Streaking issue of sanitation, not sexual harassment

I know I'm speaking for myself right now, but I'm sure many would agree—the issue I have with streaking is not about sexual harassment, but about the sanitation of where I am eating. MN health codes would agree with me—streaking in a place of public dining is unsanitary. My issue is not with seeing your genitals bopping around on the upper floor of the Campus Center. My issue is with said genitals flinging pubic hair and other bodily extracts into my freshly-made waffles. Come on, there are reasons that people wear pants beyond privacy and warmth.

You claim the majority of students support the right to streak. How do you know that? Because they cheer at the sight of your goodies? I think streaking is like a car accident. People love to watch, but they never want to be in an accident themselves. Don't assume that you're more than just momentary entertainment to the eaters.

There are bigger fish to fry in this life besides a bored college student's right to streak. Victims of war in Iraq are not going to benefit if you are granted the right to let it all hang out. Besides, isn't streaking a passe trend that began and peaked in the 70s? I mean, when Ray Stevens wrote and sang your theme song, how cool can you be?

Stephanie Atwood '03
 

Macalester athletics need support

I am writing in response to the articles written about the fate of Macalester sports, especially those written by Emily Koller. Although I'm in agreement with the majority of what Emily and others have to say about the athletic department, I feel that these articles are making the present situation for the softball team worse. We are trying to work through disadvantages and remain a competitive, but the general consensus is that our season is already doomed. It's very hard to go to practice everyday and stay positive when every Friday there's a new article about how dire the team's situation is. I have listened to numerous debates from people outside the program about why the softball team is not able to compete, but have not been encouraged or supported by those same people. We've only had one game so far this year, so don't be too quick to judge our situation as hopeless. I really hope that soon we will have as many fans as we have critics.

Caitlin Adams, '04
 

College should think twice about cancelling Fair

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news that Macalester will no longer be hosting the Scottish Country Fair. The annual Highland Games is not only one of the College's most visible and beloved traditions, but also an important outreach activity for the community.

The Scottish Fair, more than any other event, represents Macalester's unique international culture. Attending the event as a child in the early 1970s not only introduced me to the novelty of dancing over swords, but also to the College's campus. That early contact with the fair was a contributing factor in my decision to apply to Macalester. As a Macalester Freshman, I signed up for Highland dance classes and soon found myself leaping over my own swords. More than two decades later, I am still dancing to bagpipes and am now teaching new generations how to do the Fling, Sword and Sean Tribhaus.

I understand the gravity of the financial difficulties the school is faces, but the decision to eliminate the Scottish Country Fair is both shortsighted and detrimental to the rich culture and tradition of Macalester.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Schrenk '84

Norwich University
 

Classist assumptions undermine work of non-profits

I'm writing in response to the "'Dining for Demining': Don't just talk: make a difference" Martins Blums and Tricia Gonwa wrote for the February 28th issue.

I take offense to the critique posed by Martins Blums and Tricia Gonwa in their letter to the editor which appeared in the February 28th issue. In "'Dining for Demining': Don't just talk: make a difference," Blums and Gonwa allege that Macalester students are lazy and do not act for social change. I agree that many students struggle and often fail to put theory into practice. I applaud student's efforts to positively impact the international community through participation in the Dining for Demining event. I do not like Blums and Gonwa's broad, classist assumption that all Macalester students are middle-upper-class kids whose parents financially support us. What I don't like is being attacked for not supporting an event that costs $20, because I don't have $20 to spend.

I make about $525 per month. I pay $300 in rent, I pay about $150 in utilities. That leaves about $75 per month for food, transportation and other expenses. My parents don't support me; my mom buys me groceries when she can, my dad doesn't do anything. When I'm faced with the choice spending my money on a $20 dinner or on $20 worth of groceries, I choose the groceries. Is that selfish? Perhaps. I know that without help, people in much worse circumstances than I will go hungry. My choice may mean that children will not be educated satisfactorily and my decision may perpetuate a generational cycle of poverty. To compensate, I choose to work for non-profit organizations. I don't have the spare time to volunteer weekly, but because I strongly believe in the ethic of service, I have made sure that my jobs reflect my values.

Apparently, for Blums and Gonwa, this isn't enough "A few volunteer at non-profits; we were not exactly sure what they did there, and unfortunately had never really cared." Shame on you for not realizing the impact that non-profit organizations make in the lives of the those they serve. Tell that to one of the very low-income young ladies I have helped with ACT tests and college applications and who will be the first person in her family to attend college. And when she gets to college, have the audacity to reprimand her for not paying $20 for one meal.

Krista Star Scott '03
 

"Running Boy" good example for all

I am writing in response to the recent dialogue about the lack of emphasis Macalester places on athletics, and more importantly physical fitness in general. We could all learn a valuable lesson from the student known to many as "Running Boy." His commitment to personal happiness and well-being is quite apparent, and he exemplifies the adage, 'actions speak louder than words.' In his quest to increase the health of other students through his good example. No doubt he knows that even a small amount of jogging has many benefits. Countless studies have shown jogging to be one of the most effective exercises in lowering blood pressure, improving fitness and burning calories. Also, running to and from various buildings on campus saves valuable time and therefore is more efficient than walking. People are generally happier after a light saunter, as well. Taking him as our unofficial leader, we could create countless other "Running People," who, for the sake of their health, will all make a concerted effort to jog, skip or sprint when traversing campus. All the while silently but convincingly portraying the message: fitness is fun!

J.W. Selbo '06