The Phoenix 2/21

The Official Campus Newspaper of Swarthmore College Since 1881 VOL. 137, ISSUE 5

The Phoenix THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

TODAY: Partly cloudy, with a 10% chance of rain. High 37, Low 24.

TOMORROW: Partly cloudy. Some sleet. Chance of PM snow: 30%. High 41, Low 33.

SWARTHMOREPHOENIX.COM

“I’m a Barbie Girl”?

By COURTNEY DICKENS Living & Arts Writer

COURTESY OF JULI RIGELL/ THE PHOENIX

Students Protest Keystone XL Pipeline at White House

Pictured above, Ali Roseberry-Polier ’14 , Laura Rigell ’16, and a Brown University student carry a banner as part of last Sunday’s protest in Washington D.C.

By TIFFANY KIM News Writer

A group of 62 Swarthmore students aboard two charter buses made their way down to Washington D.C. this past Sunday, joining more than 40,000 protesters in a rally decrying the proposed Keystone XL pipeline. Organized by 350.org and the Sierra Club, the Forward on Climate Rally drew demonstrators from across the country and Canada to the nation’s capital. The event, which was the largest climate rally in United States history, saw protesters gather in front of the Washington Monument and march to the White House.

Students left campus at 8 on Sunday morning and traveled for over two hours to participate in the rally and the subsequent march. Transportation was free, courtesy of President Rebecca Chopp and Vice President for Community and College Relations Maurice Eldridge ’61. P Chopp, through the President’s Office, offered funding to send all those who wanted to attend the rally to Washington D.C. for the protest.

As interns to the sustainability committee at the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, Laura Rigell ’16 and Patrick Ammerman ’14 helped organize student participation in the rally. Rigell greatly appreciated the support from President Chopp and the President’s Office. “It was really kind of her. She agreed, of her own accord – this was her idea, we didn’t ask [her] to fund buses to take students down to this protest,” Rigell said.

Rigell and Ammerman began advertising work for the rally two weeks before the event, using social media and word of mouth to spread awareness. After tabling in Sharples and putting out advertisements in the Reserved Student Digest, the

two signed up dozens of interested participants.

Temperatures hovered just above 30° Fahrenheit when the rally began at noon, but the crowd remained enthusiastic as leaders of environmental activism groups gave impassioned speeches on the dangers of the proposed pipeline. Participants also heard from leaders of frontline communities, groups whose standards of living are being damaged by the work of large fossil fuel companies.

The Keystone XL pipeline would provide a link between the tar sands oil of Alberta, Canada and the coastline of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico.

It puts dozens of communities at risk for health and safety concerns arising from fossil fuel extraction.

Though he understands the importance of the cause, Ammerman expressed astonishment at the sheer number of protestors present at the rally. “I thought it was just incredible seeing that many people in one place. It was hard even to get a sense of what 50,000 people looked like.”

Demonstrators were not limited to fresh-faced college students ­— the crowds included activists of all ages and all walks of life, with a surprising diversity of interests, ranging from species conservation to the dangers of fracking.

One participant from Maine, Beverly Mann, said of the rally, “[I’m] loving it.

Everyone’s a friend, everyone’s friendly, we’re all supporting one another, couldn’t be better.”

Ammerman agreed that the unity was key to the effectiveness of the rally. “Everyone was there for all different reasons but could get behind a single cause. It was telling of the range of interests people had and the range of activism that people are engaging in around the country, not just at Swat,” he said.

Swarthmore students clearly feel strongly about the issue of climate change, as evidenced by the dozens who rose at seven in the morning to stand and march with unflagging energy in freezing temperatures.

A first-time rally attendee, Elaine Zhou ’16 took a sort of pride in the perseverance of the demonstrators in the face of the weather.

“Everyone expected it to be small because of the cold and it was like, wow, 40,000 people stood out in the cold, freezing. It’s actually a monument to our persistence,” she said.

Dakota Pekerti ’16 viewed the cause of the protest as being wholly necessary and found the proposed pipeline to be disturbing. “It’s just too much land, it’s too much nature to be destroyed — it’s not worth it,” Pekerti said.

Another participant, Rachel Berger ’16, who also works as a compost assistant for the college, asserted that the participation of Swarthmore students in the rally was essential. “I think that it’s important for the college to make a very strong statement about environmental issues. This has kind of become a symbol of the larger environmental movement so I think it’s important

“[I’m] loving it. Everyone’s a friend, everyone’s friendly, we’re all supporting one another, couldn’t be better” Beverly Mann

“I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world. Life is plastic”...is not so fantastic. Or at least this is what Jane Comfort suggests in her work Beauty (2012), a dance/theatre work that “explores the American notion of female beauty through the lens of Barbie.”

Concerned with “push[ing] the intersection of movement and language to a new form of theatre” that is “socially conscious,” Comfort choreographed the dazzling spectacles of her two works, Beauty (2012) and Underground River (1998). Both works blend choreography, voice-overs and moments of interaction with the audience. This interdisciplinary approach, when paired with the expressiveness of the dancers and the subtleness of their movements, takes all viewers on an intimate journey of self-discovery. This self-discovery is only achieved by exposing the inner biases and beliefs her audience subconsciously holds.

In “Beauty,” her dancers, as Barbies, are manifestations of the danger of feeding into a white, anorexic, blonde, happy-go-lucky concept of beauty. Eerily, her Barbies come to life on stage. The bright lights reflect off of the sequined leotards. Their skin-tone tights make their legs look like plastic. They have huge boobs, smiles that are almost grimaces, high heels, long ponytails, and stiff movements. Their arms are bent at the elbows and their feet fixed in an arched position — to fit their heels of course. In a particularly unforgettable scene, Comfort makes a spectacle of this rigidity, choreographing Ken and Barbie making love. This encounter is anything but sensual or even enjoyable (in a voyeuristic sense); both dancers bend only in ways Barbies could.

It was breathtaking to see Comfort’s negotiation of the rigidity of a Barbie’s body and the fluidity of a sexual encounter. For Jumatatu Poe ’04, modern dance professor and mentor in the “Making Moves” Project at Swarthmore, this moment was one of true choreographic genius. Being most interested in “movement investigation,” — namely, imagining “new ways of moving beyond codified, recognized vocabularies [of movement]” — Jumatatu found himself questioning, “what can this Barbie really do? What can this Ken do?”

For Juma, the abnormality of the movement, coupled with the integrity it maintained to the anatomy of Barbie, was a bit uncomfortable. In creepily showing what happens when “beauty becomes a paralysis,” Juma was struck by the tension established between being close in proximity but not being able to “experience closeness.”

In the course of the 45 minute piece, Comfort covers the many sources of female insecurity (and the ways in which women feed into it), staging extreme workouts and dieting, a provocative clubbing scene where the dancers are scantily clad and shaking their backsides, a live photoshopping of a dancer’s picture, and even a live and disturbing marking of a dancer’s body by a “surgeon” who plans to nip and tuck any problem areas.

Arguably, what makes Comfort’s construction of the female experience so riveting is her juxtaposition of her choreography with another dancer, who sits on the side of the

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS

LIVING

OPINIONS

SPORTS

A panel of profesors and President Rebecca Chopp dicussed intellectual property, framed around the question of idea ownership, in a round table discussion hosted by the Writing Associates Program.

This week Dorm Dive takes a look inside a Willets quad with Estefania BrambilaOlmedo ’15, Tamsin True-Alcala ’15, Kate Wiseman ’15, and Eve DiMagno ’15.

In an Op-Ed, Living & Arts columnist Dave Toland reflects on his experiences both in the army and as a civilian and what they taught him about deadly weapons.

The Garnet stun Franklin and Marshall, then crush Haverford to end the season on a winning streak and earn a season sweep of the Fords.

College Debates Intellectual Propery

PAGE 3

Dorm Dive: Willets Second Quad

PAGE 8

You Can’t Stop the Violence

PAGE 13

Basketball Sends Seniors Out in Style

PAGE 16

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix STEVEN HAZEL Editor-in-Chief KOBY LEVIN Managing Editor PARKER MURRAY Managing Editor The News Section AMANDA EPSTEIN Editor DANIEL BLOCK Assistant Editor ANNA GONZALES Assistant Editor SARAH COE-ODESS Writer COLE GRAHAM Writer TIFFANY KIM Writer TOBY LEVY Writer The Living & Arts Section ALLI SHULTES Editor GABRIELA CAMPOVERDE Assistant Editor TAYLOR HODGES Assistant Editor COURTNEY DICKENS Writer MIREILLE GUY Writer AXEL KODAT Writer JEANETTE LEOPOLD Writer MAYRA TENORIO Writer JOSHUA ASANTE Writer VIANCA MASUCCI Writer SERA JEONG Writer IZZY KORNBLATT Columnist

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The Phoenix is printed at Bartash Printing, Inc. The Phoenix is a member of the Associated College Press and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

JUSTIN TORAN-BURRELL / THE PHOENIX

INSIDE THE PHOENIX NEWS Petition for Referendum on Greek Life Sparks Discussion A petition calling for a referendum on the existence of Greek life on campus received the signatures of more than 10% of the student body, kicking off a heated debate about the nature and scope of Greek life. PAGE 3 Students Create Ethnic Studies Course Prompted by the lack of an Ethnic Studies program at the college, a group of students have created a course which melds personal experience with critical theories. PAGE 5 Student Council Works to Create Comprehensive Guide Two members of Student Council want to create a student resource guide, seeking to

centralize and continuously update all information about student life. PAGE 7

LIVING & ARTS

ing your rommates’ space when the time comes. PAGE 11

OPINIONS

Clothing for Curves Gaby Campoverde reviews a trendy Philly boutique for women of all sizes and recommends two of her favorite online retailers.

PAGE 6 Screwed Roommates Seek Love Despite consensus on the awkwardness of Swarthmore’s favorite costume party, rommates continue to search for love for the person they know best. PAGE 10

Freedom and the Greek Life Referendum Aaron contends that, despite criticism, the inherent exclusivity of Greek Life justifies the referendum on its existence. PAGE 12 Greek Life Referendum Constitutes a Dangerous Precedent Tyler argues that the Greek Life referendum will not start a conversation but instead shut down productive conversation.

PAGE 12

Double Indulgence: Working Out Roommate Kinks

The Phoenix’s resident sex columnist gives the low-down on talking to roommates about sexiling and protocol for respect-

a plan he believes the presidency of Barack Obama has initiated. PAGE 13 Swarthmore Hosts Summit on Fossil Fuel Divestment Patrick highlights the “divestment convergence” set to take place at Swarthmore this weekend and sets forward a plan for advancing renewable energy technology.

PAGE 14

SPORTS Illegal PEDs Not a Problem on Campus After yet another steroid scandal in professional sports, we take a look at NCAA and Swarthmore policy toward performance enhancing drugs. PAGE 15 The Rise and Fall of Paul Gascoigne

Looking Past Obama: The Future of Liberalism Craig lays out a comprehensive plan for liberal policy-making in decades to come,

Jamie says that Gascoigne, aka Gazza, was a talent to behold on the soccer field. But personal problems kept him from achieving his full potential. PAGE 16

News

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

PAGE 3

The Phoenix

191 Sign Petition For Greek Life Referendum Planning Committee Will Be Formed to Discuss Effective Forums For Dialogue

By SARAH COE-ODESS News Writer

When a petition calling for a referendum on the existence of Greek life was posted last Thursday, the future of Phi Psi, Delta Upsilon, and Kappa Alpha Theta became the basis of discussion across campus. The petition needed signatures from at least 10 percent of the student body in order to call for a referendum. Although as of 9:05 p.m. on Feb 20 the petition has received 188 signatures, well over the requirement, a Student Council meeting this past Monday clarified that a referendum will not occur in the immediate future.

“It was decided that the referendum would not be officially proposed at this time until after a facilitated campus dialogue,” StuCo Co-President Victor Brady ’13 said. “StuCo has offered its support in the creation and organization of such a constructive dialogue.”

Student Council’s Elections Committee must organize any student-proposed referendum, and once a person or a student group officially submits a referendum to StuCo, the committee must hold the election within two weeks.

Joyce Wu ’15, who started the petition

after The Phoenix published a staff editorial that called for the referendum, mainly attributed this sudden action to Theta’s recent creation. While for her the ideal outcome would be abolishing Swarthmore’s Greek life altogether, the goal was to start a discussion.

“I want to make it very clear that there is a divide between my personal goals and the goal of the petition I started,” she said.

“I personally have an investment in seeing Greek life gone from the campus, but far more important right now is opening up dialogue about Greek life and the influence it has on campus. If after that dialogue we have a referendum and it doesn’t go the way I want it to go, I would be fine with that as long as we have a productive discussion.”

Wu, who has encountered polarized attitudes on both sides in the past week, feels that Greek life has an overall negative effect on campus and promotes excessive drinking. She also believes that the fraternities also cause discomfort for several nonGreek students.

“Drinking culture is not about individual people,” she said. “It’s about the effect it has on a group. I think that the culture of doing it within this fraternity space and with your fraternity brothers makes the

drinking sort of ritualized and less casual than it is just among friends.”

Some students who have no affiliation with Greek life disagreed that the fraternities and new sorority negatively impact Swarthmore’s social scene.

“Greek life is something that worried me when I arrived as a freshman on campus,” Elyse Tierney ’15 said. “As a queer– identifying female, I felt like the frats had the potential to be at the very least an uncomfortable place for me to be. Luckily, I happened to meet some of the boys from the frats, and they convinced me to attend some of their parties, where I felt welcomed and eventually comfortable.”

Tierney added that the fraternities have never caused her discomfort and that she believes their benefits outweigh the negatives.

Although Wu admits that she has little knowledge about the opposing perspectives and about Greek life in general, she feels that this gives even more reason for a dialogue that includes all sides. All Greek life representatives, as well as Dean of Students Liz Braun, declined to comment until further discussion occurs.

“The silence on the part of Greek organizations is troubling to me, because I’ve

heard them express the desire on a DG article earlier this semester for non-anonymous conversation about alcohol culture at the frats, and now they don’t seem to be engaging in that,” Wu said. “So that’s concerning to me. I would not be comfortable with the referendum going on if there were no conversations preceding it.”

To alleviate this concern, Wu plans to organize at least one moderated discussion in the coming weeks, which she hopes will include deans, people in favor of the referendum, and members of the fraternities and sorority. She has already been in contact with First-Year Dean and Gender Education Advisor Karen Henry, Junior Dean and Director of the Black Cultural Center Karlene Burrell-McRae, and Sophomore Dean and Director of the Intercultural Center Alina Wong about holding this discussion.

Wu intends to form a planning committee that will meet for the next few weeks to discuss the kind of forums that might be most effective. She will be hosting the first of these meetings in Kohlberg 334 tonight at 8:30; all students are welcome.

Joyce Wu is the Chief Copy Editor for The Phoenix. She had no role in the production of this article.

‘Keystone XL,’ continued from page 1 that we pressure Obama,” she said.

The end of the rally does not mark the end of Swarthmore students’ involvement in issues of climate change. Swarthmore Mountain Justice is hosting a convergence, called “Power Up!” at the college on the weekend of Feb. 22. Over 180 students from colleges across the nation are expected to attend. The gathering will discuss the issue of divestment, explore ways in which to promote the cause on college campuses and exchange tactics on how to further divestment campaigns countrywide.

“I think it says there’s a ton of student energy on climate change right now and I think divestment is just another manifesta-

tion of that energy. I believe that if we have channels to focus that energy, we’ll be able to potentially lead a real transition,” said Rigell of the convergence.

Ammerman viewed the rally as a positive opportunity for Swarthmore students who are interested in issues of environmental justice. “I think rallies are just a great experience, especially because Swarthmore students can sometimes get trapped in the bubble here. Having conversations with people who might be living on the front lines or might be organizing in a completely different community and seeing the diversity of groups represented really helps you bring something back to Swarthmore.”

Swarthmore students get off the bus in Washington, D.C. to join the process.

50,000 gathered in front of the White House to protest the Keystone XL pipeline this past Sunday. Domella Dotan ’15 and Nathan Siegel ’15 were among the 62 Swarthmore students there.

COURTESTY OF NORA KERRICH

COURTESTY OF NORA KERRICH

News

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix

College Holds Intellectual Property Forum

By COLE GRAHAM News Writer A panel of professors and President Rebecca Chopp intrepidly tackled the question “Who Owns an Idea?” this past Tuesday as part of a round table discussion hosted by the Writing Associates Program. Intellectual property remains one of the most frequently debated and seemingly unanswerable issues among academics.

The panel featured professors from a variety of disciplines and in addition to President Chopp, included education professor Diane Anderson, astronomy Professor Eric Jensen, anthropology professor Maya Nadkarni, and computer science professor Ammet Soni.

When asked about how she managed to bring together such an interdisciplinary group, Rachel Crane ’13, the outreach coordinator for the WA Program, said, “Professors were really enthusiastic. I think it’s a testament to the greatness of a small, liberal arts college.”

Each panelist spoke for five minutes, followed by a discussion moderated by Crane that included input from the audience. Chopp was the first panelist to speak, looking at idea ownership from the perspective of the college’s Quaker founders and examining where intellectual transgressions such as plagiarism fit into their beliefs.

“The community can only know the way forward by hearing each and every voice,” said Chopp, echoing the Quaker emphasis on consensus. She added that any act of plagiarism thus constituted “a betrayal of the trust of the community.”

Jensen, the second panelist to speak, brought a relatively different perspective as a physical scientist. He considered scientists’ dealings with facts and falsifiable claims and how those affected academic thought in different scientific fields.

“Who owns the idea that Earth goes around the sun?” he asked, “We all own it in a sense.”

Jensen continued to discuss the issue of scientists’ desire for credit for their work, and mentioned the enigma of classified scientific information such as certain physical proper-

Rebecca Chop, Eric Jensen, and Maya Nadkarni discuss intellectual property at a forum held in Bond Memorial Hall.

ties of uranium and plutonium. “It’s weird to think about a constant of nature being classified,” he said.

Nadkarni offered the anthropologist’s perspective to idea ownership, discussing how it affects academics in her field and how it affects the subjects anthropologists study.

“What qualifies as an idea? What defines ownership? What value is given to innovation and creation over tradition?” she asked. Her discussion mentioned how anthropologists fight for freer access to journal articles and the use of Western intellectual property ideas for cultural protection by indigenous groups. She also talked about the role of an interpretative field such as anthropology in analyzing ideas of their subjects.

Soni approached the question from a legal

AROUND HIGHER EDUCATION

Penn Museum Partners With Pig Farm To Dispose Waste

By JEREMY JICK www.thedp.com, Feb 19, 2013 When someone throws out food at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, it doesn’t go to a landfill, but instead to a pig farm in New Jersey.

In the next few weeks, Penn Museum will launch a new composting project. Instead of combining food waste with normal trash and sending it to the dump, there will now be separate containers for food waste, which will be picked up and used as feed for pigs at a farm in Sewell, N.J. “We’re hoping that within the month we will have the program up and running,” said Brian McDevitt, Penn Museum’s director of building operations and a leader of this project.

The program is funded by the Green Fund, which is part of the Penn Green Campus Partnership.

While the museum waits for R Shisler Farms, Inc. to send containers for the food waste, the project’s leaders have been working with the museum’s art department to plan the colors and decorations of the new containers.

“We’re going to make up something catchy, maybe with a pig on there, that will appeal to the kids and raise their awareness,” McDevitt said.

“When they come here to visit the museum they will get involved in the process.”

Following pickup from the museum, the food waste will then be transported to the farm, where it will be cooked at high temperatures until it becomes “a soupy mixture,” McDevitt added. This mixture will then be fed to the pigs.

Most of the food waste will originate from the museum’s Peppermill Café, which is operated by Restaurant Associates, as well as catered

events and packed lunches from children who visit on field trips.

“It’s not just produce,” Melissa Smith, the museum’s chief operating officer, said. “You’d be able to throw away chicken bones.”

McDevitt added, “It’s good for the environment. It’s even cost-efficient because you’re throwing less stuff in the dumpsters.”

The idea for this project stemmed from McDevitt’s former position as the facilities manager of Reading Terminal Market. With approximately 85 merchants, McDevitt found a way to minimize waste and maximize sustainability with Shisler Farms.

In addition to being able to make good use of the museum’s food waste, Shisler Farms is also local. The drive from Penn takes less than 20 minutes without traffic.

McDevitt describes the farm as “a real ‘mom and pop organization.’”

This is also a step towards sustainability for the museum.

“We are excited about the Penn Museum’s new initiative and are looking forward to future partnerships around sustainability at the museum,” Dan Garofalo, environmental sustainability coordinator at Facilities and Real Estate Services, said.

Penn Museum hopes that other organizations on campus will also be interested in this sort of project.

McDevitt explained, “I am hoping that when we kick it off here that maybe other institutions down here that have waste will jump on the bandwagon, and he’ll be able to pick up their stuff as well.”

Smith added, “We’ll be saving some money on this, as well as feeding the pigs.”

angle with an analysis of the state of patent law in the U.S. “You cannot patent an algorithm,” he said, while proceeding to reference the legal loopholes that many devious companies take advantage of to make money off of patent lawsuits.

Anderson was the last to speak.

“I became interested in who owns an idea when I was kid,” she said, continuing to tell a story about an intellectual property lawsuit her grandfather’s cinderblock company was embroiled in. She also talked about how she helps her students avoid plagiarism.

“I explicitly ask students to write down the brilliant ideas of one another,” she said. “This puts a face on who owns and honors the contributions of emerging scholars.”

PHOTO BY JULIA CARLETON/THE PHOENIX

Razi Shaban ’16 said he attended the talk because he was intrigued by the interdisciplinary list of people speaking, and that “the idea of it was really interesting.”

“I was surprised they didn’t have a philosopher,” said Andrés Cordero ’16, who also attended, although he noted that Chopp’s analysis of Quaker principles adequately represented the humanities.

The idea of a round table discussion began last year amid discussion between Crane and other WA Program leaders. Planning did not begin in earnest until this past semester. The idea for the talk began with an interest in “having faculty explore their writing process,” said Crane. The primary topic soon morphed into one that is at the center of many academic and legal debates: Who Owns an Idea?

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

News

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The Phoenix

Week In Pictures

Students Create Ethnic Studies Course

By AIDAN PANTOJA News Writer

JUSTIN SOMEONE/THE PHOENIX

David Hill ’13, dressed as a hula dancer, and Jenni Walsh’ 15, a Hawaiian tourist, enjoy a meal at Screw Your Roommate.

JUSTIN SOMEONE/THE PHOENIX

Kiera James ’15 and Andrew Karas ’15 enjoy a (smoke-free) cigarette, dressed as characters from the musical Chicago.

HOLLY?THE PHOENIX

Members of the comedy group Boy Meets Tractor get silly at their pre-Screw Your Roommate show last Friday.

The lack of an Ethnic Studies department at the college prompted a group of ten determined students to establish a course in the field for the spring semester.

Students involved see the class as part of a broader struggle for Ethnic Studies on campus.

The course, titled “Locations of Self: Introduction to Ethnic and Cultural Studies,” meets every Tuesday evening for three hours and is primarily studentrun and student-led.

During the semester students will complete two analytical essays, take turns facilitating class discussions, and prepare an auto-ethnographic piece for the final project.

Although the class is primarily student-run, Director of the Intercultural Center and Sophomore Class Dean Alina Wong, and Visiting Assistant Professor of Gender & Sexuality Studies Anna Ward attend each class session to give lectures and to help facilitate discussion.

Wong became involved with the class this semester due to her former relationships with the students, her position as director of the intercultural center, and her research in higher education and cultural dtudies. The Gender and Sexuality Studies department houses the new course for various reasons. “Ethnic Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies are very closely linked and interrelated,” Wong said.

There is no concrete Ethnic Studies program on campus, although there are myriad classes that relate to the study of race and ethnicity. This course is the second installment of a similar Ethnic Studies course that was offered during the fall semester of 2012.

Wong said that students had attempted to establish an Ethnic Studies program for four to six years, and eventually took it upon themselves to create a course.

The students collaborated with each other to develop a syllabus which takes components of a course Wong previously taught at the University of St. Thomas in their Higher Education Administration program and adds student input, resulting in a “hybrid student-run class,” as Wong describes it. Madeleine Reichman ’13, who is in the class, said she appreciated the class specifically because of its collaborative approach to learning.

Since the 10 students in the class constructed the syllabus, they pursue personally relevant subjects and ideas. For example, in the autoethnographic assignment, students will utilize theories learned throughout the semester to “actually think through their own individual and social locations and identities,” according to Reichman. Reichman described that the students’ experiences act as a form of knowledge which contributes to the structure and material of the class discussions.

Students engage in an exploration of the various critical theories that form the background of Ethnic Studies. Through weekly readings, written reflections, autoethnographic memoirs, and discussions, students contemplate how social identities inform perspectives. The class touches upon social reproduction theories, feminist theory, critical race theory, gender theories, queer theory and decolonization theory.

During this week’s seminar, students compared and contrasted decolonization methods with postcolonial studies, focusing on how each differs and overlaps in terms of political orientation.

Reichman compared her Ethnic Studies class to an economics class at the college, saying that she could apply theory learned in the class to “how my life is being constructed right now.” To her, there is no separation between what she is learning in this Ethnic Studies class and her life as a student at Swarthmore.

According to Wong, the introduction of the course is particularly powerful because the students’ determination to establish this class honors the history of student activism in the field of Ethnic Studies. Hopefully, the actions of the ten students involved will lead to the establishment of a legitimate Ethnic Studies program at the college in the near future.

HOLLY?THE PHOENIX

Nate Cheek ’15 and Estefania Brambila ’15 participate dressed as monkeys at the Boy Meets Tractor show.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Living & Arts

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The Phoenix

Plus-Size Options, More to Move from Online Shopping and Philly Boutiques It was upon a suggestion of one of exclusive to ASOS Curve. my readers that I decided to write this What is most admirable about the feature. Everyone loves slipping into collection is that it is not limiting. There something that can potentially trans- is everything from everyday trousers to form their outlook on the day. As silly trench coats and perfect accessories to as it may sound, the perfect more formal draped dresses. sundress or button-down can Great deals strike the sale GABRIELA section allow you to walk into a room where you can find a CAMPOVERDE simple black shift dress, bound more confidently. While some stores and boutiques do cater to be used over and over again, Smart Swat Shopping to a curvy women, it is somefor around $44 or even a skull times difficult to find stores design t-shirt for $19. that house trendy clothing and Besides this collection, also serve a younger generation.

ASOS also offers a comparable materBETTIE PAGE nity and petite collection. There is also Inspired by the queen of pin-ups, this a marketplace feature which allows Rittenhouse Square boutique promises customers to buy new, used, or vintage flattering and fun dresses. Bettie Page items from other individuals or a small also sells separates and accessories. online boutique. Be sure not to miss Rating: 4 / 5 the accessories and shoes departments Price: $$$ ASOS provides. As a large corporation, 1605 Walnut St they are bound to gather an assortment Philadelphia, PA 19103 of different brand in addition to their (267) 909-9125 in-house brand. Brands include New www.bettiepageclothing.com Look, Mango, and Dr. Martens.

“Sexy comes in every size” seems to While many prefer not to shop onbe the motto for Bettie Page. This bou- line due to shipping fees, there is good tique offers all sizes up to a 4X and is news — ASOS has free shipping and reinspired by Bettie Page, a former 1950s turns. This feature makes it easy to ormodel famous for her pin-up photo- der more than one size and return the graphs. In its Rittenhouse Square loca- extra one if you are doubting an item’s tion, the pink room has a dozen racks fit. of lovely and unique merchandise.

In case you are wondering, the corFor the upcoming warm weather, rection pronunciation of ASOS is Asundresses like the Black Floratina Sauce. Just another way the retailer ab($86) are perfect. Its vintage-inspired sorbs the British culture into its brand. look demands attention and its inter- DORTHYPERKINS.com esting shape makes any woman’s assets This British clothing retailer caters to more flattering, plump and full. women, providing petite, tall, and maFor the office, there are dresses like ternity collections, and everything from the Gigi Black Dress ($124), a fitted ver- lingerie to jersey tops and denim. sion of Audrey Hepburn’s Breakfast at Rating: 3.5 / 5 Tiffany’s shift dress, and the Secretary Price: $$ Pencil ¾ Sleeve Dress in green ($144).

Brands like Billie & Blossom, KarThese dresses are far from subtle and dashian Kollection, Doll & Frog and are advertised to have at least some hint Izabel London dominate the British reof provocative. tail shop. For U.S. customers, the online Although most of the dresses and shopping website serves as a replaceseparates are fun and flirty and perfect ment. Dorothy Perkins is best for womfor a confident look, they can some- en who do not want to get bored with times be a bit too out there. Again, the their clothing and have an eclectic taste. pin-up look does highly influence ev- Think of a mixture between Forever 21 ery piece, so some make you look as if and Topshop. you are literally stepping back in time.

There is a lot of to appreciate about A piece like the Bail Out Circle Dress the collections available here. There are (previously $122, now $90), a striped plenty everyday pieces like the Black dress with button shoulder details and Waffle Prom Dress ($39), a black circle a tight red belt, is a prime example. It dress, and the Black Striped Shell Top hugs your body tightly and had a high, ($39), a striped top with a brushed efsolid colored neckline. fect. The options are more affordable.

Visiting Bettie Page was definitely I am very particular about clothing a fun and entertaining experience. I with embroidery, prints and sequins, would most definitely try to find a fun so the brands at Dorothy Perkins fail to dress here sometime. impress me. Some prints are too boring ASOS.com and fail as statement pieces. Moreover, This U.K. based online clothing re- some are unattractive and decrease the tailer has taken the world by storm since overall quality of the piece. its 2000 debut. ASOS sells clothing and However, although the merchandise accessories for men and women. is affordable and the quality is decent, Rating: 4.5 / 5 many customers complain about the Price: $$$ customer service. I have never bought This website had my debit card at its anything from one of its stores and canminimum balance for over two months not confirm this. last year. It ate up every one of my payRegardless, there are great ways to checks and consumed most of my time. get deals here, even outside the sale The best thing about ASOS: trends run section. Now through Feb. 24, you can this website. receive a 25 percent discount in honor ASOS offers ASOS Curve to provide of Fashion Week. Dorothy Perkins also flattering clothing for women with a offers a student discount for online purfuller figure. The collection is not dif- chases. Simply submit a form with your ferent from ASOS usual merchandise; student identification information, and hence, there is overlap with ASOS’s you are eligible to receive an automatic mainline. However, it is selective. Styles, discount all year round. which reach a size U.S. 22, are chosen Check out the website yourself to see according to which items would look if you find anything worth getting your well on a curvier woman, and some are hands on.

OUTSIDE the BUBBLE 30TH STREET CRAFT MARKET

BY GABRIELA CAMPOVERDE

30th Street Station Saturday, Feb. 23rd, 11am—5pm Better late than never. The Craft Market that should have taken place last weekend is rescheduled due to weather conditions for this weekend.

Thirty local artisans and vendors will showcase their art, jewelry, clothing and stationery. Some to look out for include The Captain’s Vintage (vintage clothing), As The Crow Flies & Co. (handmade jewlry), and The Lettered Set (stationery).

NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY Distrito Restaurant Friday, February 22, 4-7 p.m.

Stop by this modern Mexican restuarant and celebrate with half-priced margaritas. On top of that, enjoy Chef José Gares’s food specials and the legendary Herradura Suprema Margarita, a $50 margarita which comes in a glass signed by the chef himself. Proceeds from this drink benefits Garces Family Foundation, which assists Philly’s in need immigrant families. Food specials include tamales, chicken and steak skewers, and cheesy corn dishes, all ranging from $4-8.

BIG GIGANTIC

The Electric Factory Saturday, Feb. 23rd Enjoy music from Colorado’s hiphop, jazz, and livetronica duo this weekend at the one of Philly’s beloved music venues. Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken will blow you away for a few hours as they perform using their high-energy, improvisational DJ-style production. This is most definitely one of the live performances you cannot miss out on. Grab some friends and grab some tickets!

SPODEE SPIKED FOOD TRUCK ROUNDUP The Piazza Saturday, Feb. 23rd

Let’s face the fact. Food trucks are true love. Take advantage of this food marathon and head downtown to check out trucks from The Philadelphia Mobile Food Association. These trucks are hosting the event alongside Spodee, a wine company, and are competing against each other to prepare the best spiked appetizer. Among those participating are The Cow and The Curd (famous for their battered fried cheese curd), Jimmies Cupcakes, and Kachi Truck (Korean food with an epic twist).

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

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Continued from page 1 stage, completely ignorant of the activity onstage. She sits at a desk, lit by a lamp, complete with bottles of hairspray, makeup, a mirror and face products. At various points within the performance, the stage goes black, and we are directed to the girl seated at her desk. What is so creepy about her presence is that she spends the 45 minutes getting ready to go out with friends.

She begins by blow drying her short hair, then she shaves, then she takes off her robe, puts on a bra, puts on a girdle, adds hair extensions, puts on a short black dress and heels. At the end of the piece, she simply gets up and walks across the stage to apparently go out with friends. Comfort, in deciding to represent two worlds, and in essence two narratives, contextualizes her work. That is to say, on the stage we see a meditation on this notion of beauty and sadly, on the side, we see a woman who is completely engulfed in it, and suffers from it. This choreographic choice makes her message that much more poignant.

While it can be argued that Comfort’s approach is rather heteronormative — male dancers are almost always the voice overs that shout insults or promote the mutilation of the female image — there is room to see her work as a commentary on the fluidity of sexuality and gender. While Poe is of the opinion that Jane Comfort could have taken her exploration of beauty a step further and tackled “how the idea of beauty really impacts a psychology and how they become embedded” and how the “really affect humanity at a very physical, instinctual, and even impulsive level,” he appreciates how the piece was “liberated in terms of one’s relationship to gender, sexual orientation.” The subversive potential of the piece then is how, using gender identity, it exploring looked at ‘the way

things function now in society, asking what’s wrong and what can be better.” In this context, what “can be better” are the fixed boxes women and men are meant to occupy.

Karim Sariahmed ’13, a dancer, choreographer, and member of the “Making Moves” Project, however, found the blatant intentionality of the images and voice-overs subversive. While it was “easy to identify...a lot of the reference to cultural things that particularly women do to beauty themselves both literally and figuratively,” the exaggerated expression of these actions “revealed how ridiculous they are and how arbitrary performative gender identity, and how beauty is defined within that identity, is.”

For Sariahmed, the use of voice-overs was integral in the exaggeration of these ideas. “I guess people a lot of the times value subtlety in art ‘if you are writing a poem about love you don’t use the word love’ but the point is that these things are not subtle at all but are overbearing and overwhelmingly present in everyday life,” he said.

In her second piece, Underground River (1998), Comfort took a very distinct approach to storytelling. While the voiceovers were still important, this piece was much more of a visual spectacle. The dancers’ bodies become the vehicle through which Comfort builds the “rich fantasy life of an unconscious girl.” Much like the workshops Comfort held at Swarthmore on Thursday and Saturday, this piece utilizes voice and the ways in which chanting, humming and harmonizing can communicate emotion and narrative.

It is important to note that these songs often did not feature words, but rather, much resembled scatting. These vocalizations also resembled the “folk” tradition, having a tone of storytelling and mysti-

cism. This choice gave meaning to the imagination of the young girl. She sings in her mind only in a way that she can understand. However, these senseless song, when coupled with the voice-overs that were also cryptic in meaning, often made the piece hard to follow. “It was harder for me to follow...I didn’t get that they were representing her fantasy world...and maybe I would have appreciated it more if I knew the context,” Sariahmed said.

Unlike Beauty, where the message was pretty much force-fed to its viewers, Comfort wanted Underground River to be a dive into the more obscure. Comfort suggests, then, that the imagination of this young girl, and her limited interactions with the “real” world is something that cannot be communicated accurately with words.

Arguably the most impactful moment of the piece was the puppet scene. To visually represent the freedom the young girl experiences in her own mind, Comfort paired up with Basil Twist to create a fabric puppet that the dancers assemble onstage. Each of the four dancers grabs a stick which controls a different part of the puppet’s body, including its arms, legs and torso. Then, the puppet comes to life, at first waking up, then dancing, and finally soaring through the sky as the chant “hee yaw uh huh huh” in a happy, light tone.

This puppet is graceful and beautiful as it is manipulated by the dancers who also incorporate it in their own movements.

At the end, they float him down to the ground, as if asleep again. The puppet’s journey, then, is one not marked by gravity or impossibilities. Instead, the puppet dances and flies and sleeps effortlessly.

For Sariahmed, Comfort’s use of this puppet is very reflective of her dedication to breaking from the mold of choreographic expression. As she expressed in

her workshops, “people tend to have natural rules and go-tos and almost biases...assumptions that they make when thinking about how you should do a certain movement, or how long that movement should go on.” She opts for material that is interesting and charged. In other words, Comfort attempts to identify her own “go-to”s and then invert them, do the unexpected.

The puppet was such an effective way to push assumptions about what choreography can or should be. It is almost uncanny how much the small puppet, a frail, 10-inch tall piece of silk, was able to draw an affective reaction from the viewers because it was so alive with symbolism.

After this manipulation of the puppet, the dancers perform one last routine to the sound of dripping water and a woman’s voice asking for “Kara” to respond to her touch. It becomes clear Kara’s parents are losing faith in her recovery. It ends with feathers falling from the top of the stage, lit by a frosty pink overhead lighting cue.

Kara is dead it seems. And even though we didn’t know much about her, we mourn her and the beauty of the underground river of her imagination.

In bringing Jane Comfort to Swarthmore, the Cooper Foundation succeeded in “enriching” the college with “guest speakers and performers in music, film, dance, and theatre who show promise of distinguished achievement.” While much could be said of the superficiality of “Beauty” or the ambiguity in “Underground River,” both are innovative negotiations of dance, theatre and digital media with the ultimate goal of making a social critique. Both pieces make strong statements about the things we take for granted and explore the tension between freedom in and enslavement to our minds and our societies.

COURTESY OF ARTHUR ELGORT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2013

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The Phoenix

DORM DIVE

Things That Make Us Happy

By MAYRA TENORIO Living & Arts Writer

MARTIN FROGER SILVA/THE PHOENIX

The infamous Willets dorm is the best place to live for four sophomore roommates.

Estefania Brambila-Olmedo, Tamsin TrueAlcala, Kate Wiseman, and Eve DiMagno reside in a two-room quad on the second floor of Willets.

The wall surrounding the door that opens up to Brambila-Olmedo and True-Alcala’s double is decorated with magazine cutouts and pictures of stars and galaxies. BrambilaOlmedo has chosen to spice up the rather dull hallway by routinely decorating the space. “Estefania likes to change it up,” TrueAlcala said, noting that there have been several themes throughout the year. Past themes include Halloween, Christmas, Fall, ‘Welcome Back’ and, until recently, Valentine’s Day, which included a festive chair and a basket with a sign inviting passersby to take some chocolate Kisses.

Once inside, a large window on the far right stretching from the floor to the ceiling brightens up the room. The left side is Brambila-Olmedo’s and it is decorated with “things that made me happy,” she said. These things include “Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Mountains, Mexico, and happiness,” Wiseman explained. There are posters featuring these interests on the wall alongside her bed, along with a dream catcher and a square mirror. Under her bed is a three-drawer plastic container full of snacks, including granola bars and Clif bars in the first drawer, Mexican candy in the second, and cookies in the last. Wiseman assured me that Brambila-Olmedo “will always offer you food.”

There is a closet near the entrance of the room, followed by a dresser with a shelf topper. Adjacent to the dresser is Brambila-Olmedo’s desk, which is also adorned with the things she loves, including rock climbing images, photographs, a speaking Indiana Jones doll, and frisbees. “I’m a sporadic member of the [Swarthmore frisbee] team and I attend all the social events,” Brambila-Olmedo said.

She is also in SBC, The Outsiders club, ENLACE, Boys Meet Tractor alongside roommate Wiseman, and a tour guide for admissions.

Roommate True-Alcala was supposedly pushed to decorate by Brambila-Olmedo, who insisted “I like to look at pretty stuff when I’m studying.” True-Alcala, who expressed an interest in art, proudly displays three of her own paintings by her bed, which lies adjacent to the left wall of the room. “I like the color [it adds]” she mentioned. There is also a world map and a green poster she randomly found one day and decided to keep.

The focus of the room is definitely a white sofa chair True-Alcala’s parents bought her at the Friends’ Meeting House’s Jumble Sale last semester. “It was covered in cat hair,” noted True-Alcala, who just happens to be allergic.

“My poor mom had to take it all off.” Regardless, “it’s a really awesome chair” she admitted.

A door between Brambila-Olmedo’s desk and bed leads to DiMagno’s and Wiseman’s double. Another tall window brightens the room and Wiseman noted that the friends “have a great view.” The passage between

Willets and McCabe leading up to Parrish Circle and the Rose Garden is in view, yet Wiseman admits the view of Swatties traveling up the hill is the best part. “It’s really funny to see people [sprinting up the path] when they’re late.”

Wiseman mentioned that the “walls are very representative of our personalities.”

Wiseman is vegan and admits to “loving animals.” She has a stuffed Highland cow on her bed and a picture of a turkey named Shannon. Wiseman admits “my friends thought Shannon was a little judgmental” which is why they have put her up on the wall, to serve as a deterrent for “unacceptable” behavior. Hanging on the wall is also one of her own paintings and over her desk are pictures of her friends.

“We used to have a kangaroomate” Wiseman recalled. The nearly four foot tall stuffed kangaroo belonged to old roommate Abigail Frank who is now studying abroad. “We dressed her up in hats and jackets” Wiseman said.

The warped mirror is the highlight of this room. The roommates noticed the farther away they stood from the mirror, the fatter they looked. Modeled after Harry Potter’s ‘Mirror of Erised’, the roommates placed a sign over the mirror that reads ‘The Mirror of ME ETSE Fles Wol’ (The Mirror of Low Self Esteem), with the phrase ‘Unless you’re Callen Rain’ in parenthesis under it. “Everyone hates [the mirror]” Wiseman explained, “except Callen. He likes to look at his muscles, it makes them look bigger,” she added.

New roommate DiMagno moved from a Mary Lyons single into the double with Wiseman. The move to Willets worked perfectly according to DiMagno, who explained that Kate needed a roommate after Abigail went abroad, and she was lonely tucked away in her ML single. DiMagno and Wiseman are on the swim team together. She described her decorations as “stuff I brought from home which fit in my suitcase,” including postcards from friends that hang on the wall next to her bed, wooden chemistry blocks found on her desk, and a tapestry with orange and green designs that her grandmother got in India. A drawing of DiMagno’s ‘Hunky Midwestern Dream Man’ also lies over her bed; she explained that he is a shirtless man from Nebraska.

All four roommates have lived in Mary Lyons; DiMagno last semester and the other three during their freshman year. “As freshman it’s really fun, but not as sophomores,” Wiseman said, who realized how many Swatties she didn’t know this year after being tucked away in ML. For True-Alcala, Willets “[is] really convenient” and she admits “it’s nice to be on campus.”

Aside from the bad smell of the carpet when she first moved in, Wiseman also loves Willets, explaining that “it’s right behind McCabe and it’s very social,” plus the “second floor is not too insane.” Brambila-Olmedo did mention the bathroom next door can be quite loud. “We can hear the shower, the paper towel dispenser, and even private conversations” she said. DiMagno likes living in Willets.

She described her single in ML as “really lonely.” Her three new roommates and Willets’ spirited culture have surely changed that.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

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SELECTIONS

When is the moment?

Photographs by DANIEL Y. CHO

Patience is satisfying. When I see something, my camera elevates and holds its position there. It doesn’t snap immediately, but takes its time observing and focusing in on the new view. Though I sweat, I don’t mind suspending my own body in time because I am sure something will come of it. For a satisfying image, I know the camera has to be held the way it wants to be.

In the frame, people introduce themselves and quickly disappear in the next. We welcome all. It doesn’t matter if people walk in because how they relate to the rest of the compositional elements is more important than who walks in. I think of taking pictures like going through a casting interview process for a loosely written script. You’re open to new interpretations of your characters, but you know who won’t work.

However, when the right piece comes by, you better react quickly because it is already moving onto the next frame.

AT

1| ...Kohlb erg

For me, people are not separate from their environment. They are a part of it. They are no more significant than the chair or the slab of blue. Seeing them as design elements, the visual narrative begins to write itself by how well people are nestled into the frame in relation to color and form.

People who introduce themselves should be situated so that they are seamlessly integrated as a complementary, not dominant, force. Patience facilitates this creation.

Photographs can inform how people see space around themselves and how space situates people within itself. If an image can successfully capture this dialogue, a blending in and interconnection of color, form, and subject will be evident. No one element will take over, but will negotiate and find its according place within the frame.

When all of these come together—I click

2| ... Fargo Charism Camp

3 | . . . N YC P u b l i c L i b r a r y

4 | . . . N YC p a r k

5|...Grand C entral Station

6|...McC ab e L ibrar y

PAGE 10

Living & Arts

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix

Screwed Roomates Seek Love ... Again

Turnout Persists Despite Acknowledged “Awkwardness”

By MIREILLE GUY Living & Arts Writer

Components required for a successful Screw: a costume (preferably embarrassing), dinner on a paper plate, a sense of humor, and hopefully a reliable roommate.

Screw Your Roommate is one of those Swat marvels that could only happen here, and it remains one of the most popular social occasions of the semester. When asked about how they viewed Swarthmore’s version of blind dating, most students described the event as either “fun” or “awkward,” usually the second one though. Yet Sharples was buzzing Saturday night, filled with students dressed as suns and moons, lifeguards and swimmers, and Lilos and Stiches.

Despite its awkwardness, Swatties were happy to get another opportunity to meet new people.

“Screw gives you the opportunity to meet people you don’t run in the same circle with, someone you wouldn’t run into” one junior said. “It’s interesting to see who your friends think you are compatible with.”

Screw is a chance to see how well your roommate (or friend) knows you.

Has your roommate picked up on the fact that you’ve been eyeing a certain someone in your stat class or that you’re

into fencers/debaters/bio majors? Screw dates often get set up weeks in advance, highlighting not only the popularity of the event but also the importance roommates can place on finding a good match. There is often particular excitement among freshmen who are unsure about how this strange tradition actually goes down.

“People can be pretty hopeful about Screw” says Murphy Austin ’16. “No matter what, though, you get a good story from it.”

This seems to be the attitude with which most students go into Screw with.

The whole occasion is harmless, with the worst outcome being that you met someone new. And if the conversation lulls with your date, you can easily make fun of everyone’s costumes.

The costumes are as idiosyncratic as the event itself, making it hard to take Screw seriously when you’re dressed up like a cupcake. Some sweet costumes that were featured Saturday included Firefox and Chrome, Obama with two smartly dressed secret service agents and Michelle, NASA and an alien, a carrot and Bugs Bunny, and gender role reversed Pocahontas and John Smith.

With Swatties dressed up as dorky as they are, the room was buzzing and was a fun place to be.

JUSTIN TORAN-BURRELL/THE PHONEIX

Comic by RENU NADKARNI

GABRIELA CAMPOVERDE/ THE PHOENIX

Diane Watson and Dobby cuddle on the steps in front of Parrish.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

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The Phoenix

Double Indulgence: Working Out Roomie Kinks Brush Up on Basic Sexiling Courtesy With Your Roommate The housing lottery is fast approaching. Finding a roommate can be a stressful process.

We’re Swatties, after all, and we have a tendency to perceive most tasks, big or small, significant or insignificant, hard or soft, as stressful. It’s part of our charm.

Now, I don’t mean to add any more shit to your shitstorm, but along with VIANCA finding MASUCCI a roomMissing Parts mate that is “mad chill” and shares your propensities for late nights, you may want to find a roommate that shares your ideas about sex. Or, at least, is flexible enough to adjust. I know that you may believe this falls under the “mad chill” umbrella. However, don’t wait until your pelvic-pillow is prodding through your panties to find out which way this is going to go. You may not come to a satisfying conclusion when it is most important. Instead of waiting for the vibrator to drop, you should speak directly to your potential roomie and negotiate sexile terms before you enter the lottery together.

Trust me when I say that one foul blockmate makes a fouler cock-block. To prevent black eyes and blue balls, I’ve created this guide to sexiling:

be a good starting point for night. If you have an imprompStarting Up tu sex session, a phone call or It may be really uncom- your own conversation. text is required at the very least. fortable for you to suddenly strike up a conversation about Time: I think that two hours is The old tie-on-the-door sign the nasty. If you have trouble the maximum time that can be became irrelevant when everyarticulating your demands, granted for a sexile. This gives one in the world started carrya good tactic for getting the you sufficient time for even the ing a cell phone. ball(s) rolling is tagging this more extensive sexual routines topic onto the end of an exist- such as amorous love-making Clean Up: Things like stray ing thread of conversation. If (and the cuddling/pillow-talk- condom wrappers (or conyou’re already talking to your ing that succeeds it), kinky play doms, ugh), dental dams, lube packets, etc. can be prospective roommate really skeevy. Sheets about something that are also a post-sex hyinvolves sex, or bad roommates, or pain- Instead of waiting for the vibrator giene point of interest — nothing says ‘awkcrushing celibacy, you to drop, you should speak ward’ like sheets that have an easy way of pulling an “oh, that directly to your potential roomie are reminiscent of the flag. Be reminds me…” on and negotiate sexile terms before Micronesian mindful of this and them. Present the topyou enter the lottery together. make sure to add a ic to your roommate clause to your contract in the tone that you about general cleanwant your roommate liness.

Additionally, to respond in. If you avoid eye contact, mumble, and sessions, or just straight-up (or crack a window after you have seem awkward, your room- LGBTQ-up) fuck-fests. I also sex. There are very few people mate is going to be infected by think it’s reasonable to nego- that want to walk into your sauyour awkwardness. Swatties are tiate a bi-monthly stay-away na of sex-stank. particularly susceptible to this night for roomies who are getsocial disease. Be confident, ting steady bounce. Everyone is Don’t Be Obnoxious: This straightforward, and mature entitled to those extended va- is a broad statement, I know.

However, as Supreme Court and your roommate will re- cations in pound-town.

Justice Potter Stewart said, “I spond similarly. If you’re having trouble, imagine that you’re Notification: The best thing can’t define [it], but I know explaining it to your professor to do is, of course, notify your it when I see it” and I’m sure roommate beforehand. Most you do too. If you’re kneading in the middle of class.

Swatties are neurotics who plan the downstairs dough all the entire days in advance — I my- time, it may become a strain What is Reasonable These are terms that I think self am one. If you want to stay on your relationship with your are generally reasonable for in good graces with your room- roommate. Try to be mindful college students. You and your mate, it’s good to give them a of your roommate’s needs as roommate may find yourselves proper heads-up. Try to give well as your own. Fit in sexmore or less open to these sug- them an hour so that they can sions during their class time gestions. Either way, these can neurotically re-plan their entire as much as possible, share the

Green Weekend Events Friday, Feb. 22 Speak With Your Feet: Step Towards Divestment Sharples Patio 12:45 p.m.

Swarthmore students, faculty, staff, and alumni will join together for a march through campus during the Board of Managers meetings to urge powerful and swift action on climate change through fossil fuel divestment.

Silent Spring: The Life and Afterlife of a Book Science Center 101 12:45-2 p.m.

A lecture on “Silent Spring: The Life and Afterlife of a Book” by Priscilla Coit Murphy ‘67, author of “What a Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of Silent Spring.”

Saturday, Feb. 23 Resisting Fossil Fuels: Voices From the Front Lines LPAC 11:10-12:30 p.m.

Come listen to residents and organizers from communities across North America that are currently experiencing—and resisting—the effects of fossil fuel extraction on their health, environment and communities.

Growing Stronger: From Divestment to Climate Justice LPAC 7:30-9 p.m.

Come hear some amazing and inspiring speakers bring their economic, political and community-based perspectives on the fossil fuel divestment movement.

Sunday, Feb. 24 Sowing the Seeds of Resistance: National Divestment Action Ampitheater 2 p.m.

Join over 170 students from 70 colleges all across the country, as well as activists fighting coal, oil, and natural gas extraction in their communities, to sow the seeds of resistance in Parrish Hall. The fossil fuel divestment movement is growing!

sexile responsibilities with your partner(s), don’t lastminute sexile your roommate all the time, and always say “thanks.” The only thing that sucks worse than being kicked out of your own room is being kicked out of your own room so that someone else can fuck in it while you waste your life in McCabe alone. So, be nice.

Common Courtesies: Don’t touch anything that belongs to your roommate during a sexile.

Most importantly, stay away from your roommate’s bed. The bed is sacred. Even if you’re not using it for sex, never leave your roommate to wonder.

Don’t sexile your roommate the night before they have an exam. I may be biased by my experience with Swat sciences when I say this, but your roommate’s Orgo exam is always more important than your orgasm. There are lots of potential places to screw on campus, but there is really only one place to sleep peacefully.

Keep It Open Not your door, but the lines of communication. This is the foundation of all good relationships. Make sure to keep a clause in your roomie contract that allows for renegotiating of your sexile terms if things aren’t working out. Roommate divorce is not pleasant — that’s a one-half chance of moving to ML.

“Black History Month” ACROSS 1. Terminus (abbrev.)

4. Put in chips 8. Viktor of “Goblet of Fire” 10. Make one ___ (to knight) 11. Shakespearian false friend 12. Showed one’s teeth 13. Wife of Medgar Evers 15. Mystery author Josephine 16. Credited 17. It comes after MS 18. Tit for ___ 20. “You know nothing, Jon ___” (form of precipitation) 22. Slide on the ice 24. Comply 27. Sicilian volcano 28. Printers require it (therefore it’s the food of the devil) 29. Cape Town nation, in short 30. Word with fund or garden 31. Pudgy pup from “101 Dalmatians” DOWN 1. Nonfat 2. People write on this at Sharples 3. Style of potato 4. Words with carte or mode

5. Arctic zephyr 6. Scott Arboretum wards 7. Little whirlpool 9. Shed skin 10. Civil Rights leader Ralph 14. Beardsley residents 18. Some African flies have two of them 19. It can be used for weddings or sacrifices

21. Woodwind 23. Bucket 25. Unit with 360 increments 26. “That will be ___ the set of sun” (line from Macbeth - come see Macbeth!)

By Preston Cooper

Opinions

PAGE 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix

Freedom and the Greek Greek Life Referendum a Dangerous Precedent Life Referendum The prospect of a referendum to ban a set of student groups should is not something that sat easily with me at first. We must always be concerned when the majority seeks to impose its will on a minority, when AARON any freedom to associate is challenged.

KROEBER The question of The Civil whether Greek life Libertarian should be banned at Swarthmore will soon be put to students, but in the meantime we wonder whether having a referendum at all is just.

Would it not be an infringement on the liberties of fraternity and sorority members to ban their organizations? It most certainly would. Anyone who says otherwise is flat out lying. This does not, however, mean that it would be a bad thing. It could be, and has been, argued that there would be social benefits to removing Greek life, that the culture they create is objectionable. These are valid arguments. Ironically, though, for a place as liberal as Swarthmore, they are conservative.

A ban on Greek life could be interpreted as being not too dissimilar from bans on communist organizations in the 50s, organizations that were accused of promoting a culture and politics opposed to American values. These are arguments readily dismissed today, yet similar arguments are being made now about Greek life.

I find it unreasonable to ban organizations because of their culture. No one could argue that Christian, Muslim, Jewish, conservative, and liberal student groups should be banned because of the values they promote. It would be all sorts of illegal. Were culture the only problem with Greek life, I would in no way support the referendum.

Culture is not the only issue — the issue is actually one of liberty. I said before, as it has been argued by opponents of the referendum, that it would be a restriction of liberty to ban Greek life; what is ignored is that allowing Greek life to stay is also a restriction of liberty.

When an organization has sole control over a physical space, it is a restriction on the liberties of everyone else: that space is no longer open to them. When an organization is closed, it is a restriction liberty: not anyone may join as they please. Such spaces do not exist at Swarthmore, with the exception of the fraternity houses. Such organizations, when they do exist, must show clear

and compelling reasons that they must stay closed, and generally also support similar open groups. To SQU there is the QSA, to SASS there is SASA. I doubt closed groups would be closed in a less prejudicial society. The groups that are closed represent those who are historically, or currently, oppressed, and so they feel the need for a safe space. This reason seems compelling. Were such histories of oppression further removed, were it not ongoing, there would be no need for closed groups.

The distinction is clear. SQU and SASS are certainly reasonable closed groups, but who would seriously support a closed group for white, heterosexual men? The idea is ridiculous. Closed groups are there for specific purposes, to serve specific interests. What interest is served by keeping fraternities and sororities closed?

There is no compelling reason for fraternities to be exclusionary other than exclusivity itself. This can be shown with a simple thought experiment. If fraternities and sororities ceased to be exclusive, if they were open to anyone at anytime, would they still be fraternities and sororities? These are groups built on exclusion, and exclusion is a restriction of liberty.

The compelling argument to allow the referendum, and to ban Greek life, is one of liberty. Yes, liberty would be lost by banning them, but it would be gained as well. The spaces currently reserved for the fraternities could be turned open to the entire community, so that any group could meet there, any group could host events there. This would result in an expansion of liberty.

Opening spaces and groups to be free and open to the public: that is encouraging freedom. It is not in the interests of freedom that closed groups and closed spaces persist. It does not further freedom to allow groups to charge membership dues. This closes groups off, makes them exclusive, and makes the choices of students less free.

Urging the abolition of Greek life on moralistic grounds is wrongheaded and dangerous, it smacks of censorship and forced conformity. We should stand by freedom of association. We should seek to open the campus, not allow places to be closed. We should ensure that any student is free to join any group they wish to, regardless of who they are, or how much they can pay. Fraternities stand in the way of these freedoms.

They are not beacons of freedom, but restrictions on it.

LETTER, OP-ED & COMMENT POLICY Letters, opinion pieces and online comments represent the views of their writers and not those of The Phoenix staff or Editorial Board. The Phoenix reserves the right to edit all pieces submitted for print publication for content, length and clarity. The Phoenix also reserves the right to withhold any letters, op-eds or comments from publication.

All comments posted online and all opeds and letters must be signed and should include the writer’s full name.

Letters are a minimum of 250 words and may not exceed 500 words. Op-eds are a minimum of 500 words and may not exceed 750. Letters and op-eds must be submitted by 10 p.m. on Monday, and The Phoenix reserves the right to withhold letters and op-eds received after that time from publication.

Letters may be signed by a maximum of five individuals. Op-eds may be signed by a maximum of two individuals. The Phoenix will not accept pieces exclusively attributed to groups, although individual

writers may request that their group affiliation be included.

While The Phoenix does not accept anonymous submissions, letters and op-eds may be published without the writer’s name in exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of the Editorial Board.

An editorial represents the views of a plurality of members of the Editorial Board.

Please submit letters to: letters@swarthmorephoenix.com or The Phoenix Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue Swarthmore, PA 19081 Please report corrections to: corrections@swarthmorephoenix.com Letters, corrections and news tips may also be submitted online to the paper by clicking “Contact” on the Phoenix website.

Over the last week, debates over Greek conversation” on the issue. Threatening life have revealed the intense divide be- to disband Greek life altogether seems to tween those for and against the institution. have instead prompted unfair accusations The Phoenix’s staff editorial last week call- against members of the Greek life coming for a referendum to ban all Greek life munity, and put ending Greek life on the opened the floodgates. Within a day after agenda, rather than inciting a respectful the editorial was published, a formal peti- campus dialogue. tion began circulating online. By now, we Missing from the current conversation are all aware of the petition’s intent: to are the potential implications of the referforce a referendum on banning fraternities endum. The “tyranny of the majority” in and sororities from our campus. a democracy that founding father James The petition requires signatures from Madison and others warned of seems ever10 percent of the student body before a present in our consensus-oriented Swarthformal referendum can be submitted to more referendum structure.

Student Council. This mark has already “Minority” at Swarthmore is, for the been reached, and the students behind the most, reserved exclusively to describe ethpetition have organized a meeting tonight nic or racial minorities. We forget that to plan the referen- there are many other minority groups on dum. Rather than campus, whether for ideological or social TYLER trying to start a reasons. Those who participate in Greek dialogue, the meet- life in an official capacity, the members BECKER ing appears to be a of the fraternities and sorority, are in the The Swarthmore strategy session to minority. In the case that the referendum Conservative gauge support be- received the simple majority vote needed fore the referendum to pass, would association rights actually be is formally submitted to Student Council. denied to particular members of our comOnce submission occurs, voting will com- munity who want to be part of Greek life? mence within two weeks.

Could other groups be denied the same asMany of the same students behind the sociation rights by a simple majority referpetition attempted to prevent a chapter of endum vote in the future? the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta from comI worry about groups like the Swarthing to campus last year. This attempt could more Conservative Society, a group that not succeed because of Title IX. The cam- most of the campus disagrees with, being pus already has two fraternities, making it subjected to a referendum. Other students impossible by law to prevent a sorority’s have mentioned this concern at the recent existence. With Kappa Alpha Theta now Student Council meeting and on the Daily established, this new effort to ban Greek life Gazette. Even these defenses, however, as a whole has been launched with a scath- have been less than accepting of instituing rebuke of both the individuals involved tions that are framed as against the Swarthin Greek life, and the institution itself. more “norm”.

The debate is showcasing the worst In an otherwise sound defense of Greek of Swarthmore: an exclusive community life on the Daily Gazette, Andrew Waks looking to reject ideas and social practices ’13 claims that just because students think contrary to some ideal manufactured vi- a group “is bad for college life” does not sion. Reading through the comments on mean it should be denied a right to exist. the petition, I am struck by the number of The uses two examples: “a conservative unfounded assumpclub” or religious ortions made about ganization, both of the fraternities and which he claims have sorority. Accusations “bad ideas about genof misogyny and hoder.”

Perpetuating The referendum demophobia abound; this unsubstantiated many of my fellow mands jettisoning Greek rhetoric only incites students are decrying antagonism between life from our community, the campus majority Greek life as contrary to utopian “Swarthand minority groups rather than asking for more values.” that are already made Aaron Kroeber to feel excommunia rational dialogue ’16 writes, “Greek life from the probetween the two sides. cated supports a culture of gressive culture that division, of drawing dominates Swarthlines between peers. more’s campus.

The college has no The ability to place endorsing such force a vote to take behavior, particularly by giving them their away the right of association from a group own space…There is no place for exclu- of students is dangerous. Quaker governsionary, divisive organizations at a col- ment has always been a reality at Swarthlege that seeks to be all-inclusive.” (Aaron more, but there is a difference when stuKroeber is a columnist and Assistant Opin- dents are being denied their rights by the ions Editor for The Phoenix.) majority. Student Council should amend its An anonymous commenter writes, “So- constitution to clarify the uses of referenda cial grandstanding, attention grabbing, and and ensure that student groups, including exclusivity. These are the three main facets fraternities and sororities, have their rights of Greek life, and they really only serve the of association protected. Student Council is function of over inflating egos and making supposed to represent our entire campus. life miserable for those of us who do not The body should establish ground rules to wish to be part of it.” protect groups opposed by a segment of the The referendum presented by people campus from constant threats of forced exuncomfortable with Greek life demands clusion. jettisoning the practice from our comDebates about Greek life bring us back munity, rather than asking for a rational to a quandary that has existed throughout dialogue between the two sides. A open campus forum between the fraternities and the College’s history, from the past dissorority leadership and a couple of individ- banding of sororities to the elimination of uals opposed to Greek life would be a more the football program: what is Swarthmore appropriate way to reach a common under- about? Most people would answer that standing and talk reform. Instead, those be- question along the lines of an “inclusive hind the petition have opted for an uncom- community.” Yet, the debates over Greek promising confrontational approach. Last life suggest this is a much more selective week’s Phoenix editorial naïvely claimed inclusivity, predicated on progressive ideothat a referendum to end Greek life would logical and social norms, than most of the be a powerful means to initiate “a renewed campus is willing to admit.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Opinions

PAGE 13

The Phoenix

Looking Past Obama: The Future of Liberalism For Once, Liberals Have the Opportunity to Define American Politics Many left-leaning observers commended Barack Obama’s State of the Union last week for its calls for a $9 minimum wage, universal preschool education, immigration reform, climate action, and election reform. Yet most also acknowledged that these goals have little chance of being achieved, given the present composition of the U.S. Congress.

More likely, they represent the first step in creating the long-term program on which the Democratic coalition can campaign and act in the future. In fracturing and discrediting the Republican Party and making American liberalism respectCRAIG able again, the president has shifted EARLEY American politics to the left’s advantage. As a result, it is now reasonable The Pragmatic to seriously consider what a new era Progressive of liberal governance might look like.

There is no way to predict with certainty, but the broad features it might have are becoming apparent.

First of all, there are many things that will not change.

Capitalism will not be replaced. Corporations will not be abolished. Government power will not be centralized in a benevolent national government. Globalization and technological changes will continue. The military will remain a large, well-funded, and well-regarded institution. America will keep its essentially capitalist economy and individualistic mindset. Radicals should brace for disappointment.

Rather than toppling the existing order, a new liberal America would commit to repairing a frayed social contract and promoting the general welfare of the American people. Its ultimate result would be a society with greater (but by no means absolute) economic, social and political equality.

In creating the liberal America of the future, the top issue will be the economy and the role of government in its affairs. Reforms of major industries in the first Obama term were a good start, but we can go further. We can boost incomes for poor and middle-class workers. We can build the green energy sector and make carbon pollution more expensive for business. We can increase government revenues and make the tax code more progressive. Social

insurance programs can be made sustainable, both finan- Many actions abroad will be strongly criticized, as tradicially and politically, by reducing deficits and health care tions of secrecy, morally ambiguous alliances, and quescosts. Dangerously outdated roads and bridges can be re- tionable tactics will probably continue. However, leadpaired or rebuilt. ers with this approach would not be prone to wage war These are all pre-existing proposals that have been dis- under false or weak pretenses or to thumb their noses at cussed at length in recent years. They can be supplement- the United Nations. It would be a humbler and smarter ed by even stronger action in the future. We can renew the foreign policy, but one that still preserves the strength of effort to move the poor into the middle class by providing the military. employment, job training, and education access to lowerThe effect of all of these actions would be a society with income communities. We can improve our elementary a smaller gap between rich and poor, a bigger middle class, and high schools and make college more affordable. We and a healthy market economy. American democracy can expand high-speed rail and broadband access. would become more vibrant and responsive to the people.

A new liberal agenda should not be confined to eco- Our reputation around the world would improve. That is a nomic reform, of course. Our social policies should be- vision of practical action built on a foundation of idealism. come more progressive as well. Fair treatment for LGBTQ The last time liberalism dominated American politics people is practically assured was the postwar period, by our generation’s more the era of the New Deal, open-minded attitudes the Great Society, the Civil concerning sexuality and Rights Movement, and the In fracturing and discrediting the gender. Elections should be War on Poverty. Liberals reformed with three goals Republican Party and making Amer- were, in the words of Arin mind: the elimination thur Schlesinger, the “vital ican liberalism respectable again, of gerrymandering; easier between laissez-faire the president has shifted American center” ballot access, especially in capitalism and Soviet compoorer communities; and politics to the left’s advantage. munism. They preserved the reduction of the influa market-based economy ence of wealthy and corpoand a democratic society by rate donors on the political proving that they could be process. We should streammade to work for everybody, line the immigration process. The criminal justice system not just the rich and powerful. It was not perfect, but the needs perhaps the most drastic treatment, as we remake it New Deal coalition made America better than it had ever to be less punitive and less racist.

Finally, no political program would be complete with- been before.

Today’s liberals have the opportunity and the responout a foreign policy agenda. Although this is more difficult sibility to do the same thing. President Obama has done to predict, the broad contours of liberal foreign policy are exceptionally well, but our efforts cannot be defined by his becoming clear. It would seek to reduce America’s global military footprint while continuing to engage diplomati- actions alone. If we are to keep our nation moving forcally with the international community. The number of ward, we should continue articulating a vision of what a nuclear weapons on Earth could be reduced, and the “War better America might look like. Then we should push to on Terror” winded down. Global events would be man- make that vision a reality. Seizing the present opportunity aged on a case-by-case basis, using tactics appropriate for is the challenge of our generation, and it is imperative that protecting national security and supporting human rights. we meet it.

You Can’t Stop the Violence

By David Toland With all the talk lately about gun control, I’m here to tell you that you can’t stop the violence. People are going to be able to get guns and they are going to use them to inflict violence upon others. To all of the people that protest violence in this world and believe in peace and love, here is a little reality for you. Violence is a big money business.

We have street gangs, outlaw motorcycle clubs, and don’t forget the Mafia. These organizations thrive on violence. It is truly something that is out of our hands.

I would like to share two experiences I had with e gangs in this article. In 2000, I was in Regensburg, Germany during my time in the Army. My buddy and I were walking around the city and about 20 Skinheads started coming at us. They got in our faces and were about to jump us, but we decided to take off running and hopped a train. One on one or even two on one, I would have stood my ground. Twenty against two was impossible and I was not sticking around for that beat down. So we lived to tell the tale.

The other incident was in 2006, with the Latin Kings.

I was in Atlantic City walking on the boardwalk, and a group of Latin Kings got up in my face. They said that one of my tattoos was a Latin Kings gang symbol. I explained what the tattoo was all about and that it had nothing to do with their gang. It was a very shady situation. I think the only reason I got out of it without a beat down was because they saw my Sniper tab tattoo. I always say everyone is tough when there are many against one.

Since the beginning of time, there has been violence all around the world. There are countries that have been at war for years — it will never end. There are eight year old kids, both in our country and abroad, carrying machine

OP-ED

guns and killing for their “cause.” During World War II in the concentration camps, some of the worst violence perpetrated upon human beings occurred. When I was in Germany, I got the chance to visit one of these camps.

I have to tell you that to visit the concentration camp at Dachau was one of the creepiest experiences in my life. I could feel the violence that went on there.

After being in the Army for ten years as a Sniper in the infantry, I have shot every weapon known to mankind.

I also know the damage these weapons can do. I do not personally own any guns and I never will. My personal belief is that only the military and police officers should carry guns, but that will never happen because guns are just so easy to get. That, my friends, is one of the reasons you cannot stop the violence. You hear all the time about innocent bystanders getting caught in crossfire from gun battles in the streets. Every day, innocent people and little kids are getting killed as they are going about their business. I like comedian Chris Rock’s philosophy, “Gun control? We need bullet control. I think every bullet should cost five thousand dollars. If a bullet cost five thousand dollars, we wouldn’t have any innocent bystanders.”

You can have hope and pray that the violence will stop, but it never will. Violence is a big business and a big money maker. It seems like the younger generation today has something to prove. I don’t think they are being taught values and responsibilities. When I was in the Army, we were taught how to fight and kill and that was our job. Our motto as Snipers in the Army was, “No need to run, you will only die tired.” In order to defend this great country and the people living in it, we had to use violence as a tool.

To the people that stand for peace and love: that ideal will never come to pass. There are too many crazy people who have a lot of hate in them. I am going to end this article with a fact. If someone has a gun pointed at your head, you have two choices: die or kill that motherfucker.

IS NOW HIRING! BE PART OF A SWARTHMORE TRADITION.

REPORTERS COLUMNISTS COPY EDITORS STAFF ARTISTS PHOTOGRAPHERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS BUSINESS MANAGERS To Apply, Email: editor@swarthmorephoenix.com

PAGE 14

Opinions

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix

Swarthmore Hosts Summit on Fossil Fuel Divestment Students Should Rally To Take Advantage of New Fronts In Renewable Energy Technology

Renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind have opened new frontiers in recent times, raising concerns about our dependence on fossil fuels.

This weekend, Swarthmore will play host to a nationwide conference of students from colleges and universities from over 18 states interested in discussing tactics of an emerging movement to divest college endowments from extractive industries, namely coal, oil and gas. There are many PATRICK to consider the decision AMMERMAN perspectives to divest — perspectives that our students, faculty, administrators, and Popular Science board members have been discussing for some time now. However, from a lens of science and technology I believe there is a great benefit to put pressure on extractive industries to change their business models, and to put pressure on our legislature to show less favoritism to dirty energy industries.

Although the President and many elected officials have been lauding the emergence of renewable energy industries in the past few years, oil, gas, and coal companies have been given few economic incentives to innovate, and are given loads of government subsidies as incentives to keep energy costs down. In 2011, fossil fuel industries received six times the subsidies than did all renewable energy industries combined. All in all, the American fossil fuel industries have received a total of $630 billion in government subsidies. Renewables have received only around $50 billion, almost all of which came after the 1970s.

These subsidies keep domestic prices low, but also don’t provide incentives for extractive industries to increase efficiency or make operations safer and cleaner.

By and large, extractive industries have continued to use the same technologies for their drill rigs and mountaintop removal equipment as they have been using for decades.

This equipment is often not efficient enough to utilize most of the resource being extracted — oil and gas rigs are often abandoned without extracting much of the oil and gas left in the well, and mountaintop removal is only able to extract a small fraction of a mountain’s coal. Furthermore, environmental disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have not swayed big oil companies to innovate and make the extraction process safer. Although there are some exceptions of this inertia in the fossil fuel

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

industries (clean burning coal plants for instance), change dots is that the materials required for their manufacturing has been slow, and often the result of government envi- are significantly more expensive, but these new solar cells ronmental policy. promise to be worth the start-up costs.

On the other hand, renewable energy industries have Solar and wind may be the most talked about renewable been enormously successful in coming up with more ef- energy sources, but others such as geothermal, tidal, and ficient forms of energy production, despite receiving far biofuel are also exciting sources of innovations. Recently less governmental support than the fossil fuel industries. commissioned projects in Europe, such as a biofuel-toWind energy, which the government didn’t begin to sub- liquid plant in Northern Finland to create biofuels for exsidize until the 1980s, has become 90 percent more effi- port, and a Swedish project to harvest pyrolysis oil (also cient in that time. Solar industries have grown enormous- known as biocrude) from forest residues demonstrate the ly, creating panels for everything from large solar farms to innovation taking place right now in a range of renewable residential rooftops. energy industries.

Furthermore, breakThe “renewable energy throughs in creating more future” our politicians If we are to become more efficient efficient wind and solar talk about is right on our utilizing the energy sources energy are taking place doorstep, and we have the at a startling rate. Last innovative power to make available, carbon based or otherwise, month, for instance, sciit a reality. However, to we must find a way to move the fossil entists at Lund University cross that threshold, we in Sweden discovered how need a technologically up fuel energy producers of today. semiconductors made to date infrastructure and from indium phosphide, a philosophy of ensuring called nanowires, can inour power sources are suscrease the efficiency of solar cells by 13.8 percent. If these tainable. As I have said, the scientific know-how needed nanowires can be incorporated into commercial solar for such a future is not wanting, but we are held back by panels, these would be a big boost to solar power compa- dirty energy companies that have made an easy profit nies seeking to increase output. through lobbying for government subsidies and have little Another exciting new area of interest in the solar en- interest in changing their business model now. ergy industry has been a new kind of solar cell, known If we are to become more efficient utilizing the energy as a “quantum dot solar cell.” Traditional solar cells gen- sources available, carbon based or otherwise, we must find erate energy by using energy from the sun to excite the a way to move the fossil fuel energy producers of today. electrons of a “bulk material,” such as silicon, or certain Public consensus is not enough — a Wall Street Journal kinds of copper or cadmium. As the name suggests, these and NBC 2011 poll showed that 74 percent of Americans materials are comprised of relatively large atoms. The size support eliminating all tax credits for the oil and gas inof these atoms restricts the amount of electricity that can dustries, yet there has been little serious considerations of be generated — it is estimated that solar cells functioning such measures in our national government. The tactic of like this can be at most 31 percent efficient in turning so- divestment offers a new way for us as college students to lar energy into energy we can use. Quantum dots, on the promote technical innovation in energy production — inother hand can be much smaller than traditional “bulk stituting a solution for our country that is sustainable and material,” and are in fact easier to make than the tradi- creating more opportunities for researchers to push the tionally used materials. The main drawback of quantum boundaries of efficiency and safety in energy production.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Sports

PAGE 15

The Phoenix

Illegal PEDs Not a Problem on Campus

By DAN DUNCAN Sports Editor In recent years, a number of scary-sounding names and acronyms have come into the public eye. BALCO. HGH. Biogenesis. Deer antler spray. And so on. While the details are shady, one thing is clear: our childhoods have been forever ruined by popular athletes like Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez, and others who cheated their way to the top using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Not all PEDs are designer drugs, of course.

The NCAA bans eight classes of substances, from stimulants to steroids to hormones. This list includes well-known substances like amphetamines and human growth hormone, as well as seemingly innocuous ones like caffeine (in large enough doses). In fact, it is misleading to refer to the banned list as a ‘list’ — on the NCAA website (bit.ly/SqCZ6m) it says in bold, “Note to Student-Athletes: There is no complete list of banned substances. Do not rely on this list to rule out any supplement ingredient. Check with your athletics department staff prior to using a supplement.”

NCAA policy towards PEDs varies by division, according to Athletic Director Adam Hertz. “Divisions I and II are also required to have their own institutional testing programs that they execute throughout the year.

Division III does not have that requirement, but many opt also test their students during the year.” Schools enforce the NCAA policy, as well as their own, if they differ. Hertz said that Swarthmore’s policy is identical to NCAA policy.

In the event of a positive test for any banned substance, the athlete is suspended for the season and loses one year of eligibility. In the event of a second positive test, the reaction depends on the kind of drug. For street drugs like marijuana, the punishment is the same.

For a PED, a second positive test leads to per-

manent ineligibility. the longer-term consequences that come with Swarthmore, a Division III institution, does using these types of drugs.” not test students during the year, but instead Student-athletes agreed with Hertz. Sofocuses on educating student-athletes about phia*, a swimmer, was bitterly sarcastic when the issue. Hertz says the athletic department asked about PEDs, saying she uses banned submakes an effort to discuss banned substances stances “all the time.” Which? “It’s illegal in the during the pre-season meetings that are man- US, and I don’t want to start an investigation.” datory for each team. “When doing the NCAA Her sarcasm suggests that the idea of using paperwork, we have a discussion of banned banned substances is completely foreign to athsubstances and the ramifications for testing letes on campus. Another swimmer, Ignotus*, positive during an NCAA test. We let students shared a similar view: “I think I began thinkknow that some substances that are on the ing about using PEDs when I started considerbanned list could show up in various ‘supple- ing if I was going to swim this year. But then ments’ that one can buy from the local nutri- I read on the interweb that PEDs come with tion store,” Hertz said. “Students on prescrip- various side effects, which corroborates a protion medication gram I saw on are also advised the TV about to communiI’d like to think that we have PEDs and side cate with the effects.” Misha*, enough sense to understand the training room a lacrosse playso we have the longer-term consequences that come er, categorically proper level of rejected the idea with using these types of drugs. documentation of using PEDs, in the event adding, “I don’t Adam Hertz that there is an know any athingredient in letes at Swat Athletic Director the medication that use any ilthat is on the legal PEDs.” banned list.”

As it stands, Although Division III schools like Swarth- the odds are far greater of a student-athlete more do not test during the season, the NCAA testing positive accidentally, rather than willtests for PEDs and street drugs at champion- fully breaking the rules, especially considerships. With the recent success of Garnet teams ing the complicated nature of the banned on the national level, this is when student- substance list. This could happen in several athletes would be tested. Hertz said there have ways. Leisha Shaffer, an assistant swim coach, been no recent incidents with PEDs. “We have described needing to wean a swimmer off soft been selected to test at past NCAA champion- drinks before the NCAA Championships one ships, but have not had any issues.” year, because the coaching staff feared the athHertz and other students do not believe lete would test positive for caffeine.

PEDs are a problem at Swarthmore, or in the A more likely scenario would be a positive Centennial Conference and Division III in test due to a protein supplement containing general. Regarding whether there is a problem, a banned addition. Misha said he uses a preHertz said, “I’d like to think not. I’d like to workout supplement with negligible caffeine, think that we have enough sense to understand creatine, and “some other legal supplements,”

Garnet Fall to Haverford #2 Playoff Seed, Bullets Snatch #1

adding that many other athletes do as well. He said he also consumes protein after practices.

Ignotus said he and other swimmers would take protein shakes after practices while on training trip, but pointed out, “I’m not sure that anyone knows what was in that protein powder. We got into this kind of mentality, where one person didn’t check the ingredients, so the next person didn’t, and before you know it we were four days into an intense binge.”

Aside from protein powder, Ignotus said these protein shakes did not contain any other supplements. “A few staple items always found their way in there — some muscle milk, peanut butter, bananas, raw egg, ground up ibuprofen — the goods.”

Even a positive test from this is extremely unlikely, however, as coaches and training staff make sure to only recommend legal supplements, and there are many legal ones on the market. Misha said he has never been recommended to take anything aside from a protein shake, adding, “I’ve had strength coaches recommend flaxseed oil, fish oil, and other supplements (usually everyday vitamins and minerals) that can be taken by pill to help optimize energy usage and aid in muscle recovery, but not supplements in the form of a gimmicky powder or pill.”

Considering these statements, there is no problem with illegal PEDs at Swarthmore, and if Hertz is right, in Division III as a whole.

But while Swarthmore student-athletes strive to compete on an even playing field and stay healthy, they could accidentally test positive due to vagueness on the part of the NCAA. As Misha pointed out, “‘Supplements’ is a very loose term.” *The Phoenix talked to several student athletes about PEDs and whether they use them.

Although none use banned substances, anonymity was granted because the interview concerned potentially illegal activity.

GARNET ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

JASON HEO

SOPH., TRACK & FIELD, NEWBURGH, IND.

What He’s Done: Tied program records in the 60 meter dash (7.48) and 60 meter high hurdles (9.21) to lead the Garnet at Haverford’s Keogh Invitational.

Favorite Career Moment: Running PRs every meet this season in the hurdles wasn’t something that I expected but was definitely something that I worked towards so that’s pretty significant. Additionally, there isn’t anything much better than finishing the season at the top of Swarthmore’s top ten lists for the 60 dash and 60 hurdles.

Conference Meet Goals: I’d be satisfied with cutting more time in the dash and hurdles.

Scoring in the hurdles and on the 4 x 200 relay are the highest priorities.

Least Favorite Event: Anything over 300 meters is pretty miserable. I only enjoy running the 400 if it’s with hurdles.

DAN DUNCAN/THE PHOENIX JULIA CARLETON/THE PHOENIX

Junior Katie Lytle gets tangled up by Gettysburg’s stingy defense in the Garnet’s 55-54 loss to the Bullets on Jan. 26.

The Bullets will be the #1 seed in the Centennial Conference playoffs, while the Garnet will be #2.

Favorite Plant on Campus: Anything of the Phyllostachys genus, specifically the grove near the foot of campus.

Sports

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Phoenix

Men’s Basketball Sends Seniors Out In Style

COURTESY OF SWARTHMORE ATHLETICS AND PAULA JO MCBRIDGE GATES

Clockwise from left: Senior Will Gates goes up for a shot in the Garnet’s victory over Haverford, where Gates (top right) earned the honor of Centennial Conference player of the week; seniors Jordan Martinez, Gates and Andrew Greenblatt pose with family and coach Landry Kosmalski (far right); junior Jay Kober looks for an open teammate.

By SCOOP RUXIN Sports Writer Being the visiting team at senior day is never an easy task. The emotions of the players combined with the increased attendance make the already difficult challenge of winning on the road even more perilous. After proving this by upsetting the regionally ranked, Centennial Conference regular season champion Franklin & Marshall on their own senior day, Swarthmore took to the road the following Saturday, and managed to overcome Haverford’s home court advantage, winning 76-60.

With this win, Swarthmore finished the season with a 6-12 record in the Centennial Conference.

While this mark is not up to the standards that Coach Landry Kosmalski expects from his teams in the future, it was nevertheless a significant improvement from last season’s 3-15 mark. The Garnet’s record was a bit misleading as well, as Swarthmore was also a better team than the numbers alone showed. The team consistently played competitive basketball, and challenged the Conference’s elite teams.

In fact, on several occasions this season, Swarthmore came tantalizingly close to improving on its 6-12 mark. The Garnet lost four games in overtime this season, and as Kosmalski pointed out, different endings in those games could have resulted in an entirely different season. This fact was encouraging to the first year coach: “We lost four hard-fought games in overtime and if we had won three of those games we would have made the playoffs. So we made significant strides as a team and are very close to being the consistently successful program we want to be. We will take that momentum with us going into next season.”

The last of these overtime games, played against McDaniel last Wednesday at Tarble Pavilion, was particularly special for Swarthmore. Although the final result was not in Swarthmore’s favor, nobody in attendance that night will likely ever forget the way in which the game was sent into overtime. Trailing by three points with six seconds left in regulation, Swarthmore inbounded the ball from under its own baseline. With point guard Jordan Federer ’14 covered tightly, forward Will Gates ’13 was forced to inbound to forward Joe Keedy ’14. As Keedy dribbled upcourt, Gates trailed a few feet behind. Stopping just outside the three-point arc, Keedy passed the ball backwards to Gates, who proceeded to sink a 35 foot three pointer as the buzzer sounded. Not only did the shot force overtime, it also gave Gates sole possession of the College’s career scoring record, surpassing

the previous mark of 1,671 points set by Matt Gustafson ’05.

To break a scoring record is an impressive feat; to break that record on a game-tying buzzerbeating three pointer in the final home game is the stuff of Hollywood and legend. The moment was not lost on Gates. “I’ve hit a few game winners in my life, but nothing has come close to that shot. I don’t think I’ve ever been that pumped in my life,” he said.

Gates continued to shine during Saturday’s win at Haverford, tallying a team-leading 25 points and 6 rebounds. Gates’ performances last week were sufficient to earn him the honor of Centennial Conference player of the week, in a fitting end to the Willseyville, N.Y native’s career. Gates’ effort helped ensure that his fellow seniors Jordan Martinez, Andrew Greenblatt and Eugene Prymak concluded their careers on the court. After the game, Gates reflected on his experience on the team, saying, “It’s been a great four years. We’re as close as any team you’ll come across.”

Swarthmore’s performance on Saturday was its most dominant of the season. The Garnet never trailed, shooting 49% for the game. Along with Gates, Swarthmore was led by Jay Kober ’14, who tallied 17 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Karl Barkley ’15, who scored 10 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Though they did not make their mark in the box score in the same way as Gates, Kober and Barkley, Federer and Sean Thaxter ’16 were instrumental in Swarthmore’s victory. Federer excelled in his role as distributor, consistently finding the open man and dictating the pace of the game. Thaxter excelled on defense and also made some nifty passes, showcasing impressive court vision for a forward.

The strong ending to Swarthmore’s season left players and coach alike brimming with confidence about 2013-2014. “We made significant strides as a team and are very close to being the consistently successful program we want to be,” Kosmalski said. Federer lauded Kosmalski for “changing the culture around the program.” He continued, “We are putting in the work everyday in practice and it is really translating into more wins.” Kober agreed, adding that the team will work “extremely hard” this offseason in order to “implement everything we work on diligently in practice,” so that it translates into success on the court next season.

In the words of Federer, “The future is bright for Swarthmore basketball.” After the Garnet’s strong finish to this season, Franklin & Marshall, Haverford, and the rest of the Centennial Conference undoubtedly agree.

The Rise and Fall of Paul Gascoigne

The Man, the Myth, the Legend: Gazza was and still is the greatest mistake of English footballing history. The “Hand of God” incident ranks pretty highly, but that was the fault of a Mr. Nasser, a lovely man I’m sure but a terrible referee. Wayne Rooney not being given anger management training before playing Portugal in 2004 and again in 2006 should be seen as an error, as should Beck’s decision to kick out at Diego Simeone despite the heavy nature of the challenge. But the biggest failure in English football history is the failure to manage Out of Left Field a talent like Gazza correctly, a player like Rooney but simply better.

Gazza was recognised as a talent from a young age and developed to a certain extent to become an integral figure for Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers. His dribbling skills were considered to be incredible for the time, and

JAMES IVEY

his ability to see space led to driving runs from midfield ending in the penalty area and often resulting in game changing goals. His fantastic goal for Lazio in the Rome Derby, where he passed five players before hitting a wicked shot past the keeper to earn a late draw, made sure that his reputation was secure in Italy (in the suburbs of Rome at least). His genius in midfield can only really be compared to that of Iniesta in the current age, he was a rare talent since he was a passing midfielder who could dribble and shoot the ball as well as any winger or striker.

But with great talent, a player needs to have a great work ethic and self-control. Unfortunately for Gazza and England, wherever he went trouble seemed to follow him. The best example of this is his involvement in the England campaign in 1990. His yellow card in the semi-finals of the Italia world cup against Germany highlighted one of his problems: his desire to win and to be everywhere led to tactical problems. Gazza was voted into the team of the

tournament but would have missed the final (had England been able to win a penalty shoot out) due to his picking up the yellow card against Germany. The same thing happened in 1996, and both times there was an emotional response as tears were shed on the pitch.

Off the pitch there were always difficulties, including a group of Roma fans spiking Gazza’s drink with LSD, a trip that took him on an adventure for two days. Alcohol was always a part of Gazza’s lifestyle, much in the same way as it was for George Best, and has lead to his hospitalisation for alcohol related problems on a number of occasions, including a trip to rehab two weeks ago. There were various adventures with dentist chairs and kebabs while on duty for the national team and Gazza was more than open about all of his adventures. He was seen as a professional athlete in the old fashioned style, as his talent enabled him to play well on the field, while off the field he was simply a normal person who liked to go to the pub with his friends. His brief stint as manager of

Kettering Town lasted only 39 days and didn’t even result in a contract for that period.

Gazza is the sort of player that comes about once in a generation and it was fortunate for England that he represented the 3 Lions. Lest we forget how important he was he did have two video games named after him at his height and released a track called “Fog on the Tyne” that reached number 2 in England. His mark on English football was incredible at the time, but now his legacy makes us realise that some players deserve extra support through the stressful periods of their careers and retirement. And unless we want Gazza (and future stars like Wazza and Wilshere) to end up like George Best, there needs to be more support for the mental side of football and stardom.

Michael Johnson, the Manchester City midfielder, had his career finish at 22 due to medical problems as well as mental issues, so even today there are careers that finish early due to the same problems that plagued Gazza during his career and after.