The Gadfly “To persuade and reproach” - Socrates, The Apology
Vol. XII, Iss. III February 25, 2010
The Speed of Anger or
A Problem of the internet
What with all the hoopla of the media, many emotions are flying through the internet. Triumph, disappointment, anger, fear, hope, relief... whatever the emotion, it can be seen here. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. The bad thing is that we can get an emotional response out to the public before we
have time to cool down. And once it's out there, it's out there. Kinda like toothpaste. Unable to be put back. The web has become so fast and so easy that our very first thoughts can be broadcasted while the emotion is still fresh in our heads. Thoughts are like wine...or trees...no! Pizza! Thoughts are like pizza. Yes, they're good
when hot out of the oven. Yes, the cheese melting off while you're taking a bite is glorious... but the real enjoyment is in letting it cool down. Giving it enough time to stop steaming. Heck, left in the fridge over night. Ideas are like that. Reason needs enough time to make sense of the new insight. The internet tends to cut reason out of the deal. Continued on page 4
Let’s Just Be As I sat people-watching rather than studying today, I had another epiphany. We women have such versatility in appearance. To be viewed as attractive, a woman may be short, tall, skinny, curvy, muscular, etc. However, attractive men have been expected to be tall, muscular, and broad shouldered for centuries. Within the 20th century alone, the en vogue body type for women has changed over and over again: flat-chested in the 20’s, more buxom in the 30’s,
super skinny in the 90’s, athletic in the 80’s, and currently, either very curvy or super skinny. The idea of a woman’s body has changed with the fashions, but the knowledge that male body expectations have and will remain consistent must be very stressful. For a woman, there is hope that in the next decade or so, her body type will be the “it” look and that her day will come. However, for a short, shrimpy guy, that same glimmer of hope does not
exist. Not only that, but Spanx, Victoria’s Secret bras, and the myriad of inventions I have failed to mention enhance a woman’s body shape. Where is a man’s Wonderbra? There are no artificial biceps and pecs for them. Women do not just hide and enhance their body shape, but their face, hair, feet, hands, legs, eyebrows, eyelashes, skin… clearly the list could go on for days. We women can, to a degree, appear as we wish to be seen. Continued on page 6
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St. Clare, pray for us!
Staff: Michael J. Ruszala (M.J.R.) Amanda LaMuro (A.L.) Tony Leccece (T.L.) Emilyn Haremza (E.H.) Daniel Romeyn Davis (D.R.D.) Maria Cecilia Rocha (M.C.R.) Charles Pobee-Mensah (C.P.M.) Olivia Dvorjak (O.D.) Copy Editor Caitlin Garrett (C.G.) Layout Editor: Rosalie Doudna (R.D.) Business Manager: Anna Tang (A.T.) Editor in Chief: Gillian LaMuro (G.L.)
** Please note that the views held in the individual articles do not necessarily express the views of the whole staff. ** Interested in joining our staff? Email us at notestothegadfly@gmail.com
~Mission Statement~ The Gadfly is an attempt to “bite the sleeping horse” in the spirit of Socrates. It is a student publication whose purpose is to facilitate discussion concerning campus and cultural issues as they pertain to students of Franciscan University. It aims to be a forum for open, well-thought out, and honest discussion towards the end of knowing and loving truth in its most robust sense.
Advisor: Dr. John White Advisor Extraordinaire
Cymri Everywhere Unite! That is if you are Welsh, and therefore awesome. Please be prepared to celebrate that most glorious of feast days: March 1, St. Dewey’s Day! On St. Dewey’s Day, we Welsh can finally be ourselves, singing to our hearts’ content and avoiding as many vowels as possible. What is St. Dewey’s Day and who are the Welsh? some of you ask. Well, first of all, St. Dewey (or St. David to you English) was a mighty Welsh Bishop who (for those of you who’d like to know) was born out of rape or something sinister like that. His mother is St. Non and is equally respected in Welsh circles. Anyway, the pagan Saxons were attacking the noble Welsh and St. Dewey said, kind of paraphrasing Jesus here, “If we have enough faith, we could fight the Saxons with leeks and the power of God would defeat them!” So he grabbed a leek and ran after the Saxons, who apparently found clergy waving vegetables around
quite terrifying (make a note, Fr. Don!), and ran away like the little girls they were. Well, who wouldn’t want to have an awesome saint like that as a patron? The Welsh have the distinction of being the only people of the British Isles whose saint is actually one of their own, as St. Patrick was a RomanBriton and probably had some Welsh blood in him as far as I’m concerned, and St. George was a Roman, and St. Andrew for Scotland was Jewish. Now where is Wales? If you think of the English island as a hula dancer, think of Wales as her left hip. Is that clear for everyone, class? So, noble people from whence King Arthur and Richard Burton sprang, be proud of your Welshness and wear a leek on St. Dewey’s day! Fee godwin ni eto!
Letters to the Editor I am writing in response to the article last week entitled “Confession Lines at Franciscan”. I was surprised to read an article complaining about confessions at Franciscan being too long, when I believe that they are too short. Sure, the lines may be long but the time actually spent in confession can feel like a 30 second drive thru sacrament. I think the problem is that the priests feel pressured to get us students in and out of confession as quickly as possible. As a result, it becomes about the quantity of confessions rather than the quality. I know from
personal experience that when a priest spends more time helping me get to the root of my sin I end up struggling with that sin less. When I take that extra time to discover exactly why I am sinning, whether it is a misconception of a virtue or a desire being manifested in the wrong way, I sin less. Spending more time with people in confession may make the number of confessions that priests hear decrease during each session, but if it improves the people they help in the long run, I think it is worth it. ~Emily Seaton
St. Martha, pray for us!
To the Editor: As much as I would like to see the controversy surrounding Emily Rolla's article die down, I feel obliged to offer a bit of practical information that has, as yet, not been contributed in the discussion. I am fully aware that this information may infuriate many people, but I offer it anyway. Emily Rolla pointed out that when she wears high heels, men are more likely to hold the door for her and pay more attention to her. Rolla seems to believe that this is because she is showing more respect for herself when she "dresses up" and is thus inspiring men to show her the same respect.
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However, as any doctor can tell you, a woman's rear end protrudes, on average, 25 percent more when she wears heels than when she wears flat shoes or goes barefoot. Perhaps the men who hold the door for Emily Rolla are of such fine moral character as to be above suspicion, but as for myself, if a man offered to hold the door for me while I was wearing high heels, I would probably suspect that he was simply hoping for a better look.
Email notestothegadfly @gmail.com
Respectfully, Teresa Fasanello
Freedom By Any Other Name... America is the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” according to the song. But what is it free from? People today take too many things for granted without stopping to think about what they really mean: there are countless vague notions of “rights” or “freedoms” floating around our culture wreaking havoc in communication and morality alike. The problem is one of definition; or rather, lack of it. In today’s society, freedom means many different things, and in some cases, conflicting opinions imply that one kind of freedom can nullify another. For example, women’s rights advocates say that a woman’s freedom to choose whether or not she will have a baby outweighs the fetus’s freedom to live. Obviously, conversations can get confusing if people have their own personal notions of what a word means. However—wonder of wonders—there ac-
Tell us what you think!
tually are a few concrete definitions for freedom, if people would take the time to look them up. Freedom can be broken down into three main categories: interpersonal, moral, and legal. Each sense of the word has a different meaning, so it’s important to know how each definition is used in order to clear away the confusion surrounding this heady and elusive word. The dictionary defines freedom in an interpersonal sense as “improper familiarity.” In more common terms, it’s a lack of common decency and respect for others. This type of freedom can be very damaging in an extreme form: when someone “makes free” with another’s reputation, this is known as slander, a deliberate misrepresentation that damages someone’s character. A good example of interper (Continued on page 6)
Professor Quotes of the Week:
Do you know what a person who reads the Troub for relief is? A Troubreliever!
~Dr. Holmes
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If we don't let reason cool our posts, regret is sure to follow. Because what we say could mean something else to someone else. It could hurt someone. From our relationship status, to the very flair and bumperstickers we collect, we have to be careful. Furthermore, impulsive thoughts can not only hurt people, they can be awkward and uncomfortable as well. Especially if we say too much. Continued from page 3
sonal freedom in America is the media. Reporters and columnists can certainly be improperly familiar with the lives of some of their subjects, especially in the political arena. While interpersonal freedom focuses in on the words and actions of individuals, broadening the scope leads to freedom in the moral sense. The economic definition of “moral,” not the theological one, comes into play here. Morality in an economic sense is whatever people think they deserve. The standard liberal definition of freedom fits perfectly with this. It is “the ability to choose, without restriction, between good and evil.” Although this may appear to be a reasonable definition, it does not apply to American society, or for that matter, any society in the world. The fact is that there are natural limitations on freedom. Charles Rice, a University of Notre Dame law professor, noted that a person might be “free” to choose to put either oil or molasses in his car, but if he
St. Etheldreda, pray for us!
So there are many reasons to screen what you put on the internet. It has presented a unique social situation, as the internet makes it easier to tell our innermost secrets to a faceless audience. But our audience does have a face. They are people, too, with the right to stay out of your private life. Now, a challenge: Go over your facebooks, your myspaces, your blogs, and websites. Is something questionable? Was it posted in reckchooses molasses, he becomes not only “free,” but also a pedestrian. It’s a fact of human nature that people want more than they have, but it is simply not feasible for freedom to be totally unlimited. The reality of legal and natural limitations on individual choice does not undermine America’s foundation of freedom—it merely points out that there must be a balance between freedoms and laws for a society to run smoothly. Legal freedoms provide this balance between unlimited choice and total restriction. Simply put, legal freedoms are the political rights guaranteed to a citizen by his nation’s government. The Bill of Rights is a frequently cited example. Freedom of speech, of religion, and of the press are jealously guarded by Americans, especially when contrasted with the more limited rights of so many other countries. Political rights set the stage for other types of freedom by providing a safe and protected environ-
less emotional abandon? Should you be issuing an apology or getting rid of it completely? And for the future, if you find yourself emotionally thrown for a loop, whether it be good or bad, perhaps consider staying off the internet for that day. Don't say something you'll regret later.
ment in which people can make their own decisions. The word “freedom” has several distinct focuses that apply in different circumstances: interpersonal freedom is concerned with specific language and actions of individuals, while moral freedom refers to a society’s ideas about what people think they deserve. Legal freedom is the body of laws that protects the rights of citizens. People use the word “freedom” all the time without stopping to think about what it really means, and this leads to misunderstandings and confusion. Thus, in order for America to truly be the “land of the free,” her citizens must be “brave” enough to realize that even a seemingly harmless word can have several definitions, and it’s up to each individual to know and use them correctly.
~Kim Doudna
St. John, pray for us!
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I Wish Kanye West had been at the GramWell, my favorite band is Green Day, so I enjoyed their show. But I was really disappointed with the overall Grammy atmosphere this year. Most of the performances were sub-par; and, well, they made it seem that no one came out with any significant music this year. WRONG, they just failed to nominate any. At least Elton John was great, DMB wasn't bad... but seriously, how can an album that's about some girl crying about high school win? What kind of caliber are we searching for in that? If I had been channel surfing I might have mistaken her show for a Wal-Mart ad. Ok, I'm going to indulge my love of Green Day for a second. At least their album is about some-
thing current and important and their lyrics have a meaning beyond 12th grade. (Yes, I know they weren't even nominated in that category.) Okay, how about next year? How would you feel winning next year? I feel like you could only go up from this point... watch Miley Cyrus win for the "7 Things I Hate About You." (I'll make my list in that case.) She had on a great tectonic plated dress this year, which made her look almost old enough to have access to an under 21 bar. Well, at least she does something with her life, I guess. I don't think you even want to hear what I have to say about the Black Eyed Peas or Bon Jovi, but needless to say, I'm affirmed in my singing voice now and if I
ever get to audition for a backup dancer, I'll know to wear a robot suit and jump up and down... cause "tonight's gonna be a good night..." apparently. That was an overstatement, in my opinion. Andrea Bocelli was amazing, as always. I have to give him credit. But the fashion was atrocious to say the least. Well, I guess "This is it." It's over. Better luck next year. And please, whatever you do, don't factor your teenage daughter into your opening script and make people awkwardly laugh at her fake head shakes... yawn. ~A.T.
The Classics?! “Philosophy is no doubt a delightful thing, as long as one is exposed to it in moderation at the appropriate time of life.� Gorgias, Plato
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St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!
Continued from page 1
sense of humor to rival Conan O'Brian, and a built in radar to gauge our mood swings. There has been an enormous amount of focus on concealer is not an option. body and beauty issues within The pimple is there clear as the female population; and day. High heels are not an while this movement has been option for a man of short very successful in raising stature unless he wants to awareness for women--what face serious ridicule from about men? Just as women want to be accepted as they For men, being ridiculed for are, men too need the same small things like high heels is courtesy. Let’s be a little more almost too easy. If a man forgiving if a man doesn’t knows everything about the look like Hercules and can tell Versace spring collection you when your jacket is out of rather than the score of the season. He’s still a man, no? Super Bowl his masculinity In light of all of this, I is questioned, but a woman think to myself; what hapwith knowledge in both of pened to just BEING? Going these areas is perfectly acthrough our days without exceptable. The narrow specpectations, qualifications, and trum of knowledge that is checklists that other people, deemed masculine is quite men or women, need to fill constraining for all men. sounds like a great way to live Besides the knowledge happily. Why can't we just be expected of men, personality who we are and allow others traits follow the same pattern. to do the same? While we are The expectation to be strong, a pro-life campus, let's be prorational leaders makes a people as well—not male man's function much less chauvinists or man-hating versatile than that of a feminists—just pro-people! woman. While it is common So, let's just be the people we for women to be viewed as are and throw our checklists submissive, the recent trend out the window. has been for women to emerge as leaders and rely less on their feelings. ~M.C.R. Along with all the other pressures women place upon men, we also expect them to have a great personality, a However, men have to proclaim themselves just as
What’s
YOUR horse?
Join the Gadfly in our mission to “Bite the sleeping horse”… send your articles to notestothegadfly@gmail.com
St. Teresa of Avila, pray for us!
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The Little Lab that The Franciscan University campus is small. This statement is not meant to offend, nor does it indicate that I lack pride in my school. Instead, it is a statement written with affection and fondness. It gives FUS a cozy, quaint, or otherwise cheery air. However, I would like to point out that there is one downside to smallness. There is a distinct lack of places to chill/ relax/"hang out" if you will. In my five years here in Steubenville, I have taken it upon myself to search out the best place to reside whether it be to study or chat with friends. And I believe I have found it. The Language Learning Center, situated on the top floor of Egan, claims the title of best place on campus, barring the several locations where Jesus happily resides. If I were to list here all the wonderful attributes of the LLC, I think this issue of the Gadfly would rival the Bible in length and enlightenment. Restricted by time and space, I present to you the top reasons why the LLC
claims its prestigious title: 1. It has plants. Really, how many rooms on campus have cacti, geraniums, umbrella trees, rubber plant and countless other flowering and succulent flora? One can enjoy the outdoors in the comfort of the glow of a computer screen. 2. Culture abounds. German, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Italian, Welsh, Klingon (yes, Klingon), all of these and more have I heard from the lips of Language Learning Center patrons. 3. It is open to all. All majors are respected in this friendly room. If you speak a language you are granted entrance there. 4. Love abounds. Its nickname is the Language Lab of Love. 5. It has its own Obi Wan Kenobi character. He gives guidance to all and knows how to use a light saber. 6. Comfy chairs. Relax into a wide variety of furniture! 7. The LLC is the only location on campus which brings to-
gether PC people and Mac people. Cool foreign movies are available for personal viewing. Although I could go on and on recounting the wonders and joys the Language Learning Center has to offer, I believe that what I have presented here is proof enough of its valuable nature. The next time you feel a little cramped by the small proportion of this campus, check out the Language Learning Center in Egan. The LLC attendants will be happy to be of assistance!
~A.L.
Pop Culture Seminar Quote: "No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world." - Dead Poets’ Society (1989)
j|Çx? j|à tÇw jtzzxÜç Death by Meteor or an essay on what happens when i don’t focus on my schoolwork
Most people, given enough time, will ask you what way you want to die. And most people, if they are sane or the slightest bit conventional, will tell you that they want to die peacefully in their sleep. A few will say that they want to die flashily and in a blaze of glory, possibly on the lip of a volcano or in a shootout against Columbian drug lords. One or two, thinking themselves to be clever or possibly unique, will respond with something like “slipping on pudding and breaking my neck and dying.” I want only one thing: to be killed by meteor piercing my skull. Let me explain. After a brief Google search, I discovered that, in all of recorded history, there has never once been an instance of someone being killed by a meteor, let alone a meteor to the head. Just imagine the possibilities of this event: if you were to die because of a meteor (and rest assured, there are those who have tried, only to find the meteor landing a few feet or inches from their heads, lying there as a symbol of failure), you will no doubt go down in the history books. Sure, if you happened to take down the entire Columbian drug trade, you’d make the news for a few weeks. But if for some reason you managed to do the unthinkable and be slain by a single meteor to the brain, you would immediately become a historical figure. Never before has someone done
what you have done; no one else can claim the title of “first person killed by a meteor!” People with too much time on their hands for generations to come will do pointless research and discover with crushing disappointment that they can never aspire to become the first person killed by a meteor. Secondly, how awesome would it be to be known as the person killed by such a direct act of God? After all, meteors don’t just hurl themselves… someone has to hurl them. Sure, the odds are long and not exactly in my favor (in fact, statistically speaking, I have a higher chance of surviving a meteor strike than I do of being killed). Nonetheless, I think it not wholly unreasonable to want to be killed in such a unique and flashy way. And, yes, I think there would be quite a bit of dignity to the fact that you were killed in a way that could not possibly be predicted or helped; there’s nothing you could do and there’s no point trying to resist, is there? Plus, it would be painless: there’s no time for pain between the meteor crashing through your skull and it passing straight on through to the ground. Think of it this way: how many people can say with such a straight face to St. Peter: “God called me here Himself. Want proof? Look at the 4 inch hole in my skull!” ~ Andrew Pugsley