INSIDE
Interview with fashion blogger
PAGE 2
DMA hosts JFK exhibit
PAGE 3
Advice for university success
PAGE 4
Redman featured in Hilltop Heroes PAGE 5
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
Wednesday High 99, Low 79 Thursday High 99, Low 79
VOLUME 99 ISSUE 10 FIRST COPY FREE, ADDITIONAL COPIES 50 CENTS
Remembering 9/11
Crime
Student reports sexual assault at McElvaney
Professors discuss legacy, political effects of terrorist attack
Staff Reports
Katelyn Gough Assignments Desk Editor kgough@smu.edu Sept. 11 has, for over a decade now, marked the day in American minds when our country was changed significantly. And while previous generations of Americans have similar associations with their patriotism and whatever event it was that dictated its path, 9/11 remains the most vivid event in the United States of 2013. Now 12 years after the devastating attacks, the shifts in American domestic and foreign policies have materialized and become increasingly evident. As the current events now reflect a wide variety of sentiments toward issues including security, international accountability and wartime practices, Political Science Professors James Hollifield and Matthew Wilson shared more indepth the tie-ins that can be clearly identified with Sept. 11. “9/11 taught us that we are very vulnerable, that we are — obviously — a dominant world power, that we have a lot of enemies,” Hollifield said. “The success of that attack definitely got American attention.” Wilson said that the 9/11 attacks and the country’s response to them “put America on a permanent war footing.” “We have to think now much more than we once did about non-state actors,” Wilson said, in reference to independent organizations such as al-Qaida. “Other governments are not the only global entities that may be eager and able to do us harm.” Wilson said that President Obama has “continued and even expanded almost all” of the policies former President Bush instituted in the initial attack on terrorism. Decisions regarding “drone strikes, domestic surveillance and detention at Guantanamo” were made initially by Bush and continued by Obama. Such have “contributed to bipartisan consensus” to take a hard line with “international terrorism,” which Wilson explained happens “regardless of public rhetoric.” “No matter how we try to help nations...or liberate with economic aid and military interventions, we still seem to be hated,” Wilson said of the U.S. reputation abroad. “This has ultimately led to the
A female SMU student reported a sexual assault Monday to SMU Police. She reported being sexually assaulted by an acquaintance in the early morning hours of Thursday, Sept. 5. The alleged assault occurred
Student fights off attempted assailant Staff Reports On Sunday at approximately 8:30 p.m. an unknown male attempted to sexually assault a female SMU student walking in the 3100 block of Mockingbird Lane near Ford Stadium. The student told SMU police that she was able to fight off her attacker. The suspect has been described as a muscular black male about six feet tall in his
Courtesy of AP
Steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage are on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Library.
current unwillingness to do anything about the human rights atrocities in Syria.” Hollifield said that the U.S. is “always going to be confronted with these incredibly difficult decisions,” such as Syria, but “these are not new challenges.” When handling the “highly volatile, very dangerous region” that is the Middle East, Hollifield said that while the U.S. may be “too focused on the war...on terrorism,” it needs to balance being “careful and diligent.” “You have to have sufficient force, [and] you have to be willing to project that force,” Hollifield said. Hollifield continued to make the point that the realized threat of a
“non-state actor” has led American security to tighten significantly - not only in war zones across seas, but also domestically. “Certainly the whole American security apparatus — the Pentagon, the intelligence agencies — all of them, even immigration services, have been reorganized to prevent another 9/11 attack,” Hollifield said. Wilson echoed this with the assertion that “the climate of hypersecurity in which we live” today “all started with the events of Sept. 11.” Hollifield did speak to the danger in overreaction, and in reorganizing “everything on the basis of this one event.” “To the extent that an event like
9/11 forces us to close our society, to spy on ourselves, violate the liberties we are trying to defend, then obviously it is not a good thing,” Hollifield said. Hollifield also said that America’s strength “comes from being a country of openness,” especially in trade and migration. In referencing the recent NSA leaks, Hollifield said that as a country, “we need to rebalance our policies” while still recognizing that security liberties as they were before will rightfully be altered to protect against the possibility of future attacks. “Security is a preeminent focus,” Hollifield said. “We cannot let our guard down.”
JFK historian begins book tour at SMU James Reston Jr. visited the SMU campus Tuesday as the first stop on his book tour for “The Accidental Victim,” released Monday. In his 15th book, which Reston said he “presents a psychological explanation for the Dallas assassination and not a political one,” he makes the argument that President John F. Kennedy was not, in fact, the main target of Lee Harvey Oswald. “This is a historical argument that I am making and is totally, profoundly anti-conspiracy,” Reston said. Reston said it was while writing his commissioned biography on Kennedy that he “got onto the possibility that Lee Harvey Oswald
20s. He was wearing a red shirt, white or silver shorts that fell below his knees and was clean shaven. He was last seen running west on Mockingbird Lane. Please contact the SMU Police Department if you have any information about this matter at 214-768-3388. Information may also be reported anonymously through the SMU Police Department’s Silent Witness Program at 214-SMU-2TIP.
Fe ature
Interview
Katelyn Gough Assignments Desk Editor kgough@smu.edu
at McElvaney Residence Hall at 6000 Bishop Blvd. SMU Police are asking anyone with any information to contact the Department at 214-768-3388. Information can also be reported anonymously by phone at 214-SMU-2TIP or online at http://www.smu. edu/2tip.
had a very intense obsession about Connally himself,” who he asserts was the actual target. “When they say [Oswald] picked up that weapon that morning to kill JFK, you have to believe he had some deep-seeded animus toward Kennedy, and it was just not true,” Reston said. “His attitude toward John F. Kennedy [was] one of total admiration.” Reston based his theory on the “whole trail of evidence about [Oswald’s unexplained dishonorable] discharge no one else had focused on.” Oswald petitioned to Connally for an explanation for and reversal of his Marine discharge, which changed from honorable to dishonorable without a reason known to Oswald. Connally neglected the requests. “Sad to say, Lee Harvey Oswald had a good case. He was treated unfairly,” Reston said.
SAYON THILL / The Daily Campus
James Reston Jr. argues that Kennedy may not have been Oswald’s main target.
Speaking to Oswald’s possible reasoning, Reston explained that Oswald with “a ninth grade education and a dishonorable discharge” would make it nearimpossible to find work upon returning to Dallas. This is where Oswald developed “a very deep-
seeded animus toward Connally,” Reston said. “I know how much I value [my honorable discharge],” Reston said of his own time serving in the army. “[Historians without military
BOOK page 6
A-LEC mentor Feldman retires after 27 years Mallory Ashcraft Food Editor mashcraft@smu.edu Throughout her 27-year-long career, A-LEC Senior Associate Director Patricia Feldman has served as mentor to countless numbers of students and as a source of inspiration to many. Feldman said that she is still in touch with students from as long as 25 years ago. She still receives the occasional wedding invitation, baby announcement or career update from former students. “It’s the success stories. And it’s not just the student who got a 4.0 every semester, but maybe those students who had a rough start…maybe didn’t find their way right away. And seeing them find that way…and develop confidence and direction and then go on to succeed, that is so cool,” Feldman said. Now, as she plans to retire at the end of spring, she says she herself feels a bit like a high school senior, looking forward to moving on to college, but also feeling that everything is happening for the last time. As Feldman plans to hand off her crucial role, the LEC aims to continue to provide students with the resources and opportunities that Feldman wants all students to take advantage of. Included in those opportunities are free workshops open to all students, one-on-one academic counseling, tutoring and ORACLE classes. Feldman said that students come to see her for a variety of reasons that range from time management and test-taking skills to how to stay awake in class and keep up with reading assignments. “I get to see [first-years] and
seniors, and all different kinds of situations, and what they have in common is that they’re all wanting to do the best they can do, and so my job is to help people do the best they can do,” Feldman said. Feldman said that as she focuses on enjoying her last moments at the LEC, she is also preparing to pass on the responsibilities of her job. “She brings a very dedicated, intuitive approach to working with students,” said Alexa Taylor, associate director of the LEC. “She has made this a better place for the time she has been here.” In the upcoming year and beyond, the LEC will continue to provide support and opportunities to all students. A-LEC Director Sue Bierman said that the overall goal of the LEC is to help students become independent learners. Students can use programs at the LEC to maximize their potential. This year, the LEC is offering new classes specifically geared towards transfer students, international students (especially students who speak English as a second language) and veterans. In addition to increasing outreach to these groups, other future goals include partnering with graduate students of the Simmons School of Education and connecting with Residence Life. “Pat’s personality and her professionalism have influenced all of us,” Bierman said. “What’s the best interest of the student is our number one decision making factor, and we get that from Pat.” “I know everything I do is going to be in great hands next semester,” Feldman said.
2
STYLE
The Daily Campus
WEDNESDAY n SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 feature
SMU alumna offers easy glamour to blogosphere Brooke H. REAGAN Style Editor breagan@smu.edu “M.A.S. Fashion,” a personal style blog edited by 2010 SMU graduate Mary Summers, stands out as a breath of fresh air in the crowded blogosphere. Summers has attracted the eyes of fashion heavyweights like BCBGeneration, Nordstrom and Old Navy because Summer’s style is uniquely her own. Readers will never feel as if she has played copycat to another blogger’s look. If you want smart, sexy and sophisticated looks, Google “M.A.S. Fashion” before you even finish reading this sentence. Black and white neutrals, killer heels and a genuine voice await. Brooke H. Reagan: To someone who has never looked at a fashion blog before, how would you describe “M.A.S. Fashion?” Mary Summers: It’s a very clean place for women to come and see curated items that I personally love. Also, hopefully they will get inspired by my laidback and easy style. Then they can take it home and go in their closet and find something similar. It’s a place of inspiration. BHR: What’s one piece of advice you wish someone had told you when you started blogging?
MS: I didn’t really get advice to be honest. I think I just threw myself into it, but advice looking back would have been to start with more of a plan and a focus. I didn’t look at it as a business, but it has turned into that. It [a business plan] just helps keep everything organized and consistent. BHR: What’s your favorite blog post you’ve ever written or shot? MS: My favorite post would be when I announced my engagement. It was such a special moment in my life and to get to share that with my readers. They responded so well. BHR: What blogs do you look forward to checking every weekday morning? MS: “We Wore What,” “Style Heroine,” “The Chic Sheet”...I try not to read too many blogs a day. I used to read 20 a day and without even knowing it, you kind of lose your own personal style in that, and I think that’s why you start a blog: to show off who you are and you don’t want someone creeping in there. BHR: As a consultant and as a blogger, what are the key actions you think bloggers have to accomplish to establish successful personal brands?
MS: It always goes back to sticking true to who you are. The moment that I really stopped reading other blogs and just focused on figuring out who I am and my voice was when I saw a really big increase in my readers. I think they can really tell who’s authentic and who’s not. There are old posts when I’d wear heels with every outfit posts, but in real life I wear sneakers and ankle booties. That’s what people really want to see more of: what they can style and wear everyday. Discovering your brand is writing down what you love, what you don’t love, who[m] you want to reach and sticking to it and not doing it to make the money or get the fame. BHR: Is it ever difficult for you to decide which details of your life to reveal vs. keep private on “M.A.S. Fashion?” MS: I actually waited about four months to share the wedding photos because I really tugged at that. I also had a little bit of a tug-of-war when my brother’s twins were born. I really wanted to post about them on the blog, but I didn’t know how. I ended up taking photos of them far away or [at] the hospital. It is a really hard balancing act trying to say what’s too far? How much do I let them in? With the wedding, you can show pictures but not write every detail so I’m not telling everyone
Mary’s Muses My embarrassing childhood nickname was… Soccer Ball/Alyssa. My favorite ice cream flavor is… I don’t like ice cream! Vanilla? I can’t leave the house without applying my must-have beauty product… YSL shocking mascara. Everyone looks better with a little mascara. I also don’t leave the house without sunscreen! Even if my life depended on it, I would never be caught dead wearing… Anything Marilyn Manson would wear. The hottest man alive is… My husband.
everything that happened. I think it’s ultimately your decision. My deciding factor was it’s a personal blog and I feel like my readers are my friends and I want them to think of me as a friend. BHR: Have you ever dealt with online haters? If so, how did you respond? MS: I’ve had one person who definitely anonymously comments. Of course you take what they say with a grain of salt. There are millions of blogs out there and they’re coming to yours every day for a reason. Maybe it’s in a mean spirit, but they’re still coming. Thanks for helping my analytics. I haven’t deleted their comments. That’s someone’s opinion. I’m not going to stop doing what I’m doing just because you don’t like my outfit. BHR: Has there ever been an outfit you wore on “M.A.S. Fashion” and then later thought, “Oh no! What was I thinking?” MS: In the beginning, I was posting outfits that were trendy. They were probably really cool back then but not so much now. I love to see the evolution. I would never take those posts down. It’s fun to look back and think, “Oh wow, I would never wear that now.” I think everyone’s personal style is always evolving. My first post, I wore a gold shiny skirt, topknot bun, striped shirt, red lips. I thought I was the coolest thing in the world. It was a cute outfit, but not for me now.
Courtesy of “M.A.S. Fashion”
Summers shoots an outfit for New York Fashion Week in Deep Ellum.
BHR: Where do you see “M.A.S. Fashion” in five years? MS: I feel like I’ll be doing the same thing, but I’ll be at a totally different place in my life. If I can keep it up, continue to increase the readership and turn it into a thriving brand or business, then I’ll be extremely happy.
Courtesy of “M.A.S. Fashion”
Summers and her husband Brice Hafner pose for engagement photos.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
September 11
September 12
September 13
Family Week Talent Show Auditions, 5 p.m., Hughes-Trigg Theater Unlocking the Door to Medical School, Dedman Life Sciences, 131, 5 p.m. Gamma Phitness, Meadows Atrium, 6 p.m.
Sing Song Interest Meeting, Hughes-Trigg Forum, 8 a.m. Ernst & Young Information, Maguire building 356, 5:30 p.m. SMUmba Fitness, Basketball court 3, 8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 9 SEPTEMBER 8 1:24 PM. Theft. SMU Apartments/3200 Daniel Ave. A student reported the theft of his bicycle at this location. Open. 8:40 PM. Assist Other Agency/ Attempted Sexual Assault. 3100 Mockingbird Lane. A student reported she was assaulted at this location. This case is being investigated by the University Park Police Department.
10:16 AM. Theft. Phi Gamma Delta House. A student reported a theft at this location. Open. 10:16 AM. Theft. Phi Gamma Delta House. A student reported a theft at this location. Open. 12:49 PM. Terroristic Threat. Expressway Tower. A former student made threats over the phone to a staff member. Open. 3:34 PM. Burglary of a Vehicle. Pi Kappa Alpha House. A student reported a theft out of his vehicle at this
Homecoming Interest Meeting, 1 p.m., Hughes-Trigg Forum Drag Bingo, 7 p.m. HTSC ballrooms Men’s soccer vs. Hartwick, Westcott Field, 7:30 p.m.
location.Open. 4:43 PM. Theft. 6624 Airline Rd. A student reported the theft of his bicycle at this location. Open. 5:11 PM. Sexual Assault. 6000 Bishop Blvd. A student reported a sexual assault at this location. This case is being investigated by the SMU Police Department.
SEPTEMBER 10 1:27 AM. Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. Moore hall. A student was referred to the Student Conduct Officer for underage drinking. Closed.
The Daily Campus
ARTS
WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY nn SEPTEMBER JANUARY 18, 11,2012 2013 opinion
3
pre vie w
DMA honors JFK with exhibit Michelle Hammond A&E Associate Editor mhammondtova@smu.edu
Courtesy of AP
Kendrick Lamar performs on day two of the 2013 Budweiser Made in America Fest Sept. 1, 2013 in Philadelphia.
Kendrick Lamar: really the best rapper alive? Caleb wossen A&E Writer cwossen@smu.edu Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper alive, but I don’t care. I’m more interested in Future. Why? Let’s cut out the fat. Kendrick Lamar deserves a heap of praise for uniting rap stars under him. Music has never been more decentralized than now. Here is a person who’s managed to bypass that obstacle, and find a home among the pop clouds. Crinkle his alfalfa curls, shake his little hands. He deserves it. But Future is still more interesting. This is a man who belongs to the Dungeon Family, a collective that includes the likes of Outkast, Janelle Monae and CeeLo Green. The Dungeon Family schtick melds gritty, humanist topics with a forward-thinking approach to pop. Future is a songwriter who’s spent his career trying to innovate
on that formula. After years of ghostwriting (those are his creepy drawls on the chorus to Ludacris’ “Blueberry Yum Yum”) he found simplicity. Make music poignant and simple, but forward. It’s a principle that’s buoyed him to popularity in the last few years and kept him there. This isn’t a feat to cast aside lightly. Let’s remember how low people regarded “ringtone rap” and auto-tune a few years ago – novelty. Future took these two elements and shaped them into layered, three-dimensional songs, each one different from the last. “Turn On the Lights” sounds nothing like “Magic” sounds nothing like “Honest.” They’re oh so melodic and, yes, challenging. No one flows or writes melodies like Future. It’s a compliment his predecessors in the Dungeon Family deservedly receive to this day. Kendrick Lamar deserves his crown, OK. He’s made friends with the right people, crafted a thoughtful
album invoking the magic of greats past and rapped his ass along the way. Future took junk musics
and churned out work both experimental and catchy. Kendrick’s cool, but “make mine future.”
Courtesy of lunionsuite.com
Future, also known as Nayvadius Cash, is a 29-year-old rapper.
The Dallas Museum of Art hosted the Hotel Texas Exhibition in honor of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. Originally organized by a group of art collectors from Fort Worth, the exhibition is called Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy. It is a collection of the works of art that were installed in President Kennedy’s suite at Hotel Texas during his visit in 1963. Hotel Texas is located in the historic district of Fort Worth. It is a small hotel with only 18 guest rooms, and is only a few minutes away from the stockyards and the Tarrant County Courthouse. The Hotel Texas exhibition reveals the full story behind the presidential Suite 850 installation for the first time, something that was previously overshadowed by Kennedy’s death. It also aims to explore the meaning of art not only in relation to the Kennedys but also to the Dallas-Fort Worth communities. The installation includes an
array of paintings, sculptures and works on paper by artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Thomas Eakins, Lyonel Feininger, Franz Kline, Marsden Hartley, Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore. “I think it’s spectacular. It is an amazing collection of individual works,” Mark Connally said to The Dallas Morning News. He also added that he believes the pieces truly capture the spirit of what was desired back in 1963. Connally’s company Citi Private Bank acts as a sponsor of the exhibition. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Hotel Texas, “the most compelling and inspirational commemoration of Kennedy’s assassination 50 years ago.” The exhibit has been at the DMA since May 26 and will end Sunday. It has free admission and welcomes an audience of all ages. Since Feb. 18, SMU has been participating in the year long observance of the assassination SMU houses documents related to the events of Nov. 22, 1963. Faculty experts are also available to offer insight to the event.
Courtesy of theflashlist.com
Hotel Texas exhibit is currently on display at the Dallas Museum of Art.
4
OPINION
The Daily Campus
WEDNESDAY n SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
To respond to any pieces on our opinion page, tweet us at @thedailycampus with the hashtag #hilltoptweets.
nation
response
Sexism not the issue for Miley patrick norwood Contributing Writer pnorwood@smu.edu To be blunt, the negative reaction to Miley Cyrus’ attire and her and Robin Thicke’s dance is perfectly acceptable and even… commendable. But it’s not because of some sexist idea subliminally programmed into everyone’s mind. It’s because when we see someone of fame and fortune make a fool of themselves, we call them out. We do it with politicians, authors, members of the scientific community, and Lord forbid, the most public of them all, artists. Now, to say that Cyrus’ gender has nothing to do with it would be wrong, but to say that we have overly scrutinized her BECAUSE of her gender would be even more wrong. Let’s take a quick look down memory lane to see how we chastise those who act foolishly in the public forum. Remember Adam Lambert? On Nov. 22, 2009, Lambert performed “For Your Entertainment” at the American Music Awards of 2009. The controversial performance, which was the night’s finale, showed Lambert kissing a male bassist and grabbing the crotch of another. ABC received about 1,500 telephoned complaints and cancelled Lambert’s November 25 performance on “Good Morning America.” Now was that sexist of us to find fault in his performance? Discussing the incident in a Rolling Stone interview, Lambert stated: “Female performers have been doing this for years— pushing the envelope about sexuality—and the minute a man does it, everybody freaks out. We’re in 2009—it’s time to take risks, be a little more brave, time to open people’s eyes and if it offends them, then maybe I’m not for them. My goal was not to piss people off, it was to promote freedom of expression and artistic freedom.” While I may not agree with how he chose to express his
artistic freedom, Lambert is DEAD ON in his interpretation of the REAL sexual stigma that needs to end. Sure, if you want to see Lady Gaga singing and dancing around in G-strings and whatnot, you can have that (although Madonna did it first). But don’t you dare raise an eyebrow when Justin Timberlake or Kanye West (whose performances were not in any way sexualized but specifically taken in an artistic direction – Kanye especially) start stripping and getting down. Now back to the matter at hand: think about this era. Speaking from a virgin, Christian perspective, I get to see the sexualization of both genders from the outside in. And when I see it happen, it’s like a cry for desperation. It’s seriously as if someone has to place so much in this sexual identity because they can’t invest it somewhere else. It’s not because culture tells us it’s okay, it’s because we see it as some alternative route to forging an identity. To bring this back to Cyrus would be to say this: she can sing wonderfully, play piano, and strum a guitar. And instead of fostering those talents and saying “listen to what beautiful music I can make,” she trashes it and says “look at me struggle to advance my identity by placing my hope in my sexuality.” She’s 20. TWENTY — younger than many of us. The government won’t even allow her to drink. Albeit, maybe she’s being pushed. But it’s still her life (as she states in her song, “It’s my mouth, I can say what I want to.”) But why does she think it’s a good idea to try sex appeal before she tries something more enriching for her career? Better yet, do we secretly or publically think that’s a good idea as well? And do we really want to end up like Cyrus? Norwood is a sophomore majoring in political science and philosophy.
Quote Worthy
“What I find strange about your campaign is what seems to be your absolute desperate need for elective office and what seems to be your inability to live outside of it,” —Lawrence O’Donnell to New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner during an interview cartoon
Courtesy of MCT Campus
Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy Roden Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. Tucker Keene SMU-TV News Directors . . . . . . . . . Lexie Hammesfahr, Dacota Taylor Assignments Desk Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katelyn Gough Online Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Haley Thayer Associate Online Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yusra Jabeen Arts & Entertainment Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Spalten Associate Arts & Entertainment Editor . . . . . . . . . . Michelle Hammond Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetrio Teniente Associate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matthew Costa Style Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brooke H. Reagan Health & Fitness Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Peltier Food Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mallory Ashcraft Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rebecca Keay Opinion Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor Thrall Chief Copy Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Collin Abbott Copy Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Aguirre, Christina Cox Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Barreto
Courtesy of AP
In this Aug. 17, 2011, file photo, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is seen in the background as water flows in the south pool of the World Trade Center Memorial in New York. Twelve years after terrorists destroyed the old World Trade Center, the new World Trade Center is becoming a reality, with a museum commemorating the attacks and two office towers where thousands of people will work set to open within the next year.
Students remember, reflect on 9/11 tim welch Contributing Writer twelch@smu.edu On Sept. 11, 2001, the world we all knew was heinously and irrevocably changed. If this statement sounds cliché, it is only because of its truth. Everyone who is old enough to remember that day has his or her own story about experiencing the tragic day that scarred the consciousness of a nation. I remember that I was in third grade at a Florida elementary school, taking a spelling test, when we had an unscheduled fire drill. I remember my teachers looking worried. And I remember us all lined up in front of our school, uninformed and unconcerned when parents, including mine, checked every student out, one-by-one. When I got home, my mom told me that “bad guys” had flown two airplanes into the Twin Towers in New York City. Then another plane flew into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
America was under attack. As my family and I sat watching the news as – they, horrified; me, playing with Legos – we watched people jump out of the buildings, flames and papers flying, dust everywhere. Then those iconic buildings in New York, those symbols of American power and freedom, collapsed. Thousands were killed. School was canceled the next day. My parents didn’t go to work. We all suddenly had an unwelcomed vacation during which all we could do was watch the replays of that day, listen to the stories of tragedy and horror – but also of heroism, of men and women who risked and sometimes lost their own lives trying to save others. Our once-invincible home was suddenly humbled, shocked into reticent stillness. It was like a second Pearl Harbor. A nation mourned and prayed. President George W. Bush said that “our nation saw evil,” and that these acts of terror
would be avenged with the weight of the entire country behind it. Sales of American flags soared. It has been 12 years since the events of Sept. 11, 2011, and even with Osama Bin Laden – the former leader of al-Qaida – dead, we’re still in the process of healing as a nation. Our way of life was changed forever. One can never get on a plane again without having an involuntary moment of fear, of thinking, “What if I’m going to be next?” That moment of anxiety will never go away for anyone my age or older. Some sociologists even refer to mine as the “9/11 Generation.” Ever since that September morning, we have lived in a state of reflexive caution and distrust. We have been prejudiced against Arab and Muslim people; we permitted our government to imprison and torture suspects without due process; we lost thousands of young men and women fighting unwinnable wars overseas. And we did all
this in the name of national security. Standing in long lines at airport security checkpoints is one thing, but compromising our principles of human and civil rights is something else entirely. I think we should remember, but I don’t think we should remain in fear forever. And I don’t believe we will. I don’t consider myself a particularly religious person, but there’s one day every year in September on which I find myself sitting in the back of some house of worship. More than anything, I go just to think, to reflect. I’ll never forget that horrible day, but I’ll also never forget what it means to be an American. So my hope for this solemn anniversary is that we all take a moment to remember our past, hope for our future and live in our present to understand what it means to be an American. Welch is a junior majoring in political science.
student life
How to succeed in college brandon bub Contributing Writer bbub@smu.edu For the most part, the seniors I talked to when I was a first-year all had witty, profound nuggets of wisdom about following our dreams that would guide us lowly beginners through one of the most exciting times of our lives. Now that I’m completing my last year of college, I’m afraid my advice might not be as good; nevertheless, this column offers just a few adages that I wish I had known when I was younger (and because my generation is addicted to “Buzzfeed,” it takes the form of a “Top 10” list). 1. No one here really cares what you did in high school. Plenty of people were class presidents, valedictorians and cheer captains. The more you shove your accomplishments in people’s faces, the less impressed they will be. 2. The most important classes you might take are ones outside
Advertising Staff Advertising Sales Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chrystalla Georghiou Classified Representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenneth Zon Marketing Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriel Towles Sales Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samantha Allen Production Staff Advertising Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Riane Alexander, Kelsey Cordutsky, Caroline Betts Nighttime Production Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Aguirre Business Staff Business Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nariana Sands The Daily Campus, a student newspaper at Southern Methodist University, is operated by Student Media Company, Inc. Hughes-Trigg Student Center, 3140 Dyer Street, Suite 314, Dallas, TX 75275 The Daily Campus is published Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the academic semester.
your major. If you’re so afraid of maintaining a certain GPA and challenging yourself that you never take a class that makes you think or feel mildly uncomfortable, you’re not getting your money’s worth here. 3. If you pledged, you’re not automatically cooler than the GDI’s. If you didn’t, then don’t act smugly superior to those in Greek life. There’s much you can get out of either path, and you can make good friends in both. 4. From the moment you started school everyone has been telling you to “get involved.” That’s certainly great advice, but don’t just jump into clubs or accept leadership positions for the sake of having them on your resume. You’ll burn yourself out quickly and inevitably forego more fulfilling opportunities. 5. Never let anyone convince you that your dreams are stupid. People told me for years that I have “bigger fish to fry” than wanting to become a teacher, but teaching makes me happier than so many other career options I
could imagine. Consider also #6. 6. You get to decide your major. Not your parents. Not your frat brothers. Not your friends. If someone asks you, “What are you going to do with a degree in English?” tell that person confidently, “Whatever I damned well please.” 7. You’re going to start your senior year of college and, if it hasn’t already, your Facebook feed will be flooded with pictures of people getting engaged, carrying their first child or receiving “big boy” job offers. Don’t panic if none of those things have happened to you yet. Some people spend their whole lives figuring out what they want to grow up to do, so if you haven’t figured it out by 22, you’re in good company. 8. This school in particular is great at rewarding ambitious students. If you have a project you want to make happen, there is some department here that wants to give you money. Opportunities for undergrad
For local, national, and classified display advertising, call 214-768-4111. For classified word advertising call 214-768-4554. Student Media Company, Inc. Staff Executive Director / Editorial Adviser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Miller Associate Director / Business Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dyann Slosar Advertising Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diana L. Denton Operations / Production Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Candace Barnhill The Daily Campus Mail Subscription Rates One year (Academic year) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120 Order forms can downloaded at smudailycampus.com/dcsubscriptions/ To charge by VISA, Mastercard, Discover, call 214-768-4545. Send check orders and address changes to Student Media Company, Inc. PO BOX 456 Dallas, TX 75275-0456. Entire contents © 2013 The Daily Campus. dc@smu.edu • http://www.smudailycampus.com SMU Box 456, Dallas, TX 75275 • 214-768-4555 • Fax: 214-768-8787
research and work are valuable, so don’t let them pass you by. 9. Life happens. No matter how well-planned out your goals are, you might have to deal with pain and suffering you never imagined. Illness and loss of loved ones only become more common as you get older. Don’t feel like you have to suffer alone though. There’s a friend for everyone out there, and someone will understand if you let them. 10. Make mistakes. No one can give you the keys to success in 10 simple bullet points. College can be four years of “high school round two,” or something else entirely depending on how much effort you expend and how willing you are to bust out of your comfort zone. Learning happens everywhere, and a good amount of it comes from outside the classroom.
Bub is a senior majoring in English, political science and history.
Daily Campus Policies The Daily Campus is a public forum, Southern Methodist University’s independent student voice since 1915 and an entirely student-run publication. Letters To The Editor are welcomed and encouraged. All letters should concentrate on issues, be free of personal attacks, not exceed 250 words in length and must be signed by the author(s). Anonymous letters will not be published and The Daily Campus reserves the right to edit letters for accuracy, length and style. Letters should be submitted to dc@smu.edu. Guest columns are accepted and printed at the editor’s discretion upon submission to dc@smu.edu. Guest columns should not exceed 500-600 words and the author will be identified by name and photograph. Corrections. The Daily Campus is committed to serving our readers with accurate coverage and analysis. Readers are encouraged to bring errors to The Daily Campus editors’ attention by emailing Editorial Adviser Jay Miller at jamiller@smu.edu.
The Daily Campus
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY n SEPTEMBER 11, 2013 profile
football
Hilltop Heroes: Redman
Bye-Week Grade Book
Karly Hanson Contributing Writer kdhanson@smu.edu
Billy Embody Sports Writer wembody@smu.edu
It all started before she was 4 years old. When her parents would leave to go work at the Pentagon, she would stay with her Brazilian baby-sitter and watch her three older sons play soccer. She was intrigued; all she wanted was to play with the older boys. When her dad finally asked her which sport she wanted to try, she immediately replied soccer. And soccer it has been ever since. Shelby Redman is a redshirt junior on the women’s soccer team. Since her passion was sparked watching those backyard games, Redman’s talent has flourished. She played on the Dallas Texans club 92s team for six years, and with them won two national championships, including the 2008 USYS Under-16 National Championship. Redman was ranked the No. 89 recruit in the nation and No. 13 in Texas by topdrawersoccer.com. As a forward on SMU’s team, Redman tied for the team lead with nine goals last season, and tied the C-USA 2012 single-game high with eight shots. For Redman, soccer is more than a game, more than a sport and more than a way to blow some steam. For her, it is also a way to connect with the rest of the world. “Soccer is a universal language,” Redman said. “It doesn’t matter where you go or where you’re coming from. It beats all language barriers, socioeconomic barriers, everything. It just brings people together.” Outside of soccer, Redman is just as passionate. She is an advertising major and anthropology minor, and will graduate on time in May. “I want people to know I am a nerd,” Redman said. “From reading about politics or philosophy, or anything, I just love being exposed to new things.” After finishing out her soccer career, possibly professionally, Redman hopes to open her own business in sports recovery working with new tactics such as hyperbaric therapy and cryogenics. Redman’s life was turned upside down in the beginning of her first-year season at SMU when she tore her ACL, meniscus, post lateral corner and MCL all at the same time during an early season practice. “It was one of the hardest
Childcare AFTER SCHOOL DRIVER/ HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE for 3 girls ages 13 (twins) and 16. M-F, 3:00-9:00 PM but Flexible. $15/hr. Contact Judi at 214 502 7636 or jstewcook@aol.com LOOKING FOR A MATURE, responsible student who is wonderful with small kids. We have two great boys — ages 3 and 5 years old. Close to SMU. Flexible hours. mleighcurry@ gmail.com
Employment $19/HOUR part time office asst. 12-20 hours/week between 8:30a-5:30p M-F. Office near HP. High GPA, superb software skills required. admin@activerelationships.com for application. BEST JOB ON CAMPUS! The Daily Campus is seeking advertising sales reps. I have 2 - workstudy positions; Sales Assistant/ Marketing and Classifieds Rep/ Marketing. This is an opportunity for advertising, marketing, or business majors to acquire “real world” experience. Looks great on resume! Earn commission while learning outside sales. Flexible hours. Call Diana at 8-4111, come by Hughes-Trigg, or e-mail mailto:ddenton@smu. edu PART-TIME experienced gardener “M-Street” home 5700 block of Morningside references and background check required. LIving-Quarters possible 214826-6161 POP Punk Alternative band looking for bass player. Must be experienced and outgoing. 214673-3018 The Happy Alright. RECEPTIONIST NEEDED: Private Medical Doctor in need of full or part-time personable receptionist for boutique aesthetic medical practice in the Park Cities. Monday-Friday 9-4. Visit www.drlynley.com to learn more about the practice. Send
Each open week on SMU Football’s schedule, senior staff writer Billy Embody will grade where each position group on the team is and where he thinks the position is trending. Quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert has been the bright spot on the SMU offense so far this season and it has been because of the help he has gotten from the receivers. He hasn’t had much protection, but has thrown for over 300 yards in both games and is completing 69 percent of his passes. Gilbert has moved the offense up and down the field, but must get more efficient in the redzone and turn drives into touchdowns to take the offense to the next level. Grade: B+ Grade Trend: Up
Courtesy of Douglas Fejer
times of my life,” Redman said. “I’ve built an identity for myself that is embodied by soccer and trying to figure out where I fit in when I didn’t have soccer was upsetting and I was really depressed for a while.” Though it was a hard transition, Redman continued to honor her commitment to the team and attended all of the team events from games, to practices, to weight room workouts, in addition to her own daily rehab workouts. Looking back, she is able to reflect on the experience positively. “It really was a blessing in disguise,” Redman said. “It reaffirmed my passion for soccer. After going six or eight months without it, I will never take it for granted.” The support Redman had from her teammates throughout and even after her injury was illustrated clearly during her game against Oklahoma
resume to mdsjd@sbcglobal.net and call 214-478-8660 for more information. Tiff’s Treats is looking for Delivery Drivers! (8611 Hillcrest Rd #130) $7.25/hour plus tips and delivery fees, averages $10-$15/hour. Part-time and Full-time. No delivery experience needed. Please apply at http:// www.cookiedelivery.com/Company/Job-Application/Dallas.aspx
University. Redman scored the winning goal, almost her first touch on the ball since she was put into the game. “Just seeing some of my teammates having tears in their eyes because they were so happy for me, that moment, I will never forget that because it’s something that meant so much to me to just see the support and the love,” Redman said. The soccer team has become Redman’s family. Most of her favorite memories from playing soccer are the ones made traveling on the road and staying in hotel rooms talking with her teammates. “It’s like we are our own sorority,” Redman said. “Just like with any sister relationship you get into arguments, but we have a love for each other and at the end of the day that trumps everything. It is invaluable to have these sorts of people my life.”
Methodist Church room 385. SMU Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC), Wednesdays, 6:00 7:30 PM, Room 104, Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports, behind the coffee/smoothie bar
FRESH BEAUTIFUL APARTMENTS, Loft $575, 1 Bedroom $650 & $800, 2 bedroom $1200. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo @ 75/Northhaven all bills paid 1575sqft $1550. 214-526-8733.
4524 Amesbury #C 1 BED -1 BATH Updated Stainless Steel Appliances, Washer/Dryer. $99,500 Judy Traylor/Bitty Nettle Allie Beth Allman and Assoc. 214-707-9845 CONDO FOR SALE. Quit throwing $$$ away on rent and own in style in Uptown! 2323 N.Houston, 923 sq.ft, 1/1, includes refrigerator, W/D, study. 214-228-9013
Services UPPER ROOM OPEN Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meets at SMU! Thursdays, 7:30 PM, HP
Wide Receivers Jeremy Johnson and Darius Joseph have been extremely solid targets for Garrett Gilbert so
far this year, combining for 459 yards on 42 catches. From there, it kind of drops off for the SMU receivers, but Jeremiah Gaines could see an expanded role at tight end especially with the offensive line struggling. Keenan Holman and Der’rikk Thompson have just over 80 yards each. Thompson was expected to be a deep threat again for SMU, but hasn’t made too big of an impact. So far, the group has improved since last year. Grade: B Grade Trend: Up Offensive Line The weakest part of the offense currently is the offensive line. Protection for Gilbert has been suspect and the running game has suffered from it as well. Ben Gottschalk and Taylor Lasecki have played well for SMU, but communication issues along the rest of the offensive line have caused trouble and have allowed opposing defenses to get the best of SMU at times. Against Texas A&M and TCU, SMU will face some tough defensive lines so communicating and executing will be key, but I don’t see SMU’s line improving enough to control the line of scrimmage against these teams. Grade: C Grade Trend: Down Defensive Line Against Texas Tech, the defensive line played extremely well, getting pressure on Baker Mayfield and holding the Red Raiders to just 48 yards on the ground. Against Montana State, the line took a step back, but the rotation of linemen including Beau Barnes, Zack Wood, Darrian Wright and Andrew McCleneghen have played well
SMU women’s soccer all-time vs.TCU Overall 26-0-2
At-Home 12-0-0
enough to cause problems. As this unit develops and gains more experience, expect them to make even more plays. Texas A&M and TCU will be tough tests, but once conference play begins that experience will be key. Grade: BGrade Trend: Up Linebackers SMU’s linebacking corps took a hit against Texas Tech when Randall Joyner injured his knee and their performance against Montana State suffered because of it. SMU needs Joyner back, but Kevin Pope has been a tackling machine, getting 19 in two games. Stephon Sanders and Robert Seals have to become more of a threat off the edge for SMU, with just 1.5 combined sacks on the season. The front seven for SMU has been solid and will need help from the secondary to be more effective. Grade: B Grade Trend: Up Secondary The secondary was supposed to be the strength for SMU, but has given up 631 passing yards on the season so far. Kenneth Acker, the leader in the SMU secondary, has been solid and his play should continue to improve as the season goes on. Chris Parks on the other hand, has been targeted numerous times especially against Texas Tech and will have to improve. Look for SMU to use a lot of nickel against Texas A&M and TCU and that will bring J.R. Richardson onto the field more often, and his speed could be a welcome addition. Grade: C+ Grade Trend: Down
Follow @SMUSportsDesk for SMU updates and news
Goals for - against 41 - 8
Text/Call Sue 214-208-7226 or Info@37waysmath.com
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE TUTOR. Voted “The Best” for 18 years. “College is more fun when you have a tutor.” Lee Lowrie, CPA, MBA cell 214-208-1112. SMU Accounting 2301, 2302, 3311, 3312, 6301, 6302 - Finance 3320 - Real Estate 3811
MATH, STATISTICS, ITOM, GMAT, GRE tutor for college and graduate students – M.S. Math, 20 yrs TI - Sheila Walker smumath@sbcglobal.net 214417-7677
ROOM FOR RENT in executive home for serious female student two blocks from campus. Nicely furnished. Includes all Utilities, WIFI $700/month September 1-May 31 214-528-9144.
Real Estate For Sale
Tutor Services
Running Backs SMU really has struggled running the football and it starts up front with the offensive line, but it is also on the running backs needing to be more patient in their reads. Traylon Shead is injured, but should be ready to face Texas A&M next week, which could mean improvement. Prescott Line has struggled a little bit, but K.C. Nlemchi came on to average 6.8 yards a carry against Montana State. The sign that things are bad is that Garrett Gilbert leads the team in rushing with 82 yards. Grade: CGrade Trend: Down
ACCOUNTING, MATH, CHEMISTRY, STATISTICS, ECONOMICS, FINANCE, Physics, Rhetoric Tutoring. Learn to work smarter not harder. David Kemp Tutorial Services. Call 469-767-6713 or david@dktutoring.com.
For Rent
ROOM FOR RENT ONE BLK From Campus mature female, furnished includes linens utilities PAID. $725.00 month. Available September 1ST. Email ann. stough@yahoo.com or 214232.2539.
5
MATH/STATISTICS (ODE/PDE, Linear Algebra), Test Prep (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, SAT), SCIENCE (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Micro & Molecular), ENGLISH/ WRITING/HISTORY/Latin.
Sudoku
Create and solve your Sudoku puzzles for FREE .
Play Sudoku and win prizes
at:
prizesudoku.com
The Sudoku Source of
To Play:
“The Daily Campus”.
Complete the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There is no guessing or math involved, just use logic to solve. Solution: 09/09/13
Crossword ACROSS 1 Chiang Mai native 5 Dance moves 10 Cheerful 14 Mint, e.g. 15 Ira Gershwin contribution 16 Indiana neighbor 17 Palindromic fashion mag 18 More aloof 19 "Walking in “Memphis” singer Cohn 20 Accommodating work hours 23 Large amount 24 "O Sole __" 25 Harper's __ 28 Chewie's shipmate 29 Béchamel base 31 Monopoly deed abbr. 32 Market research panel 36 Laundry cycle 37 Fairway boundary 38 Part of i.e. 39 Biblical prophet 40 "Yikes!" 41 Frito-Lay is its title sponsor 43 Mark of Zorro 44 Action on eBay 45 USN rank 46 Acquirer of more than 1000 patents 48 It includes mayo 49 SUV part: Abbr. 52 Culinary combination 56 Roger Rabbit or Bugs Bunny 58 Heart of Paris? 59 Old Norse poetry collection 60 Bring in 61 Rockne of Notre Dame fame 62 Look slyly 63 Multitude 64 "Bullitt" director Peter 65 Company that manufactures the starts of 20-, 32-, 41and 52-Across DOWN 1 Taking the wrong way? 2 Nametag greeting 3 "Over the Rainbow"
composer 4 Wild mountain goat 5 Deli worker's chore 6 Danish astronomer Brahe 7 Toledo's lake 8 Mottled 9 Prepare for surgery 10 Lefty in Cooperstown 11 Small Asian pooch bred as a watchdog 12 Balloon filler 13 Medical nickname 21 Big success 22 Lenient 26 Miller's "__ From the Bridge" 27 Kidney-related 28 "Les Misérables" author 29 Derby prize 30 Ways of escape 32 Succumbed to stage fright 33 Wondered aloud? 34 Babylonian writing system 35 Senate majority leader since 2007 36 Weeps convulsively 39 Capital west of Haiphong 41 Hard to please
42 Grants permanent status to, as a professor 44 A.L. East team 47 Golf-friendly forecast 48 Like the accent in "entrée" 49 Wedding memento 50 Rear-__ 51 Found out 53 Chaplin's last wife
Solution: 09/09/2013
54 Neither masc. nor fem. 55 Narcissist's love 56 Darjeeling, e.g. 57 Scull propeller
6
NEWS
EVENT
Politics
Students, faculty host diversity discussion Morgan Craven Contributing Writer mlcraven@smu.edu Up on the third floor of HughesTrigg, the SMU community sparks up monthly conversation over pizza and a welcoming buzz in the series, Real Talk: Conversations Around Diversity. The goal is to engage the SMU community to plug into provocative conversations and maybe walk away with a stronger understanding of the varying points of view, according to Steven Johnson, coordinator of Multicultural Student Affairs. Monthly topics include everything from the media, arts or education to the more sensitive topics of race, religion and gender. This month’s topic: Who can say what? Can some people use a term that others can’t? These “terms” at the center of discussion are not just terms, however. They are (often) derogatory names that refer to select groups of people regarding sexuality, nationality, ethnicity and race. While these racial and gender slurs hold demeaning and devaluing connotations
BOOK Continued from page 1
background] can’t understand the power of the military experience and the power of a discharge, whatever it may be.” Reston served as the adviser to David Frost during the Frost/ Nixon interviews, and he said that “as a research matter, there is a parallel” between his work on both hot-button political projects. “[In the Frost/Nixon interviews], I found these hot documents that nobody else had found, and they were used as surprises for Nixon,” Reston said. Similarly, approaching the
The Daily Campus
WEDNESDAY n SEPTEMBER 11, 2013
historically, groups have reclaimed these words and in many cases have even turned them into terms of endearment among themselves. Conversation lit up with personal experiences (both negative and positive), possible ramifications of “empowering’ these terms and even legal perspectives from SMU Law professors. In this short hour, the SMU community held fruitful discourse with other students, faculty and staff in a respectful, open forum. While no worlds were shifted, minds were opened and other views considered. “I came in with one mind set. I know in my family, the n-word is used as a term of endearment,” said Celena Chambers, a sophomore and AARO leader at SMU. “But now I think ‘You know what? This is wrong. Maybe we shouldn’t do this.’” “It’s about personal responsibility,” said Kimberly Elmazi, chair of the Student Senate Diversity Committee. “That personal responsibility extends to protecting others who may not be able to protect themselves.”
Dallas assassination “from an oblique angle and a side angle” allowed him to “move what [he] had seen as a suggestion [while writing the biography] to a level of certainty.” Reston said that the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination is an opportunity to revisit and look anew at the evidence of the assassination, and that is partly why he chose to release his book this year. “[The anniversary] is also a time for discarding a lot of the mythology that had grown up over the Dallas assassination,” Reston said. “[This] is a time for reflection.”
Tower Center talks South China Sea KaMilah Todd Contributing Writer kbtodd@smu.edu The Tower Center Asian Studies group hosted an event yesterday titled “This is My Rock” in Carr Collins Hall to discuss the role of new media and its influence in the escalating skirmishes in the South China Sea involving China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Anny Wong, a Tower Research fellow and Ling Shiao, a SMU associate professor moderated the discussions, utilizing video footage to describe the rising tensions. Their presentation pointed out that some conflicts are over rocks in the middle of the ocean, in addition to very small, uninhabited islands, fishing, oil, gas and mineral rights. Most altercations are involving China and the 10 member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, although other countries have disputes. New media encompasses YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, websites, blogs, text messaging, video games and more. In a world where more people have access to cell phones than toilets, the influence of new media is really limitless. “There were over 300 million microblog-users by 2010. Despite state efforts to impose censorship, new social media has fundamentally changed the way people access, disseminate, and consume news in China,” Shiao said. China seems to be at the heart of nearly every conflict. The Chinese not only have the largest land mass, territorial waters and population, but the greatest access to Internet and mobile phone usage of all the engaged parties as well. When considering domestic
ELLEN SMITH / The Daily Campus
Students and faculty gather in the Tower Center Board Room to discuss the role of new media in the escalating skirmishes of the South China Sea.
issues, any kind of social media poses a threat against a state with a team of Internet police attempting to regulate and suppress any public discontent. This kind of regulation allows the central government to maintain its hold over its agencies or local governments, preventing an Arab Spring in China to occur. “Any public expression on social media that is interpreted by the current regime as challenging its rule or its legitimacy will be resolutely and ruthlessly suppressed,” Shiao said.
Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are banned in China. However, there are youtube and twitter- like sites, such as Youku and Tudou according to Shiao, all of which are used to document the growing tensions in South China Seas. “Social media has definitely been effective in pushing for a democratization of informationproduction and consumption,” Shiao said. The Chinese government is trying (and quite successfully at this point) to moderate the Internet.
“The government tries to encourage it and harness it for its own political use,” Shiao said, doubting that we will see an uprising in China as we did in the Arab countries because of the strong censorship of the air waves. The Chinese government might even worry that its citizens are more inclined to be aggressive than they are. The rules of communication, engagement and war are forever changed by a web that really is worldwide.
ELLEN SMITH / The Daily Campus
Research fellows discussed how Internet censorship by the Chinese has helped prevent an Arab Spring from occuring.
F13
Y D U ST D AIR A O R B
0 2
SEPTEMBER 18 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Bob Hope Lobby, OFAC abroad@smu.edu | smu.edu/abroad | 214.768.2338