Issuu

M O N D A Y OCTOBER 27, 2003

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD Volume CXXXVIII, No. 100

An independent newspaper serving the Brown community since 1891

www.browndailyherald.com

Interracial Dating forum draws crowd, plays host to debate BY SHEELA RAMAN

that threatens to spread to the entire industry and, in turn, the economy as a whole. He said that since heat encourages insect breeding, “all the relevant scientists agree that we’ll see a big explosion in disease-spreading, crop-destroying insects.” Gelbspan stressed that global warming was connected with many other challenges around the world. Even if Americans do pull off drastic

Diverse opinions fired intense debate on Friday evening as students shed the safety of political correctness at the Forum on Interracial Dating. The forum, run by the Organization of United African Peoples, entertained an overflow crowd in lower Salomon. Two panels of 10 students discussed controversial questions about the hardships and implications of interracial dating. OUAP member Carmelle Romain ’05 said the goal of the forum was to present different perspectives on interracial dating at Brown and to address why it is so stigmatized. “Personally, I don’t think any constructive conclusions were reached,” she said. “People jump around the answers. But it is valuable to hear other peoples’ thoughts and have dialogue.” One question raised was whether interracial dating is inherently wrong. Some panel members said no, while others brought up issues of exotification and societal power structures that make interracial dating questionable. The moderator, Dionne Boyd ’04, asked that no panelists be named without their specific consent. One panelist said he preferred women of darker complexion, and said he views ethnicity like any other physical characteristic such as height or weight. But panelist Adam King ’06 said physical characteristics are different from cultural characteristics because cultural characteristics are not individual. “I always question why men are attracted to women of my culture because issues of exotification are present and make me uncomfortable,” he said. Being interested in members of another culture doesn’t mean you are trying to exotify them, said Emily Pudalov ’06. “It’s like saying that I’m racist because I’m interested in Latin American studies at Brown.” “Self-evident” power dynamics like socioeconomic distinctions between

see WARMING, page 4

see DATING, page 4

Judy He / Herald

FALL SALE IN FAUNCE: Students could pick up a miniature gourd along with their packages.

Environmental journalist warns of pollution’s dire consequences at Saturday’s conference BY JUSTIN ELLIOTT

Politicians may hotly debate issues like terrorism and the economy, but global warming, if left unchecked, will eclipse all other political discussions, Ross Gelbspan, a retired Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, told an audience Saturday night in MacMillan. Gelbspan, who gave the keynote address at the Northeast Environmental Conference, said he was not a political organizer but stressed the importance of the press in informing the public and effecting change. He encouraged student environmentalists to picket local TV stations and demand that they report the truth about global warming. Gelbspan said that the Earth’s average temperature has heated by one degree in the last century, and that alone has altered the timing of the seasons and increased the occurrence of extreme weather events. The 1990s was the single hottest decade in the last millennium, he said. He gave examples of natural disasters related to worldwide climate change, like a heat wave in India last spring that killed 1,000 people and severe droughts in the western United States. Each disaster cannot be individually tied to climate change, he said, but there is an overwhelming pattern.

The warming of the ocean, he said, has led fish to move northward and, on land, tropical butterflies have been found in Vancouver, Canada. Scientists have begun to recognize a mass migration of all animals toward the poles searching for consistency of climate, Gelbspan said. Climate change has grave, unexpected costs for humans as well, he said. Economically, people could see rapidly rising national disaster-relief budgets. Gelbspan said that there is a looming crisis in the property insurance industry

Grad students at standstill over unionization BY DANA GOLDSTEIN

Within the next few months, the National Labor Relations Board could make its long-awaited decision on graduate student unionization, a decision with far-reaching implications for Brown. the GRADUATE Since 2001, when the University appealed the SCHOOL New England NLRB’s rulat 100 ing that Brown graduate students could be considered employees with the right to unionize, unionization has continued to be a thorny issue among Brown’s grad students.

The precedent set in 2001 by the NLRB’s ruling on New York University’s union was that teaching assistants, teaching fellows and graduate student proctors — but not research assistants in the physical and life sciences — could be considered employees. The national NLRB could choose to uphold grad students’ employee status, in which case the ballots cast in a 2001 referendum on grad student unionization at Brown will be counted. But the Board could also decide that research assistants must be included in that definition, which would mean a reorgani-

I N S I D E M O N D AY, O C T O B E R 2 7 , 2 0 0 3 Acoustic Night at Brown on its way to becoming an institution arts & culture, page 3

Virginia Coalition, the first BCA show of the semester, heated up Sayles Hall Friday arts & culture, page 3

Liberal bias as much a staple of Brown as Hazeltine, says Laura Martin ’06. column, page 9

zation of the pro-unionization movement. Most disastrous for pro-unionization groups would be a decision that grad students as a group are not employees of their universities, and thus do not have the right to unionize. The Brown Graduate Employee Organization is a group of grad students who have worked since 2001 to organize a Brown graduate student union under the United Auto Workers, believing grad students play an integral part in the teaching mission of the see GRAD SCHOOL, page 6

TO D AY ’ S F O R E C A S T David Horowitz’s disturbing popularity is actually explicable, says Terah DeJong ’05. column, page 11

Men’s soccer remains undefeated in Ivy League with a 2-0 win over Cornell sports, page 12

rain and wind high 66 low 47

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

THIS MORNING MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 2 Coup de Grace Grace Farris

W E AT H E R MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

High 66 Low 47 rain/wind

High 58 Low 41 mostly cloudy

High 58 Low 41 showers

High 59 Low 42 partly cloudy GRAPHICS BY TED WU

Three Words Eddie Ahn

MENU THE RATTY LUNCH — Vegetarian Cream of Tomato Soup, Beef Noodle Soup, Clam Strips on a Bun, Lamb Roast, Fettucini with Vegetables, Cauliflower, Green Beans & Peppers, Magic Bars, Chocolate Vanilla Pudding Cake, Raspberry Yogurt Pie DINNER — Vegetarian Cream of Tomato Soup, Beef Noodle Soup, Beef Pot Pie, Chicken Stir Fry, Potato Cheese Pancakes, Tomato Rice Pilaf, Peas with Pearl Onions, Carrots in Parsley Sauce, Ricotta Pepper Bread, Magic Bars, Chocolate Vanilla Pudding Cake, Raspberry Yogurt Pie

V-DUB LUNCH — Vegetarian Japanese Noodle Soup, Potato Vegetable Chowder with Ham, Cavatini, Vegan White Bean & Eggplant Casserole, Sauteed Zucchini & Onions, Magic Bars DINNER — Vegetarian Japanese Noodle Soup, Potato Vegetable Chowder with Ham, Lemon Broiled Chicken, Brown Rice Garden Casserole, Au Gratin Potatoes, Cauliflower, Green Beans & Peppers, Asparagus Cuts with Lemon, Ricotta Pepper Bread, Raspberry Yogurt Pie

Greg and Todd’s Awesome Comic Lance Rubin

CROSSWORD y ACROSS 1 Mexican munchy 6 One of two in a barbecue tool 10 Le Pew of cartoons 14 Character of a people 15 Athletic shoe brand 16 Spanish pot 17 Holds up a newspaper for revised headlines 20 Use a keyboard 21 Many, many years 22 Wanting it all 23 Issue a summons to 25 Luau staple 26 Author du Maurier 29 Mind readers, e.g. 34 S-shaped moldings 35 Cambodian money 36 Arthur of tennis 37 Proposes 40 Prefix with “while” 41 Barak of Israel 42 “Don’t __ surprised” 43 Abner’s gal 45 More sore 46 Rioting group 47 Sommer of films 48 Modelers’ woods 52 “Six Feet Under” network 53 Threesome 57 Ends a discussion 60 Loop-the-loop, e.g. 61 Lyons lady friend 62 Juliet’s beloved 63 Robin’s Marian, for one 64 Shredded 65 Tolerate DOWN 1 Avian home 2 Lawyer: Abbr. 3 Lamb serving

4 Old-fashioned 35 Recovery 49 Diva’s solo storage furniture program, for 50 City near Sacramento 5 Covert WWII short org. 38 Instrument that 51 Did 70 in a 556 Resort lake controls bleeding mph zone, say 7 Pizzeria fixture 39 Potato holder 52 Will beneficiary 8 Puppy’s bite 44 Singer Sumac et 54 Notes after do 55 Like some tea 9 Grotesque al. architectural 45 Baseball’s Felipe 56 Oklahoma figure or Moises Indian 10 Model’s stance 47 Actor Buddy 58 Med. plan choice 11 “So what __ is 48 Part of an apt. 59 Two-piece piece new?” ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE: 12 Stated one’s case S M A L L O J B A N D S A W 13 Simple O N E I N C H P O L E A X E 18 Henri’s head R A W D A T A 19 Musical Clapton A S O F N O W I C E I T P U T T E N T S 24 Technical sch. S P A S P T A S I L E 25 Prefix for “false” H A L M A O R I A L I A S 26 Figured (out), slangily S I D E W A Y S L E N G T H 27 Greek T R O O P S P E N T marketplace E T H E R E A L T S E T S E 28 Coke alternative R U M E D E N S C R E E K 29 Resentful feeling L A W S P A R R N E O 30 Malicious J A K E S H I T A T I D O critique U N A L I K E P E R J U R E 31 “Lord, __?”: L A S S O E R S I L E N C E Matthew 32 Selected E N D M O S T U N H A N D Y 33 Mexican mister 10/27/03 xwordeditor@aol.com 1

Dirty Brown by Scott Yi & David Petruccelli

46 50

21 23

Hopeless Edwin Chang

My Best Effort Andy Hull and William Newman

53 59

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD, INC.

10/27/03

ganwyn’s haiku korner oh little red cup why must you stain my white shirt the color of blood?

Editorial Phone: 401.351.3372

The Brown Daily Herald (USPS 067.740) is published Monday through Friday during the aca-

Business Phone: 401.351.3260

demic year, excluding vacations, once during Commencement, once during Orientation and

Elena Lesley, President

once in July by The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. POSTMASTER please send corrections to P.O. Box

Kerry Miller, Vice President

2538, Providence, RI 02906. Periodicals postage paid at Providence, R.I. Offices are located at 195

Jamie Wolosky, Treasurer

Angell St., Providence, R.I. E-mail herald@browndailyherald.com. World Wide Web:

Joseph Laganas, Secretary

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

ARTS & CULTURE MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 3 ARTS & CULTURE REVIEW

ARTS & CULTURE REVIEW

New Brown Acoustic Night is already a hit

Five white boys with a go-go plan: Virginia Coalition heats up Sayles Friday night

BY STEFAN TALMAN

A new institution has arrived at Brown: Acoustic Night, developed by Sarah Kroesser ’05 and Ben Kamber ’05, began on Oct. 4 with its first performance in Grant Recital Hall. With Kamber and Kroesser laughing, joking and finishing each others’ sentences throughout the interview, it became evident that Acoustic Night was not just a static idea, but a developing concept, changing to meet the needs and desires of Brown’s musical community. Acoustic Night was conceived by Kroesser. A musician herself she began looking for a place to perform at Brown after transferring from New York University. Wanting something more than just an open mike, she created a cohesive show, and put up advertisements for auditions. Kamber was the first to audition, and as they discussed their visions, a clearer outline of the project emerged. Acoustic Night, Kamber said, splits from the trend of coffee houses and open mikes, unifying the unappreciated singer-songwriter genre, once popular, but lost to the 1960s and 1970s. It provides a forum for the re-infusion of this acoustic tradition with the confessional and the autobiographical song style. Moreover, it presents a starting point to rebuild the legitimacy of an art form looked down upon as too easy but which provides unrecognized challenges in its never-ending demand for newness. Further, the idea of acoustic music has acquired a bad name, harkening images of weepy college boys strumming on guitars. Acoustic Night builds upon traditional guitar music, see ACOUSTIC, page 4

BY ZOE WEINGART

Photo courtesy of BCA

Since the release of its first album in 1998, Virginia Coalition, or VACO, as the band is known to its fans, has become popular for its unique sound along the East Coast and in the Midwest. The band fuses rock, country and funk with hints of bluegrass, African rhythms and go-go. But VACO is known and loved primarily for its notably energetic live show.

The members of Virginia Coalition were in for quite a surprise when they stepped out of their van Friday night for the first time since leaving their sunny home of Alexandria, Va. — it was cold. Very cold. The night may have been frosty, but the inside of Sayles was hot enough to fog up the windows and packed with dancing students for the first Brown Concert Agency show of the semester. Since the release of its first album in 1998, VACO, as the band is known to its fans, has become popular for its unique sound along the East Coast and in the Midwest. The band fuses rock, country and funk with hints of bluegrass, African rhythms and go-go. Think of it as the love child of James Taylor, James Brown and the Dixie Chicks, with some guitar lessons from Eric Clapton thrown in. But VACO is known and loved primarily for its notably energetic live show. Think of it as said love child on methamphetamine. After touring with the Dave Matthews Band and Counting Crows, and selling out the 9:30 club in Washington, D.C. four times in a row, VACO has built an avid and enthusiastic following. Now, following the release of its third album, the band is finally taking it easy. “This is the first time we haven’t been hopping in the van every single time we get an offer to play,” said Steve see VIRGINIA, page 7

PAGE 4 THE BROWN DAILY HERALD MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003

Dating continued from page 1 white men and women of color are impossible to avoid and need to be considered in interracial relationships, according to one panelist. “The white man has more power, and this inevitably will affect the relationship,” she said. The mention of such power structures electrified the audience and other panel members. When one audience member asked the panel to more adequately define power structures, there was no response. Instead, one panelist said that although this power dynamic may exist, it is no reason to avoid such relationships. “As long as a dialogue about it exists between the partners, it’s O.K.,” he said. When the second panel of students took the stage, Boyd asked the panelists whether

their dating preferences are different at Brown than they are at home. Students were divided as to whether it is correct to honor parents’ prejudices in choosing partners. A panelist said he would never disrespect his Hindu father by dating a Muslim. He said he felt morally obligated to the values his father taught him. In response, a student asked, “Is respecting your parents’ prejudices really respecting your parents?” Fierce discussion followed. Some students said it was important not to embarrass their families. Others said the only way to open families to something new is to challenge preexisting beliefs. “What it comes down to is whether love can take you through these societal hardships. Do these hardships really excuse prejudice in dating preference and seeing someone specifically as a representation

of their race?” asked one panelist. Answers to such questions proved elusive. During the audience discussion, one student expressed her disappointment with the panel. She said that people were simply “throwing around labels and opinions” without really addressing how to build meaningful interracial relationships. Laughter punctuated the forum throughout as students tried to make light of the tense atmosphere. But Boyd continually urged students not to dwell in such frivolity. She said that they should instead press forward with the discussion to get to the core of important issues. Despite the absence of concrete solutions, many students said the forum was worthwhile. “Having more discussions like these could lead to a greater understanding of interracial dating,” said Brenna Sullivan ’07.

Warming continued from page 1 cuts in their own emissions, he said, they would be overwhelmed by India, China and other developing countries that must burn massive amounts of fuel to stay above the poverty line. So to fully address global warming, he said, we must change the fact that “humanity is split irreparably between rich and poor.” America generates 25 percent of the world’s emissions with only 5 percent of the world’s population. Therefore, Gelbspan said, foreign resentment of the United States will increase as the effects of global warming become more and more visible. Also, a switch to clean energy would decrease our reliance on the Middle East, he said. Gelbspan said that it is “important to understand” that many causes are connected. “We’re not gonna get clean energy without clean elections,” he said. “What I write about,” he said, “is how the problem pits our ability to support our population against one of the most powerful industries in history.” The energy corporations, led by ExxonMobil, mounted a campaign with nearly unlimited funds that attacked the science of climate change. Gelbspan said that they misrepresented the most extensive, most peerreviewed area of scientific research in history. He said he saw one video put out by the energy industry that first claimed global warming did not exist, and then switched to saying it was a good thing because we could grow crops in currently colder climates and feed a growing population. The good news, Gelbspan said, is that outside America there is no debate on global warming.

Acoustic continued from page 3 incorporating piano, voice and drums. Kroesser explained that in the future, she hopes Acoustic Night will move beyond simple performances to build a community of singer-songwriters. To do so, organizers would create a forum where musicians could come to try out their new work among their peers, giving and receiving constructive criticism. Additionally, with hope of turning Acoustic Night into an institution at Brown, Kamber and Kroesser have been working with the Music Department DUG and Creative Arts Council, and plan to meet with the University Finance Board to procure funding. The first Acoustic Night show was an astounding success. Over 50 musicians responded to the initial call for participants, which the co-founders had to whittle down to 12. This small number, they said, would allow each musician to perform more than one song, avoiding the feel of a talent show and allowing the audience to get a better feel for each musician’s range. The show packed Grant Recital Hall and over 50 people

“What I write about,” he said, “is how the problem pits our ability to support our population against one of the most powerful industries in history.” Inside the country, he said, the debate is confined to the White House and the op-ed page of the Wall Street Journal. He said that in Europe, the progress has been particularly heartening, citing a program in Holland aiming to reduce emissions by 80 percent in 40 years. Gelbspan said that the science has become so robust, that a British journal, the Lancet, called “indifference to climate change a form of biopolitical terrorism.” In the United States, he said the religious community, states and cities have gotten the message, but he called the Bush energy plan “a shortcut to climate hell.” Gelbspan stressed international cooperation to combat global warming. As a Brazilian environmentalist put it, he said, “We’re all in the same boat — there’s no way half the boat is going to sink.” He favored strong government regulation as the most effective tool to reduce emissions. “To believe we can use tradeable emission permits is to pretend we can finesse nature with accounting tricks, and I don’t think it will work.” Gelbspan offered encouragement to the students in the audience, saying that “a climate change message on campus will reverberate through society.”

The show packed Grant Recital Hall and over 50 people were turned away at the door (as nearly every reserved ticket was used). were turned away at the door. Lasting over two hours, the event showcased a wide spectrum of Brown’s musical talent, previously eclipsed by more formal groups such as the wind symphony and orchestra. And while the show was cohesive, music gems were scattered across the acoustic spectrum. Among so many performers, guitar duo “Jamie and CJ” harkened the thrills of Tenacious D; Kara Young ’07 belted Ani DiFrancostyle; Post- film editor Doug Fretty ’05 moaned like Dylan; and Hunter Bergschneider ’05 and Andrew Fox ’06 both filled the room with a deep soulful sadness. Herald staff writer Stefan Talman ’05 can be reached at stalman@browndailyherald.com.

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

CAMPUS NEWS MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 5

Theft of $10K flute, $6K watch top crime report BY ZACH BARTER

Judy He / Herald

FENCED OUT: Students crossing Pembroke campus were surprised over the weekend by construction behind The Gate. Pedestrians were diverted along an unusual route to their destinations.

Students deconstruct the nature of whiteness BY KIRA LESLEY

White students discussed racial privilege, societal power structures, and societal responsibilities in a workshop held Saturday in Salomon as part of “Deconstructing Whiteness Week.” The workshop, “Confronting White Privilege,” was organized by Sharon Mulligan ’05 and Renee Betancourt ’05. Saturday’s group, which included 22 students and one professor, began by completing a worksheet that included such questions as “Is there a white culture?”; “Do you ever feel guilty about being white?”; “Is whiteness a privilege?” and “Does being white automatically make you racist?” This written exercise was followed by an open discussion prompted by the questions. Some workshop participants asked that they not be identified because of the sensitive nature of discussion topics. Students hotly debated the definition

of racism. According to Mulligan, the commonly accepted academic definition of racism is “prejudice plus institutional power.” Some participants agreed with this definition, while others felt that racism is a more widespread phenomenon, occurring in all racial, socioeconomic, and gender groups, regardless of institutional power. Many participants said they felt it was important to distinguish between prejudices that whites hold and prejudices that other groups hold because white Americans have institutional power behind them. “White people have the power in that they can be race neutral,” one student said. “It’s not something that you are forced to deal with.” Another student said that only white people can be racist because “white people hold all the power in our socie-

ty.” If white Americans don’t challenge the status quo or take an actively antiracist stance, then they are racist, he said. The group also discussed whether or not being white automatically makes a person racist. Participants stated several different opinions. One student said that being white does not automatically make a person more racist than being any other race does. Thyra Heder ’06 suggested that white people are the only Americans who can be “unaware of where they are in the system.” After the discussion, Mulligan said that while dialogue about whiteness among whites is important, discussion among several racial groups was also necessary to better understand the idea of white privilege and its effects.

A stink bomb and the theft of five bikes, a $10,000 flute and a $6,000 watch topped the Department of Public Safety crime report for the past month. A woman reported walking near College Street and Prospect Street on Oct. 2 when someone threw a stink bomb at her from the window of a black Audi. A DPS patrol car followed the vehicle until the Providence Police Department was able to send a unit and conduct a stop. The woman later gave a positive identification of the suspect. A $10,000 Muramazu silver flute disappeared from Grad Center A sometime between Oct. 9 and Oct. 14. The student had left her room unlocked before returning home for Columbus Day weekend. Grad Center A also saw the theft of a $6,000 gold-faced Rolex watch. The owner said the watch was stolen between Oct. 9 and Oct. 15. Thieves treated themselves to five twowheeled get-away vehicles during the month. Bicycles were reported missing from Barus and Holley, Angell Street, the Sciences Library and Wriston Quad. DPS also received reports from two people whose car stereos had been stolen near Thayer and Power streets. In another incident, DPS managed to track the registration of a white Lincoln Continental whose driver had been seen breaking into a car at the Marston Boat House on Oct. 4. But thieves did not limit themselves to bikes and cars. A $3,500 laptop and $860 worth of tools disappeared from Champlin Hall and Churchill House, respectively. Both rooms had been left unlocked. Members of Brown Student Radio reported the theft of a flat-screen television from its disc jockey booth in Faunce House on Oct. 4. BSR later changed the locks on the door. Officers also responded to a scuffle outside the Avon Cinema on Oct. 11. A Brown student reported being assaulted by an unidentified suspect. A search of the area conducted by DPS and PPD failed to locate the suspect. Herald senior staff writer Zach Barter ’06 covers crime. He can be reached at zbarter@browndailyherald.com.

boo.

PAGE 6 THE BROWN DAILY HERALD MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003

Grad School continued from page 1 University and are thus its employees. On the other side of the debate is At What Cost, an anti-unionization group whose members argue that Brown grad students, as a group, are treated well compared to their peers at other institutions, and have the support of a generous administration. The BGEO/UAW hopes the national NLRB upholds the existing definition of a grad student employee and allows the votes from 2001 to be counted, said Jonathan Hagel GS, a fourth-year grad student in the history department. AWC conducted an informal survey, which they said led them to believe the vote was antiunionization. “Either way, it was close,” said Sheyda Jahanbani GS, a BGEO/UAW spokeswoman and fourth-year grad student in history. At Brown, as at other universities, support for unionization has tended to come from those who are eligible to be part of

such a union — grad students in the humanities who spend a considerable chunk of their time at Brown as teachers to undergraduates, Jahanbani said. A core group of Brown graduate students, mostly from the Departments of History, English, Philosophy, American Civilization and History of Art and Architecture, continue to actively support unionization, Hagel said. Members of AWC are culled mostly from the physical and life sciences partly because their work as research assistants will not make them eligible to join the bargaining unit of the potential union, said Kristin Bishop GS, a graduate student in ecology and evolutionary biology and Jennifer Anderson GS, a sixth-year graduate student in the geology department. But some graduate students oppose unionization because they feel it impedes upon their identity as students and the types of unfettered relationships with faculty members and administrators this designation allows, Anderson said. Because most grad students are hoping to become professors, their work as TAs is a central compo-

nent of their education, she said. “We’re actually acting as students learning how to teach,” she said. Hagel and Jahanbani agreed that serving as TAs is a central part of grad students’ education, but argued unionization would force the administration to enforce limits on section size, allowing Brown to live up to its promise of small, discussionbased classes while simultaneously allowing grad students to devote more time to their roles as students and researchers. “In some classes at Brown there are 50-person sections,” Jahanbani said, “which is contrary to the pedagogical idea of sections.” Jahanbani said that in her experience, the most effective discussion sections have no more than 15 students. “My first semester as a TA I had 102 students,” she said, adding that her responsibilities as TA came on top of the pressure she was under while studying for her second year preliminary examinations in history. Although grad students are paid bonuses if their TA load exceeds a certain number of students, Jahanbani said a big part

of the push toward unionization was the desire for the power to say “no” to an unreasonable work load, regardless of pay increases. Jahanbani and Hagel said their critiques were not an indictment of their own department, which they said tended to be very understanding of these issues. Rather, they are unhappy with the administration’s reception to suggestions on how to improve the TA experience. “(President) Ruth Simmons said we need to talk about the place of graduate students at this university. We felt like that never happened,” Jahanbani said. “What we got instead was a pretty strong anti-unionization campaign put on through the University mailing system and by AWC. It made this a contest, not a debate.” This aggressive anti-unionization stance sends the message that “essentially, what you do is not making a contribution,” Jahanbani said. “I think graduate students make a difference here. We mediate between the professors and the undergrads and a lot of us enjoy doing our jobs.” AWC differs from the

BGEO/UAW in its perception of the University’s appreciation for grad students. Three years ago the administration extended full health insurance coverage to all grad students, which Anderson and Bishop cite as an example of Brown’s commitment to improvement in the area of grad student life. “The administration is listening,” Bishop said. “They don’t want to keep us in a minimum wage situation and abuse us.” Hagel and Jahanbani see the health insurance issue differently, noting co-payments for doctor visits increased this year and that grad students with families must pay an additional $1,000 per year for each dependent they wish to include under their insurance policies. Anderson and Bishop said they support more improvement in grad student life, but reiterated that working alongside the administration through the Graduate Student Council would produce positive results. AWC is also skeptical about the wisdom of Brown grad students organizing under a national union that mainly represents workers in the auto industry. But its members aren’t all anti-union. An internal poll showed that about 90 percent of its members support unionization as a way of giving voice to employees and approximately half believe unions might be helpful for grad students. “UAW politics are not ones that graduate students at Brown, particularly AWC members, tend to support,” Anderson said. “One-third of our dues would stay local, onethird would go to the national headquarters in Detroit and one-third would go into a strike fund. The national funds might be used in D.C. to lobby for things we don’t agree with,” such as legislation favorable to the makers of gas-guzzling SUVs. Jahanbani said the BGEO chose the UAW because it has a proven success record in organizing graduate students across the country. “The UAW is the national union that put themselves on the line in front of the NLRB for graduate students,” she said. “The American Federation of Teachers and the United Federation of Teachers wanted nothing to do with us.” Hagel extolled the UAW’s track record in issues of race, gender and class and noted that the union’s fastest growing segment is the one representing grad students, clerical workers, health care workers, childcare workers and even adjunct professors. Jahanbani said being part of a union would prepare grad students for the experiences they would encounter as “academic laborers” in an economy with uncertain job prospects. “Ruth Simmons has been great for the University and positive changes have been made for grad students,” Hagel said. “But we want something more substantive and more democratic.” Herald senior staff writer Dana Goldstein ’06 can be reached at dgoldstein@browndailyherald.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 THE BROWN DAILY HERALD PAGE 7

M. soccer continued from page 12 matters though, is that we win the Ivies.” It has not yet been decided if the game will be re-scheduled, though both teams do not have much space in their schedules. Continuing their bid for an Ivy League championship, the Bears (4-0 Ivy) executed their game plan with little deviation and handed Cornell their first Ivy defeat (2-1-1 Ivy). “Following the scouting report that the coaches set gave us our two goals and allowed us to win,” Romaneiro said. “They keep eight guys in the back, so when they attacked, we looked to get the ball wide, cross it, and counter as quickly as possible. We played everything in two or three touches as quickly as we could.” The first goal was right out of Head Coach Mike Noonan’s playbook. Brian Joyce ’07 ran down the sideline and switched the ball over to Matt Goldman ’04, who cut back and sent the ball to Adom Crew ’04. As he has done four previous times this year, Crew scored what would prove to be the game winning goal, extending his goal scoring streak to an impressive five games. Crew led a smart Brown offensive attack that took ten shots and earned 11 corner kicks. The senior captain has fulfilled his role all season, not only scoring the key goals, but also providing leadership. “Adom really helps me out a lot,” said Andrew Daniels ’07. “He’s been here for four years and seems to know where to be at the right times. We all learn from him. Along with Crew, the Brown offense has stepped up and looks more cohesive than earlier in the year. “We are at a point when everyone is clicking,” Diane said. “We have gelled together and know each other so well that we know where guys are going to be on crosses.” At the end of the half, the Bears led the Big Red 1-0. The second half was no different from the first, with Brown controlling the Cornell attack and maintaining offensive pressure. “I was really happy with the way the guys played in the second half,” Noonan said. “Marcos and Brian Joyce really held the midfield together, and Keith Caldwell ’06 came on and gave a good spark as well.” Brown scored its second goal at 68:58, when Seth QuidachaySwan intercepted a misplayed Cornell pass back to goalkeeper David Mahoney and shot it into an empty net. “We worked on pressuring the whole week,” Romanerio said. “We know that their goalkeeper was indecisive at times, and the pressure we put on him and their defense led to a goal.” Mahoney, who transferred from Brown last year after his sophomore year, had been on a roll before facing Brown, recording four shutouts in five games. “For me and I’m sure for other players it was just another game,” Romaneiro said. “But the fact that he transferred gave us more motivation. It wasn’t like we were out to prove that we were against him, but he did leave our team, and it definitely gave us an extra push.” In the Brown goal, Chris Gomez ’05 continued his stellar play, making two saves en route to his

Crew led a smart Brown offensive attack that took ten shots and earned 11 corner kicks. The senior captain has fulfilled his role all season, not only scoring the key goals, but

Virginia continued from page 3 Dawson, VACO’s lead singer and guitarist. “And now I just want to play some X-Box and go to sleep,” he said between puffs of his cigarette, as he drooped against the railing on the steps outside of Sayles. For someone with such an intense demeanor on stage, Dawson seems quite mellow face to face. VACO played a set of mostly upbeat songs, rarely slowing down the pace. By the second

song, vocalist, guitarist and percussionist Andy Wonder had already broken a sweat, and for the last half-hour, sweat from Paul Ottinger’s face was literally raining down onto his instruments. The band’s enthusiasm and stellar performance had the crowd singing, dancing, jumping and screaming nonstop. Drumsticks were broken, encores were played, guitar picks were thrown and new fans were made. And for a moment, Brown’s prematurely frozen New England exteriors were thoroughly warmed by some great rock and roll.

also providing leadership. “Adom really helps me out a lot,” said Andrew Daniels ’07. “He’s been here for four years and seems to know where to be at the right times. We all learn from him. Along with Crew, the Brown offense has stepped up and looks more cohesive than earlier in the year. fifth shutout of the year and 11th of his career. Aside from the two saves, he made several moves to cut off Cornell crosses through the box. Along with Gomez, the rest of the defensive unit had yet another strong game. “Our main focus at halftime was being more intense defensively,” Daniels said. “We dominated the air and the midfielders picked up a lot of the second balls.” Throughout the season Noonan has worked to bolster the Brown defense, which has surrendered an average of just over one goal per game. “Defensively we are doing really well,” Diane said. “We are not letting in that many goals. In Ivy League games, our defense has been doing a great job — we’ve only let in one goal in four games, which was on a bogus penalty kick.” The 2-0 win gives Brown an overall record of 8-3-1, as they move into the last stretch of the season. This Wednesday the Bears will play their final non-Ivy game against a talented Boston College team at Stevenson field. “It’s a big game for us to show that we are the top team in the region,” Diane said. “History-wise, we haven’t beat BC in years, so we definitely want to get the win.” On Saturday the Bears will take on Penn at home and then, in the following two weeks, will face Yale and host Dartmouth to close out the regular season. Herald staff writer Ian Cropp ’05 is an assistant sports editor. He can be reached at icropp@browndailyherald.com.

Cerretani continued from page 12 great at volleying at the net,” Shamasdin said. Cerretani’s serve is his “bread and butter.” He constantly tries to keep the opponent off balance by mixing up the speed and spins of his serves. The chemistry between Cerretani and Shamasdin is a significant reason why they have been so successful this year. “We communicate a lot on the court, and are able to understand and adjust to each other. We like to do some complex plays which baffle the opponents, and in order for these plays to work, communication is imperative,” Cerretani said. As Cerretani heads into the championships, one of his primary goals is to continue building his leg strength. During the ITA Northeast Regional, he played 11 matches in just one weekend. “It is important that my legs not wear down with so much at stake,” Cerretani said. When Cerretani’s season ends with the Bears, he is looking forward to playing tennis over the summer to iron out the weaknesses in his game. If Cerretani is happy playing, he will continue in the professional circuit. Many view tennis as an individual sport, yet Cerretani believes that playing with his fellow teammates and working with a team is what makes tennis so fun. “Jamie sets an incredible example to everyone on the

Cerretani’s serve is his “bread and butter.” He constantly tries to keep the opponent off balance by mixing up the speed and spins of his serves. team both on and off the court. On the court, he is one of the hardest workers, and the freshmen learn a lot from his leadership. Off the court, he is a great guy to hang out with and takes his academics very seriously,” Shamasdin said. Comparisons to some of tennis’ greats might begin in the near future if Cerretani is able to bring a national championship or two back to Providence.

remember me?

the brown daily herald L E C T U R E

S E R I E S

“Write no Evil – the Challenge of Journalism in Zimbabwe”

Geoff Nyarota founder of The Daily News, Zimbabwe’s only independent daily newspaper, acclaimed international journalist and defender of the free press

T U E S D A Y, O C T O B E R 2 8 , 7 P. M . , W I L S O N 1 0 2

co-sponsored by the africa group

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

OPINIONS EXTRA MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 9

In memoriam of diversity The liberal bias at Brown runs the gamut, from snide professor comments to official faculty motions “THERE’S A LIBERAL BIAS IN BROWN’S Cooper responded eloquently, stating that classrooms? That’s ridiculous! In fact, I the motion is “totally contrary to the spirjust read a class book regarding the con- it of the University; the essence of a uniservative bias of the media.” Does this versity is that we speak for ourselves.” The University still claims to “embrace sound like familiar Brown logic? That’s because there are a few indisputable facts diversity” as it speaks as a collective, oneabout Brown. The V-dub has much nicer dimensional political unit. For a commucups. Neuro 1 is a popular course. There nity that prides itself on diversity and individualism, the real is liberal bias on campus. atmosphere is homogeneous. Disregarding the 30:1 LAURA MARTIN It is easy to accept a habitat Democrat/Republican faculty GUEST COLUMNIST where everyone else agrees ratio, which is telling on its with you. It is easy to focus own, there are other facts that on visible diversities such as demonstrate the dominance of the Left at Brown. For example, virtually race, class and sexual orientation, while no major conservative speakers are invit- overlooking the most important: our ed to speak at Brown. Those who appear diversity of thought. The hard reality is are subjected to open hostility from stu- that once graduates leave the walls of this dents and direct politicized quotes from liberal safe-haven, they will be left without analytical skills, without having chalUniversity officials. A particularly disturbing University lenged their opinions, and without a clue decision that has been drastically over- about the conservative ideologies in looked occurred at the October 2003 fac- which a majority of the country believes. Aside from the recent war-stance, there ulty meeting. “The Faculty wishes to go on record as opposing the doctrine of pre- are numerous quotations from University emptive war. Force should be employed officials that demonstrate that academic only as a last resort and even then, only in learning and personal political views have accordance with international law. We become meshed. For example, Brenda believe strongly that the present invasion Allen, associate provost and director of and occupation of Iraq do not fulfill these institutional diversity, is quoted in The requirements.” Professor of physics Leon Herald as saying, “If anyone left (the Horowitz lecture) feeling they learned something significant about anything, Laura Martin ’06 raises the question,“The that’s a shame. … That man doesn’t have a clue about race in America. He’s a waste of pen is mightier than the sword, but what time.” is mightier than a sword made of pens?”

The University still claims to “embrace diversity” as it speaks as a collective, one-dimensional political unit. For a community that prides itself on diversity and individualism, the real atmosphere is homogeneous. It is easy to accept a habitat where everyone else agrees with you. Challenging one’s personal convictions by considering differing viewpoints is an excellent way of strengthening one’s beliefs. It is not a shame that I learned something from Horowitz’s lecture: Brown is intolerant of dissention. Here is Professor Keach, professor of English, (9/27/01), in reference to Horowitz’s 2001 ad: “Will you print any piece of far-right, war-mongering, racist poison as long as it’s paid for?” Yes. Far-left name-calling will also be printed, as will anything else that people want to say, thanks to the First Amendment. It is not the job of officials or professors to protect us from people like Horowitz. Education involves open exchange of ideas, including ones that you disagree with and maybe even hate. My history professor last semester: Continuous commentary on the war with Iraq and the stupidity of our president.

Sadly, it was only met by the self-righteous giggles of the students. What chilling effect do these occurrences have on conservative (or just disagreeing) students who are subject to the grading, criticism and decision-making of professors and officials? They are silenced. A few things to take away from Brown: If you’re anti-reparations or anti-affirmative action you’re a racist (regardless of whether you have black family). If you’re pro-life, you’re misogynist (regardless of whether you’re a woman). If you don’t believe in a graduated income tax, you hate poor people (regardless of whether your father’s unemployed). If you’re prowar, you don’t care about humanity (regardless of whether you have a friend in Iraq). If you disagree, you are uninformed, inferior and not worth attention. Or brave.

yogurt or pudding?

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

EDITORIAL/LETTERS MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 10 S T A F F

E D I T O R I A L

What you preach An entire week devoted to “deconstructing whiteness?” Only at Brown. But even though such events may seem downright esoteric to those outside our little College Hill community, they’re a dynamic addition to life at Brown and what students take from their university experience. Within the last few days, students have had the opportunity to debate — and hear others’ perspectives on — topics ranging from interracial dating to white privilege and the definition of racism. Where else could you have these kinds of dialogues? Students at many schools wouldn’t have the interest or courage to take on these discussions, and delving into such often treacherous waters isn’t considered kosher in most workplace environments. Conversations regarding race are generally emotionally charged and difficult, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have them. At the same time, Brown students shouldn’t settle into states of complacency just because they have dissected the nature of race, power structures and injustice. Twenty-two white kids sitting together discussing their whiteness on an Ivy League campus does little to help disadvantaged minority youth. Deconstructing race relations on an abstract level with no additional action makes little difference to people whose life options have been limited due to their race and socioeconomic status. At Brown, we run the risk of becoming weighed down by circular theoretical debates, in which we identify problems, attack existing institutions and provide no tangible responses. These may be fun mental exercises, but they have negligible effect on society at large. So, if you feel you’ve learned something new or useful in one of these dialogues, find a way to act on it. Any tangible solutions will be imperfect, but they’re a start. If it suites your newfound ideology, work with grassroots organizations aimed at mobilizing the disadvantaged in society. Buy a home in one of the mixed-income housing projects that are springing up across the country instead of gravitating to the suburbs or an urban yuppie enclave after graduation. Comment on discriminatory occurrences you see in day-today life. In other words, put your money where your mouth is.

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD EDITORIAL Elena Lesley, Editor-in-Chief Brian Baskin, Executive Editor Zachary Frechette, Executive Editor Kerry Miller, Executive Editor Kavita Mishra, Senior Editor Rachel Aviv, Arts & Culture Editor Jen Sopchockchai, Asst. Arts & Culture Editor Carla Blumenkranz, Campus Watch Editor Juliette Wallack, Metro Editor Jonathan Skolnick, Opinions Editor Philissa Cramer, RISD News Editor Maggie Haskins, Sports Editor Jonathan Meachin, Sports Editor

BUSINESS Jamie Wolosky, General Manager Joe Laganas, Executive Manager Joshua Miller, Executive Manager Anastasia Ali, Project Manager Jack Carrere, Project Manager Lawrence L. Hester IV, Project Manager Bill Louis, Project Manager Zoe Ripple, Project Manager Peter Schermerhorn, Project Manager Elias Roman, Human Resources Manager Laurie-Ann Paliotti, Sr. Advertising Rep. Elyse Major, Advertising Rep. Kate Sparaco, Office Manager

PRODUCTION Zachary Frechette, Chief Technology Officer Marc Debush, Copy Desk Chief Yafang Deng, Copy Desk Chief Grace Farris, Graphics Editor Andrew Sheets, Graphics Editor Sara Perkins, Photo Editor

POST- MAGAZINE Alex Carnevale, Editor-in-Chief Dan Poulson, Executive Editor Morgan Clendaniel, Senior Editor Theo Schell-Lambert, Senior Editor Micah Salkind, Features Editor Ellen Wernecke, Features Editor Abigail Newman, Theater Editor Doug Fretty, Film Editor Jason Ng, Music Editor Colin Hartnett, Design Editor

SHANE WILKERSON

LETTERS Collapse of WTO talks Allen’s views change is a welcome sign of to appease various Third World unity student factions To the Editor:

To the Editor:

Re: “I wonder if heaven got a World Trade Organization” (Oct. 24). In his column on the WTO, Barron Youngsmith ‘06 declares that, “If you’re evil and uncaring, the failure of last month’s WTO talks were just what you were looking for.” Well, I must be evil and uncaring, because in the collapse of last month’s talks I see a ray of hope. For once, “Third World” nations have united to form a single front, thus undermining the efforts of the world’s richer nations to reach a consensus favorable to their own interests. This runs in stark contrast to WTO tradition. Usually, the United States and Europe have been able to have their agendas adopted while Third World nations were divided and dominated. For once, there were two united fronts that met at the negotiating tables, and this development was responsible for the collapse of talks. Anyone who is eager to see unity in the Third World, and to promote poor nations’ ability to negotiate collectively, should be heartened by last month’s developments. A positive decision was not reached, but if Third World solidarity does not break down, it may not be far away.

In “Coalition says Herald misled its readers, sent spies” (Oct. 24) Associate Provost and Director of Institutional Diversity Brenda Allen said, at a meeting led by the students who stole the newspapers in 2001, “‘If anyone left (the Horowitz lecture) feeling they learned something significant about anything, that’s a shame’” and that Horowitz is “a waste of time.” However, in “Horowitz speaks out against stifling of conservative views” (Oct. 23), it was reported that “she (Allen) didn’t agree with everything Horowitz told the audience, but ‘it was a good opportunity to listen to some things that were meant to be provocative,’” adding that, “though she would disagree with some of what Horowitz said throughout the lecture, there were a few things “‘where, in fact, we’re not so far off.’” Is there some explanation for her blatantly contradictory remarks, or is Allen willing to say whatever in order to pander to whomever she is appeasing at the moment? Eric Neuman ‘04 Oct. 26

Michal Zapendowski ‘07 Oct. 26

Lisa Mandle, Night Editor Marc Debush, Yafang Deng, Anne Rabbino, Copy Editors Senior Staff Writers Zach Barter, Danielle Cerny, Dana Goldstein, Lisa Mandle, Monique Meneses, Joanne Park, Meryl Rothstein, Ellen Wernecke Staff Writers Kathy Babcock, Hannah Bascom, Carla Blumenkranz, Robbie Corey-Boulet, Philissa Cramer, Ian Cropp, Sam Culver, Jonathan Ellis, Amy Hall Goins, Bernard Gordon, Krista Hachey, Jonathan Herman, Sarah LaBrie, Hanyen Lee, Julian Leichty, Allison Lombardo, Chris Mahr, Jonathan Meachin, Sara Perkins, Melissa Perlman, Eric Perlmutter, Cassie Ramirez, Zoe Ripple, Emir Senturk, Jen Sopchockchai, Adam Stern, Stefan Talman, Joshua Troy, Schuyler von Oeyen, Juliette Wallack, Jessica Weisberg, Brett Zarda, Julia Zuckerman Accounts Managers Laird Bennion, Eugene Clifton Cha, In Young Park, Jane C. Urban, Sophie Waskow, Justin Wong, Christopher Yu Pagination Staff Lisa Mandle, Alex Palmer Photo Staff Gabriella Doob, Benjamin Goddard, Marissa Hauptman, Judy He, Miyako Igari, Allison Lombardo, Elizabeth MacLennan, Nicholas Neely, Michael Neff, Alex Palmer, Yun Shou Tee, Sorleen Trevino Copy Editors Emily Brill, George Haws, Katie Lamm, Anne Rabbino

COMMENTARY POLICY The staff editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Brown Daily Herald. The editorial viewpoint does not necessarily reflect the views of The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. Columns and letters reflect the opinions of their authors only. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Send letters to letters@browndailyherald.com. Include a telephone number with all letters. The Herald reserves the right to edit all letters for length and cannot assure the publication of any letter. Please limit letters to 250 words. Under special circumstances writers may request anonymity, but no letter will be printed if the author’s identity is unknown to the editors. Announcements of events will not be printed. ADVERTISING POLICY The Brown Daily Herald, Inc. reserves the right to accept or decline any advertisement in its discretion.

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

OPINIONS MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 11

Horowitz speech offers opportunity for reform director of institutional diversity. A major DAVID HOROWITZ’S SPEECH LAST men. Although critics have condemned this responsibility of her position entails coorWednesday in Salomon 101 revealed just how imperiled academic freedom and program for what it really is — a form of dinating and clarifying the University’s intellectual diversity are at Brown. segregation — proponents continue to policies and programs regarding diversity. Immediately following the speech, several defend it as necessary for introducing par- Thus far Allen’s public statements have student groups convened to discuss the ticipants to “the issues they will encounter only spread confusion and angered skepevent. Of particular note was the meeting at Brown as minorities in a predominantly tics. In an interview with The Brown of Students for Social Justice, in which white institution.” (One strains to imagine Spectator, she professed her faith in intelAssociate Provost and Director of why — with a black president, and a sig- lectual diversity as an educational ideal Institutional Diversity Brenda Allen repu- nificant percentage of minority students, and made similar comments during diated Horowitz and the efforts of the professors and administrators — Brown Horowitz’s speech. Yet Allen reversed her College Republicans in bringing conserva- qualifies as a “white institution.”) This pro- position when she told a group of students tive speakers to campus. The ultimate gram specializes in treating students like last Thursday that if “anyone left there (the insult came from the University Finance victims, spawns separatism and stresses Horowitz speech) feeling they learned Board, which paid Horowitz barely more the formation of a collective racial con- something significant about anything, than a tenth of his regular speaking fee. sciousness at the expense of individual that’s a shame.” When students complain that Brown is These circumstances make it eminently empowerment. Moreover, the Third World Center has “squashing intellectual diversity” and sticlear that President Ruth Simmons must undertake drastic action to ensure that distinguished itself as an incubator for fling conservative viewpoints, this is what Horowitz’s speech is not an isolated inci- radical ideologies. For instance, the cen- they are talking about. Simmons and Allen dent — a time-out from the ideological ter’s Web site proudly declares allegiance should unequivocally endorse the concept insanity that has done so much to damage to the ideas of Franz Fanon, the prophet of of intellectual diversity. Such support Brown’s academic integrity. The following post-colonialism who celebrated violence should extend beyond mere verbal affiris an outline of three possible arenas of as a “cleansing force” that “frees the native mations. Creating institutional support for from his inferiority complex and from his an annual conference modeled after reform: 1. Rethinking the Third World Center. despair and inaction.” A constant source Professor John Tomasi’s “Free Your Mind” When Alan Kors and Harvey Silverglate of division and racial animosity, the Third conference is a good first step. An alternawrote “The Shadow University,” they most World Center needs to be transformed into tive is creating a University fund for the an institution that contributes to the purpose of bringing conservative speakers certainly had something like the Third common good of the student body in to campus. The fact that the UFB paid World Center in mind. Founded in ways that transcend racial bound- David Horowitz a tenth of his regular fee is 1976, the organization has been at an insult to conservative students and an aries. the epicenter of racial tensions at 2. Renewing institutional sup- embarrassment for the University. Brown for decades. Originally, the port for intellectual diver- President Simmons should rectify such center responded to the needs sity. President Simmons’ indiscretions. of under-qualified black 3. Revising the Principles of the Brown administration remains students admitted under ambivalent about its com- University Community. The “Principles of affirmative action polistephen mitment to a conception the Brown University Community” and cies. In recent years, this beale of diversity deeper than “Student Rights and Responsibilities” conprogram has evolved right skin color. This summer tain language that constitutes a speech into the odious Third words Simmons hired a new code. One of the possible offenses involves World Transition associate provost, “subjecting another person or group to Program, which sponBrenda Allen, to serve as abusive, threatening, intimidating or sors a separate orientathe University’s first harassing actions, including, but not limittion for minority students prior to the regular orientation of all incoming freshStephen Beale ‘04 is the editor of The Brown Spectator.

ed to, those based on race, religion, gender, disability, age, economic status, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.” The Office of Student Life’s Web site confirms that this prohibition extends to speech itself: “Brown regards all incidents of racial harassment, whether verbal, written or physical, as violations of the (Principles of the Brown University Community).” In two instances the University has shown its willingness to punish students for “verbal actions.” In 1991, Douglas Hann was expelled after shouting, while inebriated, racial epithets at another student. Another student was suspended for four years for a similar incident in 1993. In recent years, the infamous “speech codes” at Brown and other institutions of higher learning have generated a lot of negative publicity. In 1998, “The Shadow University” exposed the abuses of such disciplinary systems, decrying an “emerging tyranny over all aspects of student life.” What makes these cases so disturbing is that they create an atmosphere of intolerance and intimidation in which students who hold views contrary to the prevailing ideology (no doubt disseminated with the help of the Third World Center) keep their thoughts to themselves. This summer the University adopted some of the recommendations for reform suggested by a 16-member review committee. Yet, according to former Brown ACLU President Carl Takei ’02, the changes failed to remove the hate speech code that has fueled such controversy. Further reform is necessary to demonstrate the University’s unconditional commitment to freedom of speech. Until then, the specter of the slippery slope will continue to haunt students who dare to challenge the ideological hegemony of the Left at Brown.

Why Horowitz keeps our attention The three tactics Horowitz uses to keep us fixated WHY IS IT THAT DAVID HOROWITZ IS SO freedom of speech. By making the two infuriating? How did such an intellectual- inseparable, any criticism of his proposly shallow speech garner this much atten- als became equivalent with an attack on tion? The answers to these perplexing freedom of speech. As a trigger phrase, questions lie in three rhetorical strategies: such a perceived attack immediately came across as contrary to a trigger phrases, a self-image of deeply engrained national the victim and the use of TERAH U. DEJONG value. The result: an increase dichotomies. GUEST COLUMNIST in his rhetorical power and First, Horowitz appealed to an elimination of honest a key trigger phrase of the American national consciousness: free- engagement with his views. Second, Horowitz projected a selfdom of speech. A trigger phrase is an imprecise set of words loaded with cul- image of the powerless victim and hence tural history and identity. When used constantly avoided any responsibility for without definition or context, it rouses his words. He said he was the target of a clouding emotions rather than mental vilification campaign, he appealed for clarity. When a student asked for alterna- pity because we had not invited him to tives to reparations to address racial campus earlier, and he constantly disinequity, for example, Horowitz replied missed intelligent criticism by saying he with a long-winded explanation of how was not an expert or didn’t author the study he referenced. important it was for views like his to be specific freely expressed. In addition, he ended Rhetorically, this self-image appealed to each point about his advertisement with pity in the audience, shifting the emphasomething like, “Now you don’t have to sis from any morsel of substance to his agree with me, but I should at least be person. Hence it became nearly impossiable to say this.” I was left thinking, ble to attack his ideas without attacking “Look, of course you can present your his person. Thankfully we refrained from views — that’s why we’re all here listen- outright attacks, since that would have ing.” Instead of engaging in a free strengthened his image as the victim and exchange of ideas, however, he gave us given him more rhetorical power. An vague platitudes and constant referrals additional effect of his victim projection to other people. The primary defense for was that it allowed him to distance himhis paucity of argument was a rhetorical self from his words. The snide, “I can’t framing of race relations in the context of stand here and be a library for you” and his convenient forgetting of the exact wording of his articles is telling. When Terah Dejong’05 hails from Ashby, Minn.

put on the spot, he shirked any responsibility for his thoughts and thus negated engagement with them. Third, and most damaging, Horowitz made use of dichotomies. When two sides circumscribe a dialogue, participation requires the adoption of one of two labels. These labels can hinder us from looking at the intellectual issues apart from the people involved. Instead, polarizing dialogues often generate attacks on individuals and create entrenched positions. Of the dichotomies that Horowitz used, the race dichotomy is the most noxious. Consider his patronizing “Even my family has black people” and “Black people are the most authentic Americans” because they arrived before the Mayflower and gave us jazz. This cements black people into a box, pitting them against another box with white people. The strategy serves him well: he subtly divides his interlocutors into two labels and ascribes identities to them, rather than allowing his interlocutors to discuss the issues as humans first and members of a race second. The creation of divided camps has tragic human and intellectual effects, but rhetorically ensures our attention and indignation. Now that Horowitz has entered the Brown consciousness, what can we take from the guy without damaging our community? First, let’s be conscious that dichotomies do not necessarily lead to greater understanding. True, much of human experience is captured by para-

doxes and much intellectual reasoning is based on dialectics, but this notion that we must have two unitary and polarized camps bashing at each other is misguided. A university should not be both sides of the story, but should strive to allow all sides of the story to be heard. Second, while I agree that we must do a better job of engaging with intellectual systems that conflict with the dominant modes at Brown, the solution is not quotas for opposite views. Yes, let’s bring a broad range of views to Brown, but remember that intellectual sophistication and integrity must not be compromised. I look forward to being challenged by sophisticated arguments about race and reparations; I certainly was not by Horowitz. Finally, let’s remember the tremendous value and power of free speech. Salman Rushdie, when on campus two years ago, rightly argued that censorship of vacuous but incendiary material only grants it legitimacy and fame. To this end, we did the right thing last week: we listened, we fumed, we asked intelligent questions, we laughed, we thought, and we went home. By upholding the principles of free dialogue, we prevent clever linguistic strategies from blinding us and allow coherent arguments to rise above tepid air. I hope that from this experience we can renew our commitment to intellectual inquiry and strive to bring our level of discourse to new heights.

THE BROWN DAILY HERALD

SPORTS MONDAY OCTOBER 27, 2003 · PAGE 12

Yanks prepare for more losses WHILE THE YANKEES WERE ONLY TWO wins away from winning the World Series, the team will have the most nerve-racking off-season in all of baseball. Saturday’s loss marks the end for several key Yankees, which begs the question: Will the expectations of old still be sensible without the Yankees of old? For a squad that has dominated the p o s t s e a s o n because of fantastic starting pitching, a massive void will be left. Roger Clemens is retiring, JON MEACHIN David Wells has SUICIDE SQUEEZE made it very clear that he would not return for another year of Steinbrenner’s crap and Andy Pettitte is a free agent. These guys were all big-game pitchers, proven winners and leaders in the clubhouse. Moreover, these guys were real Yankees, with a full appreciation of the club’s history — Clemens’ trips out to Monument Park, Wells’ fascination with another pudgy Yankee, Babe Ruth, and Pettitte’s consistent dominance since the Yankees’ 1996 World Series win. Red Sox fans and other Yankee-haters will say George will just go out and buy replacements, but he’s not going to find a trio of even comparable quality. Ideally, Pettitte would be back next spring in pinstripes, but the Yanks still would have two irreplaceable losses. Last year, the Yankees proved you can spend a ton on pitching and get nothing in return. Jeff Weaver cost more than four mil, and in return gave up a game-winning homer in the World Series earning a loss in his only inning of work. The massive array of middle relievers brought in throughout the season failed to accomplish anything and was the team’s Achilles’ heel for the postseason. However, the Yankees concerns don’t end in the pitching rotation. After showing off one of the best left hooks in the business, Don Zimmer says he’s gone, other assistant coaches will be entertaining offers and the Yankees still need a third baseman among other things. Jason Giambi will undergo knee surgery and may have a huge problem on his hands depending on the BALCO drug case for which he and Barry Bonds have been subpoenaed. Right now they are only witnesses, but the possibility of designer steroid use could lead to a further investigation of the athletes. Meanwhile Aaron Boone, save his one life-altering home run, sucked in the postseason. The only thing he was reliable for was mishandling routine grounders. Combining his suddenly poor fielding with a .254 batting average, Boone shouldn’t expect a fat contract offer or one at all from the Yanks this winter. Through the club’s fantastic run since 1996, veteran experience and a certain class under Joe Torre have been the hallmarks of the team’s success. But with so many certain changes happening, will the Yankees lose this identity? I hope it’s not the end of an era, but for the aforementioned reasons next year’s team won’t look like the Yankees of old, and the Yankees of old were pretty good. Jon Meachin ’04 hails from New York City and hopes the Yanks’ best days are not behind them.

Moos’ hat trick leads Brown in OT victory BY BERNARD GORDON AND CHRIS MAHR

Michael Neff

Adom Crew ‘04 scored his fifth game winning goal of the year vs. Cornell.

M. soccer blanks Cornell 2-0 to stay undefeated in Ivy-League BY IAN CROPP

The only mistake the men’s soccer team made this past week was not paying proper homage to the rain gods. After twenty minutes of dominant play by Brown and a 75-minute rain and lightning delay, officials called Tuesday’s game against Fairfield. Then on Saturday the No. 14 Bears blanked Cornell 2-0 to remain undefeated in the Ivy League. It took only three minutes for the Bears to gain a lead against Fairfield, and they continued to jump all over the Stags until the officials suspended play twenty minutes into the match. For over an hour, both teams waited for the weather to clear, which when it finally did, left the

field covered in standing water. The Bears, who were looking to bolster their out-of-conference record, had further incentive to beat Fairfield, as their Head Coach, Carl Rees, is on the selection committee for the NCAA tournament. “It was a big game for us,” said Ibrahim Diane ’06. “We were really looking forward to it, and we went up 1-0 and were playing well, but you can’t control the weather.” “Sure it was an opportunity lost to show that we could make the tourney,” said Marcos Romaneiro ’05. “What really see M. SOCCER, page 7

Cerretani ’04 sweeps regional titles, ready to take on nationals AT H L E T E O F T H E W E E K BY ROBBIE KLABER

Agassi, Sampras, Roddick, Cerretani. Cerretani? Yes, it might not be too long before you hear Jamie Cerretani’s ’04 name with some of tennis’ elite. Thus far for Brown men’s tennis, Cerretani has been dominating the competition and is playing his best tennis as he heads into the national championships. Cerretani pulled off an amazing feat, winning both the singles title and teaming up with Adil Shamasdin ’05 for the doubles title at the 2003 Omni Hotels ITA Northeast Regional at Cornell. “It feels great to reap the benefits of hard work. It’s an awesome feeling to be sitting on top. At the same time, I have to keep working very hard,” Cerretani said. Cerretani won automatic bids in both singles and doubles play, and will compete at the ITA National Intercollegiate Indoor Championships at the University of Michigan from Nov. 6-9. He won the singles title 7-5, 6-2 over No. 4 seed Cliff Nguyen of Harvard. In singles play, the second-seeded Cerretani did not lose a set during the tournament. He and teammate Shamasdin then routed the Harvard doubles team of George Turner

and Jason Beren in the finals, 8-2, to claim the doubles title. “I now have to focus on the next tournament. The ITA at the University of Michigan is going to be huge. There will be spectacular matches with great players. The challenges and what’s at stake are even bigger now,” Cerretani said. However, the road to success was by no means an easy one. Cerretani struggled at the beginning of the year, but then took a few days off so that he could refocus and give his body time to recoup from his demanding practice and match schedule. As a result Cerranti claims “now I am a completely different player.” He notices that his greatest improvement this year was developing a killer instinct attitude. “When I step out onto the court, I do whatever I have to do to win every game. Staying focused and making my opponent earn every point is something I’ve emphasized this year,” Cerretani said. During the fall season, Cerretani posted an impressive 12-3 singles record and a 14-1 doubles record alongside Shamasdin. “Jamie is an all-around outstanding player, who has a huge lefty serve and is see CERRETANI, page 7

The women’s soccer team (9-3-2, 3-2 Ivy League) won another overtime thriller, this time over Cornell (7-4-2, 1-3-1 Ivy League) in Ithaca last Saturday. Kathryn Moos ’07 was the star of the game, scoring all three goals for Brown, including the game winner, just 50 seconds into overtime. Moos, last week’s Ivy League Rookie of the Week, is now Brown’s leading goal-scorer, with seven in the season. “When we recruited her we knew she’d be big for the program,” said Head Coach Phil Pincince. “She gains confidence every training session and every game she plays.” Cornell jumped out to an early lead on an Emily Knight ’04 goal, 16:40 into the first half. Moos responded 10 minutes later with the first of her three goals on a cross from Julie Herrold ’04, and gave the Bears a lead with an unassisted goal early in the second half. Cornell refused to go quietly though, and tied the game on Knight’s second goal of the game to send it into overtime. The Bears are very experienced with long games this season, as five (2-1-2 in OT) of the team’s contests have gone into overtime. This one also ended well for Brown, with Moos netting the game-winner on a cross from Meghan Schreck ’06 and Michaela Sewall ’04 to give Brown the win. “It’s extremely rewarding when you put so many minutes into a game and come away with a win,” said Co-Captain Rachel Roberts ’04. “It just continues to bolster the positive mental attitude that we can win at any time in the game,” Pincince said about the team’s toughness late in games. “Confidence and composure late in the game are big factors. Every game we demonstrate more composure and confidence and believe a little more each day.” The exhilarating overtime victory made the six-and-a-half-hour drive up to Ithaca very worthwhile, and Saturday’s victory was further evidence of Brown’s ability to get things done on the road. “(That’s all) thanks to Europe,” Pincince said. “When we went to Europe we spent a lot of time on the bus, so we weren’t fazed by a six-and-a-half-hour bus ride. That time we spent on the bus in Europe made us better road warriors.” Despite its success thus far — Brown currently stands third in the Ivy League — the team has a long way to go until season’s end. Brown has three games left on the season, including the team’s final home game against Ivy League rival UPenn on Saturday at Stevenson Field. The team’s next match is Wednesday at Boston College.

write sports.