Jordan River Forum

Silas dissent political correctness run amok Alexis Silas' dissent on the placement of the Benton mural depicting a Klansman ("Art belongs in museum," Feb. 18) not only demonstrates political correctness run amok but also displays a stunning lack of critical thought, which I fear may be held in common by many in the IU community. History is not pretty. History is in many, if not most respects, a story of oppression, murder, war and other forms of human tragedy. The Klan's ignominious history in Indiana is a significant part of the Hoosier state's history. While it is tempting to say that art someone may not like should be put in a museum, to do so is an abrogation of the University's mission to educate students in every capacity possible. Having the Benton mural in a place where students will be forced to look at it is a positive tool for fostering discussion and helping students gain a better perspective of history. The most ignorant of Silas' opinions is the idea that education and a thorough examination of history ought be done without offending anyone. A real education will spare no one's feelings, because by looking at history, one will be inevitably exposed to things that are unpleasant and often offensive. Saying that art belongs only in a museum because it may be offensive is akin to suggesting that books only belong on library shelves because their content may offend somebody. Would Silas suggest we ban professors from assigning books which might offend some of their students through unpleasant historical revelations? The integration of artwork, especially historical and controversial artwork, into the learning experience of a liberal arts university is something that should be commended and celebrated, not criticized. Art is inevitably a reflection of the social forces surrounding the creation of the artwork and of the mind of the artist. Placing the Benton murals in the museum because some students do not like the content would be a great disservice to the entire University community. Matt LaFontaine
Senior 2 gold medals was right way to go Your staff editorial ("Olympic Gold losing status," Feb. 20) is way off the mark. In your quest to "preserve the integrity" of the gold medals, you are forgetting the reason the Russians were allowed to keep their award: This fiasco wasn't the fault of the skaters. I watched the figure skating competition that night, and both pairs skated wonderful performances. To take back the gold medal from the Russians after letting them believe for four days that they were the Olympic champions would just be cruel. And denying the Canadians a gold medal while knowing the judging was tainted would do more for lessening the integrity of the Olympics than limiting the number of medals awarded. True, a gold medal is a rare honor. However, a scandal like this is (hopefully) a rare problem and therefore deserves a rare solution. I don't think rectifying a wrong can be considered "handing out medals left and right," and I think doing the right thing brings glory to everyone. Jenny Waskow
Senior Honesty would improve campus alcohol issues Last week, while spending time at an undisclosed fraternity party, I realized the shocking similarity between a frat party and a magic show. I'm talking about the now you see it, now you don't, nature of the alcoholic beverages. As I sat sipping my Kool-Aid and Everclear punch, I thought about the lengths we go to just to drink. As I was thinking, the drink was wrestled out of my hand by a frenzied pledge as the whole party began yelling "SHUT DOWN!" At that point, someone from the Dean of Students office came by, gave a nod, and the party picked up 10 minutes later. The absurdity of the whole situation was shocking. As I asked around, I discovered there is a gentleman's agreement between the Dean of Students Office and greek houses: "If you can hide it fast enough, you won't get in trouble." It is essentially a game of smoke and mirrors designed to skirt legal liability. In its quest to avoid lawsuits, the University has created an environment that is unsafe and unhealthy and leads to tragedy. How many students have died so far? Alcohol is a dangerous substance, especially when combined with a cloak and dagger game engineered to "prevent further tragedy." I challenge students, faculty and administration to put and end to this absurd magic trick. The University, the greek system and the Dean of Students Office need to have an honest relationship. Realistic expectations must be established on all sides. It is impossible to prevent a group of college kids from drinking. Ask anyone who has lived in the alcohol-free dorms at IU. That is an UNREALISTIC expectation that is at the heart of the problems at IU! Students deserve a safe environment. They deserve a trained health professional to ensure students receive medical treatment if sick or injured, a team of security to prevent fights and, most importantly, an administration that wants an honest, open and constructive relationship. Is that possible with this Dean of Students Office? Who knows? How many more students must die, and how many more fraternities and sororities will we lose before the Dean of Students Office listens. I hope none. Joe Matthews
Senior