Georgetown College’s Student–Run Newspaper
February 8, 2017
Volume CXXXVII Issue 3
African–American women continue to battle discrimination on two fronts Part Two in a four–part series on Black History in its modern–day context By BAILEE BOGGESS Opinion Editor
Due to America’s historically patriarchal culture, important female figures’ lives and accomplishments are often diminished or simply not brought up at all in our national conversation. This is particularly true for African–American women who have been placed on the backburner for hundreds of years. Throughout the history of the United States, black women have been viewed as less than black men, who already find themselves low on the totem pole of American society. Up until the mid–nineteenth century, when slavery was abolished, black men and women were viewed as property, bound to serve against their will, with women valued for their ability to produce more slaves. As time passed, their stature grew. When the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, African–Americans were finally granted many free-
Inside
this issue
doms that they had long been denied. However, this did little for black women. They were still limited on their voice and involvement in their communities. Even though women gained the right to vote in 1920, black women’s voices were still being silenced. Even today, in 2017, there is evidence that African– American women are being treated differently. Pay in the workplace is an indicator of unequal treatment. A study conducted by the National Partnership for Women and Families revealed that African–American women make 60 cents on the dollar compared to a white male. This statistic means that in a 40–year career, a black woman will lose approximately $877,480 due to the difference in pay compared to what a white man will make (bustle.com). Another disturbing fact is the rate of black women who are incarcerated compared to that of Caucasian women. African–Americans, as a whole, are already at a higher
risk of being arrested and charged with a crime and they are frequently given a harsher sentence. As of 2014, the number of black women in prison was six times higher than the number for white women (bet.com). This is a cretical problem in our society that demands more attention. However, a large obstacle that stands in the way of fixing this problem is the stigma around fighting for an agenda that challenges the status quo. The recent women’s march in Washington D.C. is a prime example of how passionate the female community is about making a change. But even though there were a plethora of women united together, political ideals divided the crowd. Heavily driven by the controversies surrounding the recent election and racial tensions that have risen in the past months, black women felt that there was a strong separation between them and white women in the crowd.
Angela Peoples, the leader of GetEQUAL, an LGBTQ advocacy group, commented on how to build a bridge between those who are not a part of a minority group and those who are: “Go to Black Lives Matter protests and be aware of your privilege. Don’t try to talk over it and add to it. Understand what your role is as an ally and a supporter and a comrade. That will build trust among women of color” (usatoday.com). The question that arises seems obvious: how can we fix the problem of inequality for black women? It starts with advocacy during Black History Month to raise awareness of problems that pollute our society. By making people notice the struggle of oppression within our country, change can begin almost immediately. Black women have been struggling for decades, but always seem to be forgotten. Rosa Parks, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Serena Williams, Tina Turner and countless others have been prime
examples of strong women. Each one has contributed something monumental to society, and has had a huge impact on the lives of girls and women across the country. However, perhaps one of the most recognizable names currently promoting women’s rights, especially African– American women’s rights, is Michelle Obama. During her time as First Lady, she promoted women’s equality by creating Let Girls Learn to empower girls across the country. She also exemplified poise and demonstrated how to act when attacked by vicious comments. For example, Beverly Whaling, a mayor in West Virginia, called her an “ape in heels” (forbes.com). Instead of retorting, she handled the situation with poise. These inequalities cannot be allowed to continue. We must keep fighting for equality and pushing for our voices to be heard. Only through advocacy and awareness will a change be made.
41 men join fraternities on Bid Day page 2
Matt Ryan’s mediocrity exposed in SB LI page 4
Galvin’s opens new downtown location page 7
Grrr... Band hosts fundraising dinner page 9
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News 41 men join campus brotherhoods
The Georgetonian
Global
Headlines Compiled by Aaron Benge Vice President Mike Pence broke the Senate tie to confirm Betsy DeVos as U.S. Education Secretary on Tuesday. At least 20 are dead after a suicide bomber struck Afghanistan’s Supreme Court early Tuesday. A Cheeto in the shape of Harambe was sold for $99,900 on Monday afternoon. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the “Slapping Law” earlier this week, which decriminalizes a first act of domestic violence that does not seriously injure the person. This week, the Catholic Church in Australia revealed that more than 4,000 children have been sexually assaulted by clergymen over the past 35 years. Queen Elizabeth II marked her Saphire Jubilee on Monday, becoming the first British monarch to reign for 65 years.
By DOUG MOLLETT News Editor On Saturday, fraternities across campus finalized their bids and accepted new members into their brotherhoods. Forty–one men went from being an independent to being a member of a fraternity. Bid Day came after the two–week recruitment process in which fraternities hosted potential new members in their houses for various events. The first week of fraternity recruitment featured an informal event at each fraternity house. All eligible students who signed up to go through rush were able to go to all or any of the houses of their choosing. The second week of recruitment was designated as “formal week.” To participate in formal week, the men must have been invited back to the fraternity houses. If they weren’t invited back, they were not able to attend. After the formal event, active members of each fraternity held voting meetings to decide which potential new members they would give bids to.
People going through rush received their bids on Friday, except for bids from PHA, who gave bids on Saturday. Saturday was when the men could then decide which bid, if any, they would choose to accept and which fraternity they would like to join. Similar to sorority Chapel Day, new members of each organization ran out of the Chapel wearing the colors that represented the organization they Source: Facebook.com Members of Kappa Alpha Order gather outside of joined. Groups of two or the Chapel with their new members. more men ran out of the Chapel and into the crowd of their new received eight new members, and Phi brotherhood. Kappa Tau received five new members. Lambda Chi Alpha received 12 The President’s House Association new members on Saturday and gave accepted six new members into their an open bid to one more after Bid Day brotherhood. festivities. Pi Kappa Alpha welcomed PHA did not participate in Chapel 10 new brothers, Kappa Alpha Order Day festivities. The number of eligible students signed up to go through fraterntiy recruitment has significantly increased in recent years. Ian Gearhart, President of the Interfraterntiy Council, which oversees the fraternity recruitment process, said, “Surprisingly, this year has been the most successful recruitment period since I’ve been a part of IFC. We have almost doubled our number of guys signed up from last year, so I want to commend every fraternity chapter here with promoting Fraternity Life.”
Photo submitted by Raleigh Dixon
Left to right: PHA new members Trey Smallwood, Cameron Kenner, Isaac Mathis, Matthew Mattingly, Chandler Brooks and Brady Parlato.
Campus Highlights
Issue 3
February 8, 2017 Page 3
Campus Safety handles interesting situations By BAILEE BOGGESS Opinion Editor One of the most important parts of ensuring that a college campus is a place where students feel welcomed and safe is having proper safety standards. At Georgetown College, the men and women that dedicate their time to providing protection and supervision over the campus are some of the finest. However, with Georgetown being so small, one may question exactly how dangerous it can be. Why do we need to place such an emphasis on safety? The area of Georgetown itself is ranked quite low on the safety scale. According to Neighborhood Scout, Georgetown is only safer than 18% of American cities, with 100% being the safest. Obviously, this is cause for concern. But, with the help of the Georgetown police department, crimes considered violent (by legal standards) are extremely rare on the campus. Basi-
cally, for the most part, the school that ous calls that they receive. Never quite we attend is very knowing whether safe. it will be an alcohol Knowledge of violation, a parking an incident travels violation or a stufast from the phone dent needing to be to the officer, which let in a building, an is most definitely officer’s day is never useful when a sitdull. uation needs to be W h e n taken care of immestudents were diately. Usually, a interviewed for student worker is different scenarios behind the phones where they have taking calls. Once a had to call Campus call comes through, Safety for unusual the student will situations, the make a report and results were quite THE GEORGETONIAN/BAILEE BOGGESS relay it to an officer interesting. One Derek, who works night shift for prominent example who then takes care Campus Safety, is a campus favor- that many students of the problem. While Campus ite. recalled was during Safety has their fair share of nuisances the clown epidemic that took over that they must take care of, there are Georgetown and other cities in October also some outrageous and quite hilari- of last year. While terror spread across
ATTENTION CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS The Georgetonian is considering advertisements in future issues.
the campus, Campus Safety was kept very busy with calls. Two students, Emily Bunch and Allison Ratliff, had to call campus safety to be escorted back to their residence hall due to students dressed as clowns running around South Campus. Several members of Greek organizations also called when the clowns were spotted behind the PHA house. Michaela Adams, a junior at Georgetown, reflects on when she had to call: “Never in my time at Georgetown did I imagine that I would have to call Campus Safety to report a clown sighting!” The clown sightings are only one example of some strange things that have occurred on campus in the past, and there will surely be more in the future. Georgetown students extend their greatest appreciation to all the Campus Safety workers for all their effort and dedication that they put into their jobs.
INTERESTED IN WORKING FOR THE GEORGETONIAN?
The Georgetonian is seeking writers and photographers.
If interested, contact Raleigh Dixon:
rdixon@georgetowncollege.edu
If interested, contact Raleigh Dixon:
rdixon@georgetowncollege.edu
The Georgetonian Sports & Recreation This is how the NFL Honors ceremony should have gone
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By WEST OSBORN Staff Writer
There is a long list of awards handed out to some of the top players in the league at the NFL Honors ceremony, but there are a few awards that are more coveted than others. This year, I was left with a pretty bad taste in my mouth after watching. I’ll start with the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year, Dak Prescott. Everyone has heard of and maybe even watched him play this year. I saw him live in action at Lambeau and watched him walk all over my beloved Packers. There’s no doubt that Prescott had one of the best rookie years in recent history. He may have lost his first playoff appearance, but only
after a second half comeback that made for a very tight game. Jordy Nelson was the recipient of the AP Comeback Player of the Year. He had over 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns for the season. He even came back for the NFC Championship game to play and had an outstanding performance only two weeks after breaking his ribs in a game against the Giants. The man is as tough as nails and proved he is still one of the top receivers in the league after tearing his ACL last season. Eli Manning and Larry Fitzgerald were co–winners of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. I strongly dislike Eli, and I personally think Greg Olsen should have won the
award. However, I am not going to speak poorly of an award meant to honor those who exhibit outstanding service to their community. Last, and definitely least,
Source: Flikr.com
is the AP Most Valuable Player award, given to Matt Ryan. This award obviously means nothing anymore considering we are giving it to a fraudulent player like Matt Ryan.
He’s not a great player. I mean he’s good, but he’s not great. And he’s definitely not MVP material. I don’t care if he made it to the Super Bowl and put up some of the best stats for the season, he’s garbage. He plays in one of the worst divisions in the league. Tim Tebow could even have a good season playing in the NFC South. Aaron Rodgers ran the table after saying that he would. Even when his defense was causing losses early in the season, Rodgers continued to put in a shift and play well. His season was shadowed by an underperforming defense. While I admit that Tom Brady may be the best Quarterback of all time, Aaron Rodgers is the best thrower of the football of all time.
This season he proved that. All Matt Ryan proved is that he’s a fraud. I can’t wait for him to have a terrible season, after this Super Bowl loss. Along with the others mentioned earlier, the NFL Honors included many other awards that were given to very deserving players and coaches. But when it counted most, I was let down. But that’s what happens when you’re a biased fan that expects every award to be handed to a Green Bay Packer.
Equestrian Team heads into final regular season show By DOUG MOLLETT News Editor
On Saturday, the Georgetown College Equestrian Team will be competing at Morehead State Univeristy in their final weekend competition in hopes to qualify for the regional competition. The two–day long event includes jumping equitation and equitation on the flat. The GC Equestrian team will be competing in both equitation classes. Every member of the team will be required to attend the competition, even if they are
not competing. Team members who are not competing will assist the team with organizing equipment, grooming horses and feeding the horses. To qualify for the regional competition, competitors must accumulate a certain number of points at various horse shows. Four GC Equestrian Team members are very close to qualifying for regionals. Seniors Georgia Skelton and Erin Myers, Junior West Osborn, and Sophomores Ashley Duvall and Lindsey Phillips hope to acquire enough points to qualify for regionals. The regional compe-
tition will be held at Morehead State University. When asked about the upcoming competition, Duvall said, “I am really excited about
at a regular season show this school year, and hopefully a few of us will get to point out to regionals!” Meyers said, “I know there are multiple team members who are less than five points away from qualifying for regionals. This weekend when we show at MSU, we will take and care for seven horses while showing, recording results and encouraging one another. The Georgetonian/Bethany Jones “The team members who GCET after the University of have qualified for regionals Cincinnati Show last fall. will show on Feb. 25 at MSU. our show this weekend! It will We have all worked hard this be great to get to spend time show season, and in my book, with everyone for the last time we came out on top. I’ve seen
lots of dedication this year to one of the hardest sports on earth.”
Issue 3
Sports & Recreation
February 8, 2017 Page 5
GC Baseball begins season in Georgia By MANDY FLAIG Staff Writer
This weekend was the Georgetown Tigers baseball team’s first series of games of the season against Middle Georgia State University. Although the outcome of the series was not what the team wanted, they still played well and kept their heads in the games. On Friday, the teams were
split for the day with one win for the Tigers and one win for MGSU. Georgetown’s starting center fielder Sam Medina stated, “This season will be an exciting season for Georgetown baseball. I know this team is full of a passionate group of teammates and coaches. Our opening weekend vs Middle Georgia State University didn’t end in our favor but we see what we are
bringing to the table and we’re all excited and confident about the rest of this season.” The Tigers won their second game of the series on February 3. The final score was four to one. Michael Conrad pitched six innings and only allowed one run in. He also had seven strike outs. Steven Whisler came into the game for the seventh inning to close out the game.
Ryan Viramontes led the team offensively going two for three with an RBI ( Runs Batted In). The seventh inning was a bit of a challenge for the Tigers, but they held on to their lead and took the win in the second game. We look forward to seeing the incredible season our Georgetown Tigers baseball team will have. They continue to work hard, practicing everyday on and off the field. Each
player pushes each other to do his best and to compete to the best of his abilities. The Tigers take on Stillman College on Friday Feb. 10 and Saturday Feb. 11 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. We want to wish them safe travels and good luck in their next series. The Tiger’s first home game is on Saturday Feb. 18 against Judson College at 12p.m.
Falcons blow 28-3 lead; Brady wins fifth Super Bowl By LOGAN SMART Staff Writer The most highly anticipated sporting event of the year has come and gone this past weekend to the delight of many. The end result was the only overtime Super Bowl in 51 years and the largest comeback victory in Super Bowl history. The New England Patriots were victorious Sunday night as they topped the Atlanta Falcons for the National FootballLeague championship. The Falcons, led by NFL Offensive Most Valuable Player and overall league MVP Matt Ryan, looked calm, cool and collected against the number one ranked defense in the league. Following a LeGarrette Blount turnover, a quick and easy scoring drive and a Tom Brady interception returned for a touchdown, the Falcons found themselves up 21-0. A late field goal drive by the
Patriots left the score at 21-3 going into the break. While Lady Gaga wowed viewers on stage, the Falcons and Patriots alike planned their second half strategies. Brady’s accuracy looked less than adequate for most of the game. The string of second– rate receivers on the New England roster was showing its hands, or lack thereof, and the Falcons offense was using a steady mix of run and pass that had proven better than the touted Patriot’s defense. With eight and a half minutes left in the third quarter, the Patriots took the ball and marched 75 yards in 13 plays to cut into the lead with a James White rushing touchdown. Following a missed PAT, the Falcons held a 28–9 with only 17 minutes remaining in the game. After receiving the onside kick attempt, an offensive holding call caused the end of the Atlanta drive before it even began. This gave the ball back to New England
to begin the fourth quarter. Again, the Patriot’s offense started to march down the field, this time going 72 yards in 12 plays and ending in a Stephen Gostkowski field goal to cut the deficit to 16 points. Now only being down two scores, the Patriots decided to kick deep, a decision that would pay off three plays later. Five quick plays and one successful James White two– point conversion later, the Falcons lead was down to 28–20 with just over five minutes to play. Matty Ice and the Falcons offense decided it was going to put the game out of question, driving to the New England 22–yard line on the backs of a couple of big plays. Julio Jones made a grab on the near sideline that would have gone down in Super Bowl lore if it weren’t for the sequence of events that followed. Having reached the 22, the Falcons’ offense stalled and then backpedaled in the way
of a 12–yard sack and a third down holding call. This forced them to send out the punting unit with three and a half minutes to play. Then out stepped Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Needing to drive 91 yards and convert another two–point conversion in the game’s final three and a half minutes to even force overtime, it was setting up for quite the Super Bowl finish. Brady found each of his top four receivers for a completion, and the Pats were quickly to the Atlanta 21 at the two–minute warning. The drive was highlighted by an acrobatic, circus catch by Julian Edelman across the middle of the Atlanta secondary that brings to mind memories of David Tyree’s “helmet catch” in Super Bowl XLII. James White scored the touchdown and then converted the ensuing two–point conversion to tie the game at 28 with less than a minute to
go. The last minute resulted in no points, as the New England defense held to force overtime. In overtime, the Patriots won the coin toss and received the ball to open the period. At that point, Uncle Mo was completely on the New England sideline, and all the Falcons defense could do was delay the inevitable. Behind five of six passing from Brady and two rushes from James White, the Patriots moved the length of the field and punched it in for the victory on the legs of White from two yards out. This completed the implosion of the Atlanta Falcons’ 25–point third quarter lead and the return of the Brady and Belichick combo to the victory stage for the fifth time in the last 16 years. This year was record setting in the very least, which made for an exciting Super Bowl experience.
Features
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The Georgetonian
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: AMY KAO By BAILEE BOGGESS Opinion Editor This week, the special senior that will be featured is Amy Kao. Originally from Winchester, Kentucky, she stumbled upon Georgetown College while looking for a school that was close to home. It was one of the first colleges that she looked at. With her hometown being only 30 minutes away, it made the transition from high school to college much easier. Kao said, “To me, Georgetown is far enough to have the college experience I wanted. However, it’s close enough for me to go home for the night and have dinner with my family, which is perfect.” During her time at Georgetown, Amy has majored in psychology with a minor in child development. She says that while she has enjoyed all her major and minor classes, her absolute favorite would have to be Abnormal Psychology with Dr. Price. After all, as Kao said, “who doesn’t enjoy Dr. Price’s classes?” Amy expresses her absolute gradtitude to her advisor
and her favorite professor, Dr. Bell. “She is not only my advisor, but also someone I can depend on and talk to about anything! She has helped me tremendously these past couple of years,” Kao said. Amy holds the utmost admiration for Dr. Bell and her passion for studying children. She encourages everyone to take one of her classes. Amy has been very involved in her four years at the college. She has held many different leadership positions, many in organizations that are extremely influential on campus. She served on the Student Government Association Executive Council Board during her junior year as the
organization that brings the sororities on campus together with a focus on Greek life. She said this leadership position has “not only helped [her] gain leadership experience, but has also allowed [her] to work closely with the recruitment team to put on one of the most successful sorority recruitments in recent years.” Upon graduation, Amy plans on continuing to work as a nursing assistant in the neurosciThe Georgetonian/Amy Kao ences unit at the University of Parliamentarian. She is also a Kentucky Chandler Medical member of Sigma Kappa soror- Center where she currently ity, and has been involved on works part time. She hopes to the Panhellenic Council as switch to full time for a year President. This means that she after graduation in May. With was the representative of the this transition, she will have
Coming Up This Month...
February 9, 2017
-11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Faculty Meeting for full-time faculty -11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Leadership Series -11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Physical Therapy Today -4:00 p.m. Marketing Yourself -4:00 p.m. Walmart Trip with Campus Safety
February 14, 2017
-11:00 a.m. Chapel Service -11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Spotlight Fair Resume Review 15 min Drop-in
February 16, 2017
-11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Faculty Meeting for full-time faculty -11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Leadership Series -11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Physical Therapy Today -4:00 p.m. Marketing Yourself -4:00 p.m. Walmart Trip with Campus Safety
February 17, 2017
-Scholars Day Event -5:00 p.m. Limelight by Michael Nichols
more opportunities to gain direct patient hours to qualify her for the University of Kentucky Physician’s Assistant program. As the semester continues, Amy had some advice for freshmen who have just started their journey at Georgetown. She believes in being involved, “because attending a small college is such a unique experience, you definitely get out what you put in.” A common theme among seniors is collections the remaining Nexus credits, and Amy says that it’s “never too early to start getting them.” Lastly, she ehphasized “stepping out of your comfort zone, learning to say yes to all those late–night adventures or two a.m. Hong’s runs, and creating meaningful friendships; because four years will go by a lot faster than you think.” In conclusion, Amy has accomplished many great things during her time at Georgetown. After graduation, she will certainly be missed by the GC community!
February 21, 2017
-11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Metamorphosis of Autism -1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Spotlight Career Fair 2017
Features New Galvin’s Location
Issue 3
By BAILEE BOGGESS Opinion Editor Although eating at Galvin’s has been a long–standing tradition in Georgetown, they have recently made many changes to the establishment. Located in downtown Georgetown on W Main Street, the restaurant was first opened in 2008. They specialize in casual American food and have affordable prices. Galvin’s original location was on the corner of the first strip of buildings downtown. Over the past few months, it became apparent that they needed a change. To make accommodations, they moved to a new location down the
street. Their new space is much larger and spans over two buildings. The exterior of the new location has a vintage look, with white paint and wooden accents. Regarding the menu, the owners did make some changes, but kept many customer favorites. Of course, anything with buffalo chicken is still featured and favored by those who regularly eat at Galvin’s. The updated menu features buffalo chicken dip, buffalo chicken salad (fried or grilled), a buffalo chicken cheese steak, buffalo chicken pizza and a buffalo chicken wrap. To top it all off, in the Specialty Sandwiches section,
there is a ‘Buffaletta’ which is a sandwich made of chicken tenders tossed in cattlemen’s sauce and blue cheese coleslaw. Another customer favorite, the ‘Stromboli,’ remains on the updated menu. While they may take 25 minutes to prepare, it is well worth the wait. The restaurant has also expanded their options on salads and sandwiches. Aubrey Walter, a junior at Georgetown and frequent Galvin’s customer, said, “The new location is much more appealing aestheticly than the last one. It is an attractive hang– out spot for college students. Also, with a much larger space,
QUOTE MY GEORGETOWN PROFESSOR
February 8, 2017 Page 7
the restaurant is now able to accommodate a larger crowd.” Katie Young, also a junior at Georgetown, reflects on the new location by saying: “It is a great atmosphere to hang out, especially for a game night. I loved the set up and it is a lot more spacious. Changing their address sure didn’t make me change my mind about their great food.” Galvin’s new location provides college students with the opportunity to hang out in a cool atmosphere. Whether watching the latest UK game, or just having lunch with old friends, Galvin’s is the perfect place to sit back and relax while enjoying some great
food. Stop by and check it out during the week, as their new hours are: Monday - Thursday (11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.), Friday and Saturday (11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.). They are closed on Sundays.
Georgetown Tree Hugger
“The only thing I want out of my career is to remove the word ‘douche’ from the English Language” Dr. Burch
Quote taken from Quote My Georgetown Professor Facebook page
QUOTE MY GEORGETOWN PROFESSOR
“Take off your tin foil hats and start using some common sense” Dr. Scheier
Quote taken from Quote My Georgetown Professor Facebook page The Georgetonian/Rachel Cheatham
This week’s Tree Hugger is Sophomore Elizabeth Martin
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Artsď ŤEntertainment
The Georgetonian
Advertising coming to the Georgetonian for student organizations! Business Card Size: $15 Quarter Page: $25 Half Page: $40 For inquiries, contact Raleigh Dixon at rdixon@georgetowncollege.edu. NBA TEAM PUZZLE The first person to take a picture of a completed and correct puzzle and tag @georgetonian will be featured in our next issue.
ArtsEntertainment An evening with Georgetown College’s band
Issue 3
By DOUG MOLLETT News Editor On Friday, faculty, staff, students, alumni and families of Grrr… Band members joined together for an exciting evening. The seventh annual Tiger Band dinner was in the Jones Hall–Nelson Suite last week and featured excellent food, fantastic music and guest speakers. Band members sold tickets, and all proceeds went towards Tiger Band Scholars. The schedule for the evening included a mallet duet, saxophone duet, clarinet trio and flute choir as special music. My personal favorite performance was the saxophone duet performed by Juniors Westin Osborn and Matthew Feltner. Dr. Lisa Eddy, education professor, was a featured guest speaker. Her
February 8, 2017 Page 9
remarks focused on the beauty and serenity of music and its positive impact on Georgetown College’s campus and on people around the world. Current band scholar, Evan Moore, gave remarks in a unique fashion. Evan is currently studying philosophy at Oxford University’s Regent’s Park College, but was Skyped in for his speech. He began his talk be speaking about string theory, multiple dimensions and other physics topics that I don’t understand. Just before I lost focus, Evan related these various physics descriptions to Tiger Band. He said, “No one understands Tiger Band. Usually, the people involved in the band can’t explain it. But that’s what makes it special.” The final speaker was Dr. Charlotte Stickle Elder, professor of communication at Western Kentucky University. Dr. Elder is a 1996 graduate from
Georgetown College. While on campus, she was extremely active with the Tiger Bands. She asked the question: “what do you want to do?” as opposed to “what
THE GEORGETONIAN/RALEIGH DIXON
Osborn and Feltner perform at the dinner. do you want to be when you grow up?” Tiger Band and band director, Dr. Peter LaRue, helped her discover herself.
Her speech was filled with comedic stories about Dr. LaRue and her time at Georgetown College. Dinner was catered by Sodexo, and they, for once, served an outstanding meal. Dinner consisted of salad, breaded chicken, green beans and potatoes, with cheesecake for dessert. Dinner was served by members of the Tiger Bands. It was also announced at the dinner that two Tiger Band Scholars will be representing Georgetown College in the prestigious 2017 Kentucky Intercollegiate Band during the forthcoming Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) conference in Louisville, Feb. 8–9. Those going are juniors: Hannah Kinsey from Crittenden, Ky., and Emily McKinley from Fisherville, Ky.
The curse of video game based films
By HARRY SMITH Staff Writer Video game movies are the worst human invention since the atomic bomb. Nothing will make a fan of a game bang their head against a wall like the revelation that their favorite franchise is slated for a movie. The general public has been hurt too often to trust Hollywood with our dearly beloved. There are a multitude of reasons that these movies are destined to fail. To put it bluntly, most video games don’t have what it takes to be made into a good movie from a technical standpoint. The majority of games have mediocre writing at best and one– dimensional characters. When it boils down, even the main characters of most action games are mass–murdering psy-
chopaths at their core, with little motivation given to justify their actions. Games are typically far longer than most movies, and many producers take advantage of this to include convoluted storylines that don’t always make sense in the end. They would often fail in the eyes of critics when they are put into a movie. Games can get away with some things movies cannot because they are meant to be interactive. Assassin’s Creed is a game that is a decent movie on paper. Assassin’s Creed is all about exploring the past through the character’s ancestors and discovering secrets about an evil, global organization. The fun of the game is not in walking around the modern day, trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together; the fun of the game is when you’re climbing up buildings and sword fight-
ing a mob of soldiers in the street. Take that out and you’ve got a typical action movie with less fighting and a subpar plot. Possibly the biggest problem with video game movies is that the people involved don’t understand video games at all. Does anyone really think that a group of Hollywood executives green–lighting a movie are going to know the first thing about what makes Tomb Raider appealing, or even understand how the vision of the movie relates to the game at all? More importantly, would a forty–year–old director have the same attachment to video games as his or her target audience? Look at the Uncharted series. Perhaps no other games could be as readily made into a film adaptation. But if one looks at director David O. Russell’s comments about his ideas for
the movie, a fan would cringe. Russell wanted to take a franchise about a globetrotting treasure–hunter who takes down dictators and war criminals and insert a family dynamic. He intended to accomplish this through a world crime family delivering justice in the world of the arts and history. Why? Why does this keep happening? Stop. Just stop it. Stop making them, and stop watching them. Few are commercially successful and none are critically acclaimed. There is nothing beneficial for the world in this genre, and we would all be better off if every video game movie was buried deep in the ground.
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Georgetonian
Opinion
The Georgetonian
Boy Scouts make strides towards inclusion
The
Editor–in–Chief..............................................Raleigh Dixon Managing Editor.............................................. Doug Mollett News Editor...................................................... Doug Mollett S&R Editor.................................................... Bethany Jones Features Editor............................................... Meredith Bell A&E Editor...........................................................Ross Smith Opinion Editor.............................................. Bailee Boggess Back Page Editor.....................................Rachel Cheatham Web Editor ................................................Rachel Cheatham Graphics Editor............................................Elizabeth Smith Copy Editor.....................................................Whitney Bryan Copy Editor.................................................... Bethany Jones Copy Editor..................................................... Kallie Fleming Faculty Advisor...........................................Jennifer Beckett The Georgetonian is a free weekly newspaper published most Wednesdays during the academic year by Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. Its contents are written and edited by current students of Georgetown College. Letters to the editor should be under 600 words and should include the writer’s name and telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity. Please send letters to one of the following addresses:
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More inclusivity means more opportunities for diversity By WEST OSBORN Staff Writer I received my Eagle Scout award in 2013. Since then, I have not been involved in the scouting community at all, which is something I regret. That same year, the Boy Scouts of America decided to allow openly gay boys to be members of the organization. Having experienced the culture first hand, I never thought that would happen. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Now, BSA has decided to allow transgender boys to join. The change started when a mother of a transgender boy began a lawsuit against her local Scouting council for denying her son membership. While I support this mother being angry and wanting to raise awareness for her son’s situation, I think it’s a frivolous lawsuit. Over the years, we’ve seen BSA win suits dealing with denying certain people
and groups of people membership. Regardless, it worked. Like with the admittance of homosexuals, I am genuinely surprised by the decision to allow transgender boys into the organization. I like the progressive steps BSA has taken over the years. However, I only have one big problem with this new policy: Where do we draw the line? I think at this point it’s wrong for them to draw any lines. Any child or teenager under the age of 18 should be allowed membership. I don’t think this can happen today, but I think it’s something the organization should strive for. In scouting I have learned valuable leadership, survival and general life skills. I don’t think that the Girl Scouts offers the same opportunity to girls. Whether the Girl Scouts begin offering more opportunities, or the Boy Scouts begin allowing more groups of people, there is a lot of prog-
ress to be made. It’s not always easy to be open to people different from you joining your organization. For me, the Boy Scouts was like a fraternity as I grew up. But that’s not the part I gained and learned from. I learned how to be an individual and when not to take on a lead if your group is faced with adversity. I think I could have benefitted from interacting with transgender boys, and chances are I wouldn’t have even known they were different from me. I think I could have benefitted from facing tough survival decisions in the mountains of New Mexico with a couple of girls around too. It’s all in perspective, and I think that if executed correctly, the Boy Scouts of America has great potential in helping its members grow and serving its community.
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Opinion Refugees are victims, and people too Issue 3
By AUBRI LAYSON Staff Writer
Fear has unfortunately been a driving force in recent United States legislation. A series of executive orders express the fear of the unknown. Many citizens are concerned that terrorists live amongst us, and as a result there is a “need” to protect our borders. The recent executive order bans all refugees for 120 days and until further notice bans all Syrian refugees. The logic behind this order is that there is a potential threat for terrorists to somehow slip through the refugee vetting process. This fear is based on a lack of understanding of the vetting process and refugees themselves. First of all, a refugee is a person who is forced to leave their country in order to escape persecution, war or violence. They are faced with life–threat-
ening circumstances and have no choice but to leave their homeland. Many refugees spend years in UN sponsored refugee camps waiting to be resettled. Prior to resettlement, refugees go through a vast vetting process with biographic security screens by the National Counterterrorism Center/ Intelligence Community, the FBI, The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department. These screens look to see if the candidate is a security risk, if they are connected to bad actors or if they have a criminal record or connections to a military. There is pre–screening by Resettlement Support Center staff, on–site interviews and security clearances that all last anywhere from 18–24 months to 10 years. From there the accepted refugees undergo a thorough medical check and a cultural
orientation before they are assigned a resettlement location. Refugees are legal. They are invited into the United States by the federal government. They are given alien
Source: Wikipedia.com
numbers, and eventually social security numbers. They are allowed to work and the goal is for complete self–sufficiency. Refugees are required to apply for a green card within a year of their arrival. Kentucky is the 14th in the nation in annual refugee arrivals. We have welcomed asylum–seekers in Kentucky since 1990. Kentucky Refugee
Ministries has resettled over 15,000 refugees that represent over 50 nations since its doors opened in the 90’s. These men, women and children have been living amongst us our entire lives. They try their hardest to adapt in our melting pot society. They are CNA’s, soccer coaches, cleaning ladies, factory workers and so much more. They are thankful to live in safety without fear of death and persecution. Yet we fear them, because they are not like us. We fear that they may threaten us, when they themselves have suffered unimaginable atrocities. They are the victims. They have had to fear for their lives every minute of every day. And now they are separated from their friends and family who are stuck in unsafe environments where women and children are used as pawns
February 8, 2017 Page 11
and constant explosions fill the air. National security is a serious issue and should be taken seriously, but they are not the enemy. Sixty–seven percent of all refugees are women and children under the age of 12, and only one percent of refugees are resettled. It is our job to be their voice, to advocate for their rights. If you feel called to help, come to Frankfort on Thursday Feb. 16 from 1–4 p.m. at the capitol to stand with refugees. There will be transportation provided by the school. You can volunteer, contact your legislators and sign a petition to support keeping Kentucky welcoming. Regardless, I encourage you to get to know a refugee; you will not be disappointed.
Why coal must go, and why it must go now By DOUG MOLLETT News/Managing Editor Being from Eastern Kentucky, I am extremely thankful for what the coal industry has done to create millions of jobs and improve the economy of the region. However, being an environmental science major and someone who understands the negative effects of coal, here is what I believe: Coal must go because of its negative effects on the environment. Burning coal, along with other fossil fuels,
emits millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. A large portion of this carbon dioxide gets trapped in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming (NASA.gov). The effects of global warming will be catastrophic if human activities do not become more environmentally conscientious. Global warming effects will include continually increasing temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns including
floods and droughts in various areas, stronger hurricanes, tsunamis and sea levels rising as much as four feet. The Arctic will become ice–free, and plant and animal species will have to relocate further north and change to growing seasons. Burning coal is also the largest source of atmospheric mercury pollution by humans (EPA.gov). Coal must go now because after it’s gone, it’s gone. Coal is a non–renewable resource meaning that once the coal supply is depleted, it can’t be
replenished. If we make the move to alternative energy sources now, when the coal is gone, there won’t be a period of panic. Coal must go because it has harmful health effects on humans. The Centers for Disease Control estimated that 12,000 coal miners died in a 10–year period from 1992 to 2002 from black lung disease. This does not include the risks miners take from mining accidents. Coal must go because
mining (specifically mountaintop removal) destroys habitats that contribute to the biodiversity of larger ecosystems. Alternative energy sources are the way to go. Solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy and geothermal energy are the way to go. These sources are clean, sustainable, efficient, and renewable. If we begin making the switch now, it won’t be a problem when coal deposits are gone in the very near future.
T H E B A C K PA G E By RACHEL CHEATHAM
A woman whose favorite math sign is “equals”
Equality doesn’t equal identical Dear readers of the BackPage, It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. We all know the structure of sorority and fraternity recrutements are different. Sororities have one week, while fraternities have two. Women go to every party available to them, while men can choose, so long as they were invited back. From the outside looking in, it could seem unfair. Women have to pay higher recruitment costs, and have a highly structured schedule. There is longer Greek silence and stricter rules. Men, on the other hand, have a more relaxed approach. There are no Gamma Chi’s, only a day and a half of Greek silence and minimal rules outside of common sense. There’s good reason behind the differences, and please note that the eligibility requirements for recruitment are equal across the board. Amy Kao, President of Georgetown’s Panhellenic Council, said no one has come to her with complaints as to how sorority recruitment has been carried out. There have been people who’ve asked about the different costs to sign—up for recruitment, but again there’s a reason behind it. The nicer t— shirts, software used and administration fees all play into the higher price tag. Angela Earwood, Advisor to Panhell and IFC, explained why the two aren’t identical.
“Sorority recruitment follows priority recruitment and release figure methodology. This translates into what number of rushees the organizations are allowed to invite back each night,”
Sororities set the structure for ourselves through rules passed by the national and local Panhellenic Council. We have fair representation because of our delegates. It comes down to what we prioritize for recruitment. Fraternities prioritize an elongated process with a more relaxing atmosphere. I see no reason to fault the different approaches to the same process. Fraternities also have an alternate approach towards recruitment. Whereas sororities have the majority of their recruitment during the spring rush, fraternities are encouraged to have 365 day recruitment. It’s natural, then, to have a different behavioral approach to the possible Source: Georgetown College new members. Sororities have what’s called “Positive Panhellenic contact” said Earwood. which involves supporting Greek life The opportunity for equality allows chapters to be “vibrant and strong.” It as a whole, saving the individualized also inhibits a sole organization from recruitment for the actual week. Frabecoming vastly larger than the others ternities tend to recruit the individual from the beginning. on campus. That’s one of the reasons for the Fraternity recruitment doesn’t Paws of Excellence, to hold all organizafollow release figure methodology, tions accountable to the same standard and this is partially due to the National Panhellenic Council deciding the rules of behavior. The Paws are a way for the and procedure for sorority recruitment. administration to say “here’s what we Because the sororities are a part of Pan- expect from you.” Last year was used hell, they must follow the rules it sets. as a trial run, this year if chapters don’t If IFC passed a rule which said the fra- follow the guidelines, they’ll be put on ternal organizations on campus must probation, and sanctions will be set. Perhaps the most important thing follow release figure methodology, to remember is that a completely identhen they would. It’s not really a debate of fairness tical recruitment process may not be in when the rules are set by the delegates the best interest of the Georgetown’s of our national organizations. If stu- Greek community. Earwood said that dents truly had an issue with the rules, in the long run second semester rush then they could either become their was beneficial for the young women chapter’s delegate to Georgetown’s going through rush because it allowed Panhellenic council, or they could tell the rushers to focus on the people, not just the organization. Ian Gearhart, their delegates their qualms. President of Georgetown’s IFC said for
the young men wanting to rush, a fall recruitment may suit them better. “I think this would be helpful because if we give freshmen a whole semester to find out who they like or don’t like, then it is kind of hard to convince them to join your chapter. An example could be like how most football players go Pike due to the fact that they find out that most Pikes are football players.” Gearhart said.
Source: Gc_lambdachi Instagram
Ms. Earwood said that because of the heavy nationally agreed regulations, Panhellenic organizations have little room to change. And that’s probably a good thing. For all the work sororities put into their recruitment weeks, it does pay off. IFC, on the other hand, does have room to change and adapt, if they so choose to, considering their lax rules and regulations. Most of the differences between the recruitment procedures come down to preference. Each approach has its benefits and consequences. Although we may get jealous of the others’ ways of doing things, the grass is always greener on the other side. If both processes truly work for their respective organizations, then we shouldn’t mess with them. Moral of the story: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.