tradition of distributing carnations to TU’s women. Each flower carries a message that encourages chastity. In contrast, an off-and-on tradition at the Coalition for Women’s Issues has been to create and offer “condom roses.” These flowers are made of pipe cleaner, with condoms for petals (some include a Hershey’s Kiss in the center).
Contrasting Messages
Junior Will LePage serves as a Peer Minister at the Newman Center. He said the idea with the carnations is to “proclaim the freedom that comes from knowing you’re living a pure life.” “We want to support girls and let them know that staying pure is something that is valued,” LePage said, “and we might change minds.” CWI member Haley Stritzel says the Coalition takes issue with the carnations on two levels—first, that the carnations are actively handed out. “It sort of makes assumptions about the woman’s sexuality, and we just don’t think that’s appropriate,” she said.
CWI will instead have a table set up in a high-traffic area of campus, where students will be free to pick up a condom rose if they choose. “Or if you want to pick up some condoms at the table and put them in your back pocket so you don’t have to take a bouquet of condom roses to your second class of the day, that’s fine too,” said Elise Bonine, CWI Vice President. The second problem Stritzel sees is that the men of the Newman Center only hand the flowers to women. She said it “reinforces a double standard where women are more to be punished for their sexuality, and it puts the burden on the women to control their sexual lives.” Father Kerry Wakulich serves
as pastor of the Newman Center. He is new to TU this year, but he thinks the carnations are “a pretty cool tradition.” He says the carnations are not meant to carry a demeaning message. Instead, “This tradition elevates women, puts them back in their proper place,” he said. LePage says that at the Newman Center, men are encouraged to be chaste. On Valentine’s Day we focus on encouraging women to be responsible for sexual purity, “but the rest of the year, guys want to be pure (as well).” He says pressure to have sex is a concern for men as well, par-
See Roses on page 2
NEWS
14 FEBRUARY 2012 From Roses on cover ticularly among athletes. At the Newman Center, men try to create a community of brotherly support. Stritzel says CWI has no problem with abstinence. “We want to teach it as an alternative along with safe sex,” she said. “I think it’s naive to believe that college-age students aren’t going to be having sex, and it’s irresponsible to not provide them with the means and the information needed to have safe, responsible sex.” “If you have a religious attachment to staying virginal until you are married, that’s one thing,” Bonine said. “But unless that is something that you believe religiously for yourself, I don’t think anybody else has the right to tell you that your value is attached to whether you have sex, or how often you have sex.” Drwenski says that receiving a purity flower from the Newman Center made her uncomfortable. “They are wasting their time and effort, because I doubt that any person who was wanting to have sex decided not to because of a flower,” she said. “I think abstinence is an outdated idea that we inherited from ancient times.” Sophomore Nathan Miller will not be handing out roses, but he does regularly attend Mass at the Newman Center. He sees the tradition as an act of religious expression in which men tell women,
“You’re worth my wait.” “This is a symbol of my commitment to myself and the person I eventually marry,” Miller said. Although the Valentine’s Day tradition involves men sending women a message about the value of purity, “I think it would be kind of cool to have guys tell other guys abstinence is kind of cool,” Miller said.
uality is a precious gift from God, and our culture seems to throw it away.” Wakulich also views the current zeitgeist surrounding human sexuality as a problem which TU has not escaped. “Just because I’m a celibate priest doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on in the culture,” he said. Stritzel says CWI is concerned with
“Abstinence isn’t really a talked about concept for men, and at a subconscious level, I think messages about chastity are more directed at women.” Asked about the CWI’s plans for Valentines Day, LePage said, “We’re not here to judge what they’re doing, but we’re going to stand up for what’s right.” Miller sees a campus with room for both traditions. “I think it’s also a necessary display for Valentine’s Day,” he said. “The condom roses are a creative display of ‘you’re worth it’—you’re worth the safety and responsibility.”
TU’s specific culture. “We’re in a very conservative state at a pretty conservative school. There’s definitely a very strong religious undercurrent in the student body,” she said. Bonine said she has felt that culture since her first weeks at TU. “At my freshman orientation, they were kind of like, ‘You shouldn’t have sex, you shouldn’t have sex … but if you’re going to have sex here’s how you put a condom on,” she recalled. Bonine points out that coming from stu-
“At a subconscious level ... messages about chastity are more directed at women”
Campus Culture
LePage says that the Newman Center seeks to combat a wider social trend. “It’s not that college campuses are barren wastelands where people are running around without morals,” he said, but, “sex-
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t $BSFFS (VJEBODF t 'JOBODJBM "TTJTUBODF t &NQMPZNFOU 4FSWJDFT t "DBEFNJD 3FNFEJBUJPO “Because of this program, I !"#$$%&'(&)*&+'*&,-.&/'$0,$'/#%.1'20,$' was able to afford to go to +#3'*#4&'%)'5#$%4,$%#.'$#')$,+'%.')"0##*' school! I am now a regis,./'"#56*&$&'+#3-'/&1-&&7'8#%.1'20,$' tered nurse with a home +#3'*#4&'0,)'$#'9&'$0&'5#$%4,$%#.'20&.' +#3')6&./'*#.1'0#3-)'2#-:%.1'#.' health company and 6-#;&"$)'%.')"0##*'"#563$&-'*,9)',./',$' making more money than I 0#5&'$#'5&&$'6-#;&"$'/&,/*%.&)7'(%$0' thought possible!” 0%)'<))#"%,$&'8&1-&&'%.'53*$%5&/%,''' - Jennifer Jameson $&"0.#*#1%&)'=-#5'>:*,0#5,'!$,$&' ?.%4&-)%$+'@.)$%$3$&'#='A&"0.#*#1+B' !"#$$%&'",.'/&)%1.',./'"-&,$&',.+$0%.1' +#3'",.'6-%.$'#-')&&'#.',')"-&&.' %."*3/%.1B'93$'.#$'*%5%$&/'$#B'2&9)%$&)B' "#55&-"%,*)B'9-#"03-&)',./'C8' ,.%5,$%#.)7 (0%*&'!"#$$%&'2,)'%.')"0##*B' 0&'0,/'$#'=%./'2,+)'$#'=3./'0%)' &/3",$%#.7''D&'2,.$)'$#'*&$')$3/&.$)' :.#2'$0,$'0&*6'%)'#3$'$0&-&B'93$'+#3'0,4&' $#'*##:'=#-'%$7'<=$&-'"#56*&$%.1')"0##*B' !"#$$%&')$,-$&/'*&,-.%.1'$0&'0,-/'2,+' 0#2'$0&'&"#.#5%"'/#2.$3-.'2,)'0%$$%.1' Serving Choctaws nationwide! 93)%.&))&)7'<=$&-'5#.$0)'#=' www.choctawcareers.com /&$&-5%.,$%#.',./')&,-"0%.1B'!"#$$%&' (866)933-2260 =#3./',';#9',)','5,)$&-'6-#/3"$%#.' $&"0.%"%,.'2%$0'EFGH'-,/%#'%.'83-,.$B' >E7 !%."&')$,-$%.1'2#-:'%.'I,+B'!"#$$%&' 0,)'9&&.'-&/&)%1.%.1'A0&'EFGH'G3JJ' 2&9)%$&B'/&)%1.%.1',/)'=#-'A0&'EFGH' upcoming events at G3JJB',./'$0&')$,$%#.)'$&"0.%",*'2#-:7' '
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Sharp Chapel
Career Development Clients…we want your feedback! Monday: Fair Trade Coffee: Learn more about the Career Program strives to provide clients with the highest fair trade missionThe and grabDevelopment some free coffee quality of services possible. Upon completion of your training we want to hear and tasty chocolate in the Atrium from 8:30 a.m. to 11 from a.m. you! An exit interview is available on our website at www.choctawcareers.com. We want to hear about your training success and if
Lunch with Calvin: Reading and discussion our services appropriately met your needs. For more information contact the over John Calvin Career with lunch at 12 p.m. in at the Development office 866-933-2260. upstairs conference room.
www.choctawcareers.com
Wednesday: WOW (Worship on Wednesday): Uplifting praise music and a chapel service in the main sanctuary at 12 p.m. followed by lunch.
Thursday: Apologetics for Lunch: Reading and discussion over John Scott’s writings with lunch at 12 p.m. in the Atrium. Gateway Late-Night Worship: Fellowship, a message and great student-led worship at 9 p.m. in the Atrium. Friday: PLS Lunch: Come learn more about PLS (Presbyterian Leaders and Scholars) and hear a message from a different fellow student each week at 12 p.m. in the Atrium.
dents, CWI’s peer-to-peer message with the condom roses has a more relaxed feel. “It’s not the man coming down and saying, ‘You should or should not be having sex,’” she said. Instead, CWI seeks to send the message, “It’s okay, your sexuality isn’t unnatural, it’s not bad, it’s not something to be ashamed of,” Stritzel said. Sophomore Stephen Place said his friends are respectful of each others’ choices about whether to have sex. “Most of the couples I know are,” he said, “but there are definitely people who aren’t, mostly for religious reasons. It wouldn’t be weird if you weren’t.” As an RA, “The walls in my building are fairly thin. There are people who are (having sex) for sure,” Place joked. LePage says that while the goal is not to offend anyone, the Newman Center will not be giving up its tradition anytime soon. “Giving a girl a flower anytime is welcomed with a smile,” he said. “We’re not going to shy away from this.”
Planned Parenthood finds support on TU campus After nearly losing funding from anticancer organization Susan G. Komen, Planned Parenthood makes a PR push, touting non-abortion services. John Lepine
Choctaw Staff WriterNation
Career Development
Scott Wesley Career Development strives to create a pipeline to quality career and technology training to the Choctaw people through:
THE COLLEGIAN : 2
The(866) controversy erupting from the Jan. 31 933-2260 announcement that Susan G. Komen for the Office Cure would cut its funding to Planned Locations: Parenthood has spread to the University of Antlers, OK Tulsa campus. TU students set up booths in (580) 775-0186 support of Planned Parenthood last Friday in ACAC andOK outside the Pat Case Dining Ardmore, Center. (580) 223-1441 ext. 2246 Wearing purple shirts reading “I stand with Planned Parenthood,” TU graduate Durant, OK students, undergraduates and even alumni (580) 920-2260 passed out literature and answered questions about the activities of Planned Parenthood Hugo, OK and why TU students should support it. (580) 326-4910 “We started noticing a lot of misinformation,” said TU senior Joshua Cox-Steib, “in Idabel, OK both actual on-campus dialogue and Face(580) 775-0514 book dialogue.” Junior Tess Cain agreed, pointing out that Poteau, OK “Planned Parenthood does not even perform (918) 647-5444 abortions” in Oklahoma. “In fact, only two percent of Planned Talihina,money OK goes to abortions,” comParenthood (918) 567-2264 mented graduate student Brad Jellison. “The rest goes to ... contraception, pap smears, Stigler, OKthese sorts of things.” breast exams, (918) 967-2398 Some of the TU Planned Parenthood supporters have used Planned Parenthood’s McAlester, health servicesOK before (for example, free (918) 302-3615 HIV testing), while others have not. “The Alexander Health Center offers enough of thisBroken stuff atBow, suchOK a cost” that it is usually (580) 236-1019 more convenient for students, pointed out graduate assistant James Johnson. Tishomingo, OK “Because of the way At the same time, 371-2371 ext. 249 insurance, if that(580) the Health Center handles you don’t have the school’s insurance, you City, Stillwater, canOklahoma get stuck paying for [medical expenses] Tulsa noted senior Emily Callen, out and of pocket,” 614-0133 who(405) helped organize support for Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood gives students “anTexas Clients other place to go that might be able to work (580) 775-0526 with (their) insurance company more directly,”Clients she said. Outside Texas and TU alumna Kateri Smith does not personOklahoma ally(580) use Planned Parenthood as a resource, 775-4227 but came back to campus to join Friday’s demonstration because of a concern for universal reproductive health care. She says that supports Planned Parenthood because “a lot of options for people who don’t have insurance are a lot harder to use and harder to find.” According to Smith, “If we don’t have Planned Parenthood ... availability of health care is just not there.” As of Jan. 1 of this year, Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma has been consolidated with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland to form a four-state affiliate in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Iowa. According to brochures given out at the booths, in fiscal year 2011 just two percent of PP Heartland’s services administered were abortions for a total of 5,504. Over
wed 2/15:
FRI 2/17: Sat 2/18:
William and Judith / The Tempest
Open Casting Call
What if William wasn’t the only literary genius named Shakespeare? In “Wiliam and Judith,” playwright Cody Daigle imagines a scenario, proposed by Virginia Woolf, in which the bard has a playwright sister. “William and Judith” will play at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 18 and at 2 p.m Feb. 12 at the Tulsa PAC. Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will play the same week, at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 and 17, then at 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Tickets are $25.
TU film studies department is hosting a casting call for people of all ages to take part in upcoming student projects. The event will be held in the Lorton PAC from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Email Ashley Etter at ame666@utulsa.edu.
143,000 patients came to Planned Parenthood for contraception (52 percent of services), while another 66,000 visits (24 percent) were for sexually-transmitted infections testing. Still, abortion is the source of most of the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood. The decision by Susan G. Komen to cut funding for Planned Parenthood caused Twitter and Facebook to boil over in a frenzy of criticism and debate over the popular breast cancer research and education foundation’s decision. On Feb. 3 , the Susan G. Komen Board of Directors issued an apology for the controversy and pledged to continue funding its existing grants. On Feb. 7, Karen Handel, senior vice president of public policy, announced her immediate resignation from Komen. Handel, a 2010 Republican candidate for governor of Georgia who is anti-abortion, said she stands by Komen’s original decision and was “deeply disappointed by the gross mischaracterizations of the strategy, its rationale and (her) involvement in it.” TU’s Planned Parenthood supporters, on the other hand, are glad that Komen has reversed its decision. Jellison considers the whole event to have been “unfortunate,” noting that “a large (portion) of Planned Parenthood’s funding comes from outside contributions.” Forty percent of PP Heartland’s revenue consisted of voluntary donations in fiscal year 2011. Another seven percent of PP Heartland’s funding came from governmental grants. Planned Parenthood has received federal money since Richard Nixon signed Title X into law in 1970. While abortion is excluded from federal funding by law, critics argue that govern-
“‘We started noticing a lot of misinformation,’ said TU senior Joshua Cox-Steib” ment funding of any Planned Parenthood activities “frees up” money for abortion, thus indirectly contributing to abortion despite the legal restrictions. The nearest Planned Parenthood clinic to TU, located at 10th and Peoria, conducts only abortion referrals, as do the other three facilities in Tulsa. Oklahoma, where abortion was illegal until the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, maintains a number of legal restrictions to slow down and hamper the process of getting an abortion, leading lieutenant governor Todd Lamb to call Oklahoma “the second safest state in the country to be in the womb.” Oklahoma requires minors to inform one parent before an abortion may be obtained and imposes a 24-hour waiting period and mandatory counseling. Oklahoma also has a “trigger law” that would ban late-term abortions should Roe be overturned. Other proposals under consideration in the state legislature would grant “personhood” status to fetuses or require a mother to listen to the heartbeat of the fetus before obtaining an abortion.
sat 2/18:
Lecture: Indian Peace Dollars
Cirque du Soleil: Michael Jackson
Coin collectors and history lovers take note: Robert Hoge, the curator of North American coins and currency for the American Numismatic Society, will speak on Indian Peace Medals. These silver medallions became symbolic of the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. government. Hoge will lecture at 2 p.m. at Gilcrease.
The famed musical acrobatics show meets the King of Pop at the BOK center this weekend. Cirque du Soleil. “The Immortal” world tour brings kinetic energy and colorful showmanship to the music of the moonwalking man. Tickets start at $25, for 8 p.m. Feb. 18–19.
NEWS
THE COLLEGIAN : 3
Jan. 28 3:57 a.m. While on routine patrol an officer observed a vehicle driving westbound on 8th street recklessly driving left of center, running stop signs and passing in an intersection. The officers attempted to make contact with the vehicle but vehicle attempted to flee. As the officer followed the vehicle into Mayo Village, the subject became blocked in on the dead end. As the officers were approaching the vehicle, a second
driver approached erratically in the direction of the standing officers. It was determined that the first driver was the girlfriend of the second student driver. The student remained agitated and hostile towards officers throughout the duration of the stop. 5:07 a.m. Officers responded to a noise complaint in USA West. Upon arrival, officers could hear loud music from the 1400 building. Upon contact, officers verified the source of the loud music and observed a large amount of beer cans throughout the apartment. A total of fourteen guests were asked to leave the apartment. There were remaining cases of alcohol that were disposed of. The residents of the apartment were
Eye on the world:
Jinan ElSabbagh Student Writer
Africa MALI Tuareg rebels, Malian mercenaries hired by the former Gadhafi regime in Libya, have returned to Mali, where they are continuing their military campaign for an independent northern Mali. Fighting in the region restarted in January after a peace treaty was signed to end the rebellion of 2004 –2009. The rebels were given weapons by Gadhafi, and when the regime fell, they returned home with items such as antiaircraft and antimissile weapons to fight Malian government forces. The United Nations is calling for a cease-fire after the rebels
gained the key transit and smuggling point of Tinzawatene. The rebels agreed to talk but “only over the question of independence for north Mali,” according to a rebel spokesperson. The fighting has displaced more than 60,000 civilians from their homes, though there are no reports of casualties.
Americas MEXICO Mexican authorities have seized 15 tons of methamphetamine at a ranch in the western state of Jalisco. The police received a tip from a local resident in the region, which has recently seen an increase in production of precursor chemicals used to manufacture the drug. Mexico has increasingly been
Gifts for lastminute lovers
This week, the Collegian takes you on a wild ride back to Valentine’s Day week, 1980--the year that John Lennon was shot and the U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in the legendary “Miracle on Ice.”
Danna Cain Student Writer
For those of you who have yet failed to connect Valentine’s Day, you have less than 12 hours left to surprise your sweetheart. If you do not realize this fact, but have drawn a blank on how to be romantic and charming this
14 FEBRUARY 2011
under the age of 21.
Jan. 29 2:35 p.m. Officers responded to the West Suites to the report of a stolen vehicle wheel. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim who stated that he was carrying two wheels to his vehicle from his room. After carrying out the first wheel, he returned and noticed the second wheel was missing. His door was not secured.
Jan. 30 7:37 p.m. An Officer was dispatched to John Mabee to the report of a stolen laptop. Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim who stated that he manufacturing and shipping the drug to the U.S. Gen. Gilberto Hernandez Andreu stated that the drug bust was a “historic seizure” which not only included the 15 tons of methamphetamine but also five kilos of crystal and around seven tons of precursor chemicals. In 2011, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that amphetamine-type drugs are the second most abused illegal substances in the world after cannabis.
Asia MALDIVES Former Maldives president Mohammad Nasheed is facing criminal charges. Two days after his resignation earlier this week, the Maldives High Court issued arrest warrants, though the charges against Nasheed remain unclear. The island nation has now erupted into violent protests after Nasheed’s forced resignation, which took place at gunpoint, according to Nasheed. He blamed allies of former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled for 30 years before losing in the country’s first democratic election in 2008. Nasheed also had harsh words for his successor and former vice president, Mohammad Waheed Hassan, who he blames for a coup along with military leaders. loons 10. A heart-shaped prism 11. Valentine cookies in a cookie jar 12. Heart-shaped cake 13. Stuffed animal 14. Book of poetry 15. Album of Beatles love songs 16. Heart jewelry 17. Your favorite men’s or women’s cologne 18. Bottle of favorite wine 19. A 15-minute back rub with no obligation for one in return 20. A pitcher of strawberry daiquiris 21. Red ribbons 22. Pair of goldfish
had left his room for approximately ten minutes and returned to find his laptop was missing. The victims roommate was present at the time the laptop came up missing. 5:55 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Lorton Hall to the report of a stolen lapel pin. A sorority member had her house pin on a jacket. She left the room during a break and returned to find that the pin was missing.
Jan. 31 10:15 a.m. An officer was requested at the Lorton Hall Lot currently controlled by Manhattan Construction Company. Upon arrival, an employee of Manhattan Const. stated that he had parked his car and returned to find his vehicle had been Supporters of the ousted president have been clashing with the new government’s forces. Nasheed has been charging the new government with disregard for democracy as it arrests Nasheed’s allies and officials opposed to the new regime.
Europe
From the Collegian Archives
The top ten highest-selling records on Feb. 14, 1980 include Pink Floyd and the Eagles.
5:05 p.m. An officer was dispatched to the USA South Lot to the report of an agitated driver. Upon arrival, the officer learned that there was a near collision that had occurred. The student driver pulled in to USA South and was approached by the driver of a motorcycle he nearly collided with. The driver did not say anything but walked up and punched the mirror of the students vehicle and left without further incident.
money would do little to stimulate the Greek economy and instead be utilized to help banks repay their debts. Protests continue in front of the Greek parliament building against the measures.
Middle East JORDAN
GREECE Greek political leaders have finally agreed to austerity measures which would enable Greece to receive the bailout that will stop its imminent default. Leaders of the Socialist Party, the center-right New Democracy Party and the right-wing Popular Orthodox Rally, which formed a temporary coalition to combat the economic downturn, passed measures highly unpopular with Greek citizens. These measures included cutting the minimum wage 25 to 30 percent, loosening job protections in the public sector and shortening the terms of collective bargaining agreements. The government also agreed to freeze private sector salary increases until unemployment drops from 19 percent to below 10 percent and cut 150,000 jobs from the government’s payroll of 800,000 by the end of 2015. European finance ministers have not signed the bill, but experts have noted that the bailout
After months of quiet, tribesmen from the outskirts of Jordan’s capital, Amman, are calling for change. Jordan was one of several Middle Eastern countries to see protests at the beginning of the Arab Spring. However, protestors are not calling for the ouster of King Abdullah II or the end of the 100-year-old monarchy. Rather, they want reforms that would transform the country into a constitutional monarchy, according to former parliament member and protestor Ali Dala’in. Analysts believe that the country has been relatively quiet due to the king’s promises of democratic reform, maintaining popular subsidies and ousting corrupt leaders. In a recent speech, the king also promoted “self-transformation and progressive reform.” He went on to outline changes such as fair parliamentary elections, a law guaranteeing the broadest representation, a Parliament based on political parties and governments drawn from that Parliament.
l33t skills? the
is seeking a paid web editor. E-mail kalen-petersen@utulsa.edu for more information. from the Office of Public Affairs and Ecenomic Development
Valentine’s Day, here are some suggestions: 1. Deliver a single red rose (depending on what time it is you’re probably too late on this one 2. Candlelight dinner anywhere 3. Send a singing valentine 4. Write a poem 5. Give a giant Hershey’s kiss 6. Embroider hearts on red boxer shorts 7. Send your sweetie a telegram expressing your undying love 8. Give a favorite picture in a heart-shaped frame 9. Deliver a dozen red helium bal-
backed in to by the vehicle parked in front of him. The Site foreman attempted to contact the owner of the other vehicle but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was towed at the request of Manhattan Const.
It’s a beautiful day in the
True Blue Neighborhood! Medicine Wheel Award: Applications are now available in the TBN Volunteer Center or online.
Kendall-Whittier Survey Project: The University of Tulsa’s Center for Community Research and Development in conjunction with Community Action Project is seeking assistance from TU students in conducting a survey in the Kendall-Whittier and Eugene Fields neighborhoods. The main goal of this project is to train students in survey implementation and then have students administer the survey throughout the KendallWhittier and Eugene fields neighborhoods. Our first training session will take place Feb. 20th from 5pm – 6:30 pm in Lorton Hall Room 301 (pizza provided). At this session you will learn more about the project and individual expectations if you chose to become part of the project. Another training day as well multiple Saturday’s throughout February, March, and April will be expected if you agree to participate in the project. Benefits for Participation include chances to develop survey data collection skills, gain experience with local diversity and recieve service learning credit. The project is ideal for students in social sciences, with some Spanish speaking ability or who are considering graduate school or a career in social services. In you have any additional questions and to RSVP your attendance at the February 20th training, please email Joanna Shadlow at joanna-shadlow@utulsa.edu. For more information about these or other volunteer opportunities, contact Kathy Shelton in the True Blue Neighbor Volunteer Center in Holmes Student Center, room 25.
14 FEBRUARY 2012
Sporiety
THE COLLEGIAN : 4
Wojcik: winningest coach in school history With a 72–48 victory over rival Houston, men’s basketball coach Doug Wojcik recorded his 138th career win, setting the record for most in Tulsa history. Amanda Schenk
ing a lead in the second half was when they reached a tie at 30 with the Golden Hurricane. Sophomore Clarkson again broke the tie by sinking a three-point basket, forming the beginning of a 17–1 run in Tulsa’s favor. Strong rebounding helped to push the Golden Hurricane back ahead, and the Tulsa
at multiple universities before being named Tulsa’s 28th head basketball coach in 2005. Since that time, Wojcik has set a number of records, including being the first coach to win 20 games in four consecutive seasons. He has averaged 20.5 wins over his six seasons at TU, and in his seventh season the
Student Writer
The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane had a big week in basketball, bouncing back after Wednesday’s loss at UTEP to beat the Houston Cougars 72–48 on Saturday night. The win against the Cougars was head coach Doug Wojcik’s 138th career win at Tulsa, making Wojick the winningest coach in TU history. The game against the UTEP Miners was played in El Paso and marked the end of TU’s seven-game winning streak. Tulsa denied any potential Miner three-point shots, making this the first time in 366 games and 11 years that UTEP did not sink a single three-point shot. Despite snapping the Miners’ 11-year streak, TU only made 19 of 56 attempted field goals. Jordan Clarkson, Scottie Harlson and Eric McClellan each reached double-figure scoring points, combining for 41 of Tulsa’s 55 points, but in the end the Hurricane fell short of the Miners’ 64 total game points. Head coach Wojcik got a second chance at a breaking the school record for the most career wins in Saturday’s game against Houston. The Golden Hurricane came out strong, pushing up to a 7–0 lead in the first eight minutes. The Cougars eventually responded with a 10–0 scoring run, but a timely threepoint shot from Clarkson broke the 17-all tie. Tulsa managed to hang on to its early lead and finished the half up two baskets, having scored 26 points to Houston’s 22. The closest the Cougars came to regain-
Sam Morton Student Writer
According to Vegas odds, the New England Patriots are early favorites to with the 2012–2013 Super Bowl at 5–1. Yes, releasing Super Bowl odds the week after the Super Bowl is much like writing up a Christmas list on New Year’s Day, but what do we care? No speculation is too speculative for the Bleacher Creature! These favorable odds are largely due to the Patriots’ all-pro quarterback, their ownership of four picks in the first two rounds of the draft, and Bill Belichick’s discovery that his team has a distinct advantage on defense when he plays 12 men instead of 11.
Photo courtesy Falcon McNeil
With a pair like this, how could you not expect them to win the Super Bowl every year (despite not wining the Super Bowl every year)?
Fausto Carmona, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, is known for a hard sinker, a 97 mile-per-hour fastball and a 19–8 2007 season in which he was considered for a Cy Young trophy. Carmona entered the minor league in 2002 and has been with the Indians since 2006. After all this time in baseball, it turns out that we never knew Jack about Fausto. Carmona was arrested in January in his native Dominican Republic for using a false identity. The man the MLB knew as 28-year-old Fausto Carmona is actually 31year-old Roberto Hernandez Heredia. Congrats to Heredia/Carmona on selecting a fake name though; Fausto has a tremendous amount of panache. Allie Stewart / Collegian
Tulsa sophomore Jordan Clarkson looks for an open teammate as the Golden Hurricane defeated the Houston Cougars Saturday night. Clarkson was 7–16 from the field and 5–5 from the free throw line for a team high 21 points. Clarkson was a critical part of the 17–1 run in the second half that sealed the win for the Hurricane.
Photo courtesy Hurricane Athletics
Head Coach Doug Wojcik celebrates with the team after taking his place in the record-books as Tulsa’s men’s basketball’s winningest head coach. With his 138th win, Wojcik surpassed the 137 wins amassed by Clarence Iba between 1949 and 1960.
defense kept the Cougars under 50-percent shooting from the field, the 21st time they have done so this year. Over the course of the second half, Tulsa posted 46 points to Houston’s 26, sealing the win for Tulsa at 72–48 and giving Head Coach Doug Wojcik his 138th career win. Jordan Clarkson scored 21 total points and Steven Idlet came off the bench to score 15 points and grab 9 rebounds for the Golden Hurricane. Clarkson has scored doublefigure points in 23 of 25 games this season. Doug Wojcik’s 138th career win comes in his seventh season at TU. This number passes the previous record for the winningest coach, 137 wins, set by Clarence Iba in his 11th season at TU. Wojcik spent 15 years an assistant coach
team currently has a 15–10 record, 8–3 in Conference USA play. Coach Wojcik responded to this achievement saying, “In some ways I am really proud of it,” but he made sure that Golden Hurricane fans knew where his focus lies, telling media in his post-game comments that he “wants to get it over with and fight for this conference championship.” The Golden Hurricane and Wojcik will continue their fight for a conference championship when they take on the C-USA leading Southern Miss Golden Eagles, at 7 p.m. on February 15 in Mississippi. The Hurricane returns home Saturday for a 7 p.m. match-up with the Rice Owls in the secondto -last home game of the regular season.
Tulsa tennis sweeps weekend doubleheaders Tulsa’s ranked men’s and women’s tennis teams each won Friday, in a thrilling doubleheader at the Case Tennis Center.
Photo courtesy Bleacher Report
Roberto Hernandez Heredia— if that IS his real name.
After the Super Bowl, Tom Brady’s supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen addressed hecklers, presumably Giants fans, eloquently stating, “My husband cannot f***ing throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time. I can’t believe they dropped the ball so many times.” After this rant, Bill Belichick probably considered hiring Gisele on as his wide receivers coach.
Zak Patterson Student Writer
The Golden Hurricane men’s and women’s tennis teams each earned 6–1 victories Friday indoors at the Case Tennis Center. The victory over the Wichita State Shockers moved the No. 23 Tulsa men to 3–5 on the season. The schedule for the men has been brutal thus far, as they have already faced five top 25 teams. For anyone not familiar with collegiate tennis, before the singles matches are played, the two teams pit their three best doubles pairs against each other. The team that wins at least two of the three matches gets the doubles point, giving it a large advantage moving into singles play. The doubles matches are decided by eight game pro-sets, which are exactly like regular sets, except to 8 instead of 6. On Friday the TU men secured the doubles point against the Shockers by winning all three doubles matches. Senior Ashley Watling and junior Clifford Marsland, TU’s top doubles tandem, and the No. 3 ranked doubles team in the nation, swept aside the No. 20 doubles team of Cavalcati/Pereira from Wichita State 8–5. Juniors Grant Ive and Tristan Jackson locked up a victory in doubles as well by ousting Reyes/Gregurovic 8–5. Freshmen Lucian Gheorghe and Alejandro Sanchez made it a clean sweep in doubles by defeating the team of Estenssoro/Perez 8–3. The singles format is best two out of three sets, where the third set is decided by a 10-
Logan Miller / Collegian
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Senior Ashley Watling smashes the competition as he defeated Colin Hoover of Texas A&M Sunday. After suffering heartbreaking losses to multiple top ranked teams, Tulsa finally pulled off the upset against No. 11 Texas A&M.
Gisele knows a thing or two about receiving passes from Tom Brady.
point tiebreak. TU entered the singles matches with a 1–0 lead before capturing five of six singles matches, cruising to a 6–1 victory. The Golden Hurricane’s only singles loss came as No. 66 Matheus Pereira of Wichita State defeated sophomore Japie De Klerk, with No. 83 Ashley Watling, No. 88 Grant Ive, Tristan Jackson, Lucian Gheorghe and Alejandro Sanchez Nestor each winning their matches. The No. 20 Tulsa women also won Friday, as they eased past No. 53 ranked Kansas State Wildcats 6–1. The win improved TU to 5–1 on the year and extended the women’s home winning streak to 28 matches. The match also saw senior Anastasia Erofeeva take the crown as the all-time leader for TU in doubles victories. The senior Erofeeva/Ewa Szatkowska duo captured its doubles victory after the Wildcat team of Wischhoff/Niedermayerova had to retire
due to injury. It marked the 92nd doubles victory for Erofeeva, who broke the record held previously by Alexandra Kichoutkin. The pairing of senior Bonny Davidson and sophomore Samantha Vickers beat Bonacic/Ramos 8–2 while junior Michelle Farley and freshman Isaura Enrique also won, defeating Trousilova/Chuda 8–4. Following the doubles, the women took five of the six singles matches. Although No. 17 Niedermayerova of KSU defeated No. 78 Erofeeva 6–1, 6–2, No. 63 Samantha Vickers, Szatkowska, Enrique, Farley and Davidson all won their matches. Sunday, each team won again as the women swept UT Arlington 7–0 and the men upset No. 11 Texas A&M 6–1, avenging last year’s loss to the Aggies in College Station. Both team’s next match will be against the University of Arkansas at the Case Tennis Center, with the men playing on Feb. 17 and the women playing Feb. 21.
Ricky Williams is retiring from the NFL again. The first time he retired was in 2004 after his third career failed drug test for marijuana. Amidst this cloud (get it??) of misconduct, Williams left the NFL to pursue the study of Ayurveda, an Indian form of holistic medicine, until he returned to the Miami Dolphins in 2005. After failing a fourth drug test that same year, Williams left the NFL again to play football in the Canadian Football League for the Toronto Argonauts. Since returning in 2007, however, Williams has walked a relatively straight line, playing for both the Dolphins and the Ravens. He is one of only 26 running backs to have rushed for 10,000 yards in a career and now, despite a rocky career, will retire with his name relatively intact. Williams has showed us all that second chances are possible in this life … as well as third, fourth and fifth chances. Congratulations on a good career, Ricky.
Sporiety
THE COLLEGIAN : 5
14 FEBRUARY 2012
Classic love wins out in “Gone with the Wind” Studio 54: A Weekly Review of All Things Retro. Elliot Bauman
By Cory Bys
Student Writer
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, the desire to watch romantic films is certainly in the air. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with watching typical romantic films such as “Titanic,” “The Notebook” and “Pearl Harbor,” the observant reader will notice that those films have many things in common. One such similarity is that all three of those films are quite bad. While a case could be made for “Titanic,” “The Notebook” received a mere 52 percent from Rotten Tomatoes, and “Pearl Harbor” was slammed by critics who referred to the film as “Titanic with guns and explosions.” Instead of re-watching one of these mediocre films for Valentine’s Day, perhaps viewing a more timeless romance is in order. What better timeless romance than “Gone with the Wind”? To be straightforward, “Gone with the Wind” is a fantastic film, far better than all of the three movies previously mentioned. To carry on with the Rotten Tomatoes motif, “Gone with the Wind” received an outstanding 95 percent, a rating that clearly places the film on a level above the majority of more popular romances. “Gone with the Wind” was released in 1939 and was one of the first major films to be shot in full color. The movie is actually a rendition of the 1936 romance novel of the same name. A massive production, “Gone with the Wind” was longest film for many years— the feature is approximately three hours and forty-five minutes—and also the highest grossing film until the late 1960s. “Gone with the Wind” is set in various
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Top 10 s*** TU students say 1. “I hate TUWebOnly so much right now!” locations across the southern United States during the American Civil War and Reconstruction period. The film follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara, played by Vivian Leigh, as she experiences the Civil War and the courtship and pursuit of numerous men. Of these pursuers, Rhett Butler, portrayed by Clark Gable, is most intent on winning Scarlett’s heart. Butler’s feelings are not initially returned, as Scarlett is desperately seeking the attention of another man, Ashley Wilkes, played by Leslie Howard. To say that “Gone with the Wind” is a good film is a complete understatement. It is, quite simply, a fantastic film. While it may not feature Ryan Gosling prancing around, “Gone with the Wind” definitely bests the majority of modern romance films and is, without a doubt, one of the quintessential American epic romance films. To further praise the film, “Gone with the Wind” received 10 Academy Awards upon its release, a record that was not topped until “Ben-hur” (another excellent film) was released in 1959. Furthermore, “Gone with the Wind” also holds a spot on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Movies List. The film can be found at most vintage film retailers.
2. One student to another: “Are you going to the game tonight?” “No.” “Neither am I.” 3. “Anybody want to go to dinner? I need to get rid of some SteadBucks.”
Shannon, No matter the distance you will always be my valentine. Chicago is lucky to have you but know that you are missed in Tulsa.
4. “Well technically I’m a junior.”—Freshman
I love you, J.Christopher
5. “Is Chick-fil-a still open?” 6. “You’ll never believe what happened in the Caf this morning.” 7. “How do I set up my TUSecure? I can’t get it to work.”
Dear TU Women’s Tennis Tea m, Well-played girls! I just know you’ll steal the NCAA crown like you stole my heart. One look at you and it was game, set and match.
8. “How do I get to Reasor’s? I never have to leave campus.” 9. “Yeah I’ve been in Kep all night.”
Keep on keeping on, Your secret admirer
10. “Hey, want to go to QT?”
Foolproof Valentine’s Day Flicks
Brief Inteviews with Hideous Men: Kyle Walker
Anyone in the mood for an alternative look into the world of dating, romance and love should definitely check out this film. “Brief Interviews” can be considered romantic or comedic in only the narrowest sense. Following the trail of a graduate student of psychology, the film examines effects the rise of women’s movements may have had on the sexual psychology of men. Each scene consists of an interview the central character conducts with a broad selection of characters, all men, giving female viewers a lot to laugh at and males a lot to feel ashamed about. But in a good way. Be prepared to laugh, cringe and, perhaps, feel a little ashamed. But don’t blame me when its not a mush-fest, because I’m warning you now: It’s not a mush-fest. Fever Pitch: J. Christopher Proctor Leave it to the sports editor to review the baseball movie, but real-
ly, with Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon and the Boston Red Socks, what more could you ask for? Set in the midst of the Boston Red Socks’ miraculous 2004 World Series winning season, a man must make the choice between the girl of his dreams and his beloved baseball team. What follows is the perfect crossover between a romantic comedy and a feel-good sports movie. “Fever Pitch” is the prefect compromise for when she wants to watch “The Notebook” and he wants to watch “Felid of Dreams”. Gentlemen, if you have to watch a romantic comedy, this is the one. All the Real Girls: Anna Bennet Wanna skip the fluff and get to the good stuff this Valentine’s Day? Check out David Gordon Green’s Indie romance, “All The Real Girls”. This brilliant and unflinching take on a doomed relationship will give you goosebumps, but no warm fuzzies. In this film, Paul Schneider and Zooey Deschanel play a couple on the outset of a relationship, depicting a romance which is very real and very different from mushy
Hollywood fare. Perfect for Singles’ Awareness Day. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: Lucas Forsythe
This is another great pick if your date isn’t too fond of the standard “rom-com” trope, but you still want to curl up on the couch with a nice romantic movie for Valentine’s. Yes, its title is a little long, but this psychological romantic thriller from 2004 is worth the mouthful. It features Jim Carrey (in possibly his most serious role yet) and a quirky Kate Winslet and tells the story of two troubled lovers at the end of their respective ropes who use a new technology to erase each other from their memories. Be prepared to go on a intriguing journey with great acting, an intriguing story and an unbelievably fresh narrative. Try out “Sunshine” this V-Day. The Proposal: Anna Bennet I’m not one for romantic movies, but I must admit that The Proposal has a special place in my heart.
This rom-com starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds follows the story of a high-ranking book editor (Bullock) who must marry her unsuspecting underling (Reynolds) in order to avoid deportation. This somewhat absurd concept manages to create a surprisingly believable romance, and Bullock and Reynolds have undeniable chemistry. Bullock is as responsible for this movie’s appeal as her hunky costar, creating a character who is far more intriguing, and relatable than the average rom-com sweetheart. The fact that she is actually 12 years older than Reynolds only makes the relationship more interesting, and far-fetched —plus it’s a hard contest, deciding who is hotter. Betty White is still hotter than both of them.
Opinion
14 FEBRUARY 2012
All rosy on V-day Valentine’s Day gives a chance to shine by going the extra mile to show your special someone that you care. John Lepine
Staff Writer
I am, as of press time, a single man. This is by choice (specifically, my ex-girlfriend’s choice— but no matter). I have been in and out of love, the jilter and the jiltee, sometimes love-drunk and sometimes painfully rational and cautious. But ever since I gave my first sweetheart a book of Latin quips and quotes on February 14, 2005, I have at least been a faithful and devoted lover to this nutty little holiday called St. Valentine’s Day. First let me say that I am a frequent and vociferous critic of our culture’s damnable obsession with and exaltation of romantic love as the sine qua non of a contented life. There is much joy to be had in singleness—a fact for which I am currently thankful—and much disappointment to be had at the hands of Hollywood-hyped love. Romance is a very nice thing, but if you are expecting it to solve all your problems or make you forever happy, you may wind up with nothing but disappointment and resentment. Real love, after all, is more choice than feeling. You will never find someone that you can have a giddy crush on for the rest of your life, but with patience and
unselfishness you might be able to mostly get along with someone from now until you die. And that is nothing to sneeze at. So how is it that I, with all my cultural cynicism and distinctly unsexy realism, still hold a candle for Valentine’s Day? Isn’t it a pinkhanded culprit for all the dangerous lovesickness that I rail against every other day of the year? Sic et non (that’s “yes and no” for those of you who never got a book about Latin for Valentine’s Day). There is a way to do Valentine’s Day that is unhealthy and promotes unreasonable expectations about what love is like. There is also a way to do Valentine’s Day that emphasizes seduction and ignores the mutual respect and compassion of a committed relationship. If that is what your Valentine’s Day looks like, good luck. Your problem is a year-long problem—don’t blame the poor saint! But even a Maserati or Mercedes needs regularly-scheduled maintenance, and even a great couple can benefit from an annual prompt to make sure they’re not taking that whole “love” thing for granted. If you treat it like an obligation, it will feel that way, but if you take it as an excuse to outdo your partner in showing affection and care, it might just be the best memory you make all year. If love really is an action, not just a heart-flutter, that means it is about your honey lamb (as we say in Oklahoma), not you. And that means that Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to re-orient your relationship away from selfcenteredness and towards a love that puts the other person first. And hey, if you wind up splitting some nice chocolate or a fancy bottle of wine in the process, that’s not bad either.
“I am a faithful lover of this nutty little holiday”
THE COLLEGIAN : 6
V-Day hopelessly out of touch Commercialization and Hollywood ideas of romance make Valentine’s Day little more than an unforunate, baggage-laden holiday. Anna Bennett Graphics Editor
Let’s go back in time for a moment, all the way back to elementary school, when everything seemed large and indescribably exciting. It is Valentine’s Day, and everyone has their little “mailbox” with their name on it, decorated for the occasion. The kids stroll around, dolling out valentines. Imagine how your excitement grew as your mailbox filled with those paper sentiments. Finally, you dump the contents on your desk and go through the cards one by one, the warm fuzzies building as each of your classmates told you “You’re super sweet!” and “My heart races for you!” and “Bee my valentine!” (vicariously of course through smiling candy, race cars, and cute bumblebees). You had no idea everyone liked you so much! How lovely! But then you start to wonder … did all those kids give you a valentine because they wanted to, or because they had to? Did those cruel teasers even READ the caption you assumed was chosen especially for you? Because you are required to bring cards for everyone, the message means nothing—even if the sentiment was genuine in
some cases. The whole exercise achieves nothing, except for wasting resources, time and money. Ten years later, Valentine’s Day is plagued with the same issues— social obligation and material consumption. Now, in adulthood, there is an added complication— sex. I don’t hate the holiday itself. In fact, I rather like the idea—but in the same capacity that I like St. Patrick’s Day or Cinco de Mayo; that is, as an excuse to invent cute themed drinks, wear a particular color to excess or be culturally insensitive. Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is a lot more loaded than its purely festive counterparts, and it is all that baggage with which I take issue. For one, Valentine’s Day represents an institution of which I am not terribly fond—romance. The entire construct of traditional romance is built upon generations of institutionalized sexism in the form of cultural ideas on marriage, purity, and gender roles. His and Hers in neat little categories. Man and Wife. Love and marriage,
only a matter of time, and Valentine’s Day will evolve with our society’s changing perspectives on romance. There is another aspect of the holiday that is of more concern— its growing commercialization. It seems the same gimmies who ruined Christmas have now moved on to a new holiday. As consumers, we are pressured more and more by our culture and the companies who control it to buy (often large and expensive) gifts for our lovers. Whatever happened to candy or date night? Why does it have to be flowers and fancy jewelry and the latest iProduct and sexy lingerie and 5-star dinner and a singing card and lord only knows what? It seems we are devising ever more involved and complicated means of expressing our emotions through what we consume. We become convinced—on this day especially—that we can buy love. And if we don’t, I guess we never loved them that much anyway. Speaking from personal experience, a gift without occasion is much more meaningful than one mandated by the date. Valentine’s Day turns a very private matter—love—into a public event. If you’re in love, every day is a celebration. You shouldn’t need a special day to remind you how important your significant other is. In short, if you’re going to celebrate Valentine’s Day, make it your own. Love what you love, not what the consumerist culture tells you to love. And express it in a manner which only you can, for no-one will ever love like you do. Now if you’ll excuse me, my boyfriend and I are going to deface some public property. Happy Valentines Day.
“Valentine’s Day turns a very private matter—love—into a public event” can’t have one without the other and all that nonsense. Fortunately, as a society I feel we are starting to move beyond such strict confines, keeping what works for our society, and letting go of what does not work for the individual. This shift, however, is slow, and many manifestations of “romance” in literature, film and— yes, holiday traditions, remain outdated, preserving those old ideas in new ways. To save a lot of space and blood pressure, I shall summarize this in one word—“Twilight.” Still, I maintain hope that it is
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal Prop 8 Decision to be applauded California’s controversial Proposition 8 was struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a decision that moves closer to equal rights. Patrick Creedon
Student Writer
On Feb. 7th, the 9th District Court in a 2–1 decision struck down California’s controversial Proposition 8, which in 2008 amended the state constitution of California to define marriage as between a man and a woman. Of course, those groups that oppose overturning Prop 8 have stated that they will appeal the decision. This comes even after Judge
Stephen Reinhardt stated that “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples.” What is particularly interesting is that the anti-gay marriage groups are still using the ideal of traditional marriage to defend their stance, even though Pew Research group found that 44 percent of Americans supported gay marriage. The idea of traditional marriage is a laughable one anyway, due to the widely cited divorce rate of 50 percent. If half of the marriages in America are going to end anyway, why does it matter whether it’s between a man and a woman, a woman and a woman, or a man and another man? The answer from many conservative camps will be that gay marriage is wrong because the Bible says it is wrong. The passage that
is most readily cited is in Leviticus. It forbids that a man lie with another man as with a woman. However, this is forbidden along with haircuts, eating shellfish and pork, and wearing mixed linen clothing. It is hypocritical to pick and choose what you follow in this manner and flies in the face of the new covenant that Jesus supposedly started in the New Testament. The religious argument also violates the separation of church and state. The ideals of a Christian church, though it is in the majority, should not be guiding the policy of the incredibly diverse American nation. This is an issue that literally affects no one but those who are getting married. Generally, those who oppose gay marriage are conservatives, a group notorious for wanting less government control in the lives of citizens, and yet they have spent millions opposing Proposition 8 because the idea of two people of the same sex getting married makes them uncomfortable.
We are often asked to think of the children. Here is what should be told to children. People are people and should not be treated badly for who they are. It is silly and antisocial in the worst ways to teach hatred of this magnitude at a governmental level. It was Martin Luther King, Jr., who said that he wanted his children “judged … by the content of their character” in his I Have a
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Graphic by Laura Langlois
Dream speech. If we must judge people at all, why must it be for qualities that do not affect anyone but those that have those qualities and the ones they love? A policy that is born of the instinctual hypocrisy of a group that is growing increasingly out of touch and hateful has no place in a country that prides itself on welcoming people of all types.
editor-in-chief—Catherine Roberts managing editor—Lucas Forsythe news editor—Kalen Petersen sports editor—J. Christopher Proctor variety editor—Stephanie Hice opinion editor—Kyle Walker photo & graphics editor—Anna Bennett staff writers—Emily Callen, John Lepine business manager—Elizabeth Cohen advertising manager—Aminat Adeyemi distribution manager—Mary Jessup web editor—Drew Mitchell adviser—Kendra Blevins
opinion
THE COLLEGIAN : 7
14 FEBRUARY 2012
Planned Parenthood important source of care and information
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The not-for-profit known as Planned Parenthood is an admirable source of information and health care to the communities it serves.
Lily Clough
Student Writer
Planned Parenthood has found itself in the news more and more frequently, coinciding with the GOP presidential candidate selection season. Lately, the Komen Foundation has reversed its decision to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, and President Obama has forged a compromise which allows women everywhere to receive free preventative care, no matter who their employer may be. From all of the things being said about Planned Parenthood in the news, it seems as if people do not have a clear idea of what Planned Parenthood is or what its overarching goal is. Contrary to what several conservatives have been telling their constituents, its goal is not to “be the Lens Crafters of big abortion” as Michelle Bachmann almost inconceivably claimed, nor is it to “practice eugenics” as Rick Santorum outrageously accused. In fact, in its mission statement, which can be found on their website, Planned Parenthood states that, “For more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women’s health and well-being, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning”.
Also on its website is a vast and thorough amount of information about birth control, sex, sexuality, pregnancy, relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, body image, abortion, sexual orientation and men’s health. Planned Parenthood provides free or severely reduced prices for services, including preventative examinations for breast cancer, screenings for STDs and women’s checkups. Furthermore, under the category of “birth control” on its website, the pros and cons of each method are outlined, including abstinence and the predominantly Catholic method of “natural family planning” (which was, not entirely surprisingly, among the least effective methods of birth control, resulting in pregnancy about 25 percent of the time, depending on how often it was used correctly). The website also provides insightful information about relationships, such as abuse or how to talk to your partner about sex. Planned Parenthood is also a valuable resource for teenagers who are unable to take sex education courses in schools or who feel uncomfortable going to their parents for information about sex and relationships, including how to make the decision about whether or not to be sexually active.
Dear the Collegian,
Graphic by Laura Langlois
Karen Handel of Komen, who recently resigned over the controversy, said that, “Since I am prolife, I do not support the mission of Planned Parenthood.” While it is true that Planned Parenthood performs abortions, it is primarily their goal to practice prevention. Those who identify themselves as “pro-life” should identify adamantly with the goals and efforts of Planned Parenthood—that is, to employ preventative methods and provide information which would significantly decrease the need for someone to make a decision about having an abortion. Many conservatives are actively and despicably attempting to convince the public that Planned Parenthood is an immoral organization. These are atrocious and blatant lies that only serve to prevent young men and women from getting the health care and information they need to make responsible decisions in their lives. Planned Parenthood is an unbiased and safe source of information and care for those who wish to be responsible in their sex lives and in their relationships. Planned Parenthood is a wonderful asset to every community it serves, and it should be applauded and supported in the good work it is doing.
I have never loved another paper like I love you. I remember our first brushes and coy flirting my freshman year, when I would send you love notes about legalizing marijuana or the latest Vampire Weekend album; you faithfully resp onded with your trademark letters filled with pay checks and a whole lotta love. Now, with our recent nuptials solemnizing me as your staff writer and you as my darling paper, I feel more committed to you than ever. My affection will be regular and dependable, on display for the whole campus to see. I never had eyes for Six Thirty One, that whore. John Lepine, Collegian Staf f Writer
This letter in reference to Clarissa Dunn’s article of January 24, 2012. Clarissa, I had the opportunity to read your op-ed in the January 24th edition of the Collegian. Thank you for encouraging others to put the girls
first. The controversies are based on little fact or on the decision of one council—but they hurt our girls. We appreciate you speaking out. Roberta Preston, CEO Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma
Come see the at the
Sunday, Feb. 19 from 8-10 PM ACAC Great Hall During Tulsa Time
PRIZES: First Place - $500 Second Place - $300 Third Place - $100
The University of Tulsa does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristics including but not limited to the classes protected under federal and state law in its programs, services, aids, or benefits. Inquiries regarding implementation of this policy may be addressed to the Director of Personnel Services, 800 S. Tucker Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-3189, (918) 631-2259. Requests for accommodation of disabilities may be addressed to the University’s 504 Coordinator, Dr. Jane Corso, (918) 631-2315. To ensure availability of an interpreter, five to seven days notice is needed; 48 hours is recommended for all other accommodations.
14 FEBRUARY 2012
THE COLLEGIAN : 8