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The Observer

Take the plunge

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

About three years ago I heard about a program offered through Notre Dame's Center for Social Concerns called Urban Plunge. This winter seminar is a 48-hour immersion experience of urban poverty that takes place in 35 cities across the U.S. Each year, 200 students on average choose to spend two days in an urban center to see a "face" of the city that usually goes unseen. They attend four classes on campus, which address urban poverty, and that complement and expand upon the experiential component of the course. These classes give students an academic perspective and formal language with which to articulate their experience. In January of 2010, I decided to take the plunge in New Orleans, and I've never looked back. My Urban Plunge experience helped me to see that the causes of poverty are indeed quite complicated and intricate. Diligent, working people live in poverty. Responsible, positive contributors to society live in poverty. With one natural disaster, thousands of families in New Orleans lost everything. This experience resonated powerfully with me and taught me that some of the most important lessons are those of sympathy and understanding, and a sympathetic, understanding approach is often the best way to teach them. A few weeks ago the Census Bureau announced that in 2011, 46.2 million people live below the poverty line, unchanged from 2010. The official poverty rate in 2011 stood at 15 percent, again statistically unchanged from the rate of 2010. Statistics, though, fail to put a face on poverty. They do not tell us what is being done, and they certainly give no indication of what we can do. There are so many facets, problems, and complications associated with poverty that it is difficult to know where to start. However, Urban Plunge makes it clear that we need to start somewhere. Our university's mission statement boldly asserts, "The University seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice." In his 2010 Notre Dame commencement address, Brian Williams told the new grads, "You didn't go to college; instead, you went to Notre Dame." It's kind of odd, but the truth is that we come here to leave. We're truly blessed to be here, each and every one of us. But we know that there is still something more to be had. There is something else somewhere out there waiting for us; something that requires us to use our gifts, talents, and the skills we have learned to make a corner of the world a little bit happier, brighter, or more hopeful. But the thing is, we don't have to wait until we have left to make a difference. We all come to Notre Dame for a purpose, or maybe, we come searching for a greater purpose; something to fight for, to stand for, to learn from. We have the Center for Social Concerns and so many other institutes on campus; the resources to help us learn, listen, and serve are almost limitless. Make the world a better place because you're a part of it. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Be a part of something larger than yourself. Step outside your comfort zone. Make someone smile. Take the plunge. Shannon McDowell senior Pasquerilla East Oct. 22  

The Observer

Experience something sacred

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

 "So ... what did you do once you got on the football field?" I had no response to my friend's 8-year-old sister, Maeve. What was there to do once we stormed the field at the end of the overtime game against Stanford? With the rain teeming down, we had one of the largest and wettest dance parties. (Taylor Swift is jealous she missed it.) Sinking into the mud, jumping up and down and cheering "We Are ND" is what we did. There was no planned event once everyone got on the field - as Maeve thought - but that was not the point. The point of going on the field was to experience something sacred. It is not sacrilegious to say that Notre Dame fans associate the football program with the University's religious backbone. The mural of Jesus and His disciples is referred to as "Touchdown Jesus." We sing the alma mater at the end of every home football game, as well at the end of every mass during football weekends. The players run onto the field and the first thing they do is kneel in the end zone. So as a freshman, stepping onto the field for the first time is like receiving First Communion. It's a new experience that is backed with tradition, faith, history, love and excitement. When you were in second grade, weren't you excited to finally join your parents in line and actually take the host? I was. I wanted to be included in the glory that is the Eucharist. Last Saturday was analogous. We wanted to be a part of the glory of the undefeated Irish. We wanted to stand where legends have stood, where celebrities watch from the sidelines, and to experience a spirituality that is Notre Dame's football field. The grass, the mud, the paint and the rain: all very earthly things. Yet, in an instant they become otherworldly. There was not one person I talked to that didn't mention the chills they felt walking through the tunnel, looking toward Touchdown Jesus lit up in the night, freshly gleaming in the rain. We rushed onto the field for a reason; some may say excitement, others may say support, but I say community in God. We were all united on the field, understanding that we were experiencing something that is very rare to Notre Dame Stadium. "For the safety of the ushers, players, and fans please do not go onto the field after the game has ended." But we did. So Maeve, what did we do? We basked in the unity of God, Country, Notre Dame.

The Observer

Keep it green on the big screen

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

To my fellow green people, Let's be honest, College GameDay was pretty darn exciting. With showing the SEC what a library looks like, snapping pictures of the back of Vince Vaughn's head and watching Corso jig around in a leprechaun costume, there was just a whole lot going on. But I hate to tell you, the majority of you missed the best part ... me. Yup, I was there. Recycling with the best of them in all my green glory. See, ESPN cares about more than just sports. They, like me, love the environment. It's a mutual passion. Every week they set up a sorting game to educate fans about what's recyclable, what's compostable and what must sadly go to the landfill. So it's basically like Harry Potter, just a little different. Right answers and nice tosses earn you points, which then translate into some pretty exciting ESPN merchandise. Their efforts go way beyond GameDay festivities though. For example, all new construction and renovations must be LEED compliant, the 2009 ESPY Awards were virtually waste-free and carbon-neutral and they buy only compostable containers, cutlery and napkins for their cafeteria.   ESPN isn't the only media company trying to make a green difference, and I'm talking about more than just their parent company, Disney. NBC Universal and Warner Bros. have also been doing their part. The companies finally realized that the Hollywood make-it-happen-at-any-cost attitude wasn't going to work long-term. They started employing reusable water bottles, upping their recycling efforts, reusing script pages, composting and stream-lining their transportation efforts. Warner Bros. in particular has recently adopted a strategy for carbon-neutral productions (think "Due Date," "The Town" and "Green Lantern"). Other big-name films you may have seen, like "Inception," "Valentine's Day," and "Crazy Stupid Love," - yes, I like chick flicks, get over it - used solar energy to power their base camps. It goes beyond the production though. You may have seen the commercials for NBC's "Green is Universal" campaign before. Basically NBC set up this division to get its consumers to become more aware of the environment and how they can make a huge impact. Then there are the things they don't really tell you - like in "27 Dresses" when Katherine Heigl's character uses 7th Generation cleaning supplies awaiting her sister's return home from stealing the love of her life, or in "The Proposal" when the dad sneaks in a little ad of sorts for eco-friendly, deteriorate in water, golf balls. Have you noticed that actors seem to be using more and more reusable coffee mugs and shopping bags? Ahem, "Pretty Little Liars," - yes, I watch that too. Once you start looking for these types of things, you can find them everywhere. And the oddest part is, you start following suit without even realizing it. It's bloody brilliant if you ask me. Anyways, next week, as you watch College GameDay broadcasting from dreary, awkward Norman, Okla., regardless of who Corso picks to win, just be thinking about how green and wonderful ESPN is and try to spot me in the pit. Email your predicaments to The GreenMan at askthegreenman@gmail.com and let him answer you with a sustainable twist. The GreenMan will be here every other week to provide you with insights you never knew you were missing out on until now. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

Respect life, respect women

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

"Hi, my name's Chris. I know that today has been a long day, and I just want you to know that I'm out here because I care about you. I know this wasn't an easy decision, and I want you to know that we're here for you no matter what decisions you make. I'm with the Coalition for Life. Our building is right next door, and we'll be right there if you ever need anything, today, tomorrow, in a week, in a month, in a year. We'll be praying for you." I said these words to a girl following her abortion at my local Planned Parenthood. She looked young, about my age. She was crying as she and another woman, probably her mother, walked back to their car. Not all women came out crying. Many walked to their cars with a typical post-surgery gait. Most women enter the clinic expecting to feel regret after their abortions. Some later say they don't feel any regret. I am reminded of these experiences in the midst of October, Respect Life Month. I look back on years of "sidewalk counseling," and I am also reminded of accusations made against me: "You don't care about women." "You're just here to judge them." "You don't know anything about this." As a naive high school sophomore, I used to think that these claims were ridiculous and unfounded. I was just some kid handing out brochures, trying to inform men and women about free resources available in the area. I've been going out to that sidewalk for about seven years now. Much has changed. Years ago, a man used to stand outside the abortion clinic dressed as the Grim Reaper. Those were the latter parts of the days when being pro-life meant yelling at women and waving pictures of mangled fetuses. We spoke in terms of rights, particularly the right to life of the unborn. Now the tone is changing, and the vocabulary is broadening. Today Notre Dame uses the language of "commitment," "to offering students resources that support the choice of life." Official university policy states that "students who become pregnant may stay at Notre Dame if they wish and will receive the full support of the University community." We can no longer be content with protest. We must create a culture such that the unborn and their families enter into a world created for them. Now, the largest pregnancy resource centers in the world are run by those who identify as "pro-life." Planned Parenthood offers ultrasounds and pregnancy tests, but the Women's Care Center offers them for free. In the past, developing artificial contraception was the preeminent work being done in fertility studies. Years ago, the rhythm method really was as ineffective as everyone said it was. Now, effectiveness of Natural Family Planning has risen to 99 percent, with no side effects (and it can cost under $10 a year), while the British Medical Journal has reported that some of the newest artificial contraceptives, including Yasmin and Yaz, more than double the risk of fatal blood clots. The new promoters of Natural Family Planning are tweeting #iuseNFP "because a woman's body isn't broken." Many men, rather than assuming women will manipulate their bodies through artificial hormones, now seek birth regulation methods that understand and seek to cooperate with what is natural to womanhood. Continued research must be done to study the effects of new birth control drugs. Can the Ella pill cause an abortion? As the FDA label for the drug states, "There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women," while "embryofetal loss was noted in all pregnant rats and in half of the pregnant rabbits following 12 and 13 days of dosing." The pro-life movement begins with the premise that no man or woman can be killed merely because he or she is different. It is a direct attack on human dignity to end a human life merely because of differences in physical or mental ability, religion, race, or stage in life. We fight the claim that a more developed human being has more dignity than a less developed human being. After all, every human body is composed of a "clump of tissues" and a "bunch of cells." We fight for all of humanity: man, woman and child. Hi, my name's Chris. Pregnant? An unplanned pregnancy can be very daunting, and your choices may seem very limited. But I want you to know that you are not alone and that you do have choices. I care. Notre Dame cares. Feel free to contact me or to visit chooselife.nd.edu and click "Pregnancy Help." Christopher Damian is a sophomore. He can be reached at cdamian1@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

You have the right to remain silent

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

There's nothing like a good election season to bring out the best in pseudo-intellectual political commentary published in the form of tweets and Facebook status updates - I mean this in the least condescending way. It really is a good thing. People with access to tools like Facebook and Twitter have assumed the role of micro-reporters, mini-commentators and nano-journalists (in that order.)

The Observer

Meatless madness

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

Dear dining halls and all involved, I readily applaud your effort to go "meatless" as a protest against the abuses of factory production of the meat we eat. However, I think you're making this more complicated than you have to. You see, there are still some of us who observe a certain day of the week as "meatless." That day for us is Friday because this has been the traditional day to abstain from meat in the Catholic Church. This tradition continues in the annual meatless Fridays that the dining halls have during Lent. If we really want to go meatless on one day of the week, why don't we just do the same day year round and make it Friday? Not only would this give the system simplicity but it would also tie into longstanding traditions. Notre Dame is known for its traditions. Let's not drop the ball on this one.

The Observer

Douglas Road reroute disgregards families

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 22, 2012

Notre Dame's decision to reroute Douglas Road directly past University Village Graduate Student Housing demonstrates a shocking disregard for the opinions and concerns that its married families might have about the change. In July, an ABC-57 story detailed the proposed change. Tim Sexton, associate vice president for public affairs, said, "We should get the results [of an engineering study] back late September, early October and we are looking forward to sitting down with the county and discussing them further, and of course sharing those findings with the community." On Tuesday night, the University held a meeting with University Village residents to inform us of the plans for the proposed road, rather than to hear and address our concerns. I suppose this meeting was technically "sharing those findings with the community," but this is not what many of us were hoping for. The residents here almost all have children. Many of us have serious concerns about this rerouting in relation to our safety and our children's safety, both because of increased traffic along what will now be a four-lane road and because of the decreased privacy because of the new road's drastically closer position to our homes. The area around University Village, like much of South Bend, is prone to crime problems. The relative seclusion of University Village insulates it from some of these problems and it is currently a safe place to live. This plan is highly likely to negatively influence those advantages, as it will install a four-lane road directly adjacent to an apartment complex where over 100 children live. Rather than work with us to address our concerns, the response from the University has been that their proposed measures are adequate. The University assured us there would be an opportunity to give feedback on their proposal and offer our concerns, yet aside from a meeting that functioned to inform us of their plan, this has not occurred. Tim Cantu law student off campus Oct. 22  

The Observer

A Gameday Reflection

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

I had a dream that one day, Notre Dame would return to the pinnacle of the college football universe. I had a dream that one day, Notre Dame's football prowess and the friendly confines of South Bend, Indiana would tickle the fancies of whoever plans "College GameDay," and they would return to these hallowed, tradition-rich grounds. I had a dream that one day, "College GameDay" would be unable to deny the allure of placing their show in the space between the glorious Notre Dame Stadium and the mosaic arms of Jesus that pierce the sky towards the clouds as they signal the repeated inevitability during of a Notre Dame touchdown. I had a dream that when "GameDay" cast its wide-angle lens towards the Hesburgh Library, it captured the effulgent reflection pool in all of its glory. I had a dream that this reflection pool would be full of every kind of outrageous flotation device that has ever been created, and that the occupants of these devices would still be filled with what one Notre Dame alumnus termed as "liquid courage." That dream has come true this Saturday. Three years ago, two sophomores and three juniors started the most recent Notre Dame tradition, the Gameday Reflection. Students and fans have floated for every home game since then, cheering on the band and Irish Guard as they march in front of the library and over to Stonehenge. Meet us at the pool (the band marches at 9:30 a.m. but come early), wearing the most ridiculous clothing you have, dragging any flotation device you can find and toting your cheering voice. As Dickie V would say, "We're gonna be on TV, baby!" When this happens, when we allow ourselves to be immersed in the most recent Notre Dame tradition, when we forget the pounding headaches from the night before and start our gameday mornings like real Notre Dame men and women, when our unwavering support for what matters the most in life reverberates through the halls of our buildings, the ears of our players and the hearts of our fans, we will truly signal to the world that one thing is for certain in an increasingly uncertain world: Notre Dame football is back! P.S. For updates and answers to your questions, join the "A Gameday Reflection" group on Facebook. Marko Pesce alumnus Class of 2012 Raymond Gallagher alumnus Class of 2012 Alex Korenstra alumnus Class of 2012 Michael Lucente junior O'Neill Hall Bobby Weltner junior St. Edward's Hall Chris Mertens senior Keenan Hall Matt Brown alumnus Class of 2011 Billy Shields alumnus Class of 2011 Jake Marmul alumnus Class of 2011 Jamie Koepsel alumnus Class of 2011 Chase Riddle alumnus Class of 2012 Stephen Schwaner senior Keenan Hall

The Observer

A new year's transformation

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

Have you ever walked down the quad or through a hallway to a classroom and wondered, "Can't they tell?" Have you ever felt so changed, so transformed inside that you're shocked to realize it isn't written all over your face? Maybe you just heard that your sister and brother-in-law are going to have a baby or you were accepted into grad school, and you think, "How can this stunningly awesome turn of events not be completely obvious to everyone around me?"   Sadly, we also sometimes feel this in a moment of pain or sadness after a tragedy like the death of a close friend or family member. My niece recently wrote about the death of her cousin, "The world continued as if it hadn't just lost one of the really special people, one of the people who doesn't come along very often. I wanted to scream at my teachers that piece-wise functions and ionic bonds didn't matter when Bjorn was gone. Who cares about the proper use of commas when Bjorn is gone?" We marvel that the world - or at least that person who just said hello to us - can't immediately see that our insides have just been put through a cross-cut shredder. Other times we can't keep the tears from streaming down our face or wipe off the big dopey grin that insists on returning no matter how hard we try to control it, thereby revealing our inner selves for all to see.   Beginning today, you are officially invited to a time of transformation.  Not of your outside appearance (a plethora of over-the-counter grooming products can take care of that just fine), but of your heart. The One who loves you more completely and intimately than anyone in the world invites you. Through the Church all over the world, and right here at Notre Dame through Campus Ministry, God asks you - dares you - to open up this year to a new commitment to who you are on the inside. Today, Oct. 11, begins an official "Year of Faith" for Catholic Christians worldwide. Starting today, the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, be bold enough to take on the challenge to venture deeper into your faith. Listen more carefully to God's voice in your life, act on what you hear, discover who you are and what you believe in, explore the questions and uncertainties you've felt about your beliefs, engage your heart as you seek answers and experience a fuller sense of God's constant presence in every moment of every day. At Notre Dame, we know how to go big. We can do big football weekends - hey, we can even do "College GameDay." We can do big stress at mid-terms and finals. We can do big parties for JPW and Commencement, big Masses for Frosh-O and Baccalaureate. We can do big trips to Dublin and Chicago, to Montreal, Washington, D.C., and Appalachia. So in Campus Ministry when we first heard about the Year of Faith, we thought, "We'll go big! Big events! Big excitement! Big opportunities to transform our faith lives!" Funny enough though, for this Year of Faith we decided we'd like to invite you to go small. We've planned a year of ways to focus on our faith that's, well, full of the small stuff - because sometimes small stuff sticks better than big. Just like a tiny piece of lint will cling to your sweater with ferocious determination even while that big water bottle can't seem to stop falling out of your backpack, we in Campus Ministry hope that you'll try some tiny but mighty things each month of the coming year. These tasks are small enough that you can stick with them and mighty enough to become habits that will stick with you over the long haul. Whether it will be obvious by looking at you or not, you have a new year's opportunity to know, love and serve God more deeply - to become transformed, to start a revolution in your own heart and mind, to go big by going small. Visit our website at campusministry.nd.edu and click on "Year of Faith" to find out more. Katharine Barrett is the director of the Emmaus program at Campus Ministry. She can be reached at kbarrett@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

It's sign time

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

I don't know if you've heard, but "College GameDay" is coming to campus for the epic battle of the college teams whose mascots' names don't end in 's.' Or, "the battle for being 's'-less," if you will. Now there's no need to speculate about who Lee Corso is going to pick, because it's obvious. He will be sporting a green hat, carrying a shillelagh and doing his best Irish jig. So don't waste your precious time on that. Check. As for midterms this week, they are unimportant and suck the creativity out of your minds (trust me, you will need the creativity this week). So you should also not waste your time studying for or fretting over those. Check. The most, absolutely most important thing this week, with the arrival of "College GameDay," is the signs. When people watch "College GameDay," they do not care what Kirk, Lee, Desmond and Chris say. Yes, Corso's tradition of picking a school is awesome, but his selection is second in awesomeness to the plethora of provocative signs parading around in the background. Fans have been watching ESPN all week. They've heard all of the predictions and opinions about the game - nothing new will be said. The viewers care what the signs say. Or maybe that's just me. It is your one shot, your one opportunity, to show the world what you can do with a bit of bawdiness, a poster board and a handful of Magic Markers. The whole world will be watching what a bunch of crazy college kids can come up with. We need to rise to this tremendous occasion and show the world that we can combine arts and crafts with cleverness better than any other school out there. There are always the usual signs that go for the cheap laugh, but then there are those that go down in sign lore. We need to aim for lore-status. When another college gets "GameDay" and the students go to Google looking for funny ideas, the whole first page should be completely covered with our signs. Imagine the world is Bluto from the movie "Animal House" (I know, kind of a scary thought, but stay with me) and imagine we are Otter. Bluto has just challenged us to fulfill our potential, so what should our response be? It should be: "We have to go all out. I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part. And we are just the guys to do it."     So let's do it. Let's go all out and make the greatest, most memorable signs ever. Right now. Seriously, stop reading and start sign making. GO!   Contact Isaac Lorton at ilorton@nd.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

National Coming Out Day

By The Observer · Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012

AllianceND is the proposed student-run Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), which would serve to educate and foster understanding on campus concerning LGBT issues. The goal of the group is not only to provide a safe space to LGBT students and their allies, but also to reach out to the campus at large and encourage a safe climate. We believe that the recognition of a formal GSA on campus is vital to providing adequate resources for LGBT members of the Notre Dame family. Currently, LGBT issues are handled exclusively through a limited-access board (the Core Council). Although this board allows for the representation of LGBT student interests to University administrators, it is not open to members of the campus community at large (non-member LGBT students and staff as well as allies). Today is National Coming Out Day.  Historically, National Coming Out Day was founded to encourage acceptance of one's identity, as well as to raise awareness about the struggles the LGBT community still faces today. The Notre Dame LGBT community certainly remains in this struggle. Current structures and the general campus climate both continue to discourage students from coming out. AllianceND itself has come out time and time again over the past two decades, fighting for the right to exist. Today, we write to you all encouraging you to come out in support of our struggle to improve campus climate, and ask administrators of this campus to come out with substantial plans for doing so. For those freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, or grad students who are not sure if Notre Dame is ready for the greatness you have to offer, we promise that there are people on this campus who will love you for exactly who you are. AllianceND will always welcome you. KobenaAmpofo senior off campus Mia Lillis junior Cavanaugh Hall Carl Brinker senior off campus Alex Coccia junior Siegfried Hall Karl Abad senior St. Edward's Hall Maggie Waickman sophomore Howard Hall Patrick Ntwari freshman Keough Hall Colleen Hancuch sophomore Howard Hall Lauren Morisseau sophomore Breen-Phillips Hall Zoe Jimenez junior Breen-Phillips Hall Tom Lienhoop junior Dillon Hall Maggie Miller sophomore Pasquerilla East Caitlin Zeiler sophomore Welsh Family Hall

The Observer

Taste the victory

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 8, 2012

In more than two years as a resident of Breen-PhillipsHall, I've found there are a few of things that we Babes can always count on. Firstly, we know that we will never feel neglected by @NDdormjokes. Secondly, we never need to search too far to find a source of snacks. And thirdly, our flag-football team has been and always will be bad. How bad? Cal Tech basketball level bad.  But while I never thought I would see such a thing, the impossible happened on Oct. 2, 2012: BP won a football game. We only had 10 girls playing. We had no time to warm-up and no practice since we'd been mercy-ruled the previous Sunday. Half of our coaches were stuck in class or exams, and half of us were playing defense for the first time. But none of that mattered, and as we closed out a 20-18 win over Lyons, we all ran half-mad to embrace on the sideline as if such an event had never before occurred. Of course, as far as we were concerned, this was a first. I do know that we were completely shutout in my freshman campaign - in four games, we didn't manage so much as a safety - and last season we played in pinnies that had "No Mercy (Rule)" written across the back. Lest anyone think I'm blaming my teammates for our failures over the years, I assure you that I hold more than my fair share of the blame. I'm no good at pulling flags, I'm too slow to make a good running back and as an offensive lineman I probably spent more time impeding the progress of my teammates than I did protecting the quarterback. If I wasn't the most penalized player in the league last year, then I must have been awfully close. Let's put it this way: There was a reason why no one questioned the appropriateness of my coaches bestowing me with the "Dr. Jekyll and You Better Hyde Award for Most Aggressive Pass Blocking." And that's why it felt so good to finally, finally come out on top in a Recsports contest. As competitive as I am, I'm not sure I've ever entertained the thought of playing in the title game in the stadium. For those of you who have the luxury of setting your sights that high, a close Tuesday night win behind Stepan Center probably won't be one of the most memorable moments of your college years (ditto for those of you who actually have their priorities straight and devote more energy to chemistry class than interhall sports.) But for people like me - people who care way too much but don't see the payoff that often - this was special. BP is 1-14 since I arrived on campus, and I wasn't happy to lose any of those games. But it's those 14 defeats that made the one victory feel so good.Well, that and the celebratory froyo.  

The Observer

Ministry of magic

By The Observer · Monday, Oct. 8, 2012

I really loved magic when I was little. I wore the same wizard costume every year for Halloween, asked for magicians to perform at my birthday parties and made sure to record all five parts of the two-hour-long specials of "World's Greatest Magic." The great majority of my time, however, was spent performing magic tricks. I would buy all sorts of illusions: trick decks, vanishing pennies, magic coloring books and the like. I would then rush home to perform the tricks for the only audience I had - my brothers.

The Observer

The real war on women

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

This week is Respect Life Week here at Notre Dame. Some of you may think this week brings out the best in Notre Dame students by allowing us to stand together and make a strong statement supporting the rights of all human beings to live long and happy lives. Others believe it brings out the worst in us, with the rows of crosses that line South Quad pointing a hateful and accusatory finger at any woman who steps on our campus who has found herself in the difficult situation of considering abortion. Whatever your views about abortion and Respect Life Week, I hope we can all agree on the topic about which I am writing today: sex-selective abortion. Sex-selective abortion is exactly what it sounds like: aborting a baby because the parents desire a child of a different sex. It is most common in Asian countries, particularly India and China, where the ratio of males to females at birth was as high as 1.2 to 1 in some parts of India and most of China (according to the Indian census and various U.N. population statistics in 2010). Although sex-selective abortion is far less common in the United States, it is not unheard of - especially among communities of immigrants who come from nations where sex-selective abortion is widely practiced. The U.S. House of Representatives recently rejected a bill that would make knowingly participating in a sex-selective abortion a federal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. While I think the maximum penalty might seem excessive to those who do not believe that abortion is the killing of a human person, I believe that everyone, including those who would permit abortion in most cases, should support some kind of ban on sex-selective abortions in the United States. I will now offer three reasons why I hold this position. First, sex-selective abortion demeans the worth and dignity of women. Second, it is often a symptom of a broader culture of abuse and coercion of women that must be brought to light. Third, banning sex-selective abortion would allow the U.S. to exercise moral and practical leadership on an issue that will have drastic consequences for the futures of many nations. Regarding offenses against women's dignity: I am not a woman, but if I were, I would find it profoundly insulting that people seek medical procedures to allow them to have sons instead of daughters. This practice goes beyond sex-selective abortions to in-vitro fertilization, where parents can use some of the latest technologies and techniques to control the sex of the embryos they implant. Womanhood is not a genetic disorder to be eliminated through abortion, nor is it an undesirable trait that we should reject when building the perfect "designer" baby. Women are half of humanity. Some would even say they are the better half. Let's keep it that way. It should not surprise anyone, then, that in many cases, the women who undergo sex-selective abortions do not do so of their own free will. The father, under cultural pressure to produce sons in order to appear "virile" and "manly," might convince or even compel the mother to abort a female fetus so he can try for a son next time. In this way, men who disdain womanhood impose their warped value system on their own wives by preventing them from bearing female children. It's difficult for me to think of a more tragic example of male oppression of women. Allowing the authorities to investigate cases of sex-selective abortion could help put an end to this form of coercion and also bring to light related offenses like domestic violence. Finally, banning sex-selective abortion in the United States would give the U.S. a chance to speak out against the rampant overuse of the practice in other countries. A Congressional report on China said recently that the Chinese could have as many as 40 million "surplus males" by 2020. These men will never get the chance to marry or have children and may lead "lost and lonely" lives, according to Washington Post reporter Mary Curtis. Sources in China say the rate of sex-selective abortion is increasing as more families become wealthy enough to afford abortions. In fact, more sex-selective abortions are taking place throughout the entire developing world for this same reason. The U.S. must take a stand against this practice that threatens the happiness of men and the dignity and safety of women around the world. We can start by banning it at home. Elliott Pearce can be reached at Elliott.A.Pearce.12@nd.edu The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

The Observer

Chicago state of mind

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

Growing up on Long Island, there was never any doubt in my mind that New York City was the greatest city in the country. It has everything an individual could possibly expect from a city - from amazing restaurants and shopping areas to diehard sport traditions, and, of course, ridiculously high prices. I remember visiting Boston and Philadelphia in middle school and feeling superior to all the residents because my city was larger and more cosmopolitan than their cities. To be honest, I never really even spent that much time in New York City, even though I only live about thirty minutes away from Manhattan. I'm more of an outdoors person and crowds overwhelm me, so New York's tightly packed buildings and busy streets are not exactly up my alley. But once I came to Notre Dame, I acted as if New York City was my second home. I enjoyed telling people I was from New York because I automatically assumed that unless they were from Paris or Sydney, my hometown was probably more entertaining than theirs. Even with the wealth of Notre Dame students from the Chicago area, it never occurred to me that Chicago might rival New York. Maybe San Francisco or Washington, D.C., but never a random city in the middle of the Midwest. But over the past few years, I've visited Chicago several times, and each time I leave liking the city more and more. Yes, it's smaller than New York, but that only makes it easier to navigate. Prices, while still high, are much lower than New York's, and Chicago natives are almost as infatuated with their athletic teams as Notre Dame students are with our football team. The city is cleaner overall, and Lake Michigan offers a nicer view than New York Harbor. I always assumed that if I lived in a city after graduation it would be New York, but as I think about post-Notre Dame life more frequently, I think I might rather spend a few years as a young professional in Chicago. This past weekend only cemented those feelings. Chicago and its inhabitants welcomed Notre Dame students and fans alike with open arms, and I can't think of a better weekend I've had in several months. The bars were lively, the food was tasty and the Notre Dame network was huge and comforting. Even though I'll always be a New Yorker at heart, I'm starting to think a Chicago state of mind might be just what I need to start my life after Notre Dame. Contact Mel Flanagan at mflanag3@nd.edu The views expressed in the Inside Column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.  

The Observer

Harmony and discord

By The Observer · Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012

"Silent night, holy night ... Dr. Martin Luther King says he does not intend to cancel plans for an open housing march Sunday into the Chicago suburb of Cicero ... Police in Cicero said they would ask the National Guard be called out if it is held ... Round yon virgin mother and child ... In Washington, the atmosphere was tense today as a special sub-committee of the House Committee on Un-American Activities continued its probe into anti-Vietnam war protest ... Sleep in heavenly peace." Such is the chilling and poignant juxtaposition of the Aug. 3, 1966, 7:00 news and the simple carol, "Silent Night," produced by Simon and Garfunkel. Such is the dichotomous view of the world they present. It is a view of the world with a surface theme of harmony, but the undertone of conflict. Saul Alinsky says that if all of human history could be incorporated into a singular musical score, it would be one of discord. This song, while unifying disparate themes, is wrought with division and strife. As part of a story of an era in American history, the subtext is prejudice. It is a view of the world in which humans come together to praise what is sacred while underneath the ineffable is the mental, physical and emotional clash of these human beings. It contrasts the celebration of a single human life with the consecration of the view of human beings as objects and as means. The irony surrounding this juxtaposition is that it is the reality of our existence. James Carroll writes, "I claim an identity that limits me. Yet equally it gives me a place to stand." Here, Carroll identifies the present balance: standing tall in our self-identity while not letting our height block that invaluable vision of others, not letting our vision of the sacred block our engagement with those around us. Recognizing this reality can lead to either a defeatist and apocalyptic attitude or a call to action. Unfortunately, there is certainly no definitive answer to change this reality. Indeed, the process throughout human history has been one of success and failure, where conflict has been the perceived means to peace, where the resolution of one conflict plants the seeds of another and where human beings are both the ends, and the means to a perceived greater end. There are few road maps and limited signs. There is only direction. Yet, in the midst of all of this mixture of harmony and discord, our mission is to fully engage with the world and its problems, meaning that we engage further with each other in the complete understanding that this engagement will inevitably create more conflict. Yet, we do not shy away; we simply approach our interactions with a more pure vision of the world as it is. We must start with this reality of the world - our limitations and our foundations and the sinuous curve of harmony and discord. However, as Alinsky notes, "that we accept the world as it is does not in any sense weaken our desire to change it into what we believe it should be - it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what we think it should be." We must have a vision of where we would like to be as a human race grounded in the reality of where we currently find ourselves. That vision must include others.   It is ultimately an "other-oriented" lens through which we must address our actions in life, a lens to be enhanced by the sacred and profound, not blinded by their radiance. It is a vision of religion as a path to God and in service to God through service to other human beings, not in spite of other human beings. Similarly, other lofty sentiments like democracy cannot merely be the ends for which human beings are the means. The Simon and Garfunkel rendition illustrates this fault in instances when order becomes the ends by which civil rights are refused, or national security becomes the ends by which dignity is violated. The necessary vision must be that "the least of these" refers to each of us at one time or another. It is a vision that both oppressor and oppressed have to bear. Alinsky writes, "In the world as it is there are no permanent happy or sad endings," just a continuing appreciation for the beauty and struggle of human relationships and interactions.  "No man is an island," proclaimed John Donne. At least, none should be - not in our successes, our failures, our ecstasies or our agonies. As human beings, we do have our moments of solitary experience. But the island paradise we seek is found in other human beings. Even when our personal melodies are ones of discord, they are symphonic with others in the world. Alex Coccia is a junior Africana and Peace Studies major, and a Gender Studies minor. He appreciates late night conversations in the Siegfried Chapel.  He can be reached at acoccia@nd.edu     The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

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