Racially offensive costumes tasteless
Living in the South most of my life I have learned things are not always easy, but racial equity and respect have come a long way. In my home state of Georgia I feel a part of the community, confident and comfortable in my brown skin. Louisiana shares a similar multicultural diversity. Yet there are a few that forget Louisiana, a true cultural melting pot, is not the backwoods of Mississippi.
Seeing white males dressed in a culturally derogatory manner with painted brown skin, afro wigs, gold teeth and bright orange convict uniforms is in the least unsettling. Personally witnessing this behavior at the Winn-Dixie on Lee Drive this past Saturday left me feeling sick to my stomach. Blackface has its roots in Vaudeville and Minstrel shows in the early 20th century where African Americans were depicted as “jigga-boos” and “dancing coons.” After writing a letter to the store to encourage a resolution, I was further dismayed by a fellow student writing, “Get Over It” across my printed copy in the computer lab at the Law Library.
The bottom line is it is not funny and is offensive to any respectable Southerner. The act of wearing blackface is only the skin of underlying racism that perceives these acts as socially acceptable. Despite the years of social strife, both blacks and whites have gained a greater respect for each other in our integrated society.
Ignorance is no excuse. Any reasonable person would know the aforementioned actions are insensitive and instigate racial tension. Hormones, teenage angst, intoxication or efforts to have a little fun in no way justify wearing blackface for tailgating parties or Halloween. We cannot fail to realize the damage that can result from such absurdities, whether intended or unintended.
Finally, with Halloween approaching, the school should consider a policy to deter similar acts at University-supported events in order to salvage its reputation with prospective minority students. By writing this letter it is my hope that LSU students will seize at least momentary wisdom and common sense before participating in culturally insensitive activities. We cannot allow such offensive acts to remain the norm. Any business or group that supports these racist acts should not be supported by Louisiana’s vastly diverse community.
Delcina L. Brown, First Year Law Student
Reveille a vehicle for cult propaganda
It seems The Reveille has turned into the new recruitment grounds for scientology. You recently ran a two-part series, multi-page advertisement for one of Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics book (the “Bible” for Scientology). Scientology is a dangerous, vicious cult like any other, that has ruined the lives (financially and otherwise) of many people.
It was started in the 1950s by the then science-fiction writer Ron Hubbard in his self-proclaimed fulfillment to make money from a religion. Ron Hubbard is a delusional schizophrenic and his books are based in the same delusions and make believe. It’s pretty disturbing to see this Scientology propaganda in The Reveille, especially without an opposing view. Put up a two-sided article on scientology or put a ban on these Dianetics ads.
Andy Barber, Senior — Computer Science
Restructure bus lines to benefit students
In response to Tim Basilica’s article, I believe I have a solution to the problems with late and overcrowded buses on campus. I have ridden two different bus lines for the past two years now: Greek 3A and Highland/Burbank. Last year, the Greek buses were crammed during the middle of the day, and I personally waited for 40 minutes for a bus one day. (I am not lying.) This year while waiting for a Highland bus, these buses are also packed in the morning, and a couple of buses fly by because people are packed in the aisle. On the other hand, I have noticed a handful of people at the most walk onto the Kirby Smith/Vet School and State Street buses.
There are currently four Tigerland buses, two Gardere, two Greek buses respectively, three Kirby, three Highland, two State and one LSU/Southern currently in use by the University. To alleviate the overcrowding and long waits, I think CTC should replace the Kirby Smith and State Street buses with smaller shuttles. With the five extra buses, two should be given to each Greek route and one to the Highland route. This solution will provide each major bus line with 4 buses. Additionally, it helps in the timing of the bus rotation and provides students ample time to get to class on time.
Another major concern is bus drivers on the LSU lines are picking up non-LSU students. According to the LSU Parking Web site, only LSU students, faculty and staff can ride the bus by showing a valid LSU ID. I realize that process would take a lot of time, and it is not strictly enforced. However, with the ever-growing dangers in our present society, we do not know what these riders can do. For all that we know, they could be terrorists, snipers or rapists; who knows? The LSU bus system is a service provided by the University for students, faculty and staff to commute to and from campus, and I believe it should stay that way.
Jared Fowler, Junior — Political Science
Auburn team acted sportsmanlike
The score was 31-7. Auburn had its biggest victory of the year wrapped in a package of purple and gold with our beloved LSU Tigers inside.
Tommy Tubberville lined up his offense to run the second to last play of the game. Auburn had possession around the LSU 40 and decided to run the ball. With a tired LSU defense scrapping away, Corey Webster desperately brought down Auburn’s Trey Smith on the second-yard line. With seconds left in the game, Auburn had the perfect opportunity to put an exclamation point on an already lop-sided victory. Many would predict the next play would be a push for the end zone.
However, Tubberville proved to be respectful of LSU’s struggling afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium and his team took a knee. Despite the fierce competition and rivalry between these two Tigers, it’s good to see a little unexpected sportsmanship.
Jennifer Russell, Junior — Mass Communication
Students should turn off cell phones
Having been at LSU for almost five years now, I have spent a lot of time in the Middleton Library. Until the past year or so studying has been pleasant and quiet. Now, it seems like every minute someone’s cell phone is ringing and people are having conversations like they were in the Quad.
I just don’t understand two things: No. 1 — why can’t everyone either turn their phone off or on vibrate and No. 2 — what is so important that has to be said that moment and cannot wait five minutes so the person can walk outside and call the person back?
I know that cell phones are the new wave of communication and everyone has one but can’t we all just show a little common courtesy and keep things quiet for the people who are trying to study? I am guilty of having a cell phone myself but mine is always on vibrate and I never talk on it in the library.
I think there should be a policy that if your cell phone rings while in specified study areas of the library you should be asked to turn your phone off (or on vibrate) or leave. I am sick and tired of trying to study only to hear about 10 other people’s night out and how much they hate studying. It is a drastic solution, but what else can you do?
Cary Stickles, Senior — General Studies
LSU must become pedestrian friendly
Over the years, the amount of students enrolled at Louisiana State University has grown tremendously. Because of this growth, LSU was asked to become a “walking campus,” strongly recommending students to walk to and from classes. This “walking campus” would then ultimately decrease the amount of traffic traveling through campus. However, the plan has not yet become near satisfactory. Many students continue to drive their automobiles through campus creating a hazardous environment for those who choose to walk. In order to better this situation, campus officials should strongly consider eliminating student automobiles completely through main campus roadways such as: Highland Road, South Stadium Road, Tower Drive, South Campus Drive, Dalrymple Drive, Fieldhouse Drive and North Stadium Road.
As a first year Tiger, I have already experienced the horrifying problems from the dreadful traffic on LSU’s campus. Everyday I hear similar stories with the same traffic problem. Each student’s story ends with them almost being plowed over by an automobile. Drivers are in “a hurry” just like pedestrians, which causes road rage. The constant stopping for pedestrians in cross walks results in angry drivers and frightened pedestrians.
According to The Reveille, the committee for The Master Plan has already had concerns about automobiles making the area “less pedestrian-friendly.”
Michael Desmond, an architecture instructor, said, “The conflict between pedestrians and vehicles on campus everywhere has got to be resolved.” Desmond also said the campus needs to be “more accessible to pedestrians.”
Feeling safe on campus is a huge concern for many students today. In order to make LSU a safe environment for all students, I strongly feel automobiles belonging to student drivers should be banned through campus roadways during classes. Enforcing this rule will then promote a safe walking campus for all students who choose to walk to and from their classes.
Whitney Lowry, Freshman — Biological Sciences