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(10/08/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>People often perceive religion and politics as absolutes, claiming their opinions to be undeniably correct with little willingness to learn from the contrary.Although nobody should feel entitled to belittle someone of faith, people often wrongfully speak with declarative conviction and authority.I can’t grasp the premise that an allegiance to “Republican” or “Democrat” is sufficient to define someone.Very few of us unquestionably stand behind every issue on our parties’ platforms, yet we allow them to categorically speak on our behalf.There’s a great scene in “The West Wing” when a Democrat White House official is lobbying a Republican senator for a vote on a bill.After minutes of bickering back and forth about the virtues of the bill, the official asks, “As a gay senator, how can you be part of the Republic Party when the majority leader has denounced your way of life?”After pausing, the senator says, “I agree with 95 percent of the Republican platform. I believe in local government. I’m in favor of individual rights rather than group rights.“I believe free markets lead to free people and that the country needs a strong national defense. My life doesn’t have to be about being a homosexual. It doesn’t have to be entirely about that.”We, too, don’t need to be defined entirely by our religion or political party. Nor should we feel the pressure to holistically inherit its every value.Everyone should empower themselves to objectively evaluate each issue on its individual merits. Political candidates and religious leaders sometimes unjustly dictate how we should cast judgment. I subscribe to the notion that opinions are personal, and therefore, shouldn’t be deliberated in terms of right or wrong.If popular opinion passed legislation, the Emancipation Proclamation wouldn’t have been created, women wouldn’t be allowed to vote and civil unions wouldn’t even be up for discussion.Progressive initiatives are sometimes found in the voice of the minority.The religious teachings of my upbringing have, at times, provoked intolerance.However, my seemingly candid heresy shouldn’t constitute my need to remove myself from the church, just as my decision to not vote straight-ticket isn’t sufficient reason to leave the party.Like the senator said, my membership to both doesn’t have to be all-encompassing.The bias of many still prohibits a society conducive to one’s public spiritual and political self-exploration. - jhollfel@indiana.eduFollow columnist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder.
(09/24/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Many know of the legendary Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz, but what fewer know is his quest to do 107 things before he dies.Now he’s a retired Hall of Fame football coach, but at age 28, he was an out-of-work assistant coach whose wife was pregnant with their third child. He decided to get out of his mental funk and start setting some big, bold life goals.By most 28-year-old’s standards, he aspired to some lofty goals — be a guest on the Tonight Show, have dinner at the White House, land a plane on an aircraft carrier, coach Notre Dame Football, win a national championship and meet the Pope. After reading the book “The Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David J. Schwartz, Holtz came to the realization that by writing and setting life goals, he would find a way to achieve them. According to the last known account, he had achieved 102 of his original 107 goals.I’ll admit, I don’t have reservations at the Kremlin, Jay Leno isn’t calling me to fill the Bieber vacancy and the Pope isn’t writing me to discuss religious doctrine. However, in writing this column, I, too, am accomplishing a life goal.When I turned 21, not unlike many other college students, I planned to celebrate with a night out on the town with friends. Prior to engaging in the age-old tradition, I wrote down 30 things I wanted to accomplish before age 30.I recently re-discovered this list and laughed. Here were a few of my goals:Run with the bulls in PamplonaHave a mint julep at the Kentucky DerbySky-diveTutor/Mentor inner city childrenWear a kilt in ScotlandComplete a sprint triathlonGraduate college in four years while making the dean’s listGolf at Pebble BeachBike the Golden Gate BridgeAdmire Stonehenge Pray in the Sistine Chapel at the VaticanLive in a foreign countrySend my parents on vacationBe published in a newspaperWatch a sunset from the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de JaneiroBecome a Freemason like my grandfatherThrow a coin in the Trevi Fountain in RomePlay catch at Wrigley FieldHave a drink on Bourbon StreetGet accepted into a top-20 MBA programFor a 21-year-old with limited athletic skill, no trust fund, mediocre intelligence and no historical name or connections to rely on, it was naïve to think these were attainable. With the pressure and time commitment of school and a career, it would have been easy to put aside the list for a more convenient time. As of this writing, seven years later, I check off the last item on my list and complete all of my written goals. Accomplishing any worthwhile goal means having a plan, thinking big, making sacrifices and believing in you.— jhollfel@indiana.eduFollow columnist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder.
(09/10/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Political correctness has strong-armed free speech. Afraid to walk the non-conformed line of rejection, we have become a nation of quickly offended. The Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee’s resignation a few months ago was warranted, but it draws attention to a larger epidemic in America. Can one express a personal opinion without it being considered a personal attack? We should be accepting of any person’s opinion and even more so when supported by fact. Gee’s first gaffe was when he disparaged the football schedules of the likes of Boise State and TCU, stating Ohio State doesn’t play the “Little Sisters of the Poor.” Immediately causing a national controversy, critics demanded an apology. One was eventually granted. I struggle to find the part worthy of an apology. Would any objective sports fan be able to support the conclusion that Gee is wrong in assuming Boise State’s and TCU’s schedules are weaker? ESPN’s algorithmic strength of schedule and journalists would concur. And if “Little Sisters of the Poor” University does manage to produce an annual football team, I can’t imagine it would be so disillusioned to be insulted by the insinuation that it’s beneath Ohio State in terms of football pedigree.More recently, when asked a question regarding the Big Ten’s expansion plans and specifically, Louisville, Gee controversially responded with “make certain that we have institutions of like-minded academic integrity. So you won’t see us adding Louisville.”It’s a candid response, but that doesn’t make it inaccurate. At this point in time, most educators would acknowledge Louisville is not academically on par with many Big Ten institutions. Having graduated from a Big Ten university and attending graduate school at another, I appreciate the president’s desire to maintain the academic prestige of the league. If, during the gathering of two close friends they were to imply they chose Harvard Business School, an Ivy League university, over Kelley School of Business and the Big Ten on the grounds of academic reputation — while I may personally object — I wouldn’t find the statement worthy of an apology nor find the conclusion unfounded. I can distinguish between their personal view, one factually supported and an attempt to be crude or offensive. The Ohio State president supported his university, and in doing so, brought up some inconvenient truths. Just because someone prefers to neglect the truth, doesn’t make it offensive or wrong for someone else to tell the truth. I wish Gee would have said, “I stated my opinion, supported by facts, and I don’t think an apology is warranted.”Gee, by any measure, dug his own career grave with the continual escalation of publicly offensive comments, but his resignation makes me wonder if political correctness has overshadowed individualism.To refrain from offending, one must avoid speaking beyond majority consensus. That alone is an infringement on a person’s right to free speech. We must not become an emotionally fragile country. Prior to deeming someone or something offensive, we must temporarily suspend judgment and take the time to properly deliberate.— jhollfel@indiana.eduFollow columnist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder.
(08/26/13 4:00am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>I credit my college education for many personal and professional accomplishments. However, life’s lessons don’t always come in the context of formal lecture. My lesson on optimism took place on a sunny Saturday afternoon in a London park.Having an hour to spare while abroad, I rested in a beautiful park along the Thames riverbank. Suddenly I was awakened by a touch on the arm. My eyes adjusted and then were met with a cold Carlsberg in an outstretched hand. I obliged to join the two gentlemen for a drink. They informed me they were from South Africa and had also arrived in London three months prior. As their story unfolded, my passive temperament was exchanged for an inquisitive dialogue.With a racially corrupt government forcing them to abandon their homes, they retold the events with infectious optimism. Proud farmers longing to inherit their parent’s land, they were stripped of this tradition and right with no compensation. They explained how perceived inherit rights can be taken without due justice. Stating the mere appearance of impropriety to power can constitute guilt. Furthering my disbelief, they spoke of being accused of a presidential assassination for hunting on their own land 20 miles from the president’s residence. The unjust accusation led to the family being coerced into forfeiting their land. Perhaps noticing my tskepticism, he lifted his shirt displaying his scar-torn back, showing the effects of interrogation tactics used in a country with limited civil rights. Despite being just 20 years old — despite their pain, they reiterated their good natures. They entered the country with no money and a distant dream of becoming rugby stars. They told me of their steps toward realizing their dreams: finding minimum wage jobs, spots on a third-tier Rugby squad and a place to live.I couldn’t help but find myself evaluating my own life’s outlook. Shortly after we parted ways, I concluded my lecture on the power of optimism. This interaction had a profound effect on me. It’s a reminder that no matter what, the glass is either half empty or half full. You choose how to see it. — jhollfel@indiana.eduFollow columnist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder.
(08/21/13 2:34am)
____simple_html_dom__voku__html_wrapper____>Dear Freshman Me,Welcome to the next chapter of your life, and I assure you it won’t be the last time you hear this. Once arriving on campus, you’re going to be consumed with endless possibilities, yet find yourself lost in where/how to begin. I’ll save you the time. There is no magic book or plan. Nobody with capable foresight is going to tell you what to major in, who to date, who to associate with, what club to join or how to manage your time. I could tell you how the story unfolds — which major you choose, which girlfriend breaks your heart, which fraternity rejects you. But I can’t in good conscious deny you the mystery that captivates your college experience. Be assured your lowest moments of self-doubt and challenge will later be met with laughter and satisfaction. This is not to misconstrue that work, homework and relationships will come easy. They won’t. College isn’t easy, and despite your attempts, no shortcuts abound. Many of your opportunities will be concealed in adversity. The success you find will be through perseverance and preparation. Luckily, I know you, since, I am you. Therefore, I know you’re contemplating the temptation to throw away this letter and migrate to your Play Station. Before doing so, I ask a favor. As mom, fighting tears, assists your move into the dorm, I ask you to give her a long hug. Make sure she understands your gratitude. Never be too embarrassed to ask your father for advice, too proud to tell your mother you love her or too busy to find time to tell your brother you appreciate him. Secondly, before embarking on this four-year adventure, take a moment and reflect on your accomplishments. Don’t have any? You are personable, intelligent, well-liked amongst your friends, someone your family is proud of and attending a premiere institution. Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want those accomplishments? You will learn to be your biggest critic and biggest cheerleader. Your first year away from high school friends and home cooked meals won’t be a seamless transition. You won’t admit it, but a dorm room bed and an obscure random roommate won’t equate to your envisioned dream living away from home. Fight the temptation to call high school friends after each house party, as the fear of letting go is only postponing your future. Remember why you’re here. Yes, it’s to have fun, socialize and make memories but also to obtain a great education. Setting a more mature future sets you up for success. Find the balance, and don’t be afraid to fail. Trust me, you’re going to, but your regrets will be in complacency, not failure.The next four years are going to fly by. You’re going to go greek, meet lifelong friends, study abroad, run with the bulls, get dumped, fall in love, make the Dean’s list, dance awkwardly, continue making your family proud, land a job and somehow without recognition, even mature. At graduation you will probably think you will have defined goals, an understanding of yourself, a dream job, contentment with life, self-fulfillment and know what the “Real World” is. Unfortunately, these things amongst many others will remain an enigma. Accept your faults, embrace the future and don’t worry so much. You’re doing great. Sincerely, MBA Me— jhollfel@indaina.eduFollow columist John Hollfelder on Twitter @jhollfelder