‘Shacker’ stereotype is not always true

While Sara Chemodurow made some very astute observations in her column Monday about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, there are a few ideas in her column that I find disputable. Her column questions the quality of character of those women who choose to “shack” or stay at a frat house overnight. I could and probably should in turn question the quality of such a complainer’s social life. But I will make the best of efforts to stay out of the trashy vein in which her piece was composed and merely do my best to clarify the situation in which many a shacker finds herself.

First of all, many shackers are in relationships, and some people like to sleep with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Of course, according to many cultures, sleeping with someone before you are married is a big no-no. Fortunately, we live in America, and this is not the case. Also, many women stay at a friend’s house overnight to avoid the perils of walking home alone (i.e. assault, MIP) and are not actually shackers.

I do realize that it is easy to question the moral character of a woman who did not spend last night in her own bed, but in many cases it is not those women who are the most promiscuous on campus. Perhaps the girls who truly deserve to be called slutty are those who sleep with someone without sleeping over.

Allison Robinson
sophomore
English


God’s goodness is the basis for prayer

To his credit, Greg Dunbar understands aspects of Christian doctrine when it comes to God’s sovereignty. The historical faith is summed up in the words of the creeds that begin, “I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker …”

But what Dunbar does not mention is God’s goodness. God reveals himself as a loving father that, as Christ says, will not give his children a stone when they ask for bread. The Bible does not pit God’s control of time and space against his goodness. In fact, God’s sovereignty and personal care are frequently and necessarily linked. Speaking of God’s fatherly care for his people, Jesus said the hairs on a person’s head are numbered and not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without the father knowing. Addressing those who worried about their stuff, Jesus said that lilies, in appearance more attractive than a king’s robes, don’t labor in order to look lovely. People are more important than flowers. How much more will God clothe and care for his people? God’s sovereignty and care for his creation are the basis for prayer.

Finally, Jesus said we don’t receive what we want because we do not ask God for it. God is eager to hear from his people and deigns to bless them through their prayers. God decides the outcome, but also the process that will lead to that outcome.

Mark Reagan
graduate student
music


Drivers and pedestrians must focus on the road

Is it just me or does it seem the student population is inept at crossing the street? Jaywalking is dangerous and renders pedestrians deer-like in their ability to precariously walk out from behind trees and medians into oncoming traffic (except deer do not mean-mug or make obscene gestures at drivers). Use the crosswalks and bridges and stay alive.

Drivers also need to be reminded of the dangers of distractions in the car because with the power of a drivers license comes great responsibility. Every distraction while driving increases the probability of actually hitting a pedestrian. On September 15th, while peddling home, Gordon Patterson, a 50-year-old teacher at Hudson Bay High School, was killed in a hit-and-run. The driver, 18-year-old Antonio Cellestine, was a former student and was texting on his cell phone when the accident occurred. These types of accidents should not be happening. What is going on?

Liz Poteet
alumna