Regarding “Jokes in The Gaily Prinstanything miss the mark with the ‘f-word’ ” (Friday, Feb. 20, 2009):
In a recent letter from members of the LGBT Task Force, the following quote appeared: “As another example, an article about the (fictional) club rifle team uses the pejorative term ‘sissies,’ as in, ‘ … only sissies dueled with guns.’ ” As a member of the club rifle team, I would like to clear up the misconception that we do not exist.
Zeb Blackwell ’09
Talk of “students’ rights” regarding drinking is misguided
Regarding USG advertisement, “Moving forward: Princeton’s drinking culture” (Friday, Feb. 20, and Monday, Feb. 23, 2009):
In his recent e-mail and advertisement addressed to the student body, USG president Connor Diemand-Yauman ’10 wrote that “we all must strive to maintain a system that is as fair and safe for the students as possible, protecting our rights while also discouraging dangerous drinking habits.” I, for one, am tired of hearing the moaning about “students’ rights” with regard to alcohol. I’m against the current drinking age, but just because Princeton students are used to a system that enables underage drinking does not mean that we have a right to drink regardless of the law. To speak as if we do only encourages the stereotype of Princeton students as elitist, spoiled kids in a little bubble proof against the rules of the real world.
Ben Oliver ’10
Column makes generalizations not supported by facts
Regarding “An Anscombe Valentine” (Friday, Feb. 13, 2009):
I was disappointed to see that David Pederson’s column in Friday’s ‘Prince’ suffered from a lack of fact-checking. It stated as fact a number of sweeping assertions, such as that “[the hookup] culture is the dominant sexual ethos on campus” and that “the notion that one can hook up with someone for a night without any strings attached is misguided” because “sex bonds partners through the release of hormones such as oxytocin.”
A little research, however, would have revealed that such generalizations are not representative of current medical and sociological research. For instance, a study conducted by University of Washington researchers and published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that only 15 percent of the college students participating in the study had engaged in casual sex — and most of the participants attend universities with larger party cultures than Princeton’s. Furthermore, the oxytocin argument has been thoroughly debunked by biologists, and there is no published evidence to suggest that there is any connection between the release of hormones and the formation of more complex emotional partnerships. These were only two of the many factual errors in Pederson’s column, all of which undermine his argument.
Every student at Princeton is of course welcome to his or her own views regarding sexuality and sexual relationships on campus. But when it comes to evangelizing one’s beliefs to the wider Princeton community, as Pederson did, or publishing such evangelism, as the ‘Prince’ did, it is at least imperative to get the facts right.
Emily Rutherford ’12
Elitism and the Ivies
Regarding “Financial aid for sign-in eating clubs facilitates elitist Bicker system” (Monday, Feb. 9, 2009):
Poor Dylan Shinzaki ’12 made a fool of himself because he’s a member of that “green-haired,” free association-loathing, fun-hating species sought only by President Tilghman and Dean of Admission Janet Rapelye.
I hate to break it to you, but someone has to say it. If you can’t afford Princeton, there’s a good chance that Princeton doesn’t want you. You’re not rich enough. You’re not good enough. You’re not one of them. It’s in the name “Ivy League.” “League” has no meaning unless other people are excluded. You are one of those people. Stop crying to the University, it’s not its job to aid your climb up the social ladder.
Some point to community colleges as egalitarian alternatives. The federal government provides students with enough financial aid to join one of these schools. Bad idea. Community colleges have an equal part in supporting the selective admissions process. The Ivy League can get away with its outdated traditions because it can point to community colleges as egalitarian alternatives. Their existence grants tacit approval of the selective admission system.
The University should not provide any financial aid to help students join the University. I know the Ivy League is a tradition. But so were slavery and the subjugation of women. Not all traditions are good. While there will always be sociology concentrators, social engineers or, worst of all, socialists, at the very least we shouldn’t waste time listening to you.
Weston Minami ’09
Read More
Why can’t lecturers win the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching?
Jerry ZhuLet’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Let’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Princeton’s administration of justice is Trumpian
Frances BroganThe disparity between the University’s approach to Giberson and its approach to pro-Palestinian protestors reflects a concerning trend of appeasing an increasingly emboldened right rather than resisting the threat it poses to academic freedom and the wellbeing of Princeton students.
Secular Opening Exercises? Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water
Frank StrasburgerThe secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
The secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
