Vol_17_No_1

I 'm11t11lt:}~

Technology, Faculty Salaries Drive Tuition Upward

BY LEE BOCKHORN

~G NEEDED INCREASFS in temnology funding and faculty salaries, The University Board of Regents approved a 3.9 percent tuition increase in July. They also approved an additional $30 per semester technology fee for students in the College of Uterature, Science, and the

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"We live in a very competitive environment in higher education, " he stated. "In order to have the resources, we really need a 3.9 percent increase."

Cantor said that the new budget included a 4 to 5 percent increase in faculty salaries. She cited figures which showed that U-M professors, on average, earn $10,000 less than professors at other schools.

Lower Dlvlson Undergraduate Tuition Rate Hikes vs. Previous Year's Rate of Inflation 16 ~ 14 ~ 12 .5 10 Q)

Arts.

By a 6-1 vote, the Regents approved the $890 million budget proposed by the administration - a $41 million increase over the previous year. In her presentation to the Board, Provost Nancy Cantor said that a need for additional spending in the areas of bformation technology, faculty salaries, University libraries, and undergraduate education necessitated the increase, and the Regents concurred.

HProvost Cantor eloquently eX"7 pressed the University's top priorities," said Regent Olivia Maynard (DGoodrich).

Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (R-Ann Arbor) was the only member of the Board to vote no on the proposed budget. While approving of the administration's priorities, she disagreed with the tuition increase.

"Michigan is a great institution, and I want it to remain that way, H she said.

"I want it to be affordable. Therefore, I agree with the mission, [but} I do not agree with they way it is being funded. II Instead of raising tuition, Newman said the administration should "look at ways to control cost at the University. It's too high. II University President Lee Bollinger cited inadequate levels of funding from the State of Michigan as one reason for the tuition increase. Bollinger said that since the U-M is a public institution, it has fewer resources available to compete with private institutions such as the Ivy League universities.

INSIDE ...

• Our usual features - thE' latest edition of Serpent's Tooth, and feedback from our readers. See pages 2 and 3.

• We offer our opinions un the Granger case and the continuing" diversity" drama on page 4.

8 ! 6 i 4 ~ 2 Cl. 0 Q)

WHO SHOULD BEAR THE BURDEN?

• Managing editor e.J. Carnacchio takes on more P.e. courses, while editor-in-chief Lee Bockhom examines heroism old and new. See their columns on pages 6 and 7.

• Staff writer Matt Schwartz gives a personal account of last March's Ward Connerly fiasco on page 8.

o Previous Year's Rate 0

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Is this latest tuition increase justified? An examination of the tuition increases of the 19905 at U-M suggests otherwise. In every year of the decade except 1997, tuition increases in percentage terms have been higher than the rate of inflation. (See graph) Few can argue with the University's efforts to retain a high-quality faculty and maintain U-M's position as a leader in technology, yet the question remains: who should sacrifice the most for these goals, the students or the administration?

Given the skyrocketing increase in college costs over the last two decades, as well as the fact that a substantial portion of U-M's students are incurring some form of sizable debt to pay their tuition bills, the answer to that question would seem to be obvious.

Unfortunately, though, no serious effort to address cost-containment in UM's ever-enlarging bureaucracy appears imminent. For this to occur, the administration will have to realize that the primary purposes of this institution are research and teaching - not the administration of an almost $900 million fiefdom by bureaucrats perched high in the Fleming Building. Otherwise, the University will achieve its goals of a top-notch faculty and technologica11eadership, only to find that there are no longer any students who can afford to enjoy them. Ml

• Lower Division Undergraduate Tuition Rate Increase Inflation

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Academic Year

u -M Plans "Diversity" Theme Semester BY

c.J. CARNACCHIO

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ROM THE MOMENT University students begin Freshman Orientation, to the moment they receive their degrees, the concept of diversity is constantly stressed in courses, special events, and by many student groups. Winter Term 1999 will continue this focus on diversity with a theme semester entitled "Diversity: Theories and Practices."

The theme semester is being cosponsored by the College of Uterature, Science, and the Arts and the University's "Dialogues on Diversity" program:. Dialogues on Diversity is a University-wide initiative which began in January 1998 and encompasses all members of the University, including

students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

According to Program Coordinator Pat McCune, its objective is "to enrich campus discussion and facilitate honest dUUogue concerrung the broad range of topics relating to diversity."

According to the Dialogues on Diversity website, the theme semester's objective is to "encourage everyone in the University community to consider human diversity in its multiplicity of meanings, and to enrich the diverse and interdisciplinary environment that enables us to learn from one another."

McCune added that this semester is·· · about asking "what is the definition (of

-Contributing editor Matthew Buckley examines everybody's favorite radical: Jessica Curtin. See Page 9.

- Campus affairs and Web editor Ben Rousch reveals the best computing sites on campus on page 11.

-Staff writer Jacob Oslick tells you why the GOP won't impeach Slick Willie, and sports editor Rob Wood analyzes U-M football's woes on page to.

• Music editor Chris Hayes interviews Hayden, and features editor Julie Jeschke previews Massive Attack. See Page 13.

Please see DIVERSITY on Page 5

- And much, much more!

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September 16, 1998

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

2

TIlE l\!WHI<;X\; RE\' IE\\'

o SERPENT'S TOOTH

The Campus Affairs Journal of the University of Michigan "He used a CIGAR???m" EDITORIAL BOARP

Oh, where do we begin, after such a summer ... All the usual targets of Serpent's Tooth's venom just keep giving us easy fodder. In Washington, the priapically preoccupied Pinocchio Presidency continues ... Somewhere, Bob Dole is laughing his ass off.

It looks like Clinton got his wish to be

just like John F. Kennedy. Between Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, and Monica Lewinsky, he has already had his own Bay of Pigs.

We at the Review are proud to announce that we have officially filled the position of Daily columnist whipping boy.The post was recently vacated by Paul Serilla. Our new whipping boy is Mr. Jack Sclilllachi, with his weekly piece of mind candy entitled "Slam It to the Left." We can only assume that the "it" is Mr. Schillachi's head C!.S he bangs it against the wall in frustration.

And how about the Michigan Democratic party nominating Dr. Kervorkian's loud-mouth lawyer, Geoffrey Fieger, for governor? Talk about assisted suicide. The main reason for Feiger's victory was his heavy support in Detroit, a city which now apparently believes that a combination of Geoffrey Fieger, Michael Jacksonsponsored casinos, and sports stadiums will provide civic salvation. To that we can only say, if you believe it, you get what you deserve.

Let's have a big round of applause for the Daily Arts staff. Their very first issue of the semester had an insightful and quite timely review of The Truman SIww. We hear that next week they are going to review Gone with the Wind and Birth of a Nation.

And of course, no Serpent's Too~ would be complete without a little friendly ribbing of our friends at the Michigan Daily. Unfortunately, the Daily folks have been making it so easy over the past year, it's not even much fun any more. (Remember, this is a paper that told us in an editorial last spring that the author of the Grapes of Wrath was Ernest Hemmingway [sicj - yes, they spelled the name wrong, too.)

Chris Langrill, one of the Daily's summer columnists, oh-so-appropriately titled his bi-weekly column "Idiot Wmd." In one installment, he proceeded to tell us that attending a Pearl Jam concert in Chicago last June was the "crowning achievement" ofhis life. God help this poor young man ...

e. _ _

-

Serpent's Tooth was particularly intrigued by an email it received from MSA President Trent "Hop on Chopp" Thompson on the MSA email list. Trent had attached a quote at the bottom of the email attributed to John Galt, the uber-individualistic hero of Libertarian novelist Ayn Rand's tome, Atlas Shrugged. It read," I swear by my' life and my love of it that 1 will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." Well, Trent, if that's the case, why don't you start your path towards self-reliance by returning all that mandatory MSA student fee money back to the students??!!

More Clintonia: President Clinton looks up from .his·

In Columbus, Ohio this summ~r, Ohio State's All-World linebacke~·~ Andy Katzenmoyer took rigorous aummer courses in golf, music appreciation, and "AIDS awareness" to avoid hemg declared academically ineligible for the 1998 football season. Boy, you have to admire that brain factory they've got going down there at OSU, don't you?

Now that the "Big Kat" can hit a five iron, play the kazoo, and put a condom on a banana, he can get back to better pursuits, like inflicting more brain damage by hitting the tackling dummy too hard.

Well, it appears that the "v~t rightwing conspiracy" against President Ointon that the First Lady spoke of in January 1998 turned out to be just Bill's executivebranchconspiringtogetsome intern lovin'. The stain is on Monica's dress but the egg is on Mrs. Clinton's fCl<:e• .. . .... ,.....' ,' ,' .. , ~ • .:. - ~

time that any of us can remember, the school year didn't begin with any overflow freshmen packed like sardines . into dorm lounges because of Housing's incompetence. 01' Beelzebub better pull out that parka.

Since it was revealed that President Clinton pleasured Ms. Lewinsky with one of his cigars, tobacco companies and anti-tobacco groups alike have begun to wonder if this signals a reversal in Clintonian policy regarding tobacco.

Hmm ...

desk in the Oval Office and sees one of his aides nervously approach him.

"What is it?" exclaims the President.

"It's this abortion bill, Mr. President; what do you want to do about it?" The aide replies. "Just go ahead and pay it," responds the President.

We were delighted by the news that local BAMN leader and social justice terrorist Jessica "Miss White Liberal Guilt" Curtin is facing a possible ten year prison sentence for her role in the latest summertime clash with the KKK. We will be sending her a CARE package consisting of a tin cup to rattle along the bars, a carton of cigarettes (they're used like money in prison), and a first -class trash poker to be used when working on the chain gang along 1-94. By the way Jessica, did you ever see Chained Heat?

For all you Wolverine football fans still .trying to figure out how on earth we lost the Notre Dame game, we have the answer: Notre Dame stole our good luck charm - former Review Arts editor Kristina Curkovic, who just started her first year a~ the Notre Dame Law School...

After viewing the University'S decision to postpone Mr. Granger's admission because of an alleged statutory rape he committed, we would just like to say how appalled we are that U-M continues to preach the glories of diversity, yet refuses to ensure the adequate representation of the pro-pedophile faction on campus. Diversity, my eye...

In a more positive development, it seems that University Housing has finally learned the concepts of simple -

••

ac.i~adief\.-For· the.first-

As event planning gets underway for the vaunted Diversity Theme Semester, we'd like to suggest a special weekend of events to celebrate WASP culture: the WASP Weekend. (Withapologies to Serpent's Tooth 1991.) Here's a tentative schedule: Friday, Spm - Cocktails and Caviar Saturday, 9am - Golf (yes, 18 holes) Saturday, 3pm - Tennis, mixed doubles Saturday, 8pm - Debutante Ball Sunday, 6am-12 pm - Church Service (Sermon by Jonathan Edwards) Are we the only ones who miss the

Magic Johnson SIww?

EDlTOR~tH:HIEF:

lIeBoddIom

PUBUSHER: MANAGING EDITOR: CAMPUS AFFAIRS EDITOR: ARTS EDITOR: FEATURES EDITOR:

SIng Lee

C. J. CamlCC.hio Ben RoulCh Tom Joilifle Julie Jeschke

EO£IORIAL STAFf MUSIC EDITOR: SPORTS EDITOR: CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: ILLUSTRATOR:

ChriaHlyes Rob Wood Matthew Bucldey Aatrld PhiUipa

STAFF WAITERS: MlchMI Auatin, John e.ch, Joah Benninghoff, Craig GItthwaItI, Andnw GoIdIng,.Ien Guam, Doug HiIlhoule,AmyIllferowlcz,JKObQa/ick, MltlSc:hwartz BUSINESS STAFf:

EDITORS EMERm:

IbtlFoprty ~KIppII

GeoftBrown The Michigan Review is the Independent, student-Ml joumaI of conservative and lbertarlan opinion at the Unlversity of Mictigan.We neither soIicII nor accept monetaIy donations from the U-M. ConIrilutions to the MIcIigIIn Review are Iax-deductllle under Section 501 (c)(3) of !he Intemal Revenue CodiI. The Review Is not affiAated with 8tr'J political party 0( university political group.

UnsIpd edIIoriaIs rtIpI8S8IlI!he opinion of the ecItorIaI

lboItd. EIgo, fIey are unequivocabIy COII'8d and just

S9I8d 1IticIeI, IeIIIrs. and cartoons represent the 0pinIons of the auIhor InC! not necessarily !hose 01 the Review.

The opinions presented in INs ptiII1callon are not nee8&satIy those of !he adYertlsers 0( of the University 01 Michigan. We welcome letters, articles, and comments about !he )ownaL

Wei, now that we're au ruiled to( cigars ... !he first issue of the Review illhe A.K. (Aller Kepple) In is aknost done.

God, if he r:rit knew - he's probably guzzlng matgatftas on Venice Beach while we',. here tryWlg to remember how to layout these frWn' Pagemaker documents at NUBS• Ben, II you od:f knew... we've got !he jar oIlermaIdyhde all ready lor your brain in the oIIIce.

Please address an advertising and SIbsct1ltion Inquiries

to: PlilIisher rio !he MIch/fIaII Review.

EdIIDriII And BuainIa ornc.: 911 N. UnMrIIly A..... SuiIII One Ann Arbor," 4I1Q9.1265 EIIAIL: rnrwelllWlichAdu URL: hllp'hww.umlc:hAdul-mrwl T.l (734) 647..a1 Fu (734) 9364S05

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The Michigan Review Letters to the Editor 911 N. University Ave. Suite One Ann Arbor, MI48109 or email with subject "Letters to the Editor-: mrev@umich.edu

September 16,1998

3

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

o LEITERS TO THE EDITOR

Carnacchio "Oollude[s] With Rapists" ,> \l>ÂŤ'

L

ET'S SKIP THE FLOWERY introduction and the usual lead into the letter and get straight to the point: CJ. Camacchio's Campus Commentary from April 22, 1998 titled "Take Back the Night From Feminists" was not about supporting the ideal of a humane utopia and making rape a community issue. It was a blatant attack on women courageous enough to speak out about rape. Women courageous enough to share their ..stories with strangers, not "accept, even embrace the mantle of victim status." The mantle that we embrace is that of survivors.

Did you not hear Kalimah Johnson lead us in our chant "I am not a victim"?

There were no victims at Take Back the Night, only survivors. It is a badge of honor to be a survivor, to have lived to tell.

We will not be ashamed of ourselves for politicizing rape, for we are not the ones who have made it so. Rape has always been political. The first rape laws were written as property laws, a crime committed by one man against another. The woman raped was as inconsequential as a stolen plow. Even currently, rape is a spoil of war. Sol-

they want to "get some" too.

The essence of Take Back the Night is not "anti-male paranoia." The essence of Take Back the Night, indeed, the essence of "rape-crisis feminism" is to celebrate our survival and our commitment to ending violence against women in our cultUre. To personally attack us by stating that we are "beneath contempt" for this celebration is to collude with rapists and support violence against women. That is beneath contempt.

Thank you,

diers understand it to be their right.

Ask thousands of Bosnian, Rwandan, and Israeli women. Rape is an exercise in power and control. It is violence used to exert power>and control over someone else. All rape is a means to a political end. Every rapist in prison committed rape to subjugate and control someone else, not because they are demented or perverse. If we label rapists as perverse, two things happen.

First, we forget that rape is violence, because perversity is sexual. Second, we provide rapists with an excuse.

There is no excuse. All rapists choose to be [rapists].

According to the FBI, 80-90% of men would commit rape if they could get away with it. All men are potential rapists, some men just choose not to be.

Most rapes are committed by an intimate partner, men women trust, not strangers in dark alleys. This image of rapists as "social deviants" is just not true. Furthennore, it ignores the fact that women are more at risk for violence in their own homes than anywhere else.

An "explicit yes means yes" absolutely does not imply that women have trouble communicating. It does the exact opposite, encouraging women to be clear in stating what they want and what they do not. How is it that lithe idea of active consent bolsters the stereotypes of men just out to 'get some' and women who don't really want any"? Women who are giving active consent are very dearly stating that

vellian way rape is a perfect political vehicle becQuse it conjures up emotionally charged images of horrific violence, physical violation, and pure evil. The rape-crisis feminists are able to camouflage their political agenda under this pOWerful imagery thus making opponents seem at best sexist or insensitive and at worst pro-rape. " The statement that" all men are potential rapists, some men just choose not to be" is a sexist, paranoid, and false remark. Rapists, whether they be men women mist or strangers in dark alleys, are all social deviants for rape is not a normal male practice and it is not accepted by our culture as normal. Your image of most males as potential rapists is warped, delusional, insulting, degrading, and dangerous. If a man was to label all women as "sluts" you would call him sexist (and rightly so). He would be perpetuating an ignorant stereotype.

This is exactly what your organization does when it calls all men potential rapists.

Rape is a form of violence and perversity. Men who commit rape are not trying to achieve a political end. They are individuals who cannot abide by societal norms and laws. They are people who hate their fellow man and themselves.

Some rapists are mentally ill, some choose to rape because they have no moral compass, some rape because they enjoy hurting others, and some are pure evil.

I encourage everyone to read this letter and then read or re-read

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Clinton .

If It

Lega<;Y;1;EElSGOOD. ~. ~I"~U.

STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS AT THE

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT, INcJ SAFE HOUSE

~J/".~"'f1iIW.i~'

Mr. Carnacchio responds: First of all, let me just say that I am personally insulted that you would accuse me of colluding with rapists and supporting violence against women for the simple reason that I dared to disagree with your ideology and question your methods. I am insulted but not surprised.

You demonized me exactly the way I said you would in my article: "In a Machia-

my April 22, 1998 commentary to get the full picture of what I said and how dangerous and loathsome these rapecrisis feminists truly are.

"" .. ~~.

What a waste of perfectly good advertising space. Your ad could be right here reaching 7,000 students who are just dying to purchase goods.

We offer friendly service and incredibly low rates. So low we're practically paying you to advertise.

Contact Sang for more information at 647-8438.

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September 16, 1998

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

o FROM SUITE ONE U-M's Diversity .~ ':~~ Charade Continues

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E WERE NOT AT ALL SURPRISED THIS SUMMER TO LEARN THAT the University had decided to proceed with plans for a"DiversityTheme Semester." (See our story on page one.) The words "theme semester" automatically raise a red warning flag for political correctness; past U-M theme semesters have ranged from the bizarre (death and food) 'to unabashed indoctrination in whatever leftist trend is most prominent at the time ("genders, bodies, and borders" in 1997, and the environment last spring). However, the choice of "diversity" as the topic for this year's theme semester is particularly disturbing, coming as it does on the heels of the lawsuits challenging the University's affirmative action policies in admissions.

Why so suspicious, you ask? After all, isn't it reasonable to think that with the increased focus the lawsuits have brought upon issues of race in higher education, especially at Michigan, it would be a good idea to explore these topics in an academic setting where honest, civil, and rational debate could take place?

If only we could answer that question with a yes. C~:mservatives and other

The

SOUnd ci D<!tnocrats defending Bill Clinton

o COMMENTARY

Perhaps we will be proven wrong about the Diversity Theme ~emester. But in the end, we do not think this will happen, for it would require true effort, courage, and tolerance on the part of an administration that has shown none of these qualities.

U-M: Stay Out of'Granger Case

T

HE UNIVERSITY, ALREADY EMBROILED IN A BITTER , affirmative action debate, has invited controversy on a second front surrounding its admissions practices. In postponing the acceptance of Grosse Pointe native Daniel Granger until he is either acquitted or convicted of the statutory rape charges now facing him! the administration fancies itself the opponents of racial preferences on campus.would welcome a forum in which they guardian of the moral high road. A:lthough they attempt prudence, such measures could fairly argue why racial preferences are wrong. Unfortunately, recent are undermined by unsound reasoning, hypocrisy, and a blatant disregard for experience has demonstrated that a "diversity theme semester" will not provide cherished principles. that forum. As much as the University may claim otherwise, it has proven itself Certainly, the established facts concerning Granger are unsavory; namely, incapable time and again of preventing what goes on in University classrooms lurid pictures of his anatomy in his high school yearbook. However, this from being manipulated to serve U-M's own political agenda. Reflection on the photographic impropriety forms no basis for the University'S decision to delay. It various events which have made up the last ~everal Martin Luther King Day is rather his status as alleged rapist that distinguishes him as "a threat to the Symposia bears this out; instead of days where King's legacy could be remembered University community." It is an imperative that the University restrict sexand honored, the University has allowed them to become opportunities for a wide offenders from joining its ranks, but it should not decide who they are. These array of radical leftist groups - BAMN, NWROC, the Free Mumia Coalition, et al misguided, preventative steps by the U-M defile the sanctity of due process.

- to preach vitriol that is the total antithesis of everything Dr. King stood for. We The idea that Granger "poses a threat" not only flies in the face of the Bill of feel fairly secure in believing that a diversity theme semester will be no different.

Rights, but is also highly questionable in its own right. The media's daily coverage ' Of course, the whole notion of a theme semester on "diversity" brings us back as well as the intense notoriety that will be his burden - right or wrong - will to a point we have made repeatedly in this paper: the University's concept of mitigate any threat that this as-yet innocent student allegedly projects. Of course, "diversity" is one of diversity of.skin tones only. By claiming that only a racially . to endorse a hearty campus welcome just because of an unblinking public eye on diverse student body ensures a "more vital educational environment" (to use Granger is very unhealthy policy, but the fact also remains that nothing has yet President Bollinger's words), the University is subscribing to the patronizing idea been proven concerning his guilt. Furthermore - and this is merely a footnotethat there are inherently "white" or "black" or "Hispanic" ways of thinking, and Granger's existence at the U-M would have been intensely hermetic until the trial. thus only a racially mixed student body will also be an intellectually diverse one.

This sort of irresponsible and unsolicited involvement typifies the University's In fact, a truly intellectually diverse student body is something the administration approach to controversy outside its domain. The University's disciplinary fears deeply - it is bad enough that they have to deal with attacks on racial apparatus, the Code of Student Conduct --- not technically at issue here, as administrators have classified the Granger postponement under an unspecified preferences from outside groups; they certainly don't want to deal with students inside their multicultural paradise questioning the intellectual orthodoxy as well. provision in ttte admissions process - is a policy synonymous with "double Perhaps wewill be proven wrong about the theme semester. Perhaps Dialogues jeopardy." Were Granger a U-M student when his story broke, he surely would be on Diversity, the U·M office planning the semester, will live up to its declaration dealt with under Code auspices. Regardless of the instrument used - be it Code that "dialogue, including dissent, is our goal." Perhaps they will actively seek or vague admissionsclause-theUniversityonce again oversteps its bound sinto speakers, professors, and students who will not easily be swayed to accept the U· what should remain the preserve of the courts and law enforcement agencies. This M party line on diversity. If so, wonderful. But in the end, we do not think this will case does bring into relief the University's inconsistent invocation of disciplinary happen, for it would require true effort, courage, and tolerance on the part of an measures, as Granger's troubles coincide roughly with those of another administration that has shown none of these qualities. One example: witness the controversial undergraduate. Jessica Curtin - BAMN leader, rioter, mug·shot tacit acceptance by First Amendment scholar and U-M president Bollinger of the veteran - remains an LSA senior, despite a history of confirmed violence. The horrendous reception Ward Connerly received at U-M in March .

Code's erstwhile tentacular arm seems to conveniently wither, and principles lie So things go. We, as always, will be watching developments on these fronts down at the altar of agenda-driven pick-and-choose justice. closely. In the meantime, we will continue to defend the principles elucidated in the Curious is the fact that we have not heard from President Lee Bollinger. He is following quote by a famous black judge: "Distinctions by race are so evil, so . a scholar and champion ofthe First Amenclment, but the campus has yett o register arbitrary and invidious that a state bound to defend the equal protection of the laws a presidential opinion about either Granger or Curt in or the issues atthe Grangermust not invoke them in any public sphere." Clarence Thomas? No, Thurgood Curtin interface. The University is liable to find itself in a greater legal tangle if Marshall, in his briefs for Brown v. Board ofEducatiOl1. He knew what he was talking it pursues "caution" and "safety" in this confusing and narrow manner. With its ... hands already full, the U-M won't ha.v~,a leg on which to stand for very long. J\.R about. J\.R P .... .." _

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THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

Diversity

1998

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Continued from page 1 diversity] ... what goes into it ... the whole purpose [of the semester] is to look at those questions and issues in an educational context. There is no specific definition.

More than fifty courses concerning the theories and practices of human diversity will form the foundation of the theme semester. These courses will be supported by co-auricular activities and events, such as theater, film, and dance productions, a student conference, an essay or video competition, programs in the residence halls, and guest speakers.

The main feature of the theme semester will be the capstone experience, which is, according to the Dial<.'gues on Diversity website, "a series of four evening events, each of which will be divided into two parts. During the first hour we explore, in a variety of formats, specific issues relating to diversity and Michigan. During the second hour these topics will be discussed in small, facilitated dialogue groups."

Critics may argue that the diversity theme semester is motivated by political rather than educational reasons, given the current lawsuits against the University for its use of aff!rmative action in its admissions process. Dialogues on Diversity plainly states on its website that it does not "represent the University's official position in relation to the admissions law suits."

In an e-mail to the members of a variety of student organizations inviting participation in planning the theme semester, program Coordinator McCune stated that the Dialogues on Diversity program and the diversity theme semester were, in part, SF awned by the campus discussion created by the lawsuits. McCune wrote, "Recent legal challenges to the use of race as one factor in our admissions practices have pushed the issue of diversity in all its forms to the fore in campus discussions.:' .

When interviewed about this criticism, she responded, "First of all, I can hardly speak for everyone's motivations - there are so many people participating. But, for the faculty who are the main impetus behind the project, certainly they are aware of.th"" heightened awareness around campus about diversity-related issues and fr.e problematic aspects of them. They tl10Ught this would be a good time to explore those questions in an educational context."

Dialogues on Diversity asserts that an open and honest dialogue, "including dissent, is its main goal. But critics may also argue that, given the University's interests in the admissions will be an inherent bias lawsuits, there , , "" '.'... ... .. . ... .". /I

in the theme semester against those who oppose affirmative action. They point to President Lee Bollinger's statements supporting affirmative action as a chief instrument of diversity; the piece Bollinger co-authored with Provost Nancy Cantor entitled "The Educational Importance of Race," which appeared in the April 28, 1998 Washington Post; the U-M Faculty Senate/ Assembly's October 27, 1998 resolution in support of diverSity; and the ' Alumni Association national board's support of the University's commit-

ment to diversity through present admissions practices. There is a legitimate concern that dissenting viewpoints may not receive fair and adequate representation among the diversity theme semester's materials, activities, and speakers. Considering the decidedly radical tone of the 1998 MLK Symposim and the atrocious behavior of the crowd that attended Mr. Ward Connedy's speech in March 1998, it is easy to see why critics would be skeptical of the diversity theme semester's objectivity and its organizers' motives.

McCune responded to this criticism, saying "People are not limited in w4at they can teach or what they can say. We would really welcome other voices. It's easy to see where we woUld have an interested constituency within the University, but, often it's hard to examine an issue until we're challenged and until we hear from different viewpoints. So, I guess all I can say is try tis and find out" P¥R

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6

THE MIcmGAN REVIEW

September 16,1998

o SEND LAWYERS, GUNS & MONEY

C.J. 's "Foulest of Fall" 1998 . "bir'"

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ONTINUING IN THE TRADIti'o n of Editor Emeritus Ben Kepple's "Worst of Winter" columns, I proudly present my "Foulest of Fall" The Foulest of Fall consists of Fall 1998 courses which are politio:ally biased, intellectually useless, frivolous, and just plain funny. Before I get into the list, allow me to give any freshmen reading this some friendly advice: 1) Try to avoid any courses which C.}. use the following words in Camacchio their course descriptions: race, gender, class, social justice, racism, environmental racism or justice, sexism, Third World, diversity, imp£rialism, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender roles, whiteness, liberation, fe;.uinism, multiculturalism, homophobia, patriarchy, oppression, deconstrudionism, domination andheterosexism. 2) Avoid the Women's Studies department altogether.1t is not a real department anyway. It is really just a convenient way to increase the number of female faculty, make the University look like a paragon of diversity and ' keep hordes of unshaven, militant feminists from pelting the Fleming Building ~th their Birkenstocks. 3) Avoid any courses which are part pf a theme semester. The theme semester's only purpcse is to advance the administration's l ..testpolitical agenda and brainwash students.

4) When taking a course taught by President Bollinger, do not stare directly at his evil hypnotic hairdo.

Without further ado, hee is the Foulest of Fall 1998: Aho-American Studies2ru Issues in Aho-American, Development: Affirmative Action - This course has no real intellectual or educational value. It is merely a piece of nicely packaged University propaganda whcse sole purpose is to defend the University's interests in the admissions lawsuits.

The course description reads as follows: "There is a great concern that all the rights gained in the sixties are now being eroded by legal challenges to affirmative action rules. (Read: n ere is a vast racist right-wing conspirC'cy underway to oppress minorWes and women.) Indeed there is a hue and cry that there is now reverse dis<.:rimination and that preferential treatment is illegal (Read: The Republicans are trying to bring back slavery. )...This course will address the dilemma- of the re~ i ..~i.; __ ~" ~,";',~ ,~..\,:/ ,, ~:.':o(~.) '/ ~*,.•~;,.~';~. .'~.·!!'...,.~·!~~.:"3~.~",·~~~~~\t-'~~

sponse and attempt to shape so~e thinking about the fight for affirmative action. (Read: You will think the .way we tell you to. Dissent will not be tolerated.) The cases at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas will be examined not for their legal construct but for their meaning as a social construct. (Read: You will defend the University's position no matter what. Give your soul to Bollinger.)

In addition, Proposition 209 will be discussed as an important watershed in the anti-civil rights m9vement. (Read: Governor Pete Wilson is secretly working for the Ku Klux Klan. )...Some attentionwill be paid to Justice Clarence Thomas and Mr. Ward Connerly two major figure$ against affirmative action. (Read: These two Uncle Toms are traitors to their race and psycholOgically warped. They are racist in that they hate themselves for being black, and this, not any honest intellectual disagreement, explains their opposition to affirmative action.) The objective is to begin the process of cogent action and to develop the language to articulate affirmative action as a right and not a benefit. (Read: We will de-

.

Elvis impersonators will be examined.

Elvis impersonators as performance art?

[Insert your own biting remark here.] I wonder if watching white-trash-guru Jerry Springer will be considered extracredit or independent study. This course will undoubtedly be a leftist free-for-all of stereotyping and bashing the evils of white America. While this course has absolutely no intellectual value, it would provide students with some comic relief from their real courses.

Lloyd Hall Scholars Program Mini-Course lSlISec.OOl Everybody Gets Laid Freshman Year-And Other Myths of Male and Female SexualityNo this is not President Lee "Daydream Believer" Bollinger's personal guarantee of physical gratification, so all you freshmen put your pants back on right now! The cou'rse guide description reads like a list of daytime talk show topics: "What do women want? What do men want? Do 'real women' really need roses and candlelight in order to enjoy sex? Is a 'real man' always ready for sex, regardless of the circumstances?

Do condoms reduce the pleasure of sex?" Throw in bestiality and you have got a "Sweeps Week" blockbuster. ~~

The University could offer a course in Norwegian folk dancing and cod fishing and still find a way to involve race, class, and gender issues. fend affirmative action by any means necessary. We will plague the campus with social justice terrorists like Jessica "Miss White liberal Guilt" Curtin until all the racist conservatives have been purged. Let the revolution begin!)

American Culture 204 Social Constructions of Whiteness in American Culture - From the LSA course guide: "The past five years have seen a virtual explosion of scholarship grappling with the meaning of 'whiteness' in American culture. This course is designed to introduce sh.\.dents to this new exciting scholarship." I believe this ~ourse can best be described as cotton candy for the mind. Some of the representative texts from American popular culture which will be used to help define "whiteness" are films such as White Men Can't Jump and Deliverance. Since when is a film involving the anal rape of Ned Beatty by the Beverly Hillbillies from Hell considered educational material? The course guide description also states that performance artists such as

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is supposed to be a serious educational institution; if students want advice on love or sex let them write Dear Abby or Dr. Ruth. I'll give some free advice to all the freshman ladies out there: Do not go anywhere near the frat houses if you are looking for sincere gentlemen or value your virtue. Frat boys think Roofies are a great drink mixer.

University Course 151 ' First-Year Social Science Seminar Section oli Medicine and the Media from Hippocrates Through ER - From the LSA course guide: "We will study the development of medicine as a science and how its perception has changed through the media." Part of the course will examine movies and television shows such as The Hospital, Marcus Welby M.D., Saint Elsewhere, and ER. Why even bother to take this course when you can stay home and watch TV Land or NBC's ''Must See TV?" Maybe next semester, the University can have a course aPout lawyers and the media with such educational programming

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as The Firm, LA Law, and Perry Mason.

Or how about sex and the media and we can all watch some nifty pomos.

Hell, let's do away with books and articles completely, andjust watch films and TV shows in every class. The MTV generation no longer has the proper attention span for the written word anymore, anyway.

Natural Resources and Environment 3061501 Sec.OSS Environmental Thought and Activism - This course deals with environmental justice, environmental racism, and environmental and social justice. In the words of South Park's Eric Cartman, "It's just a bunch of tree-huggin' hippie crap!" The purpose of the course is to bring "race, class, and gender issues" into environmental discourse. Gaia forbid this University should have one course that does not involve race, class, and gender issues. The University could offer a course in Norwegian folk dancing and cod fishing and still find a way to involve race, class, and gender issues.

Women's Studies 347 Feminist Perspective on Lesbian Studies Sec. 001 Crossing Erotic Boundaries: Representations of Lesbianism in Early Modem Western Europe - I could not find a course description in the LSA course guide but I think the title speaks for itself. Basically, the course will be filled with "representations" of naked women cavorting and copulating with each other. The course sounds like Penthouse with an artsy tone. Will the course material come in a plain brown wrapper? Can I receive independent study credit for all the hours I have listened to and watched America's foremost authority on Lesbian Studies, Professor Howard Stem?

These six courses represent just the tip of the iceberg in the ever increasing list of useless tripe offered at this institution of lower learning. Hope you are enjoying your courses this term. If not there is always the Winter Term or should I say the Worst of Winter.~

Read C.}. Camacchio in every issue of the Review. Yes, the same guy who criticized the homeless at Thanksgiving and colluded with rapists is back for another year of conservative rabblerousing.

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7

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

September 16, 1998

o LANTERNS & LANCES

Heroism

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have had a profound sense that they NEOF MY FAVORITE SIGHTS were fighting to save something imon campus is the large Ameriportant. This is not to say that they can flag which flies above the fought with abstract notions about" deDiag through the often tumultuous mocracy" or "freedom" on the brain.

Michigan weather. In sun-drenched Rather, I think they fought for somesummer skies and cold winter winds, it thing that could be felt inside much ripples and snaps in the breeze, day better than explained in words. In the and night, a tancase of our generation, I wonder if we gible symbol of . woulc:i als.o have t1;lat.residual .s ense of our country's innate dec~cy and idecilism to draw endurance upon in a time of crisis. through times The evidence on that front is not good and bad. encouraging. Part of our generation's Yet as I gaze problem comes from believing too upon Old Glory much of what those professors in the I am sometimes buildings around the flagpole say. They troubled by the tell us that nothing is what it seems know ledge that, for instance, all literary texts must be in the surroundLee "deconstructed" to ferret out the noxing buildings, Bockhom ious imperialist, racist, or misogynist the professors intents of the authors. They tell us that and administrathere are no great moral or objective tors of this university are busy telling truths, just "social constructs." So we their students how racist, sexist, impeabsorb all this, and mistakenly equate rialistic, and just plain evil that flag's cynicism with sophistication, having country is. been told that there are few noble causes It was with those random thoughts - certainly none worth dying for - or on the brain that I saw Steven anyone remotely worthy of the label Spielberg's fine film Saving Private Ryan "hero." An example: a few weeks after in July. The film has inspired much seeing Private Ryan, I overheard one of commentary among the nation's my contemporaries say that the film punditocracy about many worthwhile was good, but a little too "nationalissubjects - the hellish specter of war, tic" and "flag-waving" for her taste. (I and the heroism of a generation that was tempted to ask her if she would grew up in the Depression and lived to prefer to live with the "nationalistic save the world from Hitler and comflag-waving" of Joseph Goebbels inmunism. Yet my own thoughts after stead of Mr. Spielberg, but I held my seeing the film turned to that flag over tongue.) the Diag, and the students of those angry professors - you and me.

Another disturbing thought: one Could our generation do what those thinks we would remember that the men of D-Day died so we could chose men in Normandy did over half a cenour own political future, and not have tury ago? One is inclined to doubt it.

We were raised in remarkable wealth it be chosen for us by someone like and affluence when compared to the Hitler. Yet, Americans (especially our World War II generation; at the age age) who will practically tramplechilwhen the children who would eventudren to acquire Beanie Babies or rock ally storm Omaha Beach were lucky to concert tickets will nevertheless use get one square meal a day, we were everything from the sniffles to a tanbeing introduced to Super Nintendo. ning salon appointment to justify not Certainly materiat deprivation steeled voting. Not only do we avoid voting, the souls of those men to the point but many of the pursuits we instead where the horror of war was simply engage in are incredibly bizarre, trivial, one more thing to be endured, and it is and banal. Hearing people talk, one hard to imagine many people our age would think there was nothing more to easily leaving their comfortable lives life than watching Jerry Springer and in a similar fashion. pursuing Viagra-assisted ecstasy with However, as difficult as it would nubile interns. " be to leave, if only temporarily, our So, given all this - our material existence of ease and plenitude, I think comfort, our sophomoric coffeehouse the greater challenge for our generacynicism, the macabre activities we intion in that situation would be a moral volve ourselves in every day - could and spiritual one. Deep down, the men our generation risk death to save the who stormed that beach on D-Day must world? Perhaps the answer to that question is not so important now. CerLee Bockhorn is a senior in Music and LSA, tainly it takes remarkable heroism to and the editor-in-chief of the Review. storm a beach in the face of deadly There's nothing wrong with him that a trip machine gun fire, but there is also a to Barbados wouldn't cure. simpler fo_rm of heroism attainable by

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those of us living in times of peace and prosperity: the heroism of a life decently lived, a life given to fulfilling . work, civic involvem.ent, and appreciation of friends and family and the simple gifts with which we are daily blessed. It was the freedom to pursue this life not a life spent in reckless self-indulgence and frivolity-for which so many gave what Lincoln called the "last full measure of devotion" in places like Gettysburg and the Argonne and Normandy.

Many have come away from Saving Private Ryan saying, "That just shows you, war is so awful that we must never fight again." A noble thought, but an unrealistic one. Anyone not deluded by hearing John Lennon's "Imagine" too many times knows that playing a game of "let's pretend" will not rid the world of evil men bent on extending their power. Though difficult to fathomnow, history assures us that the day will come again when America will have to fight for its survival. Let us pray that the day does not come soon. Iri the interim, we should remember the men of the pastmen with mothers, wives or girlfriends, families, just like us - who fought and did not come home; who gave all of their tomorrows for the sake of our todays. Let us resolve to live lives worthy of their sacrifice, so that when the dark days of battle return, we can look at that flag over the Diag and know that we still have a country, and a way of life, worth fighting and dying to save. ~ .

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THE MICIDGAN REVIEW

8

September 16, 1998

o ESSAY

Freshmen: Beware -the Activist Factor .;;

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By MATIHEW S. SCHWARTZ HIS IS FOR THE NEW students, the ones who have not yet experienced the wonderful world in which we live - whose eyes are bright with wonder and excitement, who blindly look upon great institutions with admiration and respect. You are about to hear a talefrom the real world, a lesson filled with truth and candor. It may be disheartening, but it will benefit you to learn the truth now rather than painfully stumble into it later, unprepared.

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Once upon a time, I held a.."'1 innate respect for prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan. There was no reason to disrespect a place of higher learning, where education takes place not only in the classroom, but in extracurricular activities and discussions as well.

When I was accepted to the University, I was ecstatic. I would be given the chance to receive a superior education; to explore unfamiliar ideas and subjects; to engage in countless informal debates with peers about such controversial issues as race--based cHscrimination, and affirmative action. ?erhaps most impreSSively, I would witness great speakers deliberating aa sides of an issue in front of a crowd of hundreds, the audience rapt in attention, awaiting the conclusion so that they might civilly pose questions and counter-examples to either strengthen or undermine the orator's argument.

One day in late winter I heard that Ward Connedy was coming to campus. Connedy, the black man responsible for the demise of racial preference programs in Califoinia, was sure to have plenty to say about racial preferences and the constitutionality of affirmative action - subjects I had recently become interested in. I thought this would be an excellent lecture to attend, being that this was the man who had implored the nation to realize that "you cannot define discrimination against a black American as discrimination and then define the same practice against a white person as diversity."

I called up a friend, and we decided to go to the speech together. On the way, I picked up a copy of the Michigan Review, and in the "Serpent's Tooth" section there was one remark thatl kept going back to. It said, "We're definitely looking forward to the March 18th appearance of Ward Connerly, provided that socialist thugs armed with megaphones and clubs don't decide to ruin the whole thing first."

What are they talking about? I wondered. Why would anyone wam to ruin it? This lecture will give us a great chance

to explore controversial themes that have been dividing the campus! Perhaps by talking together and discovering what each side has to say, we can come to a conclusion that will be beneficial to all, and will allow us to more naturally attain a diverse student body.

And the funny thing was, I was serious.

Chalk it up to naivete, youth, inexperience, or maybe just an overly optimistic attitude. The point being, I had never actually experienced what I like to call the Activist Factor. You know, the students who take an active stance on lots of controversial issues, and then make their opinions known in the form of rallies, sit-ins, marches, and the like.

and gave Connedy a round of applause.

After a few minutes the crowd settled down, and Connedy began to speak.

Connedy spoke for only about fifteen minutes, but what an exciting fifteen minutes they were! At one particularly memorable point in his speech, Connedy explained to the crowd that he had asked himself three questions about the past racism he had experienced in his life. The first one: "How long should I be angry?" I could hardly even hear his next two questions over the laughter that ensued! The crowd was booing and laughing at Connedy.

He continued: "Ai whom do I direct that anger? And, most importantly, what good does it do me?" More laugh-

I have learned that great institutions

ure not always so great. For there will always be members of those institutions who act like children.

Now don't get me wrong; there is nothing wrong with activism. I applaud people of our generation who take an interest in national affairs. I do have a problem, however, with activists who won't let anyone else express opposing viewpoints. Hence, the Activist Factor.

The sky was particularly gloomy that day. As my friend and I walked past the residence halls, a gust of wind rattled the bare branches overhead, a warning, possibly, of the troubles to come. Alas, I could not hear it. What the wind did carry to me, however, were the faint sounds of chanting. As we continued to the League, the ruckus grew louder. I soon saw it: a large crowd of angry people picketing the front door of the building, shouting and yelling... and I was scared. I was literally too afraid to walk in through the front door, for fear that the crowd might verbally abuse me in front of everyone. My friend and I walked around the building and entered through a side door.

When the doors to the ballroom were opened, ~ere was a mad rush for seats. Within seconds, the room filled to capacity. The doors were closed, leaving at least a hundred people out in the hall. Someone came up to the stage microphone and introduced the guest speaker for the night, and Connedy approached the stage.

Immediately, there was a reaction from the crowd. I couldn't believe itthe people around me started booing. I was appalled at their behavior. My friend and I, and many others, stood up

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ter! Angry shouts shot up from the- J audience, and I knew that it was going to be a long night.

After Connedy finished speaking, he invited students to step up to the audience microphone and ask him any questions they might have. The stampede that followed was quite surprising! It seemed like half the audience jumped up and ran to the microphone.

The first student that spoke had a notepad in her hands. She was reading a prepared speech that seemed to continue indefinitely. She would ask Connedyquestion after question, never giving him the chance to respond to any of them in depth. He would try, but the crowd would always boo and shout him down! Instead of directly answering the students' questions, it was apparent that Connedy felt he could more deftly explain his position taking a roundabout route, telling stories and anecdotes, but the crowd would have none of this! 1ÂŁ Connedy did not immediately and concisely answer the question in his first sentence - an impossible task, given the delicate nature of the subject - the crowd would immediately yell, "ANSWER 1HE QUE$nON!" as if Connedy were on trial. He would respond in frustration, "I'm trying to! 1ÂŁ you would just let me finish-" "No you're not!" the crowd would reply, and laugh at him, alone and uneasy on stage.

This disgraceful showing continued for over an hour. At times I felt so upset, I wanted to leave the ballroom

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immediately. But I couldn't, for I had no desire to pass through the unruly mob waiting just outside the door the mob that repeatedly shouted, "Let us in! Let us in!" and banged on the doors. As speaker after speaker stepped up to the mike, each one reading their prepared speech and badgering and laughing at the man on stage, I silently took one of the flyers I had received beforehand out of my pocket, and began to write questions on the back.

They were philosophical questions that I was able to derive every once in a while from the screaming students at the mike; questions that necessitated deep thought and contemplation, important questions that would help to drown out the ranting and raving going on all around me.

I looked up at Connedy, and I felt quite sorrowful. This prominent businessman had traveled a long way to speak to us, to try to engage us in a dialogue, to try to teach us somethingbut would people listen? No. There would be no learning that night. And as the students yelled at Connedy, as he threatened to walk out, as the cameras rolled and the reporters scurried around ""'and the crowd outside banged on the doors, I could not help but feel extreme sadness. Deep in despair, a tear rolled down my cheek. And in my life, to this very day, I have never felt more shame than I felt that night.

I tell you this not to upset you, but to teach you something. In my time here at this prestigious institution, where my education takes place not only in the classroom, but also during events such as this, I have learned that great institutions are not always so great. For there will always be memhers of these institutions who act like children, and there will always be people who don't let others speak, who are rude, and offensive, and a disgrace to the rest of us.

Even at the State Senate, some people can act like children. In March, as Connedy testified before the Senate GovemmentOperationsCommittee,he was also booed and interrupted. This, at the Capital of the State of Michigan.

What we must realize is that these people are not the norm. They are not representative of the whole. Deep down, I am convinced that most people .' are logical, sensible, and respectful of others' opinions and beliefs. At times, it is easy to forget that simple fact, to perceive common decency as nothing more than a myth - but we mustn't forget. Because most of the time, remembering that there are other sane people in the wodd is the only way to get through it. Mt

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September 16,1998

9

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

o ESSAY

The Iron Curtin ~f.

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BY MATTHEW BUCKLEY

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UFFICE IT TO SAY' THAT Jessica Curtin and I have some pretty big political differences. I am solidly conservative on fiscal issues, mildly conservative on social issues, and near-dogmatic about avoiding arrest. Curtin, a leader of the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), is solidly left (way, way, way solidly left) on social issues. I suspect she is to the left on fiscal issues, as well.

As for arrest, Curtin apparently doesn't fear it that much. Last May, she led a group of students protesting a rally by the I<lu I<lux I<lan at the Ann Arbor city hall. The group was really unhappy about the I<lan's presence, and damaged a good bit of property.

Charges of rioting and malicious destruction of property were filed, and Curtin, one of the group's ringleaders, was arrested. According to the Michigan Daily, rioting carries a potential prison term of ten years in Michigan.

Of course, there's no way Jessica Curtin will draw ten years for this. The rioting law surely is meant to encompass much larger crimes than the NWROC protest, and it is tough to imagine any judge or jury throwing the max at her for this. U Curtin is convicted, some term of probation is probably more likely. In any event, leading that group was a risky move. ) suspect she knew the potential consequences, wasn't fazed by them, and proceeded.

To be fair, one would generally use allegedly" to describe the charges that Curtin and many of those in her group face. However, according to the Daily, Curtin doesn't plan to deny the substance of the charges. Her lawyer will apparently take the tact of jury nullification. Since Curtin was protesting against the Klan, they gamble, no jury will have the heart to convict her or any of her group for their stand. We did the crime, but should do no time.

These might seem the actions of a zealotimany probably think that Curtin is a bit crazy. The Review has certainly been critical of her in the past. (Sometimes with class and objective analysis, other times ... well, with less class or analysis.) But one doesn't have to look to us. The Daily's editorial page, if memory serves, has featured a joke or two at Curtin's expense. While I have no Gallup polling data on this, I suspect II

Matthew Buckley is a Contributing Editor of the Review. We aN! pretty sure that he has a little crush on a certain BAMN radical who might be going to prison. But we do not want to start any rumors.

a poll of those students who have heard of Curtin would describe her as a bit off-kilter.

This deserves a little bit of thought.

We might think she is strange for a couple of reasons. One might disagree with her position, or with her intensity.

But plenty of people, many far more moderate than Curtin, approve of affirmative action. Not all raise eyebrows.

So it's obviously the intensity of her beliefs, her willingness to stand up for her positions, that make her seem weird.

But consider this: In her opinion (or at least the semi-official BAMN position they use in their flyers), affirmative action is critical to help racial minorities. Without it, our society's overwhelming racism will keep them from making any progress. This situation is unjust and intolerable. Thus, affirmative action must be defended. U all these beliefs were true, then there would be serious problems with not undertaking some significant sacrifice for the cause of affirmative action.

One could disagree with any of these premises. Personally, while I think affirmative action does help certain racial minorities, I also think it breeds racial animosities by making skin color alone a critical determination for social advancement. Incidentally, the huge focus we give to affirmative action deflects attention from the far more important problems facing primary education, particularly for the poor of all races. It's fair to say that neither Republicans nor Democrats have done much to address this problem, but both parties do make lots of speeches about affirmative action.

But while one might disagree with her position, we often choose to laugh at Curtin's actions. And that is a shame, because at least Curtin believes in something and is willing to sacrifice for it.

Maybe it makes her weird in others' eyes. But maybe our collective lookingdown-of-noses at Curtin reveals a little bit of jealousy on our part. Do many of us really believe in anything that strongly? I suspect a lot of us don't.

Maybe we did in high school. While I don'twantto attach much nostalgia to those years, I do think lots of kids come to college with some sort of naive idealism. Then we start to get worse grades than we expected, learn that there are lots of other students (often with better grades) pursuing the same types of jobs we want, and discover that the same habits that got us through high school won't work here. We start to get pragmatic about those cherished high school ideals real quick.

Maybe we retain some of those ideals, or create new ones during our college career. But name one thing, one

Jessica Curtin: Just misunderstood? principle.. that you would be willing to risk a blot on your permanent record for, much less jail time. I admit I probably can't. Maybe family, maybe close friends in a pinch, but not many political positions. And I think pretty strongly about politics, and for the most part think I am right about my politics. Just not that right.

Sure, Curtin's strong adherence to her beliefs gets her into hot water. It can make her positively annoying. (Does she really think, deep down, that all opponents of affirmative action are de facto racists? It's a great line, but a logical defense of it sometime would be a welcome change.) She also has taken assumptions that border ~>n being radically inconsistent. She claims that American society is corrupt and racist, but if her view of society is really that pessimistic, does she really think that using jury nullification as her trial strategy will work? If the society providing her jury is that bad, will they really disregard the law and let her off?

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But that sort of sure-fire belief in oneself can be positively inspiring. It lets people face of all sorts of challenges, and lets them focus their lives ona path thatcanbeincrediblyproductive. All in all, being really committed to something is better than some sort of grudging, reluctant involvement. (Sure, I'll grant that a really committed Nazi is not praiseworthy. I do think it is selfevident that Curtin is far from a Nazi.)

And I suspect her confidence an..; noys her detractors. She has confidence in her life, and is pretty sure she is doing the right thing. I bet she evea feels that with all these people against her, she has the force of right on her side and that is the important thing. That sort of foundation and confidence is powerful, and lots of people are jealous of that. At the end of the day, who is more impressive: Curtin, who knows her beliefs and sacrifices to achieve them, or many of the rest of us, who sit on our asses and bitch from the side1ines?l\R

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10

THE MICHIGAN R~VIEW

" .September 167 ,1998

o NATIONAL AFFAIRS

GOP Won't Jrnpeach Clinton ,~

~

BY JACOB

Osuex

F

OR TIm PAST SIX YEARS, President Clinton has topped the "enemies" list of prominent Republican activists throughout the country. Their animosity was driven by two main factors: a general dissatisfaction with Clinton's left-leaning agenda, and political calculations designed to shore up the conservative bwi One woulct.'tl\en logkally' think that with Kenneth Starr's damning ethics report now reaching Congress, and the President's ineffective, non-apologetic apologies, these forces would be licking their chops to strike the final blow on a wounded presidency. However, such logic neglects the original reason for their anger in the first place: the two conditions mentioned above.

Therefore, in the coming months expect Republicans to talk big and do little, knowing strong action will only bolster the Democrats in 2000.

The scandal has already had a big impact on public policy: total distraction and disinterest in the Clinton agenda. Long-forgotten are the President's misguided promises to ex-

Gridders: Reality Check

J

UST WHEN YOU THOUGHf it was safe to go into a season of Michigan football, hoping for the best ... you get the more traditional U-M season. All of you freshmen and sophomores have finally experienced a Michigan loss in your tenure as official Wolverines. Take it from someone who has been here a while: it will happen again. Maybe not this weekend or the next, but even the most enthusiastic among you must admit that perfection doesn't come along too often here in Ann Arbor. You may have heard blasphemies about 8-4 ~asons and even the nasty rumor that it had been about fifty years since our immaculate Maizeand-Blue warriors won their last national title. While all that was magically dispelled last year, with twelue striking displays of perfection, the inevitctble can only be delayed for so long. In other words, you can't win'em all. In a few weeks, you will begin to understand this more personally-midterms, anyone?

To be fair, it was more than just a poor performance on a few kfy plays that lost the game at Notre Dame on September 5th. While fumbles, incompletions and missed field goals made U-M's offense ineffective, it took I,'

1: '",( .

Clinton's (pardon the pun) stained shadow, or the chance to earn accomplishments on his own.

If President Clinton were a man obsessed with ideology instead of power, the greatest thing he could do for his legacy is resign. Immediately he would be transformed into a man who put the interests of the country over his selfish political motives. Almost certainly, hi$ resignation would also create a backlash against his conservative pursuers, who would be seen as driving out a morally imperfect but highly effective man from office over personal indiscretions. Fortunately for Republicans, President Clinton is not such a man. If he were, he would not have hid behind every presidential privilege, both real and imagined. He would not have misled his staff, or humiliated his political allies. Thus, ironically the evasion, stonewalling, and political spinelessness that have given Republicans fits over the past six years are now their salvation. Which is why, despite their public statements, Newt Gingrich and Co. ~ secretly thinking "Viva President Pinocchio." l\R

~

By ROB WOOD

'0<

the national agenda. However, a President Gore, free of most of Clinton's baggage, would be free to direct policy any way he chooses, forcing Republicans into a Hobson's choice of passing something they detest, or facing a stream of campaign commercials calling them foes of the elderly, the young, the poor, and the planet Thus, instead of impeachment, look for Republicans to drag o\Jt impeachment proceedings, keeping· public · attention away from liberal causes. This would also give them the benefit of appearing strong, but responsible and non-partisan.

Similarly, Republicans have in mind the elections of 2000. Many are eagerly awaiting the opportunity for a crack at challenging Gore. Devoid of Clinton's Machiavellian charisma, Gore instead resembles the trees he staunchly defends. As a speaker he is dull, and as a character, a remarkable bore. In short, he is a man easily defeated in a fair competition. The last thing Republicans (especially Presidential hopefuls such as John McCain) want is to grant Gore the advantages of incumbency.

They certainly don't want to give him the opportunity of two yeats outside of

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tend Medicare to the age of 55, increase the minimum wage, drastically increase the role of the federal government in education, and support tougher environmentallaws. In its place the media and the public have been captivated by tales of stained dresses and Talmudic distinctions regarding the definition of sexual relations. Perhaps the best example of this phenomenon is the recent bombing of Sudan and Afghanis.tan.

Although it was a Il\ajor military strike, the media spent a considerable period of time drawing comparisons to the film Wag the Dog, where a fictional President uses warfare to divert attention from a domestic sex scandal. Thus, if this was the President's.intention with the bombings, the strategy didn't work, as the country found a way to link foreign policy to his·domestic affair.

By and large, Republicans are satisfied with the current situation. They know that much of the President's agenda, while fiscally disastrous (i.e., expanding Medicare), would be immensely popular with the public. Still scarred from the budget debates of1995, Republicans would prefer that large social programs remain at the back of

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end zone three times in the game's final more than that to put the final nails in seven minutes. While not a certainty, it Michigan's coffin. is quite possible that he will start against The Fighting Irish came to the game Eastern Michigan this weekend. in force, quite literally. While the first Even though the Eastern Michigan half was dominated by Michigan, the game will be a fun second half was all regional clash to NO. The Irish see (both teams' played the option, fans in one imof course, with mense stadium Jarious Jackson running for 62 will be quite interesting), it probably yards and passing will not seriously for % more, but it was Notre Dame's t h re ate n Michigan's record. power and physiA bigger school cal domination of generally means the line of scrimbigger players, and mage in the second it just doesn't look half that put the like EMU will be Maize-and-Blue able to dismantle out of the game.

Michigan's offenThis past sive and defensive weekend's debacle Charles: We Need You Back. lines. with Syracuse showed that Michigan's defense absoMichigan State always jumps into interstate-rival mode as it plays Michilutely cannot handle an option attack. gan, but the fact remains: when the Donovan McNabb made the defenders Spartans beat Michigan, it is the high look like the slow kids on the playground in a game of keep-away. . point of their year; when the Maizeand-Blue dump MSU, it is just another The last few minutes of the game day at the office. Still, it is a fun game to provided Wolverine fans with a glimwatch. Things got a bit more cheery for mer of hope, as freshman quarterback Michigan State last weekend in Lan-' sensation Drew Henson took command sing, as they put Notre Dame back in its of the offense and put the team in the

place with a dominating offensive attack and a big-play defense. If the Spartans keep up this level of play and Michigan does not grow some heart soon, things could get messy when the Spartans come to town.

Iowa has had its up week and its down week, thus far. Because of the ineptitude the Wolverines have shown on the field, however, Iowa just might have the weaponry to overwhelm U-M this year.

Indiana and Minnesota have not been much ·more than speed bumps over the past decade orso. If they prove to be anything more this year, it will be a surprise.

Both Penn State and Wisconsin have the capability to thrash Michigan, if current trends continue. Just do not bet on that to happen. The last time the Wolverines started 0-2, it was 1988 and So Schembechler was at the helm of the ship. Michigan went on to finish the rest of its games unbeaten, at 9-2-1 on the season. There is still hope that the Wolverines can get their game together for a run at a decent finish to this season, and even another Big Ten championship.

Please see Football on page 11

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11

THE MICHIGAN REVIEW

September 16,1998

o CAMPUS COMPUTING

Angel] is the Devil

BY BENJAMIN ROUSOI

I

T'S FOUR O'CLOCK ON A Tuesday afternoon. Ycnl re done with classes for the day and you want to

check your email. Where do you go? The obvious computing site is Angell Hall, so you go there. You anxiously rove the rows ofcomputers waitingfor someone to finish.

Someone stands up and you sprint for that section. Al4s, she is only going to the printer.

Someone on the other side of the room grabs his bag and heads for the stairs and you race for the open computer. You arrive only to find that someone else has beaten you. Well, nothing to do now but go back to ~he wandering and waiting. After seven l bruises and a shouting match, you get a wmputer, and spend a measly five minutes ;:hecking your email.

Does this story sound fan'iliar? If so, you may be one of the ma'lY poor saps on campus addicted to the Angell Hall computing site. Hopeful',: '. by the end of this article, you will be cured of this affliction and on your way to a better computing experience at U-M. Angell Hall is located right in the middle of campus, and is lest' than 5 minutes from almost any Central Campus building. You are introduced to Angell Hall- and only Angell Hallduring Orientation, along with everyone else at this university. Angell Hall is open later than any other staffed computing site. For these reasons Angell is the most crowded computing site at any given time. In years past, you had to wait in line, trade your M-Card for a computer tag, and then hope no one stole the computer to which you were assigned. For one term they had ridiculous flags you had to put down when a computer was in use, and then raise when you were done. This year you have to hover restlessly and fight tooth and nail for the next available computer.

An educated computing bite user does not subject himself to th\:? stress and physical pain so comm~lnly encountered at the Angell Hall site. He knows that other, nicer sites exist where he can walk in and get a computer at just about any time of day or night. I will help you find these sites, which may even be right in your domt's backyard.

Most every Central Campus building and dorm has a computing site these days. Some are full of o..d Macs that look like overgrown GaIiteBoys, but others are better equippea ~han the famous Angell Hall. Many oftT:lem are virtually empty even when Angell has a twenty-minute wait.

The best computing site I''\e used is located on the third floor of the School

m

Public Health II houses a large computing site in its CAl Lab basement. When the ResComp site in ELtNllrnln.n Resource Markley is full, just cross the street and there will be a dozen ortwoPCs and Macs waiting for a user.

This is especially l useful when the ~ :l, Markley site is teem"i ing with EECS 280 ~ students working all E night on a project due the next day. The SPH II site is also the quietest and cleanest site I have ever used.

Newcomputing sites are cropping up constantly around campus.

There are sites in the Dental building, the Dana building, and West Engineering.

There also seems to Locations of Central Campus Computing Sites be a comp~.t:ing'-s'fte integrated into each new university of Education building, not five minutes from Angell Hall. The site has a lot of building or renovation. For locations of all the computing sites on Central and intimidating multimedia paraphernalia, but is one of the few staffed sites left North campus, visit the Sites web page on campus. So, if a scanner goes hayat http://www.umich.edu/ -sites/.

If you're desperate for a computer wire, at least someone is around to put out the fire. There is almost always an and don't care about how well it runs, there are a couple of accessible but runopen computer in the site, but the line down sites around campus. In the baseat the printers gets a bit long at times. If ment of the Union is one of the worst. you are interested in multimedia appliAfternavigating the dingy staircase and cations or web sites, the SEB site is the winding halls you enter a room where only place to be. the temperature is just below 100 deAnother rarely used site close to grees Fahrenheit. It is full of dirty, outAngell Hall is located on the second floor of the UgLi (sorry, I mean the of-date Macs and PCs which have either had all their RAM stolen or are Shapiro Undergraduate Library). If you smoldering under the intense heat. This need a study break, the comfort of your site may be useful for people in West email and the Internet is just a few steps away. Just don't use the PC which and South Quad, but try to avoid it projects its screen onto the front of the otherwise.

The other hopelessly antiquated site room if you plan on accessing some of those seedy web sites. on campus is the Science Learning CenIf you have ever crossed ter in the Chem Building. It appears Washtenaw below the footbridge you that the SLC inherited a bunch of comhave passed right by NUBS and its puters six or seven years ago and has computing site. The NUBS site used to not upgraded since. The machines are useful for little more than checking your be one of the best on campus - fast computers, friendly, knowledgeable email, and you have to endure a weirdstaff, and few users - but it has degencolored terminal even for that. If you've erated since it was de-staffed and negot ten minutes before your next Chem glected. It is still good for checking lecture, you may want to pop in and email or surfing basic web sites, but the take a look at their collection of vintage unreliable equipment and bomb-shelcomputers. ter-like atmosphere make this site a By utilizing all of the computing bad choice for writing a term paper or sites available to you, you will make programming. better use of your time, avoid needless Those of you living in Markley Hall stress, and help your tuition dollars have one oHTO's best-kept secrets right work better for you. Mt outside your front door. The School of

rfFSSC

i

Do you think,'H emingway wrote The Grapes of Wrath?

Go write for the Dtdly.

Do you think that the Shopper's Weekly Gazette . exemplifies journalism at its finest? _Go write for the Independent.

Are you unemployed and have absolutely no sense of humor?

Go write for the Gargoyle.

Oops, . they no longer exist.

Heh-heh!

Iwrite for the Review. We kick 88S!

The Michigan Review: An· noying other campus pubU· cations since 1982.

Football continued from page 10 While the November 21 game at Columbus will continue the legendary series between Michigan and Ohio State, a prediction on the game is almost always in vain. That is the one game of the year by which both teams live and die, and calling the outcome is like trying to predict the next Heisman Trophy winner. Was it not supposed to be Peyton Manning last year? Those poor Knoxville faithful .. (heh heh) For the first time in a long time, Michigan will be playing a regular season game after the Ohio State game. It is supposed to be a vacation game, of sorts. They will be traveling to Hawaii (must be nice, eh?) to face the Rainbow Warriors. Michigan had better not take this game lightly, however. Notre Dame tried to take this kind of vacation, last season, and just barely slid by U ofH. All in all, things do not look promising for Michigan football so far this' season. If they fail to turn around soon, the 8-4 seasons of the recent past might even begin to look desirable. It will take heart, conditioning, and a stable, consistent field-commander at quarterback to help the Maize-and-Blue rebound from their worst start in a decade, but if last season taught U ofManything, it is that miracles do haDDen. lvR .

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Welcome to Living Culture

By TOM JOLLIFFE

T

HANK YOU FOR VISITING the Review's Living Culture section. The difference between runniI\g Mannaduke on thes ~ pages and a viable arts department is your readership. Like any review of J\e arts, what we do back here is a hodgepodge of cultural analysis: album, book, and film reviews seasoned with coverage of live fine-arts perlOnN.nces. Completing the repertoire aremusic editor Chris Hayes's red-hot interviews with eminent artists. We also dabble in outrageous editing!

We are not your fathers Arts Review. We like to add new names to the campus consciousness, therefore you may be unfamiliar with some of our subjects for criticism. In devoting one half page to, say, a single albunt, we try to be more informative than a cursory ten-blurb rundown of the TOF of the Charts. Of course, we will not intentionally ignore important mainstream events; after all, our main objec'ive is to stimulate you. In concluding t)is mission statement, the Review wag!> remind you that we are not professioI'Us, and

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we welcome written engagement with you, the real campus cognoscenti.

Ann Arbor is the state's cultural Tigris-Euphrates junction. It is fertile in the way of artistic activity. Besides being a perennial host for .high profile entertainment like Henry Rollins and They Might Be Giants, Ann Arbor is also home to emerging talent like Getaway Cruiser and Benjamin Kepple.

Ann Arbor has film festivals, art fairs, museum shows, and theater guilds. It has campus orchestras, choirs, and dance groups, and the University hosts concerts and speakers every week. Such are the advantages to attending a very large and well-known institution like theU-M. An important caveat. don't forsake your old stomping grounds for the agenda advanced by some Review hot air bag! If minute-long inverted draws of barley, hops, water, and yeast is your entertainment bread-and-butter, I am right behind you, or, more specifically, I am hoisting your left leg, shouting GO, GO, GO ! But remember, neither this life-style, nor the Study-Lounge 0&0 life-style, nor the sack-lunch-atthe-UgLi life-style exclude patronage

hancement program is figuring out of AnnAIbor's auditoriums, stages, and where the Current is. Do this and pretty cinemas. Each of us carries a different soon you'll be sleeping with it. set of evaluative machinery to a perforThe 1998-99 year will undoubtedly mance. The distinctions lie in our uppass us by like Coach Carr's notions of bringing, our ideology, and our interRepeat. You'll be wearing wool soon ests. In addressing a work of art, we enough, then comes Thanksgiving, folmeasure the artist's expression of the lowed by finals, holidays, the February human condition against our own exnap, and then it's all over. Undoubtperience, and we call it a success, failedly, too, Ann Arbor will witness the ure, or something in between. No matkind of creative groundswells that charter our routine or calling, our attenacterize it year to year. We at the Living dance of a concert, film, or reading can Culture section salute all of you brightenrich us with the perspectives of otheyed culture mavens, and hope our ers. pages can be thoughtful, provocative I won't forget Wynton Marsalis's sources of discussion. l¥R stirring production "Blood on the Fields" two years ago at Rackham auditorium. It was jazz and history.coming together in an awesome way, and showcased a talent that is already legendary.

The University can bring in big music.

And if you're a film buff, occasional visits to the Michigan Theater may fit your bill . 2001: A Space Odyssey is the most dazzling thing seen I've seen on the big screen down on Liberty Street.

The latest Current magazine will tell you which classics are pJaying this month. I could tell you myself, but the first step on this undergraduate-en-__ ~

Vicious Friends Amuses

BY MATTHEW BUCKLEY

M

OST OF US ARE NOT action heroes. Whi ) e occasional physical exerti,)n won't leave us exhausted or devastated, we simply don't do much fightinr, bulletdodging, car-chasing, or most of the other behaviors that make actiun movies fun to watch. Most of the tme, the pivotal moments in our day emerge in conversations with others. That's right, just talking.

Your !frierufs ani 9£eiglifJors Directed by NeillaBute Starring Ben Stiller

Not many action movies seem to understand this. Conversations in most action movies usually serve to push the plot along or create tag lines for the movie's preview (think HHasta la vista, baby"). There are exceptions, of course, but it's a rare action flick where real . thought has been put into the dialogue.

No doubt the history of hIm has some amazing examples of d trectors who were extremely dialogue-ooven, so to speak. Woody Allen stems to epitomize this. His films invariably f0cus on conversations. A pair of new

writer-directorshave emerged recently who seem almost the devil progeny of Allen: Whit Stillman and Neil LaBute.

Stillman, whose credits include Metropolitan and the recent The Last Days of Disco, excels at focusing on people who take themselves way too seriously. However, though you might feel the characters are a bit pathetic, you care about them, and the films are compelling. Neil LaBute's debut film, In the Company of Men, took a focus on conversations and mixed it with a far more pessimistic view of human nature, making it one of last years funniest, and scariest, films. His latest film, Your Friends and Neighbors, continues the trend.

Two New York couples are having difficulties. The first, played ·by Ben Stiller (There's Something About Milry) and Catherine Keener (Out of Sight), have distinctly different opinions about talking and sex. Stiller mixes the two, but Keener can't stand it. ("F-ingisfing," she notes, and she doesn't want to chat.) The second, Amy Brenneman (Daylight, NYPD Blue) and Aaron Eckhart (In the Company of Men), are also sexually troubled. She wants someone to hold her, while he considers himself the best lay he's ever had (this could be the only mainstream movie in which the most explicit sex scene is one

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of masturbation).

Frustrated with their partners, members of each couple stray. Keener's character finds Nastassja Kinski (One Night Stand), a lesbian artist's assistant who can keep quiet during lovemaking.

Stiller and Brenneman attempt to have a fling, but emotional and physical hang-ups get in the way. Much as many comedies have a straight man, Eckhart here is the honest man. He's naive in a world of deceitful people, and he just doesn't get the picture (I'd use the characters' names, but the movie doesn't.

First names are never used, and the final credits list their names with a series of generic rhyming names).

In the Company of Men was about two men who, tired of women's antics, both decide to date a deaf woman for six weeks and then dump her. In that movie, Eckhart was essentially a sociopath. While he plays an opposite character in this film, Jason Patric (Sleepers, Speed 2) serves almost as well. A running motif in the film is a question about one's best sex, ever. In response, Patric waxes eloquent about his anal rape of a high school classmate.

If this sounds like a disgusting scene, it is. Stillman's films are essentially light-hearted, and Allen's comediesare fairly warm as well. But LaBute lets his humor shine by having his char-

--

acters say horrible things and mean them. There is no one to respect in Your Friends and Neighbors; nobody to care for. These people are perfectly recognizable (everyone has a few friends like them), and perfectly chilling in their attitudes towards each other.

LaBute has a skillful way of making conversation seem almost violent.

When we are with people every day, we know their idiosyncrasies and their weak spots - those phrases that they absolutely hate. In this film, the characters know each other that way, and more often than not they aim for the jugular. Even more interesting is the fact that (to my recollection) there is no violent contact between any of the characters. The most menacing confrontation takes place in a congested bookstore. Patric slowly works his way into Keener's face, utters a few choice words, and exits. I felt that this ostensibly nonviolent scene carries as much punch as anything in the Diehard franchise.

Yet, while being so dark, Your Friends is a very funny film. While we don't like the characters, we can see parts of them in ourselves. All of us have hadmoments when we wanted to blast our enemies away with some rhetorical flourish. Common decency prevents us from doing so; it's what separates us from the charactershere.l¥R

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J.l :Music , Hayden Ends Summer Doldrums

By CHRIS HAYES

I

MR: Did you know the Tragically Hip before the tour?

DON'T THINK I HAVE ';'0 TELL

any ofyou loyal readers that jail is just around the corner and it is tz-ne to get your rock & roll groove on. Ths is extremely important to me becaus~ (to be rude and crude, as I am expected, 0 be) the shows this summer sucked. How.:'Per, this fall looks rather promising. With ivfassive Attack and Getaway C~iser doi,';? shows very soon, things look good.

!}{ayaen The Seventh House, Pontiac with Juliana Hatfield October 1st

Adding to this stellar foliUm -up is an intimate show at the Seventh House in Pontiac on October 1st with Julia"" Hatfield and Hayden. 1 will spare the d::tails on Juliana - just go.

I lu:rve been a fon of Hayden since I started writing for the Review. Hayden's first album, Everything I Long For, received much praisefrom critics when it was released afew years ago. Most of tile album was recorded in Hayden's own bedroom on a simple four-track recorder. Hayden's raspy lyrics, accompanied by his acoustic guitar, possessed a musical hcmesty and rawness that was amazingly bea'J.tiful, especially in a time ofsampling and electronic beats.

In May, Hayden released The Closer I Get, the folluw up to his debut. Much more polishe4 and professional than his first album, The Ooser I Get offers a new set of perfectly written songs performed very differently than his debut.

The Michigan Review had the privilege of spetlking to Hayden about both albums, art, and his honesty in resr-ct to lifo

and more importantly, himself.

Michigan Review: It sounds like you just woke up. , Hayden: No, I've been up for seven hours. This is what I sound like.

MR: Where are you at and what are you doing?

We've been in Baltimore for three days now. We're playing tOnight.

MR: Are you with Juliana Hatfield already?

No, I'm touring with a band c<,Ued the Tragically Hip. This run has b~en two weeks so far. We just got done with a week of shows in New York.

No. We are all from Canada, but the five shows in New York was the first time we played together. I'm doing four more shows with them and then we go to Japan for a week. I start with Juliana the first week in October. I think the Detroit show is my first show with her.

MR: How did you get started in Music? What led up to the release of your first record, Everything I Long For? I was living with my parents when I was casually recording that record. I was twenty-one or twenty-two. I was writing songs when I would get home from work and I was ·putting them down on a four-track right after I wrote them. It was usually the same night and I would just leave them like that. After awhile I had enough songs to fill a cassette. I started playing shows and selling my cassettes at the shows. I recorded a little more and went into the studio and recorded four songs, and that is what made up Everything I Long

For. MR: There is an obvious change in the sound from that album to The Closer I Get. Is it because you found resources more readily available, or has your music evolved in a way that the sound on the two albums comes from different song writing?

I think it is a combination of both. The one thing I tried to make sure of is that I used what I had available. I wanted to make an album that I wouldn't have been able to before. That turned out to be a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. I made a decision to work with three or four different people in different studios as opposed to recording with one person. That was good because it made a lot of different situations occur that added to the record.

But thattookover a year and there were a few wasted months. So it kind of evened out in the end.

After playing for five or six years and learnmg how to record better, as well as learning what I like more, my style has changed also.

MR: Your song-writing has a unique way of making you into a storyteller, in the traditional sense of the word. It is pretty rare to find this approach in modem musicians. What is your approach to your song-writing?

When I think back to the time I was putting those first ideas onto tape, there

Hayden plays the Seventh House on October 1st Really.

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really wasn't a decision to tell stories; it just came out that way. I have always been a fan of short stories.

I like to be moved by something I read or I hear, and I know I am not always moved when I listen to songs.

Maybe I figured that if I was going to write music, I was going to do it a certain way .. .Idon'tknow. Idon'tthink about stuff like that except when I'm asked about it.

MR: How has your song-writing changed from one album to the next?

I guess it has made me focus on different things. It makes me focus on what I am doing at that given time as opposed to thinking about what I have done and what I want in the future. It keeps me thinking about the present.

MR: What do you find most difficult about the music industry?

It is difficult to mix business with art and some people are better at it than others.

MR: What about yourself?

I really enjoy adding a few different instruments to songs when I record them. I think some songs don't stand on their own with just an acoustic guitar and my voice anymore. I have a lot of fun adding textures to songs. As far as lyrics, I went through a period in my life where I was writing songs and not really thinking at all about who was listening to it. At the time, I thought maybe a hundred people would be listening to my music and that changed drastically in between records. I think more thought went into some of the songs on The Closer I Get, and I don't find that to be necessarily a good thing.

It keeps changing every time I do something.

I don't think I am so good at it. Hopefully, if I am able to stay focused on what I want, it won't really matter. If I do things for my own reason and not .because of outside influence, I won't be bitter at anyone else because then I forced my own destiny. I definitely will be more comfortable being angry with myself than at others.

MR: What do you find most gratifying about being in music?

The feeling I get when the music comes together - whether it be in the studio or during a show when everything goes right. Those are the moments I tend to remember.

MR: Does the music industry and life in Rock & Roll have a large influence on this change and this concern with your own music?

Please see HAYDEN on page 14

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MassIve Attack Can't Hurt You nevertheless, its popularity has failed to flourish in our brutal United States, and it remains basically unknown. At your friendly neighborhood record store, you'll probably find the music stagnating in the "techno" section. Artists that fall into the trip-hop category often despise being pigeon-holed - they hate to conform, and this might be the reason why their music is so obscure. It's weird.

Massive Attack has three members (Robert "30" Del Naja, Grant "Daddy Gil Marshall, and "Mushroom" Vowles), but they have had a series of guest musicians, including Tricky and legendary reggae-singer, "I can sing higher than you any day, Dave Matthews" Horace Andy. Huge in the UK, they are credited with inventing the "Bristol sound," which has been copied and modified by the likes of Roni Size and Portishead (yeah, you've heard of them, haven't you?).

Chances are, you have heard their songs, somewhere, but didn't realize who performed them. "Unfinished Sympathy" was used in the movie Sliver, Angel" is on the pi soundtrack, and the latest Victoria's Secret ad campaign features "Safe From Harm" ("I was looking

BY JUUE JESCHKE

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IRED OF LISTENIJ-1G TO the same old Dave Matthews Band or ho-hum, no-imagination alternative crap? Do you Hant the people in your residence hall to walk by your room, hear what's rm your stereo, and be amazed? Obviously, a huge part of being in college is exploring and trying new things; this especially applies to music. Even if you're just (sadly) looking for the next band-

Massive Jitttack Gulch Cargo's, Pontiac Friday, September 18 Doors open at 8:00 PM wagon on which tojump, read o~, openminded music lover. But don't !ust passively read - buy the compact discs and buy the tickets. Massive Attack is coming to town.

Mostpeoplehaveneverevlnheard oi trip-hop, let alone Massive Attack.

T rip-hop can hardly be considered a new" genre, because it's been around in England for nearly the past decade;

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Hayden

really, really happy about and proud of. Whether it be some instrumentals or a new album, or whatever. Whether it is with a band or just an acoustic guitar and my voice. It could be anything. I am not really picky about anything specific, as long as I am excited about it. If I'm not, I won't do anything.

The last thing I want to do is be some jerk who puts out an album he isn't proud of. I fully realize anything can happen in a year. That is why I don't think that far ahead. There are a lot of outside forces that can happen when you least expect it. After Everything I Long For was released in the States, I was touring and was convinced that was what I wanted to be doing. By that time I had been playing those songs for close to three years, and one day after two months of touring I realized I wasn't happy doing it anymore. So I just stopped. Two weeks later I was given an opportunity to do a song on a soundtrack that turned out to be one of the best experiences of my career thus far. If I didn't stop touring, I never would have had that chance. Weird little things seem to happen when you least expect it.

Continued from page 1~ MR: How do you deal with criticism?

I would be fine if someone says l suck in an article. I went from a lot of critics liking my first album to a lot of people not liking my record right now, and that has been a little weird. Y:>ah, that bothers me, but I don't feel comfortable complaining about it too much l)eCause of all the great things that have hap'pened in my career.

Sure, it is one of the annoyances. I mean, I have people sending mv record and my picture out \0 everyone trying to get them to say nice things a'")out me and how can I expect them all to say nice things, because everyone is different.

MR: If you suddenly lost you;' ability to play, sing, and write sons!>, what would you do?

I would do something in art. 1 ,?ot into graphic design just working on the art for my albums. Or maybe I wou.1d go to Guatemala and take an oil painting course.

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Oh yeah. Unless I'm in a terrible mood.

Then I'll stay in the bathroom.

MR: OK,I will hunt you down and say hi...unless you're in the bathroomthat may be a bit awkward.

(Slight laugh) Cute. ~

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B.lL'k ill till' ::1lb, thi", CDllditiol1 \\'Oldd h.1\'L' rL'L{uirl'd p,linflll trL',ltllll'J1t with hl',1\'Y blunt objl'ctS. But no 1l10rL'. No\\', you (,111 join thl' /\L'('ic ((1'S 1l1lhie st.1H, ,1nd enlightl'n thl' C,llllpUS with 1l1u",iei,11l", Lh,1t h,1\'l' thO"'l' old f,lshion qU,1IitiL's like t,llL'J1t , t.1",te, ,lnd st\'IL'~ Intl'rL'-..ll'd? C,lll TOI11 or Chri", ,1t h-t7-~-t:1~, or -"l'lld ,1J1 l'1l1.1illll lllJ'l'\'1/ 1I111il'll.l'dll

MR: Do you usually come outto watch

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the rest of the show?

Yeah, come say hello.

Basically just doing somethL.g I am ,

"trip-hop" for a reason, folks-there are still strong ties with hip-hop). Perhaps the disgusting vulgarity of most rappers' "music" completely repulses you.

Rest assured, thatM.A.'s lyrics are quite clean, innovative, and are very intelligent. Who else can use phrases like "hoi polloi" (it means, appropriately, "the masses") and "nom de plume" and still make them rhyme? It's also quite unique to hear them rapping in English accents.

I have yet to hear anyone who's heard their music say, "It's horrible," or something to that effect-once you hear it, you become a fan. I bought the most recent release, Mezzanine, solely on a friend's recommendation. I wasn't disappointed; in fact, I was hooked. You, too, can become addicted. Massive Attack's music will painlessly invade your mind. It is tranquil, mellow, and relaxing; great music to smoke to, if that's your thing. You'll never tire of it, and you'll never stop wondering why this stuff hasn't yet caught on with the rest of the world. But if you don't act now, and miss the chance to see them at Clutch Cargo's this Friday, you'll be kicking yourself, eventually. Hard. And tumrappingtobeinganArt(itiscall~d_ .. - 'fhat hurts a lot. ~

MR: That is all the grilling I'm going to do. I will definitely see you on Octoberl.

MR: What would you like to be doing a year from now?

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back at you to see you looking back at me to see me looking back at you"). You might have even seen the video for "Teardrop" (its singing fetus tends to leave a lasting impression). They were also scheduled to appear in the supporting slot of the Verve's summer tour, though they withdrew from that.

It's difficult to describe Massive Attack's music, simply because it is so diverse. Every song is delightfully unique, and the variety of sounds within each individual song is amazing. The group is constantly evolving; reinventing itself and forcing other musicians to either change, or face being left in the dust. Generally speaking, in the triphop world, the music's tempo is slow and relentless, dominated by deep bass, rhythm drop-outs and anommous feeling. The tone is sleepy and jaded, and the lyrics are Usually sung in a soulful smolder by women and rapped softly by men. Nothing is carved in stone, however; the music is rather amoeboid.

If you like the essence of rap music (i.e. the rhythm), y.ou'll probably like Massive Attack. Many songs feature female guest singers, but a few do re-

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