Last week, I went to LipSync. This was a mistake. Obviously. I went to support my brother-in-law because he was doing a brilliant, non-sequitur Andy Kaufman skit. I went to applaud the guts it would take to do an Andy Kaufman skit at Moody because, honestly, I thought I might be the only one applauding.
And it wasn't all bad. For instance, people who were made to dance were dancing. I applaud that. They should do that more often; it was stunning. As was Michael Jackson. As was Luke impersonating Andy Kaufman. I didn't even mind some of the overlong and sadly ambitious skits; sure, it felt a little like high school, but whatever, they were having fun.
But then, as you could expect, things got a little not-so-fun. For instance, the comment from the emcee referring to Asian-Americans (well, he actually inexplicably grouped Korean and Indian peoples in this category) as "you people." Obviously, he didn't mean this as a hate-crime. So let's just call this ignorance. Shockingly ignorant, but let's leave it at that.
From here, it just gets better. When a skit featuring a half-dozen ragged brides capturing and feigning over their male hostage was over, the same emcee turned to Pam MaCrae and asked her what she thought of that as "head of the 'women's ministry' department." I can only hope his intention wasn't as misogynistic as his delivery, but nonetheless, the lack of respect is inexcusable. Toss on top of that the four or five "Brokeback Mountain" jokes of the evening and you've got yourself one heckuva party.
I mean, it's not like these are
problems here, right? It's not like minorities -- that handful of students who stand outside our racially homogeneous campus -- have to struggle with these kinds of ignorant comments here daily, is it? It's not like they'd be offended by being condescended to once
again, right? And I'm sure no one here struggles with their sexuality. It's not like Christians have ostracized the gay community enough already, right? And thank God that women here feel like true equals. Thank God they get the intellectual and vocational respect they deserve on this truly accepting and diverse campus.
This isn't funny. This is shameful. And I don't care where you stand on Gay Marriage or Male Leadership or Affirmative Action. This is just disrespectful.
And I'm not trying to guilt trip anyone. I don't have a personal vendetta against whoever was emceeing the event and when my wife and I move in a few months, I doubt that I'll spend too much time thinking about this campus. But. For what it's worth. This has to change. Enough is enough. It's time to grow up.
Comments (8)
AMEN!
wow
and friggen amen
mostly just wow, though.
i didn't go to the lip sync.
sometimes it's all i can do to handle the classes and required stuff we're brought to.
it's about time someone voiced something, though.
sometimes it seems like it's only ever the same people who are saying anything, while the rest of the community quietly rolls their eyes...
Man... I respect you for being able to go to Moody. I think I would be out in about 5 seconds. Keep calling out truth, patiently but firmly.
I try to do the same at much-more-liberal but still very challenged Westmont. And where are you and Katherine moving? You guys should come visit me in San Francisco. I'd like that.Samm, Pittsburgh sucks.
YES!!! You know it! We're looking forward to seeing you!
Samm, sick or not, you'd better be at the Pickett's house.
yeah.
I'm thinking of organizing a one way trip to Mars for the bleached blonde demographic.
so there are ignorant people everywhere. ignorance in the sense of being unaware of an existence outside of themselves. How do they live? I want to know....There should be a test; Do you think other people matter as much as you do? T or F, pull out the scantrons... whoever fails gets on the rocket ship...
have you ever read any Cormac McCarthy? I know you know he wrote the book behind NCFOM. he is good riter. lok hm up.
I haven't actually read the thing that you mentioned, but it sounds like a Christian Book (with a capital C) so I'll run right out and see if I can't find it.
sorry for the sarcasm.
I asked god for a miracle and he hasn't sent me one yet and its been like TWO GODDAM weeks! I'm understandably bitter and considering changing my name to Job.
Are you guys still going to england this summer? Or will you be in california? when do you move to pittsburg? when are you having babies? When do you graduate? Did you already graduate?
yeah, i believe in june. i'm going to Georgia, then flying from Georgia to chicago.