Minorities typecast by film industry
As a minority student, I feel that the media does not give enough exposure to diverse cultures, as Eric Gremillion wrote in his article on ethnic diversity in the box office. Recent box office hits, like “Head of State” and “Shanghai Knights,” do display signs of the entertainment industry branching out and giving minorities a chance, but if we really examined the content of movies that embody so-called “flourishing diversity,” we could see that this is really not true.
Movies of the day still give in to typical stereotypes that are not so different from the depictions of “blacks as lazy” in the first feature-length film “Birth of a Nation” back in 1915. In “Head of State,” Chris Rock’s candidacy for president is obviously a joke. He is not taken seriously because he is not portrayed as a man of high intelligence. And all this provides for loads of entertainment.
Just because we see some ethnic faces on the big screen does not mean that they are being taken seriously. Not many of the roles given to minorities defy stereotypes, but most intensify them. How often do we see Asian Americans or Hispanic Americans as typical Americans? Personally, I’d like to see a movie where an ethnic American is able to run for president without it being a comedy or satire of some kind. I’d like to be able to see where an Asian person is good for more than just his martial arts skills and his corny one-liners.
Honestly, I disagree with Gremillion that recent movies of cookie cutter caliber are “a signal of the homogenization of a nation.” We have not come as far as he’d like us to believe. Maybe we’ve taken the first steps, but it will be some time before people of all ethnic backgrounds are seen as “true Americans” and can be depicted in the media as such.
Lisa Nguyen
Senior — Mass Communication
Feminism isn’t anti-male
To Jessica Waldon, Sports Editor of the Reveille:
What feminism isn’t: The belief that fetuses are parasites; the belief that hairy legs and armpits are the ultimate female fashion statement; the belief that all women should be militant lesbians with mullets; the belief that all women should be belligerently anti-men.
What feminism is: The belief in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes.
I didn’t make that last part up. I got that from the American Heritage Dictionary. This definition matches what you claim are your beliefs: that “there are certain rights … women should have,” that “things should be equal and fair, and … that is how it was meant to be.” I hate to break it to you, but it appears that you are, in fact, a feminist.
“No,” you say, “I was not a feminist at 5 years old, and I don’t think I am one now.” I wonder what has turned you off to the idea — or at least the label — of “feminist.” I suspect that you fear the negative connotations that some people — ignorant people, people who should know better — attribute to the word and to the movement. I encourage you to rise above this fear and ignorance. Don’t allow a small group of extremists to discredit the entire history of the women’s movement.
You and I both know that this is about equality, plain and simple. It’s a noble fight, and it’s one that you should be proud to take part in. Don’t let other people dissuade you from this fight with their perverted definitions of what it is to be a feminist. Find your own definition. And don’t apologize for it. Maybe Jessica Waldon’s definition of “feminist” is that a girl can perform the role of sports editor of her college newspaper just as well as a boy. I, for one, am all for it.
Ann Glaviano
Sophomore — English
Gov. Foster should support DNA swabs
I am a young female who attends school here at LSU. Today, my husband and I went gun shopping. We walked out of the store very pleased with our purchase, yet unhappy about the circumstances.
I, and every person I talk to, seem to feel that the serial killer is either someone or impersonating someone in uniform. That uniform can be police, fire, military or even a delivery person of some sort.
Last week while on campus, I heard the speakers at the serial killer rally push the idea of having each law enforcement official in the area swabbed. I firmly believe that this is a wonderful idea! While sitting down to watch the ten o’clock news tonight (Thursday April 3, 2003) I heard Gov. Mike Foster refuse to support any efforts to swab local law enforcement. As a young female student, this appalls me. I am completely disappointed in our Governor for his choice of action in this matter.
When Carrie Yoder’s death was linked officially to the serial killer, I heard Gov. Mike Foster say that he supported the Serial Killer Task Force in any way possible, even by going out of his way to loan them any office space needed. Although the request of swabbing law enforcement has not been put out by the Task Force, it makes sense to do this for the peace of mind of the women in our community.
It seems that there is no justifiable cause for our governor to refuse support on this matter, and if he does have a reason, is it really good enough?
Tami RocheLedet
Senior — Theater