Tuesday

May 5, 1998

Editorial

A new era begins?

What is the big news about this?

Both groups are better-known for a perceived antipathy toward each other than for being two very important segments of a well-rounded campus community. Each has a different role to play in the community and these roles sometimes place them at odds against one another.

But the fact that this can be put aside for an afternoon of relaxation and, at times, pure silliness, bodes well for the future of CSUS.

How often have we heard the cry for developing a "campus community"? There is a distinct lack of cohesiveness here, a lack of a common pulling together for what is supposed to be the goal at CSUS -- providing the students a well-rounded and meaningful education.

Too often we see one part of our community make a decision or establish a policy that seems to fly in the face of the goal. Often the reason for the anguish caused by those policies or decisions is the result of a simple failure to communicate.

But more importantly, what is often lacking is a desire to put aside those differences we may have and strive for a common goal.

In the grand scale of human endeavor, Sunday's softball game is insignificant. But it does demonstrate one very important fact. It shows that two very different groups, with very different methods of working, can get together for a common purpose.

Now if we can get that idea to spread through the rest of the university, perhaps we could actually see the beginnings of a real campus community.

Editor's note: By the way, the State Hornet beat ASI 16-15. Good game, ASI!

Leonti's 'Bikiniday' column
evokes anger from readers

Bikiniday: Leonti out of touch

Although I am still in shock over the fact that the Hornet would publish such obviously provocative rubbish, it does shed light on some tragic realities: 1) the lack of respect for women on this campus and 2) the need for greater integrity in our university paper.

While 57 percent of this campus consists of hardworking women juggling jobs, education and sometimes motherhood. Women face far more economic and social obstacles in their homes as well because of sexist ideas concerning a woman's abilities are stuck in somewhere in the middle ages.

Today women like myself are first generation females to attend college. Paying for our education on our own and striving hard for the accomplishment we make. Thus, one would hope women on this intellectual property would be given more credit than provided by the Hornet.

Furthermore, I am concerned with the marketing of CSUS. What is it we want incoming students to think of this campus? How can we ask for esteem from other universities if we can't respect ourselves?

I really think there are far more important issues to be discussed in a magazine receiving college funding than garbage stereotyping men as male chauvinist pigs and women as brainless twits.

As for Mr. Leonti, there are classes to help you understand and see women as more than objects of desire. Call the women's studies department, I am pretty sure they would be willing to give you some literature to salvage you from your ignorance.

Amina Azhar-Steele
Government-International Relations

Bikiniday: a poor attempt at humor

As for Uncle Nick, I really do hope that this article does not reflect your view of women. Fun and games aside ... offering a dollar and some plastic jewelry in hopes of rallying support for "crotchlesspantsday" is not only juvenile but makes me wonder why you haven't been fired yet? I'm sure if news of this gets around, the powers that be would be asking themselves the very same question. This is not what the school wants incoming students and their families to be exposed to and putting something like this in the Hornet is implying university support.

Obviously such things don't concern you though, seeing as you openly invited hate e-mail. There is a large portion of the population that does not think your way and in fact is appalled that someone in your position both does and would write it down for public display. Myself included.

Joel Steele
Biology senior

Re: Bikiniday

Regretfully I will not be participating in the Bikiniday festivities on Thursday. I'm sorry I just can't get into, as you call it, "the spirit of Bikiniday" because for some odd reason I would rather have people appreciate me for my mind and not my body or bikini. And wow, Nick, you almost got me, giving incentives to wear bikinis ... pretty clever!!

I just hope Bikiniday is a success because I anxiously await "Crotchlesspantsday"!

GET A LIFE, NICK!
YOUR MOTHER MUST BE VERY PROUD!!!!

Sincerely,
Christine Lally, a Bikiniday boycotter
clally@csus.edu

Letter to the Editor

South: I have not yet begun to fight

Well, I must tell you it was a sad experience and as I entered the room the chill was unmistakable. I was the victim of a system that judged me before I was allowed to open my mouth. The arrogance dripped from the fangs of the committee chairman and he constantly reminded me that I was an idiot who should shut his mouth and leave him and his precious committee alone. To add to this sense of arrogance, the stench of sexism permeated the room and was most apparent when a female witness raised an issue and was told that was great young lady, thanks for coming and have a nice day.

The arrogance continued when the editor of the Hornet John Montgomery decided to further blemish my character, by misrepresenting what I said in the hearing. Shame on you John, you failed to tell the community that I was properly challenging an Election Code that you helped to write. Well, John the code is vague, I was screwed and you are covering up. Your ego is why you attacked me John, even though you are aware that I had a legitimate complaint and was singled out when I was disqualified first and others were not until I created a stink.

John, I challenge you to make your paper, our paper, an investigative tool that attacks real issues on our campus rather than just b@#$%&* us with your silly editorials. Get off your soapbox and get to work improving our University.

Well, to close this letter I must say that this was just one more step in a long line of bullshit, that will not end in the ranks of the ASI no matter who is president. As a result, I have decided to create my own student government and really represent the students. I ask all those in the community who believe that ASI is bullshit, but still care about our campus to apply for positions on the board. The board will be ruled by consensus and all members will have the same title. So, if you are interested, call me at 452-5110 or write to 6006 J St. # 311, Sacramento, CA 95819 or e-mail me at south@csus.edu. Thank you.

Sean C. South
P.S. John, if you want to start to make this paper relevant to the community you might want to look into allegations of racism in the theater department. Good Luck. Now Get to Work! And remember I have only just began to fight!