EDITORIAL Feeling the Sting

LETTER To THE EDITOR

Homosexuals do not want to be hated

Dear Editor,

It seems the majority of this campus has a probleJTIwith one of your "writers." Joe Elliott is fast becoming one of the campus' most talked about individuals.

This letter is a response to Mr. Elliott's article, entitled "Homophobia: a disease of the mind, spirit, Bees, heat and money. What do these three things have in and body." common? They constitute the weak reasons administration is The funny thing is that a great number of people giving graduating students for the decision to hold the 1999 in this world do in fact care about "gays." There are graduation ceremony inside the Dixon Center instead of out- billions of gays and gay supporters around the world. And, scary enough, there are gay people that go to side b~hind the mansion. this school!

Up until last year's ceremony, graduation had been held Just because people in some fantastic, uneducated behind the mansion. Graduation outside behind the mansion world who talk about homosexuals are "immediatewas not only a steadfast tradition, but it also enabled an un- ly accused of being a homosexual," this is truly not limited amount of family members and friends the opportu- the case. Perhaps if you're speaking with a homophobic moron, this could happen. However, normal, nity to witness the most significant moment in students' col- educated people do not react this way. You are ablege careers. Now, according to Dr. Robert Bonfiglio, vice solutely wrong when you say, "here at Cabrini Colpresident of student development, because of the supposed lege, the only time we talk about homosexuals is threat of bee stings, extreme heat and an additional cost of when we are making fun of them." The college $10,000, graduation will take place in the Dixon Center, should sue you for writing such a lie. You could have single-handedly convinced many people to never where only four people per student can view the ceremony. come here. Many, many people on this campus are If the problems Dr. Bonfiglio cited during the senior class "gay" themselves or support homosexuals in their meeting held on Thursday, Dec. 3 are indeed the real reasons struggle to achieve equality. It is not true that "almost for not having an outdoor graduation, we have some rather all of us have poked fun at a homosexual or insulted simple solutions to the difficulties. Considering the fact that a person that we think is gay." Uptight, anal-retentive pricks do that, not the majority of people at Cabrini. the administration is already proposing a plan to utilize I must say you are right about some things. If Grace Hall to allow for additional people to watch the Dixon someone is unsure of how strangers feel about hoCenter graduation on television, could not Grace Hall easily mosexuality, they do lean toward the heterosexual be made open to those fearful of bee stings and overheating side. Most people want to avoid a confict or arguduring an outdoor ceremony? In addition, how can $10,000 ment about controversial topics. In addition, people do hate homosexuals because they do not understand their lifestyle. Those people that say, "I do not think that gays are bad, but I'm not gay" are homophobic. Not to the same extent as gay bashers, but homophobic nonetheless. Homophobia is the fear of homosexuality. If someone is scared people will think they are gay, that person is homophobic. l really wish you would understand that it is not true the only reason homosexuals are different is because they want to be. For some homosexuals "coming out" is the hardest thing they will ever experience. You cannot imagine what it is like to have your family and "friends" turn from you and pretend you no longer exist. No, homosexuals do not want to be hated! They want human respect and equality.

Why is it that lesbianism is different than homosexuality? By definition, a lesbian is a female homosexual. I am fairly sure that if we were talking about two women, about 5'8", with short brown hair, weighing 250 pounds, you would not say that lesbianism is different. However, I am equally sure that if these women were 5'8" with long blonde hair, weighing 140 pounds, you would most definitely believe "it's a whole different story."

Why are you so threatened by gay men? Are you scared someone will think you are gay? You obviously do not "know" any gay men. You may know John Doe is gay, but you do not really know him. You need not worry about a gay man bothering you. All you need to do is say "Sorry, I'm not gay" or "I'm not interested." Unlike heterosexual men, gay men can get the picture and leave you alone.

Roberta Trebley

.---------------------------------------, extra really put a halt to a behind the mansion graduation? A How to Submit: single student's tuition and room and board equals approxi- Length: ...--matelytwice that amount. no longer than two pages.

Want

Requirements: Name must be included. If you choose not to have your name printed, we will leave it out. tion in the Dixon Center and a reception afterwards outside laura44@xavier.cabrini.edu ' idea. Why would the administration want the reception, Phone: which includes food and drink, outside if they are so con- ';:::::=

One option proposed by administration is to have gradua- E-mail: in the back of the mansion. We question the wisdom of this cerned about bees? Would it not make more sense to hold the NO \/OtJ CAN 1'f' reception inside, away from the bees and heat, and the grad- ~&vAre OOT~I Of:.! uation ceremonies outside?

Despite graduating students' pleas for a graduation outside Tlf~f'.~ Allf BEf.S f behind the mansion, as well as a petition signed by over 100 Nfl!W Gel" our ~T prospective graduates, administration, specifically President P!TlTtO,v! Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, is not budging on their decision to 1 hold graduation ceremonies inside the Dixon Center. Our final question is, who is graduation for, the students or the administration? As of right now, it appears that Dr. Iadarola i believes that the purpose of graduation is to serve her and her wishes instead of the students and their desires and needs.

LETTERS To THE EDITOR

Senior to administration: we mean business

Can you hear that? I don't think you can. Our reasoning voices and our pleading cries have fallen on deaf ears.

As graduation approaches, the graduating class of 1999 gathers and ponders their current dilemma with a sense of confusion instead of hope.

The fact is that we want our graduation to be outdoors instead of indoors. I believe this is a simple request that the administration has no legitimate excuse to deny.

You may try to use the excuse of bee stings, hot weather fainting and an additional $10,000 to have graduation o~t of doors. Yet, these are all aspects that can occur if you're walking down the road or sitting in your own back yard. Well, except the loss of SI0,000 of course.

And we all know how Cabrini's administration loves to save money!

We, on the other hand, have facts in our defense, such as a lack of and cramped seating, stairs for the elderly to climb, a break in tradition, and $10,000 saved if graduation is held indoors.

As I look at these facts, my stomach begins to tum and tears well in my eyes. I see the solution to this situation being based on two things: one, money and two, con~ol. Once again, Iadarola's pockets have seemed to shnnk. And once again, Iadarola's fetish with power has set in.

And once again, Dean Bob, the man who is supposed to aid in the development of the students, has shown his lack of backbone when confronted with a situation that requires him to stand up for something he believ~s in. (Does he have a problem with authority in general or JUStwomen in authority?)

My point is to inform President Iadarola and everyone else that the senior class will not stand for this type of inconsiderate treatment. Yes, the administration is being very inconsiderate toward our class and our "".is~es..

Fine, have the graduation indoors. My prediction 1sthat when you conduct your phone-a-thon next year, don't expect anyone from the class of 1999 to donate to your pathetic college.

I've been taught that one person can reach 15 other people just by word of ~outh. Just think, ~f-~veryg~a?uating senior speaks negatively about Cabnru s admm1str~tion and the way they deal with conflicts, this college will have a GREAT reputation for prospective students.

You depend on both our alumni donations and the tuition from incoming students. If we refuse to donate, you have no benefactors. And, if no student will come here due to the rumor that Cabrini is more like a communistic community than a democratic society, then you have no tuition. Thus, you have no college and no job.

One thing you have taught your students is to go after what they want and to stand out from the crowd. With ~is lesson in mind, the graduating class of 1999 would like you to know that if we are not granted our wish to have graduation outside, we can and we will see that your establishment is driven into the ground. Another day has come and gone and I continue to lose faith in and respect for this institution to which I have given four years of my life. You can restore my faith in this establishment by simply giving my class and I what we want.

Patricia Ann Amato Senior

Fact or fiction?

To the Editor:

Joe Elliott's "Perspectives" column (3 December 1998) entitled, "Homophobia: a disease of the mind, spirit and body," truly represents a low point in quality for the Loquitur. .

It would appear that Mr. Elliott has not had sufficient time to research or think through the point of his column. The purpose of a Perspectives writer in any publication is to provide insightful commentary on an issue and not to be a repository of unformed and umeflective opinions on a subject.

Mr. Elliott writes that gay and lesbian people should be allowed to "do their thing" as long as it is not in public, and as long as it does not differentiate them from the heterosexual population. He also notes that "it seems to me that homosexuals want to be hated, that they want to have problems with people."

What Mr. Elliott does not seem to understand is that the purpose for the public self-expression of any community is not to be hated, but to be recognized and respected by others.

No person or racial, ethnic, national, religious, or sexual community in this country deliberately desires to be hated by others, but they do often seek social justice and equality through greater recognition of their existence and concerns.

Incidentally, in October 1997, the U.S. Bishops Committee on Marriage and Family spoke out about the issue of homosexuality from a more pastoral and less chastising perspective.

The twenty-page statement, "Always our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers," urged compassion for homosexual children.

It also reaffirmed Church teachings on abstinence from all sexual activity outside of marriage. The document's openness included the acknowledgement ~at the _ter.ms "gay and lesbian" are not to be used as a bamer to bmldmg trust and honest communication between a parent and a gay or lesbian child.

Even before the release of this pastoral statement, a number of innovative responses to the issue of living life as a gay and lesbian person and as a Roman Cathol~c have been established around the country. By 1997, 30 dioceses had established ministries for gay and lesbian Catholics and their families.

This ministry was especially important for parents who desired that their children remain in the church. The spirit of reconciliation of gays and the Church along with parents' needs concerning their gay and lesbian children has prompted the founding, in 1994, of the National ~~so:iation of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay M1mstnes, which began annual conferences to discuss matters of concern.

Mr. Elliott, in his attempt to write compassionately about gay and lesbian people, has, in fact, written a column mired in a mentality of hatred and closed-mindedness which he ostensibly was attempting to eradicate.

I would suggest that students interested in exploring these issues further take note of relevant Cabrini ColJege courses in Sociology, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. These courses will provide a greater understanding of how cultural communities work; how marginalized peoples, including gays and lesbians, express themselves; and how specific differences-whether expressed publicly or privately-need to be respected.

As it stands, the December 3 Loquitur is a public embarrassment to Cabrini College as a Catholic liberal arts institution.

Leonard Norman Primiano Assistant Professor

Department of Religious Studies

Coordinator of College Seminars

Dinner, Ursula Award made for nice evening

On Friday, Nov. 20, the Alumni Affairs held a very special dinner for the graduating seniors.

We were greeted with wine and cheese and a dinner followed. It was a very nice gesture for the seniors, and we enjoyed it very much.

Also, the Mother Ursula award was presented to an outstanding senior. There were four finalists for the award and the winner was selected by the class.

This is a very prestigious award, and was presented to Jamie Fagan.

I would like to say congratulations to Jamie and to thank the Alumni Affairs for the nice dinner that was held on behalf of the Class of 1999.

Also, the dinner was catered by Wood Dinning Services, and they provided impeccable service.

Thank you everyone who participated in this evening.

Sincerely,

Colleen M. Murphy

Senior Class President

Red Cross thanks- Cabrini, donors

From a letter to nurse Sue Fitzgerald:

Dear Sue:

On behalf of the American Red Cross and the hospitals that we serve, thank you for your support and work on the blood drive campaign. It is because of the commitment of people like you that we are able to provide patients with a safe and adequate blood supply.

Listed below are the results of your campaign.

Sponsor: Cabrini College

Goal: 48

Presenting Donors: 55

Number of pints collected: 46

First Time Donors: 7

Once again, Sue, thank you for all of your help with the blood drive. Please pass the results on to your recruiters and donors. They did an excellent job. Without them, treatment of our hospital patients would be possible. Approximately 140 patients have received treatments and blood products from the Cabrini College Blood Driv~. like It is because of the generosity of orgaruzat10ns yours that the American Red Cross is able to continue our historic commitment to the preservation of human life.

Once again, thank you!

Sincerely,

Michael Rafter Account Manager-Western Main Line

Many things annoy me, but there are a few grievances that really get me deep down inside.

One is when people refer to both men and women as "man."

That kills me.

However, there is BRIDGET EGAN one of these annoy- ances that has been happening far more frequently now that I am in my senior year.

• People, especially those that are not involved in an academic community any longer, love to tell me about the "real world."

"Wait until you get into the real world, you're in for a rude awakening!"

This statement is muttered by parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, older acquaintances, bitter lonely individuals, etc.

When I see their smirking faces mouthing those words, I want to spit in their eyes or maybe physically disable them.

In an effort to quelch my anger and keep myself out of another confined space for the next several years (prison), I have decided to try and break the statement down and really think about what it means rationally lish language.

It means nothing!

Have I been living in a plastic bubble for the past 21 years ofmy life?

Now, magically when I receive my diploma, I will be transported to the other dimension where the working class lives and breathes and my reality as I know it will drastically change.

Can I still talk to my friends who are trapped in this "fake" world?

From what I can discern about my life, I have been in the real world in every sense for a very long time.

First of all, I've been paying raxes since I got my first job at the Ponderosa six years ago.

If serving sirloin tips to a bunch of rowdy, cheap old men with only a few teeth left isn't the real world, what is?

I have interacted with people from all classes, genders and nationalities since I was a child.

We get up late, do drugs, drink excessively, let our parents take care of the bills and laugh at responsibility.

So once I graduate I suppose I am going to lead a sober existence, my parents will no longer help me at all no matter what and I will rise at five every morning to read the Bible.

Fat chance.

Maybe if everyone lived in a collegiate environment things would be a hell of alot better.

Maybe there would be room for open discussion, constant learning, avarice for knowledge instead of money and possessions and maybe Dr. Iadarola would allow graduation outside because it is important to those who matter and not because it is another opportunity to flaunt a cash cow.I cannot wait to graduate.

I have no plans.

I have no interviews lined up.

I know what it is like to be happy, sad, scared and disappointed. I get up late.

I know who loves me and who hates me, and which group is larger I won't say.

I have never done a co-op.

When May finally rolls around, what am I going to do?

I am going to swallow my anxieties that other people have forced me to conceive and continue living life in the only reality that I know.

If those who argue that college isn't the real world-that this life in which we all live and breathe isn't true enough to their existence-what about our dedicated professors? My own.

What a slap in the face to the people who work here as administration, faculty, staff, etc.

Oh, but the "real worlders" would argue that the faculty and staff are in the real world, but the students are not.

It is perhaps one of the most idiotic statements in the Eng- Students have it easy.