Freshman Issue Sept. 2014 by Claremont Independent

CLAREMONT INDEPENDENT SEPT. 2014

CLAREMONTINDEPENDENT tableofcontents Co-Editors-in-Chief Chris Gaarder Martin Sartorius Publisher Eugene Nandwa Managing Editor Harry Arnold Associate Editors Derek Ko, Hannah Oh, Clay Spence, Colin Spence Editor-in-Chief Emerita Brad Richardson Layout Editors Lindsey Betts Kelsey Gohn

Chris Gaarder and Martin Sartorius, CMC ‘15

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CLAREMONT VILLAGE 4

Harry Arnold, CMC ‘17

INTRODUCTION TO LIBERTARIANISM

WELCOME TO OUR FUTURE: A PROFILE ON NATHAN TSAI

PLACES TO GO IN SO CAL

BEST OF THE 5C DINING HALLS

INDIVIDUALITY OVER IDENTITY

Photographer Lindsey Betts

EDITORIAL: WELCOME TO THE BUBBLE

Hannah Oh, CMC ‘16

Zachary Grau, CMC ‘17

CI Staff

Joel Porter, CMC ‘16 Derek Ko, CMC ‘15

editorial

Editorial: Welcome to the Bubble Chris Gaarder and Martin Sartorius | Co-Editors-in-Chief We at the Claremont Independent would like to welcome the Class of 2018 to the Claremont Colleges, or, as many like to call it, the “Claremont Bubble.” We look forward to seeing your new faces and hearing your perspectives at the 5Cs. Unfortunately, as is the case with the majority of incoming college freshmen across the nation, we feel that you might have been told many awful things about conservatives and libertarians that simply are not true. Therefore, over the course of this year we hope to provide reasonable members of the right, left, and center an intelligent voice for the wide breadth of conservative and libertarian thought. Hopefully, through our website and social media presence you will find a forum for debate, discussion, collaboration, and intellectual growth. We also will dedicate ourselves to hard-hitting, on-campus journalism. Thinking differently from the

great majority of our peers provides us with a great opportunity to report on campus events from a different angle. With our perspective, the matter of course may seem peculiar. The boring detail, fascinating. Ultimately, the cornerstone of the CI’s reputation for over two decades has been well-written investigative journalism and we intend to keep it that way. It is important to remember that, as the only major publication that receives zero funding from the schools, student governments, and student organizations, we are uniquely insulated from the pressures faced by the other campus publications. This allows us the freedom to write about whatever subject we want and express views that established campus institutions might fundamentally disagree with. We look forward to being a part of discussions across the Claremont Colleges and cannot wait to hear what you think about our magazine. CI

THE IMPORTANCE OF OPEN-MINDEDNESS 12

Illustrator Kelsey Gohn Staff Writers Ambika Bist, Amelia Evrigenis, Nadeem Farooqi, Zachary Grau, Joel Porter, Becky Shin, Albert Xu

Eugene Nandwa, CMC ‘17

DIVERSITY ON THE RIGHT

WHAT ARE THE LIBERAL ARTS?

Chris Gaarder and Martin Sartorius, CMC ‘15

Brad Richardson, CMC ‘15

The Claremont Independent is an independent journal of campus affairs and political thought serving the colleges of the Claremont Consortium. The magazine receives no funding from any of the colleges and is distributed free of charge on campus. All costs of production are covered by the generous support of private foundations and individuals. The Claremont Independent is dedicated to using journalism and reasoned discourse to advance its ongoing mission of Upholding Truth and Excellence at the Claremont Colleges.

feature

Best Places to Eat in Claremont Village Harry Arnold | Managing Editor Whether is it steak and salmon night at Scripps, Sunday BBQ at Frary or taco night at Collins, the 5Cs undoubtedly have great solid dining options. Is it fine dining? Obviously not. Does it get a little monotonous as the year goes by? Certainly. However, the ability of students to eat at any of the 5C dining halls pretty much guarantees that one can find a decent meal on any given night.

Best Burger

In the midst of this vast array of dining options it is easy to forget that Claremont Village (or simply “the Village”) offers a multitude of fantastic restaurants only a few minutes’ walk away. While these dining establishments are often on the pricier side, a weekly indulgence or two doesn’t hurt, and is often a fresh reminder that there is a world beyond the 5C’s. Hence, here is a list of the best places to eat in the Village:

Eureka! & The Back Abby

While everyone in Claremont has their own opinion in this so-called “battle of the burgers,” you honestly cannot go wrong with either one. Back Abbey has a better tasting, more succulent burger, while Eureka! offers considerably more burger variety (still at a very high quality). In terms of sides, Eureka! undoubtedly has the edge, as it offers delicious sweet potato fries and onion rings in addition to standard fries. Moreover, Eureka! has a spacious atmosphere coupled with a lively, positive vibe, while Back Abbey is more cramped and low-key. Whatever you do, don’t be that kid who settles for a burger from the Hub, unless you somehow enjoy chewing on dry pieces of rubber.

Best Italian

Tutti Mangia

Best Mexican

Casa Moreno

In addition to offering the best Italian food in Claremont, Tutti Mangia is likely the best overall restaurant in town. While this fine dining establishment is far from cheap, one cannot deny the quality of the food, service and overall atmosphere. A wonderful place to celebrate birthdays, or perhaps to mooch off of mom and dad during parents weekend, this restaurant will not disappoint. Furthermore, while Tutti Mangia offers tasty pasta dishes as any good Italian restaurant should, it also has a variety of top-tier steaks.

There will come a time in everyone’s college career when they are painfully malnourished and just want to enter a food coma. Thankfully, Casa Moreno offers gargantuan burritos stuffed to the brim with rice, beans, cheese and your choice of meat. In addition, this restaurant serves a multitude of other tasty, lighter dishes for those who prefer getting a good night’s rest.

Best Dessert

I Like Pie

Although Tutti Mangia offers a top-notch dessert menu (the apple tart & cheesecake in particular), I Like Pie still wins this category by a long shot. The shop features a stellar array of seasonal miniature pies, all of which can be heated and/ or topped with a generous dollop of ice cream. On a nostalgic note, I Like Pie also possesses a welcoming, charming quality as a result of its quaint embodiment of Americana. Although this will be a pricier dessert option, it is still a nice alternative to getting fro-yo at 21 Choices or Yogurtland.

Best Lunch Place

Crepes de Paris

Best Wings

Espiau’s

This restaurant offers an array of jumbo crepes, ranging from strawberry to decadent Nutella, all of which come with Chantilly cream and the option of vanilla ice cream. However, what makes Crepes de Paris the best place to grab lunch in the Village is the delicious sandwiches. The roasted ham & turkey sandwiches are served warm on a flaky croissant and are nicely complimented by the fresh salads. Although the restaurant makes an amusing attempt to create an authentic French atmosphere, it has a laid-back vibe and relatively friendly service. Unless you aced your Spanish placement exam, pronouncing this restaurant’s name will not come easy. Espiau’s serves an odd combination of burgers and “Tex-Mex” food. If you’re smart you won’t order the burgers or Mexican food, as both are mediocre at best. And if you’re really smart you won’t go anywhere near the restrooms (you’ll see why). Despite this restaurant’s numerous shortcomings, the buffalo wings are, for some reason, delicious. This is definitely a great place to watch a football game, as the restaurant has a multitude of TV’s that show various sporting events.

Introduction to Libertarianism: Five Quick Reads Hannah Oh | Associate Editor There is no better way to pass the time than a good read, whether you are waiting at the Hub in between classes or tanning on Green Beach on a Sunday afternoon. If you are open to learning more about libertarian philosophies, there are five short works (all of which you can finish in one sitting) that best explain the basic tenets of libertarianism. Below is a list of scholarly articles, essays, and novellas that sparked my interest in the movement: “I, Pencil” by Leonard Read As its title suggests, “I, Pencil” is uniquely written from the point of view of a pencil. This charming, three-page narrative describes the vastly interconnected network of people, tools, and resources required for the pencil’s production. Think about it: you need someone to chop the wood, mine the graphite, mix the clay, make the paint and lacquer, imprint the label, supply the metal, manufacture rubber erasers, so on and so forth. The main point the pencil seeks to illustrate is how the Invisible Hand organically brings together millions of people from various industries and all parts of the world. Each of these individuals has specialized knowledge that helps create this simple, yet important good for consumers. “The Use of Knowledge in Society” by Friedrich Hayek Friedrich Hayek discusses the “knowledge problem” in this famous 14-page essay, asserting that no single person can hold all of the relevant information needed to plan an economy. The essay’s premise is that bureaucratic central planners can never account for an individual’s preferences, skills, and resources––this knowledge is unique and exclusive to the individual. Hayek argues that this problem can be solved, however, through the price system: prices are a form of communicating subjective values between different people. “The most significant fact about this system,” he writes, “is the economy of knowledge with which it operates, or how little the individual participants need to know in order to be able to take the right action.” “The Law” by Frederic Bastiat When Ron Paul was asked what book every American should read, he answered “The Law.” Frederic Bastiat, a mid-19th century French legislator, explores two fundamental questions in this 50-page pamphlet: What is the law? and How can we tell when a law is just or unjust? Bastiat provides an in-depth examination and a series of compelling hypotheses, many of which illustrate how greed “plunders” the law. This message is especially relevant today, as it echoes Americans’ growing concerns about crony capitalism and corporatism in U.S. politics.

Anthem by Ayn Rand In this 128-page fictional novella, Ayn Rand takes you on the journey of a man who, in a dystopian collectivist future, rediscovers his own sense of selfhood and individualism. If you haven’t read any of Rand’s works before, Anthem is a great start––it is much less daunting (and substantially shorter) than The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Her objectivist philosophy is renowned worldwide, and her influence is even present in modern American politics: Paul Ryan famously tried to get all of his congressional interns to read Rand’s novels, and even gave copies of Atlas Shrugged to his staff for Christmas one year. The Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul Former U.S. presidential candidate and House member Ron Paul undoubtedly has a unique set of governing ideals, as evident in his cult-like following. Although not a particularly compelling speaker, he effectively articulates his policy proposals in this 192-page manifesto. Paul calls for a return to the Constitution, increased self-government, and a non-interventionist foreign policy that is the antithesis of the Bush (and even Obama) Doctrine. His hardline stance against both Democrats and Republicans, coupled with his libertarian streak and intriguing use of historical analysis, allows for a thought-provoking view of American public policy.

feature

Welcome to Our Future: A Profile on Nathan Tsai for California State Assembly Zachary Grau | Staff Writer What if I told you that a future California Assemblymen could very well be a student in one of your classes this fall? If you haven’t heard the name Nathaniel Tsai on campus or during the summer, you soon will. As of April 9, Nathan became an official write-in candidate for California’s State Assembly in the 41st District. On June 3, Nathan finished yet another chapter in this journey, as he became California’s youngest state nominee for State Assembly. Now Nathan has a chance to become the youngest candidate to win a state election in the entire nation later this November. Nathan’s campaign has been progressively expanding throughout the summer as he prepares for the battle he will be facing later this fall. I had the opportunity to interview Nathan to get a better sense of who he is and to learn more about his campaign. Acknowledging the importance of the 5C community and its role in creating future leaders, Nathan was more than pleased to take some time to talk me about his journey. Nathan was born in Glendale, CA, and was raised in Alhambra before moving to San Marino, where he graduated from San Marino High School. Nathan is currently a sophomore at Claremont McKenna, where he is majoring in Government. He is a swimmer for the CMS Swim and Dive team, an active member of the Claremont College Republicans, and a cadet in CMC’s ROTC program. Nathan described the significance of being a part of CMC’s ROTC program: “Being raised in a family where my grandfather served in WWII, military service is something I hold close and have a deep respect for.” I immediately felt the deep respect he had for those who served our country, and I was amazed to see how Nathan was so willing to carry on the torch. After completing his eight years of service, Nathan plans on looking into law school for his future career path. Commitment is something Nathan prides himself on, which he has exemplified through his continued par-

becoming aware of the current issues Sacramento has been tackling, Nathan took the phrase “be the change you want to see in the world” to heart and decided to take matters into his own hands. Only by doing so does he believe “California will be able to move forward knowing the citizens actually paved the way.” One of Nathan’s goals that is embedded into his platform is to bring our state politics down to a level of direct representation, where everyone can play a role in shaping their own future. Ultimately, he wants people to realize that “their voices really do matter and to understand the importance of their votes.” At the end of our interview, one question still remained: Why start this campaign now? Nathan gave me two reasons. First, his involvement in ROTC would make it impossible for him to wait until after graduation to run because he would have at least another four years of service ahead of him. Second, Nathan explained how he “wanted to make an impact on our generation now.” Essentially, had he decided to run later, his involvement in state politics on issues like higher education would only have an effect on future generations, and not his own. Nathan plans on having a significant role in today’s politics, while establishing a new mentality for other ambitious minds to adopt. Although his campaign is still working on major policy decisions, Nathan provided me with some key issues that he believes need attention. Education is an issue he believes is in need of serious reform, “especially when taking into account the downward path of California’s public education

“

Photo Courtesy Nathan Tsai

ticipation in organizations like Boy Scouts of America and The American Legion. When he has free time, playing pool, hanging out with friends, and trying to play the piano are a few of his hobbies. Nathan emphasized how he wants people to get to know him for who he is, “not some politician in a suit, but rather a representative of the people.” During our interview, it became apparent how much Nathan valued the importance of representation. As he puts it, “I’m not attracted to politics, but rather I’m attracted to serving the interests of my constituents.” Following this ideal, Nathan wanted me to know how this whole campaign did not start because of his love of politics, but rather “the opportunity to serve the true interests of his constituents.” He spoke about how “service above self ” is an important principle he lives by, and that political office is an outlet where he could personify this principle on a grand scale. After

system the past decade.” Having attended public institutions himself, Nathan was able to witness first-hand the many problems with our schools, including overcrowded classrooms and a lack of appropriate funding. Another topic Nathan wants to focus on is transportation, “specifically in the public sector.” Nathan realizes that future transportation projects could lead to more job opportunities for citizens of California. At the same time, he also wants to put an end to the rising concern of over-crowded freeways that everyone can attest to. Public safety is another issue Nathan is adamant about, asserting that, “safety is something people shouldn’t have to think twice about.” Lastly, Nathan wants to tackle the apparent water and energy crises in California, with water consumption on an exponential rise and the controversial shut down of the Santa Onofre power plant. There is still a long road that lies ahead for Nathan’s campaign until this battle comes to a conclusion in November; however, it is evident that whatever the future entails for this ambitious undertaking, Nathan has already made his message clear for everyone here at the 5Cs and the rest of California: “When trying to make a difference never let doubts or opinions get in your way.” Hopefully, we can all embody Nathan’s message as we work to create “Our Future.” CI

One of Nathan’s goals that is embedded into his platform is to bring our state politics down to a level of direct representation, where everyone can play a role in shaping their own future.

To learn more about Nathaniel Tsai and his campaign, you can visit his website at http://www.tsai4assembly.com or email him at tsai4assembly@gmail.com.

feature

HOT

feature

Places to go in So Cal

Beaches, Beaches, and more Beaches If you want to enjoy southern California’s beauty, and Scripps Pool or Green Beach isn’t doing it for you, go and explore one of L.A.’s many beaches and/or piers. Santa Monica Pier is the starting place for a picturesque 26-mile bike and running trail along the Pacific Ocean, spanning Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey and beyond. If you don’t have a bike, don’t worry; there are bicycle rental locations all along this route that charge about $5.00 an hour for a bike. Stop in Venice Beach during your ride to grab lunch while soaking in the renowned people and culture around you. Laguna Beach is also a must-visit. Surrounded by tall cliffs and boasting a gorgeous sandy beach, it is a fantastic place to enjoy the sun while pretending to do your freshman seminar reading. If you are more of the outdoorsy type, you can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in the nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

Since its dedication in 1935, Griffith Observatory has received over 70 million visitors and starred in a variety of films and television shows, notably Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean. The observatory also has a Star Trek credit to its name, but in its case, an episode of “Star Trek: Voyager.” The observatory’s art deco architecture is something to behold, a connection to Los Angeles in the interwar years. The content of the exhibits is accessible to non-scientist public without talking down to visitors either. Included are several models of lunar and planetary orbits, information about solar activity, and a wealth of other information. A highlight at the observatory is the main planetarium show, which is interesting, immersive, and informative. In the daytime, the observatory is a perfect platform from which to view the famous Hollywood sign, and by night, it provides a stunning panoramic view of Los Angeles’ city lights. While the focus of the Griffith Observatory is astronomical, the price of admission is not. In accordance with founder Griffith J. Griffith’s wishes, admission and parking remain free to this day.

Joshua Tree

The Getty Center/ Villa

From the massive red granite outcrops littered throughout the park to the Dr. Seuss-ical Joshua trees themselves, Joshua Tree is one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever encounter. One Independent staff member remembers “one of my top-five best memories from college is of driving through Joshua tree in the middle of the night with a friend. We rolled down the windows, completely killed the headlights, and drifted through the park’s alien, moonlit landscape at 10 mph. Very otherworldly.”

Disneyland Don’t listen to anyone who says Disneyland is just for kids. The original Disneyland, designed by Walt Disney himself, is a great place to escape to in order to reconnect with your favorite Disney characters. Built in 1955, it is a must visit during your four years in Claremont. Go early, get fast passes and then go crazy as you buy Mickey ears, ride the teacups, and scream your lungs out on Space Mountain. And stay into the evening – Disneyland’s fireworks show is worth your time. If you visit Disneyland’s California Adventure Park, so is the World of Color water show, which has water spouts like the Bellagio and even turns dihydrogen monoxide into a film screen.

COOL The Griffith Observatory

Laguna Beach.

Irises by Vincent van Gogh, on display at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

While it might not be particularly well-known outside of California, both the Getty Center and Villa are world-class museums that deserve a visit during your four years at Claremont. The Getty Center, as seen in Star Trek: Into Darkness as the Starfleet headquarters, is a sight to behold simply by its architectural merits. It has a beautiful set of gardens and also boasts stunning panoramic views of L.A. Within, it is filled with notable Western art pieces from the Medieval Ages to the present. The Getty Villa houses a vast collection of pieces from Ancient Greek and Roman periods. The collection of pristine Ancient Greek vases and sculptures is comparable to those in the British Museum (which, for those who do not know, houses the most renowned Ancient Greek exhibition in the world). The Villa is also a beautiful complex in itself, built in the style of, you guessed it, a Mediterranean villa.

The Norton Simon Museum

Winter Afternoon, Riverside Park by George Bellows, on display at the Norton Simon Museum.

Though not as large and well known as its Los Angeles counterpart (the Getty Museum), the Norton Simon Museum is equally worth a visit. Located just a short drive from Claremont in Pasadena, CA, the museum boasts an extensive collection of Western art spanning from the Medieval Ages to the present day. Apart from its collections of Rembrandts, Renoirs, Picassos, etc., the museum houses an extensive collection of Asian art, which includes, for example, various Southeast Asian Buddhist sculptures. Its 79,000 sq. ft. garden also features a charming central pond and several bronze sculptures of its own, creating a calm space to relax after a morning of gallery hopping. All images courtesy Wikimedia Commons

feature

opinion

Your Guide to the 5C Dining Halls

Individuality Over Identity

Joel Porter | Staff Writer

Derek Ko | Associate Editor

As a thought experiment, allow me to introduce two hypothetical individuals: the first, a straight, white, church-going, cis man from an upper-class background, and the second, a queer secularist of color from a middle-class family. Before you have even had a chance to converse with either of them, you have likely made an educated guess about not only who votes Republican (or Democrat), but also what each person’s stance is on issues ranging from abortion to foreign policy. Rather than rail against this sort of “ignorant” stereotyping, I will instead admit that I would likely make many of the same assumptions. I say this, however, as somebody with a relatively unorthodox identity-politics configuration. I have received more than a couple puzzled looks from friends when telling them that I am a small-“l” libertarian who has supported more than a couple Republican political campaigns in recent years. Reactions have ranged from pleasant surprise to suspicious incredulity. A few of my peers have wondered out loud how I could possibly support members of a party whose base is anti-marriage equality and hostile to the children of illegal immigrants. To them, my identity and my politics were not only incompatible, they were downright contradictory. As an openly gay Chinese-American with immigrant parents and no religious affiliation, I simply could not be as “right wing” as I apparently was. I usually respond by explaining that I routinely clash with my peers on the right over my stances on issues like drug policy, evolution, and sex-worker rights. I then go on to stress the vital role of critics and reformers from within the political right, citing the growing diversity and inclusivity of the Republican Party. Recently, I have even been able to hold up two Republican candidates from my home state of California as examples. One, Neel Kashkari, is a pro-choice, pro-LGBT Hindu who has won the gubernatorial Republican nomination, and the other, Carl DeMaio, is poised to be the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress. However, at the core of all these justifications for my political heresies is the idea that people ought to be judged not as communities or groups, but

Over the past summer, I have been in the awkward position of being unable to complain about dining hall food with my friends from colleges outside of the 5Cs. When you are as spoiled by food choice as we are at the Claremont Colleges, it is sometimes overwhelming to come to grips with all the dining hall options. For those new to the 5Cs, and for those who would like a bit of a refresher regarding 5C food, allow me to introduce you to the “Best of the 5C Menu” and “Dining Hall Tips and Tricks.” (Disclaimer: This information is based off of my culinary explorations at Claremont over the last two years. I cannot guarantee that dining halls, or their respective meals, will remain the same).

Best of the 5C Menu: Sun

Mon

Tues

Weds

Thurs

Pitzer lunchtime sandwich bar, Mon-Fri

Pitzer’s sandwich bar boasts an assortment of fresh breads, including croissants, pita bread, whole wheat, and other types that can be filled with your choice of roast beef, ham, tuna, turkey, provolone, Swiss, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, bell peppers, and humus (to name a few).

2 3

Sat

Saturday brunch at Frary

Personal pizza night at Mudd

This is arguably the best meal at the 5Cs, as the long lines will testify. Go to the Hoch for dinner on Fridays to order your own small pizza with about a dozen topping options: ham, sausage, peperoni, spinach, tomatoes, etc.

Dining Hall Tips and Tricks:

Fri

Frary’s Giant Soda Machine Have some fun experimenting with a variety of soda flavors.

Cookies at Scripps Line up at 6:00 during any weekday dinner at Scripps to pick out a few freshly baked, deliciously gooey chocolate chip cookies. Cereal Caveat Cereal is a staple of all the dining halls, but be warned that Collins’ and Pitzer’s cereal selection is often offbrand (Collins’ faux Rice Krispies last year tasted like cardboard). For quality cereal and especially good granola, try The Hoch and Frank.

Highlights include fresh bagels (a rarity at the 5C dining halls) accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice, thick oatmeal with frozen peach slices, and banana pancakes. You can also choose from a variety of quality fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas.

Steak night at Scripps

Salmon and steak night is a wonderfully filling Saturday night dinner. Don’t limit yourself to steak; try the savory salmon mixed in a baked potato with bacon bits and sour cream.

Not all Fruit is Created Equal Collins and Pitzer fruit is generally not as good as Scripps or Frary.

Root Beer Floats They could accompany every meal at any dining hall. With great power…

Become a Barista at Collins Make a rich latte or mocha with hot-chocolate, coffee, whole milk, whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, and caramel.

as individuals. In the U.S., individualism is an exalted ideal. Few things are considered to be as sacred as a person’s dominion over his or her choices, beliefs, and identity. Why is it then that so many people are suspicious of individuals whose politics differ from those of the majority within their racial, religious, or even sexual community? Why is it that so many people react more strongly still when the political deviant in question is a member of their own community? Unfortunately, we are driven by our tribal instincts to take refuge in our various communities and identities, only to find that those very communities tend to smother the more unique aspects of ourselves by demanding purity and loyalty. A gay Christian is living in sin and therefore no “true” follower of God, while a woman who eschews the feminist label suffers from “internalized misogyny.” A pro-Israel Muslim is a Zionist sympathizer and a pro-Palestine Jew is a self-loathing anti-Semite. The accusations against those who dare to be unapologetic individuals, especially with respect to politics, are biting and numerous. It is often easier to linger comfortably in the pigeonholes and echo chambers conveniently carved out for us by our various identity-centric factions. Still, if I could impart just one piece of advice to anyone as they begin their education at the Claremont Colleges, it would be to sever for themselves the insidious ties between identity and politics that our society has forged. Learning about the world and drawing your own independent conclusions is one of the most satisfying things one can do, even if it sometimes feels like a lonely endeavor. Never take false comfort in agreeing with the majority opinions held by your racial, religious, sexual, or political groups. Never hesitate to be a pro-life feminist, pro-choice Catholic, Atheist Republican, Mormon Democrat, pro-nuclear environmentalist, or any other person that the consensus of your mind and conscience leads you to be. In a world where our race, sex, gender, sexuality, and so many other aspects of our identity are predetermined, we can all at least choose to be heretics, deviants, and above all else, individuals. CI

opinion

The Importance of an Open Mind Eugene Nandwa | Publisher On April 23, 2014, social scientist Charles Murray’s talk to Azusa Pacific University’s students and faculty was cancelled due to the concern that he would offend students of color. He was one of several speakers subject to student protest last spring -- a list which also includes former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, and women’s rights activist Hirsi Ali. The justification offered for each protest was that the speaker held discriminatory beliefs harmful to certain groups of people. It is important to note, though, that while speakers like Murray offended some, they would not have been invited to speak in the first place if the protestors were the consensus voice on the issue. Brewing in the background of the protests were instances in which colleges and universities were banning Christian groups from campuses all over the country. The Intervarsity Christian group at Vanderbilt University had their group recognition rescinded, and similar events occurred in April at Rollins College. Each Christian group’s membership policy allowed members to hail from any walk of life, but

required leaders of these groups to hold Christian beliefs in order to maintain the group’s unique identity. This reasoning was found to be in violation of anti-discrimination policies at many schools, which resulted in the groups’ termination. This situation poses a bit of a quagmire for schools that choose to condemn these groups, as they seek to promote tolerance of different viewpoints and beliefs by shutting down the very groups they aim to tolerate. As you might suspect, the specific hypocrisy in banning political speakers and peaceful Christian groups from a college campus reflects a larger hypocrisy in the political correctness movement. Just days after being disinvited from Azusa Pacific University, Charles Murray spoke at Claremont McKenna’s Athenaeum, where he was received with little incident. Immediately following his speech, however, the CMC Forum published an article in which the author heavily criticized Murray not for his speech (in which Murray carefully bracketed questions of race from his discussion), but for previously authored works in which he makes potentially racist

(Left to right.) Women’s rights activist Hirsi Ali, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, and Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are the latest public figures to be protested off of college campuses by faculty and students alike. Images courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

claims. The article I’m highlighting suggests an important general point: in cases where a speaker’s talk is dubiously objectionable, the speaker should be the subject of thoughtful reasoned discussion. After all, the way we arrive at the truth is by carefully refining our views through reasoned discussion. Judging a speaker based solely on his or her past works precludes this kind of refining discussion. In cases where a speaker endorses a controversial view, reasoned discourse, perhaps in the form of a Q & A, is the best way to get to the bottom of their (potentially) flawed ideology. As freshmen, you are entering college with a mostly blank slate. Meaning, for the most part, nobody knows what your political leanings are, or what you personally believe. You’ll be tempted to identify yourself as a liberal or conservative right off the bat, but here’s my advice: don’t. Take advantage of your situation and try to stay away from the kind of ideological rigidity that drives people to attempt to silence voices on the other side of the issue. Because of the massive number of different policies, which tend to be lumped under the taglines “liberal” or “conservative,” many people who identify strongly with one party or the other(i.e., partisans), prime themselves to think along party lines even about policies they have never heard of before. A recent study done by Emory University psychologists demonstrated that partisans are more likely to discount any information that challenged their pre-existing beliefs than nonpartisans. In other words, calling yourself a Republican or a Democrat will make you more likely to make decisions based on conservative or liberal rhetoric rather

“

than sound reasoning. Bearing in mind this psychological predisposition, keeping an open mind has a variety of benefits including: 1. It’ll make you smarter -- Forcing yourself to think through thorny political issues with analytical rigor is will help you become a better thinker. In addition, because the primary way we figure out whether our beliefs are true or not is by testing them against opposing beliefs, by discussing complex issues with others, you’ll come to a closer understanding of the truth. 2. It’ll make your professors and classmates respect you more. This is true partly because you’ll be smarter and wiser for your efforts, but also because you’ll craft a reputation for yourself as a fair-minded, thoughtful person. As a concluding note, I want to make it clear that I realize many of the examples I catalogued in the first part of this article are instances of liberals silencing conservatives. Of course it’s true that conservatives often do the same thing, with Fox News and conservative talk radio being two major culprits. The main reason that I focused on instances where liberals sought to silence conservative perspectives is that I tend to think conservatively. But engaging in discussions in which others objectively listened to my opinions and independently weighed the pros and cons of my beliefs was the crux of a fruitful and enlightening year for me at CMC. As we enter into what is bound to be an interesting election year, try to engage in thoughtful discussions with people who don’t believe the same things as you, and weigh the merits of their arguments independently of your partisan predispositions. CI

You’ll be tempted to identify yourself as a liberal or conservative right off the bat, but here’s my advice: don’t. Take advantage of your situation and try to stay away from the kind of ideological rigidity

that drives people to attempt to silence voices on the other side of the issue.

opinion

Diversity on the Right

What Are the Liberal Arts?

Chris Gaarder and Martin Sartorius | Co-Editors-in-Chief

Brad Richardson | Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

You’ve heard it before. The jokes of “I’m not a Republican” and comparing Mitt Romney to Mr. Burns from the Simpsons have become some of the millennials’ favorite ways to ridicule those who are not part of the political left. As much as progressives want to paint a picture of the right as old, WASPish, Reaganite, heterosexual, cis-gender men in dusty suits, this image is not representative of the actual American Right. For example, look to the Claremont Independent staff, which includes a diverse assortment of race, gender, and credo, or, on a higher level, (Left to right.) San Diego congressional candidate Carl DeMaio, Utah congressional candidate Mia the up-and-coming right-wing Love, and California state assembly candidate Ling-Ling Chang. politicians in Southern Caliand regulation, regardless of background or credo. fornia. In Orange County, this election cycle is being called the You might notice that many of these words and ideas are in “Year of the Asian-American Republican Woman,” while, in San the founding documents of the United States, hence the right’s afDiego, former Councilman Carl DeMaio looks likely to become finity for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It the first openly gay Republican elected to Congress. is important to note that a typical American liberal (whether clearNowadays there are right-wingers that cover the entire ly on the left or skirting the center) does have a similar view on spectrum of libertarianism, from Rand Paul to Milton Friedman these founding documents, with the difference in political opinion to Ayn Rand. There are classic conservatives, followers of Russell coming from the details. However, as seen in the Claremont ColKirk, and classic liberals, followers of John Locke and Friedrich leges, there are also atypical, far-left American progressives who Hayek. There are religious conservatives, from LDS to Cathodisagree with both American liberals and conservatives with relic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and every other belief gards to the fundamental ideas that built our nation. These views in between. There are the business conservatives, foreign policy are not the most common on campus, but, usually, they are the hawks… Should we go on? most vocal. Worryingly, supporters of progressivism are also typWhile right-wingers might have different positions on speically the strongest voices in tasteless, divisive ideological attacks cific issues, they can be grouped together because each group tends on moderates and right-wingers. to accept some form of these basic tenets of classical liberalism: We at the CI stand against the defamation of any group - Freedom is good, whether it is a self-evident value or a one through popularized misconceptions. Hopefully, by exposing stuproven through experience. dents to the true diversity of the right, individuals of all walks of - The only way to ensure individual liberty is to keep govlife in the Claremont Colleges will be more inclined to understand ernment limited - not microscopic, but only as large as absolutely and listen to other students’ viewpoints, even if they are *say it necessary to ensure ordered liberty. quietly* right wingers. CI - Individuals (and society as a whole) prosper and thrive when they are unshackled from the chains of excessive governance

By now, you (incoming students) have no doubt undermeasure the success of your liberal arts education. A few hours of gone the rite of passage that consists of sitting through countless concentration every week over the course of a semester is woefulspeeches on the sanctity of the liberal arts. This is perhaps espely inadequate for becoming completely learned in any particular cially true of the new students at Claremont McKenna College, a subject; similarly, four years’ or even a lifetime’s worth of thought school that boasts of putting the “liberal arts in action.” Underis insufficient for mastering the liberal arts. Even Socrates at his standing exactly what kind of action these liberal arts are plantime of death admitted to being ignorant of much of the world, ning to take is of some concern; but more crucial is a question but he also regarded the humility that he acquired from fully that has likely, perhaps surprisingly, remained unanswered to this understanding his own ignorance as one of the great advantagpoint: What are the liberal arts? es of the examined life. Don’t be The idea of the liberal arts surprised if, four years from now, is rooted in the writings of Plato, you leave this campus with more defined as the disciplines that one questions than answers; even more, studies for the sake of knowledge be happy – it means you did someitself, not in order to prepare for a thing right. specific vocation (though that may So, what does this add-up to? be a side-effect). In Book VII of The What does thinking the most proRepublic, Plato elaborates on severfound thoughts that have ever been al areas of concentration that meet thought, reading the most eloquent this criteria, which have over time words that have ever been written, been amended and are today generover a diverse array of subjects and ally thought to include arithmetic, without corrupting bias, ultimately the humanities (history, literature, produce? Well, it produces you. The philosophy, religious studies, and liberal arts are ultimately about, the visual and performing arts), the through understanding the world, natural sciences, and the social sciunderstanding and creating your ences (economics, political science, “self.” It’s about having those Elizapsychology, and sociology). beth Bennet moments, where you Thankfully, you only have don’t recognize the “you” of two to choose one of them to study – seconds ago. maybe two if you’re an overachiever When I read Alexis de Toc(which, of course, you all are). I queville, Jane Austen, and the Plato. Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons. mean, that’s why we have majors, greatest thinkers that humanity has right? Actually, Plato makes his conproduced, see the way that they tempt for specialization of study clear in another of his dialogues, make seamless connections between what just prior seemed like The Apology. It was impossible for the Socratics to consider one completely different worlds, put to eloquent language what I could who had only mastered a single subject to be truly learned, beonly describe as shapeless emotions and feelings buried somecause true understanding comes with examining difficult queswhere deep within my soul, it makes me unable to recognize the tions from every point of view and mode of thought imaginable. person who occupied my body just moments ago. It’s a humbling The idea that specialization is harmful reveals the crucial concept experience, but it’s also an addicting one. These moments demonthat the liberal arts are, while distinct, all interconnected. Indeed, strate just how completely wrong you were about a particular idea, how can one look at complex topics, such as abortion or healthshow how woefully inadequate your own thought was to a certain care, without considering the scientific, philosophical, political, problem, and reveal the deep-set flaws in your character; but they and economic realities that necessarily accompany them? What also develop within you a passion to read anything you can get can past human experience, documented in literature and history your hands on and to push the limits of your thought in order to and art, teach us about these difficult questions that reality alone find the next major breakthrough. And developing this mentality, cannot? developing a tireless thirst for knowledge and inexhaustible dediWhile this may seem daunting, fully understanding each cation to thought, is what studying liberal arts is about. CI of these disciplines should not be the standard by which you

visit us online:

claremontindependent.com

Interested in writing for us? Contact us at editor@claremontindependent.com.