Feminist cause reduced to a laughing matter

Now, sexism may in fact exist, but Kalup's attack on common slang is preposterous, and his example of how our Founding Fathers were sexist is clearly repetitive and downright trivial.

Kalup needs to understand that words are words; as long as they are used in an unoffending manner or context, there is no cause for alarm.

What does alarm, however, is the fact that individuals are constantly belaboring the same point that the way we talk exacerbates social problems. Maybe in some instances, but c'mon -- if I refer to a 21-year-old woman as a "girl," am I really perpetrating some kind of ethical or moral violation?

Of course not, because the context in which the word is used is harmless.

Of course Kalup also has to paint a portrait of our Founding Fathers as sexist. Forgive them, Kalup -- 200 years ago our Founding Fathers goofed when they assumed women were incapable of indulging in the same rights that men had. That was 200 years ago. Let's try to stay in the present.

Finally, Kalup appeals to our emotions by stating that he is a member of a worthy cause: feminism. Unfortunately, his fight for female freedom is futile.

Kalup, like others members of the so-called "women's liberation movement," relies strictly on rhetoric and hackneyed examples from history books, such as the example regarding our Founding Fathers. By being redundant, the feminists have reduced their so-called "cause" to a punchline -- it makes the rest of us laugh.

Raoul Batta
senior-English

'Proud action' can take less intrusive forms

Things like the gay pride rally may need to be held -- after all, this is America. So, if you feel the need to express yourself, do it, but don't interfere with other people's lives. For example, when the rally's guest speaker, Colina Jordan, is encouraging an action that may be distracting and possibly disruptive to the classroom, then I have to say that there is a problem.

The sponsors of the rally should stress that speakers not encourage actions that will interfere with the classroom, as a courtesy to those who are here to learn something and be taught to the best of our professors' abilities.

I say there are alternatives to ruining my classes with immature ways of achieving your objectives. The point I am trying to make is that most people don't want to have their classes disrupted -- no matter what the cause, especially not when we sacrifice so much just to pay to be here in these classes.

Kamal Hajdauoud
junior-political science

Get your senior picture taken for La Vie 1998

Anyone graduating in December 1997, May 1998, Summer '98 or December '98 can have their senior portrait included in La Vie 1998.

I can't stress enough how important it is for you to take a few minutes out of your time to guarantee a memory of your time at Penn State. If not for yourself, do it for your family who may have worked hard to get you where you are today.

Senior pictures start Wed., March 26. Look for ads in the Collegian for more information. Don't miss the opportunity to have yourself remembered forever!

Jose H. Lugaro
La Vie 1998 marketing director

The life of a University squirrel -- it's not easy

They would play with me, feed me, and talk to me. I would oblige them by puffing out my cheeks, fluffing my tail and acting really cute.

The students were very nice, yet I found them to be easily amused, obviously showing the lack of any real intelligence. This became obvious as the semesters rolled on and they would litter the campus with their trash and destroy our fabulous homes that were located near that library of yours.

Although we are just squirrels, living here isn't as easy as it seems, I don't have cable or Internet access or heating during those wonderful winter nights here in State College.

After sifting through some garbage left by some students, I came across this letter and knew that a response was necessary. Go ahead students, ignore us. Do you think that we really care?

It will probably make our lives a little less humiliating. Hey, do you think it's easy to put on a show for you people? Everyone's a critic.

Well, not to burst your bubble or anything, but there will be no begging for mercy and there will be no change in attitude. Oh, by the way, watch the skies! Because we're out there, you might not see us, but we're there! HA HA HA HA HA!

John Walchli
junior-industrial engineering

Jeans and sneakers day doesn't show support

It seems to me that the LGBSA just wants to show everyone that there is support for them that isn't really there. How many people would NOT wear jeans if there weren't any jeans day? I certainly would.

What would happen if someone made February 2 "Coat Day?" Anybody who is anti-homosexual should wear a coat. I would gladly laugh at anyone NOT wearing a coat that day just for being stupid.

I am attempting to have "Shorts Day" started. Anybody who wants to support me for king of the universe should wear shorts during the first week in August.

If gays, lesbians and affiliates want to have people show support for them, why not have them wear ribbons, or put stickers on their backpacks?

That way, they are actually drumming up conscious support for them. The whole idea that they have now is pointless.

Barry Day
senior-chemical engineering