Think again, Jeff
Andrew chestnut
Managing Editor
Last week, an alumnus named Jeff Davis made a fool of himself on our Op-Ed page, writing in a letter that he wished gay rights organizations would stop “shoving this ‘Queer’ stuff down the throats of Xavier students.”
Aside from imprudently speaking on behalf of homosexuals as a straight person and misquoting the Newswire, Davis assumed that gay rights organizations’ only mission was to “push an agenda” and “draw attention to themselves using antics and in-your-face tactics” when no one really cares.
Is that so? Davis’ assertion that it’s “really not a big deal to the rest of us” is incontrovertibly wrong. Maybe he didn’t notice this from the rock under which he lives, but gay rights issues are very polarizing issues, not only to the LGBTQ individuals who are fighting for basic human rights and respect, but also to socially conservative discriminating bigots who feel compelled to persecute people who are different than them.
In fact, on the evening before the letter was published, Citizens for Community Values—a group that opposes gay marriage and claimed to “know that homosexual behavior is destructive to the individual”—hosted a fundraising event right here at Xavier.
So I don’t need to convince people that homophobia and discrimination still persist. In a country where only four out of 50 states have legalized gay marriage, that much is obvious.
Yet there are people like Mr. Davis who think these protests, awareness weeks and other such events are mere grabs for attention.
Well, sorry they bother you so much, Jeff. Sorry that you are annoyed by a group of people who are clearly being discriminated against, who can’t even marry in but four states, who often have trouble obtaining jobs and basic acceptance from family members, because they want to hold awareness events while you are trying to walk down the sidewalk undisturbed.
Sorry you live in a society where more people appreciate the fact that we can freely protest, march or express independent thoughts than find it irritating. It truly must be awful to someone like you, who just wants to walk by without having to think or feel anything.
Maybe if LGBTQ rights issues were solved and homosexuals lived in a world where they could be gay without experiencing discrimination or rejection, your argument would have been legitimate. Maybe if a group of Irish-Americans were holding an awareness event, you would have found it reasonably unnecessary (or mistaken it for St. Patrick’s Day). Maybe if a group of Catholics were hosting an event to express their sense of persecution around campus, you would have your doubts.
Do you see what I’m getting at, Jeff? You are talking about a minority group of people without basic rights. Items were damaged and stolen during Queer Week just weeks ago, illustrating the extent to which they currently encounter negative treatment from closed-minded people.
Do you honestly think the best way for LGBTQ people to assert their rights is by shutting the hell up because you are annoyed?
No, you said their “mission should be to help gay and lesbian students by being an outlet for them to come together and share their experiences and tribulations with each other.” I’m sure they will listen to you right away and stop doing anything public. I’m sure they will realize the best solution to the problems they face is being as private as possible, so as not to make anyone uncomfortable.
They are not shoving this down your throat. Get over it, or buy a pair of headphones.
Hoferer's last hurrah
Emily Hoferer
2008-09 Managing Editor
The fact that I would have to write a goodbye column at the end of my tenure at the Newswire has been a thought in the back of my mind all year long. But truth be told, lately it has been hard for me to write one that wasn’t dripping with sarcasm and bitterness.
This time four years ago I had very similar feelings. I was restless during my senior year of high school and annoyed at my group of friends. I was so excited to come to Xavier because it was a chance to start over at my school of choice where no one knew about the skeletons in my closet.
But lately I have been out of sorts about my Xavier experience. Stress about the future and 458,763 other things have made me quite fed up.
I was pretty angry and constantly complaining about my recent discontent. But my thoughts and feelings changed after I watched Chris Mack’s press conference. I was watching a very sincere, earnest man explain how much Xavier means to him and how excited he is to be head coach. It was truly rejuvenating.
I am a senior, and the past four years have been beyond words. I have come to terms with the fact that I am ready to move on to the next great adventure, but I am not going to let things such as stress and petty drama interfere with my last few weeks at Xavier. I let that happen when I finished high school, and I don’t always look back on that period of my life with a smile. I couldn’t let that happen to my Xavier experience. The past four years have just meant too much.
I will always get chills when I see B.J. Raymond sink that 3-pointer against West Virginia. I will always laugh when I think of my AB trips to Chicago (now I KNOW) and New Orleans. When I hear “Killing Me Softly,” I will sing as loudly as possible and whenever I watch an episode of “Friends,” I will recite it wishing Kathryn was next to me. I will miss walking the short distance from Kelley and Abby. I will fondly remember adventures at Haps with Katie and Sarah. I will still frantically text Kathleen during basketball games. And I will never, ever skip home from Dana’s.
Lastly, I am grateful to my roommates, especially Kristina, for listening
to me whine about and praise my time at the Newswire (and for reading it, too).
Looking back on the past four years, I know some things could have been better,
such as more assistance finding a job or slightly cheaper books. But overall,
I don’t think I’ll even remember those things when remembering my
time at Xavier.
Most of all, however, it’s thecurrent and past members of the Newswire that have really molded my Xavier experience. Though the nights were long and grueling, I truly cherish all of them very much. So to them, I say “Good morning team” and wish them the best of luck.
— LETTERS TO THE EDITOR —
Chartwells responds
Steve Bryant
Regional Manager, Chartwells
I am writing in response to the recent articles on workplace issues raised by several Chartwells associates working in Xavier Dining Services. First of all, I want to assure the campus that associate workplace concerns are taken very seriously by Chartwells. We have long known that one of the key ingredients to our success is the ability to create and maintain a work environment that is safe, with all associates treated fairly and with respect, where the workload balanced effectively.
This is not to say the environment will be without challenges, but our ultimate goal is to create a supportive workplace that allows all associates to not only perform their specific responsibilities, but take ownership in meeting and exceeding the needs of Xavier University students, faculty, staff and visitors.
While I have found some of the issues mentioned in the Newswire not accurately portrayed, I will acknowledge that there has been a raised level of frustration in the dining service work environment this year.
This transition year has been challenging for all Chartwells associates caused by many factors. Implementation of new programs, new leadership direction, higher performance expectations and tighter operating budgets have played a role in creating this frustration.
It is important to point out that Chartwells recognizes that the union representing all the Chartwells associates is working and committed to addressing workplace concerns with union leaders. In fact, a meeting took place recently between Chartwells and union leaders to discuss associate issues.
Chartwells is committed to developing and operating a distinguished campus dining service program for the Xavier University community. Our strategy is to increase campus participation in the program by consistently delivering a high level of food quality, service and innovation to meet and exceed the expectations of the campus. Our ultimate performance measures will be higher levels of customer satisfaction and greater perceived value of the program by our campus customers.
Jeff, you have...
Xavier alumnus Jeff Davis wrote an editorial last week criticizing the gay pride week recently held by the Xavier Alliance.
This week included a movie showing, a t-shirt giveaway and other activities to raise awareness about issues surrounding the lives of homosexuals, bisexuals, transgenders and basically anyone who faces challenges due to sexuality. The article claimed that the Xavier Alliance used “antics and in-your-face tactics” to raise awareness to their cause.
I am not sure about anyone else, but I didn’t see anyone from the club forcing someone to take a t-shirt or shaking signs in their faces; they advertised and held events in the same manner that any other club does to draw attention to their cause.
The writer then expressed that the club’s mission, instead of raising awareness and making changes about the negative perceptions of homosexuals, should be to provide “an outlet” that would help “them with their struggles” of living life as a social outcast. In my opinion, this is as if he is saying that the Xavier Alliance should support those who have faced discrimination but do nothing to prevent it in the future.
During the Civil Rights Movement, would it have been fair to tell African Americans that instead of protesting, they should just attempt to make each other feel better about the struggles of living amidst racism and bigotry? Hopefully the answer would be no, but as it is evident in this world, everyone does not always share the same opinions.
I am someone who is not even affiliated with the Xavier Alliance. I am not a club member and attended a few events out of interest. During Queer Week, I did not witness any of the “antics” to which Davis alluded.
If there was an isolated incident with someone supporting the cause it is important to note that 1) to someone being discriminated against, the subject is a very passionate one and 2) if you have an issue or confrontation with one or a small group of people, you cannot generalize it to the entire group.
Rachel Corbett | ‘12
...seriously made people angry.
While I appreciate Mr. Davis’ attempt to seem supportive of the LGBTQ movement, it’s quite apparent that he didn’t attend any of the Queer Week activities.
In his letter, Mr. Davis says, “the bottom line is you have the right to be gay without persecution.” Individuals should have the right to be gay without persecution, but this is not the case in our society. There are over 2,430 LGBTQ-related hate crimes every year, as marked by the Alliance’s display on the academic mall. The white knot table informed students that when same-sex couples are denied the right to marriage, they are denied over 1,000 rights granted to married heterosexual couples.
These are just two examples of the hundreds of ways in which people in the LGBTQ community are persecuted. Mr. Davis’ statement couldn’t be further from the truth. This is why there is a need for activities such as Queer Week.
Apathy is the greatest adversary. There are many members of the community who could make a great difference by getting involved. If people like Mr. Davis put more effort into supporting the ideals they hold, communities everywhere would be stronger and more influential.
I encourage everyone to take a stand for what they believe in, no matter how uncomfortable it may make some people feel, because silence truly is acceptance.
Barbara Danver | ‘09
— YEAR IN REVIEW —
Crazies to the Editor
Editor’s Note: Slim pickings this year, everybody. You haven’t been nearly crazy enough. This is probably a good thing, but it makes for some disappointing Crazies to the Editor. Just remember: whenever you feel crazy, write us a crazy letter! You just might see the result here next year. . .
Crazy Hurricane
Hurricane Gustav, threatening New Orleans and environs, is the answer to a prayer for the Republicans. By “postponing” or “canceling” part of their national convention, in the most humble and self-sacrificing manner, they have used it to their enormous advantage. For all the money in the world could not have purchased the wonderful, magnificent PR that this will bring. They proved unforgettably in 2005 that they could not have cared less for victims of a hurricane in this area. Most victims, after all, were “disposable:” black, poor and thus negligible. They did not even show up on the “screen” of economic Republican planning, and so, for all practical purposes, did not really exist.
George Bush was busy at a fund-gathering while hundreds died. His insincerity and coldness made a deep impression upon the collective American mind. How could this ever possibly be overcome by McCain and Palin? And neither he nor his Republican government could take the valuable time to save these lives. But, finally, Republicans have a blessed opportunity to heal that terrible, hideous “black eye.”
Please do not mistake their pretensions, as a party, for true concern; it is not. (Of course, some individuals are the exceptions.)
Let’s refuse to buy into their playbook and pretend that this party has suddenly, miraculously metamorphosed into the party of genuine compassion, deep concern, social justice or giving a care.
Crazy Turtle Panda
I am the illustrious architect of Turtle Panda United, the newest and most notorious club at Xavier University. I would like to begin by recognizing the incompetence of our SGA as well as our campus newspaper to which I am writing.
I ashamed that we pay a decent salary to certain inept individuals (cough...cough...Craig, Carter and Josh) who are supposed to run our student body to its fullest potential. I am thoroughly impressed with their ability to distinguish which clubs should attend club day. They remarked in the Newswire that Turtle Panda United did not seem out of place. In the future, during your years here at Xavier, as well as your future in the real world, I would suggest not being so imbecilic.
Clearly, if you possessed even the smallest amount of mental capacity you would have recognized that the club was completely “out of place.” I am disappointed that someone who is supposed to run our student body would not be able to differentiate between fiction and reality (real animal or fake animal). Maybe we should exacerbate your salary, as well as your colleagues salaries.
However, I still do not believe that those students would appreciate the events you plan, even if they have had a concert in the past year. To all who believe in the Turtle Panda, our cause is much like Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy: you are never too old to believe.
Crazy Juice
The party that was located on Reading Road last Friday at the Funeral Home was not as sketchy as people are saying. In a recent article written in the Newswire, people claimed the party had alcoholic beverages that were spiked with more than just alcohol. Some say that they contained sedatives. This untrue assumption first came about because drinks were served to the girls from different coolers than the boys. However this was only at the beginning, and we know many boys that got drinks from the “girls’ cooler” and were fine.
It was obvious that the girls’ cooler contained more alcohol than the guys. It was said that this was done because the first batch was made extremely diluted. The reason people were so intoxicated from the party was because the only drink served was “jungle juice,” a mixture of Kool-aid and vodka. It may seem like these drinks were sedated but in reality, people aren’t used to drinking mixed drinks all night considering most parties have kegs. Freshmen are not used to hard liquor and do not know their limits.
The party was also not as sketchy as people claim. The darkest room was that of the dance floor, the other rooms were brightly lit, especially the room where the drinks were being served. Many people who claim to be drugged blew as high as a .25 BAC, a near fatal level. If they were drugged, they would have passed out because of the drug and would not have been able to reach that high of a BAC. If people are going to drink they need to learn how to handle their alcohol and learn their limits, or not drink at all.
Crazy Obama Tears
The scene brought tears, and deep pride. The message was to the hardworking middle class and about breathtaking possibilities for those who can still dream. It was a presentation of the “old America,” the country of hardworking moms and dads, the land of dreams.
Obama’s half-hour message, his “infomercial,” was all about possibilities, dreams and greatness. It challenged us to abandon the cynicism and greed of the past eight years, and return to the more idyllic America of earlier times, before the greed, corruption and violence of war stained our country.
By the end of the piece, you were either a believer, or convinced that belief was again a delightful possibility. Ordinary, middle-class citizens were highlighted, and their problems addressed.
The piece was the visual equivalent of a “friendship” card or a scented candle, brimming with optimism. It welcomed all of us to join the great experiment in democracy called “America.” This return to the positive was tempting, even alluring, after the “desert years” under Bush.
Crazy Anger
Is Xavier still a Catholic university? Doesn’t sound like it. When you idiots find an identity, please let me know. Until then I will continue to send my money to Hillsdale and Catholic University.
Katherine Monasterio
Op-Ed Editor
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