An admirable argument
Regarding 'Princeton's latex lies' (Friday, Nov. 9, 2007):
It is more than admirable that Francisco Nava '09 stood up for women in his piece on the University's stance toward the hookup scene, whether or not the psychosomatic effects of hooking up extend only to women.
When the University says it takes no position on the sex lives of students, its inconsistency could not be clearer. Any action (or lack of action) with respect to a moral situation is a value judgment.
The University's refusal to call the hookup culture harmful sends a confusing message to students. It also seems to indicate that the University views political correctness as more important than informing students fully about the health risks of hooking up.
Sure, using a condom perfectly might prevent pregnancy and some STIs, but when the University hands out condoms like candy, it sends the message that it is willing to treat a symptom of the hookup scene (STIs and STDs) but is unwilling to deal with its source, the hookup itself. Kevin Joyce '09
Political correctness
Regarding 'The white and wong things to say' (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007):
I happened to read Ben Chen '09's column at the breakfast table with a black friend of mine and asked him if it was politically correct to call people "black." He said yes. In fact, you shouldn't call him "African American," because, guess what, his family is not from Africa — they're from the West Indies. "Black" and "African American" are not interchangeable. Neither are "Asian" and "Asian American." Choosing one word over the other is really not a matter of political-correctness; it's a matter of accuracy and politeness. It's accurate because, very simply, you should only address people using terms that actually apply to them. And secondly, it's polite because it shows that you actually care enough to use the right name. I agree with Chen. We should "accept a more embracing, more direct way to express our thoughts on culture, race and society." But that starts with using the right words. Conversations chock-full of inaccurate and impolite terms usually don't get very far. Katherine Chiang '08
Race issues
Regarding 'The white and wong things to say' (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007):
Ben Chen '09 writes that because is a member of a minority, he is able to write about the issue of political correctness and race. Let us not forget that the authors of the Lian Ji article were Asian Americans, and I, along with many others, do not believe that their race excused their use of offensive stereotypes. While I agree with Chen that we should embrace race-related dialogue, I do not think that perpetuating stereotypes or condoning the Lian Ji article by blaming its offensiveness on overly sensitive political correctness is the right way to fight racism either. Justine Shum '08
Academic freedom
Regarding 'Profs petition for greater academic freedom' (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007):
I find it incredible that certain professors believe that their academic freedom is being thwarted by (of course!) pro-Israel academics and students. Unfortunately, what often passes for Middle Eastern scholarship under the rubric of academic freedom is nothing more than dishonest ideological posturing wrapped in the mantle of supposed "scholarship." Professor Jeremy Adelman is indeed correct when he states that "we don't interrogate bankers on their ideological positions; we ask if they are good bankers." Being a good banker, however, entails having the ability to separate fact from fiction and being professionally and personally honest. Unfortunately, the complainers here are "scholars" of Middle Eastern history who vehemently oppose the existence of Israel and whose "research" proceeds from spurious premise to false supposition to a conclusion that demonizes Israel. We certainly do not want bankers "who cook the books," and no one should be thwarted from criticizing professors who do the same. Michael Scharf '64
Gatsby party debate
Regarding 'Forbes to downsize Gatsby gala' (Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007):
I was horrified to see that Forbes, my old residential college, is "downsizing" its Great Gatsby party — among other things — by replacing outside performers with University students. Has anyone considered the severe negative impact this will have on the Princeton area's struggling entertainer community? When the local party magician's daughter has to keep wearing her tattered old shoes because daddy couldn't get the Forbes gig, I'm sure she'll be consoled by the fact that the University students felt guilty about spending their allocated social funds while people are suffering around the world. Princeton's primary commitment is to its students, not global do-goodery. The money it receives through donations and tuition ought to go towards that end with a minimum of self-righteous hand wringing. In light of Forbes' misguided priorities, it seems that Gatsby parties are really best left to Cottage Club. Michael Fragoso '06
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