| OPINION
| November 5, 2004
Letters
Gay or straight, we are equally
citizens
Re: “A Day for Gay?” Oct. 22
I was deeply saddened to read Marland May’s guest column on
homosexuality. The claim that he supports gay civil rights is flip
and disingenous in light of his insensitive arguments.
Gays have suffered centuries of persecution because of their sexuality.
They have been beaten and murdered on this nation’s streets.
In Cuba, they were put in prison camps where they were tortured
and killed. And, as illustrated by Mr. May’s column, they
are routinely referred to in our deplorable mainstream culture as
unnatural aberrations whose lives are worth less than those of straight
people. In light of this history of oppression, gay rights is indeed
a noble cause. Gay rights affirm freedom and humanity over the intimidation
that results from fear and ignorance.
Mr. May, gay people are your fellow citizens. They are in your family,
as in all families. They have served this country honorably in all
of its wars, sacrificing their lives for this nation. They are your
leaders and your neighbors. They are not freaks, as you suggest.
And they are not, to cite you, “homos,” a word which
is a slur, not a neutral label.
— Christopher Conway is a modern languages associate professor
Campus events need a motivation makeover
I am writing concerning events held on campus during school hours.
The thing I think needs to be addressed is making events worthwhile
and motivating students to attend.
College students love to have money in their pockets. Possible ideas
for events include having large door prizes starting at $250 dollars,
money machines where students try to catch the most cash they can
in five seconds, possible car auctions or contests giving a car
to the winner and even a casino night, with a chance to win a free
semester of classes. The Shorthorn could give reduced advertising
rates to participating organizations. There are many ways for the
students to raise a little money for charity and win some at the
same time.
Also, some of the music at events needs an overhaul. The fact is,
rock is on the decline with only a few styles saving it —
like punk. I think there should be some well-known DJs, like Paul
Van Dyk, and maybe even some hip-hop groups.
My point is that advertising and motivation needs to improve at
UTA to boost student involvement and to recruit more leaders and
commuter students such as myself.
— Brandon Foster is a finance junior
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