Letter: Other places on campus are vulgar, too

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Often I don't know whether to defend or condemn the new football chant. The chant is no less or no more offensive than many of the numerous comments that come from other places on campus.

Brother Jed and his followers shout profane terms like whore, slut or "the damned" at seemingly everyone and yet we tolerate it, even enjoy it (otherwise no one would listen).

Shock politics of 15-foot displays picturing aborted fetuses in front of Strong Hall are clearly controversial, even emotionally problematic to some, yet we tolerate it.

As I often wish they were not part of my collegiate life (primarily because I naively hope such sentiments were recognized as disruptive and irrational for public use), I cannot say I do not approve of the action and ability of strength to present them. I applaud them, even though I do not agree with them.

I do not approve of the chant’s vulgar word choice and violence. But I do applaud the unity with which the student section presents it. This is football. Football is violent. Football is vulgar.

ESPN highlights of bones snapped by helmets, and ankles, elbows and knees contorted in unnatural ways, presents more uncomfortable feelings than this chant.

Most definitely the chant is not tradition. Tradition is something that pervades generations as custom, and then it becomes accepted as identifiable to the institution’s character. This chant has not taken on that yet, but it could (perhaps when 60 years passed). However, using tradition as an argument in favor is flawed because of its infancy and lack of general acceptance.

I will not be sheltered in thought to think sports must always harbor family-friendly environments. Any individual who has been to football stadiums like the Oakland Coliseum to watch the Raiders play with the "Black Hole" behind them, Yankee stadium and its relentless heckling or a soccer stadium that provides scenic in-house views of riots would not dare say that those venues are family-friendly in their entirety. To expect any different beyond peewee and flag football is foolish. With a societal norm based in friends, and dare I say, alcoholic consumption, expecting different is ignorant and a fantasy.

Responsible parents should recognize that the f-word heard by your child is the least of your worries. With the constant bombardment of music, pop culture and the Internet, parents have more important subtext cultural learnings to be fearful of on and off the field.

— — R.W. Smith is a senior from Pleasanton, Calif.

Comments

missmia (anonymous) says...

While I can see your points, I would like to point out that Brother Jed and his followers are not representatives of KU- they come on to campus uninvited to try to tell students how to live their lives. And also, when they are on campus, there usually are not small children and TV cameras around to broadcast what he is saying. Which is a great thing, but it's part of why it can't really be compared to the chant.

October 23, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawker88 (anonymous) says...

So you're against Brother Jed because of your own irresponsible, drunken activities?

You respect their vulgarness, but admit your irresponsibility? I'm not religious, nor do I agree with Brother Jed's tactics, but you sound like you just want to go on living whatever life you can.

Sure the chant is vulgar, sure college is vulgar too... But this letter is a nice way to come out and say you have no morals whatsoever.

Get a life. One pint after another.

October 23, 2008 at 8:33 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawker88 (anonymous) says...

And let's not forget the completely irresponsible actions of former Democratic Kansas governor candidate Fred Phelps. He is far more offensive than anyone that supports college students accepting responsibility for their actions.

It's okay to have an abortion, but go ahead and hate people for their sexual orientation like Fred Phelps or the fact that they are defending your life serving our country, the spoiled college student. For you to mention Brother Jed and not the Democrat Fred Phelps just shows your ignorance.

I get where you are coming from, but you are no better than the ignorant, indoctrinated staff of this newspaper that let this come to print.

October 23, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jgarrison (anonymous) says...

Umm...how is showing the TRUTH and REALITY of abortion "offensive"? It's a bit off the topic of your point, but don't ya think it's a bit ironic to defend abortion and then be offended by the results of the act? Think about it!
Also, do you have children? 'Cause I do, and KU football games are a FAMILY activity for MANY alumni and current students. Keep the toilet talk in your frat houses and bars and keep it out of our kids' ears (and, yes: I do keep my small children away from everything ELSE they shouldn't experience at their young ages, as well!!...you're argument is a red herring on THAT one.)

November 11, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

vcunning (anonymous) says...

jgarrison-I think you should shut your mouth and focus on your children. And based on your previous letters, you don't know that much either.

November 12, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

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