Opinion
The food police
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 16, 2010
No doubt many of you are reading this column while munching away on the delicious cuisine offered at North or South Dining Hall. What is it that you are eating? Cereal? Fries? Pizza? Some fro-yo, perhaps?
Organ markets
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Hundreds of thousands of Americans and millions of people across the world need an organ transplant right now. They live with the fact that if they don't get that organ in time, they are going to die a premature death. That is the longest wait anyone can undertake, and especially painful for family and friends if things don't work out. The system we have is wrong and there is no reason it shouldn't be fixed by solutions that have been tried and tested. Now I'm not against anyone donating their own organs to save another person's life, it is a noble and selfless act, but we would be lying to ourselves if we didn't recognize that money talks. Why can't I sell my kidney to somebody that needs it? Why can't my family benefit from the organs I give up after I die?
Need for reconciliation
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 16, 2010
While at home for a week, I heard more about my local bishop's initiative to bring more people to Reconciliation during this Lenten season. Reconciliation is the foundation for coming into greater unity with Christ. For those who have been away from the Church for many years, receiving this Sacrament can help them begin a new journey to more actively participate in their faith. For those who have followed the weekly routine of going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion, a strong examination of conscience and participation in Reconciliation can revive one's desire to act out the words heard on Sunday mornings that often fade from mind in days or hours. The Catholics who hesitate to participate in Reconciliation because they do not feel the need to confess their sins to another person, preferring to deal directly with God on their own, miss the point of the Sacrament.
Moral consistency on the issue of life
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I first want to congratulate The Observer for allowing me the opportunity to juxtapose the Conservative ranting that goes on in this paper with some fresh ideas from the liberal perspective. Now, let's get down to business.
Carry your faith with you wherever you go
By
The Observer
· Thursday, March 4, 2010
Listen up, all of you who are packing your suitcases for wherever you're going next week … or maybe wherever you're going later today! Oops, did you forget to put your Bible in there? OK, let's think about this. You're headed out on Spring Break, which probably means a) a sweet vacation; b) an inspiring service trip; or c) time at home with the family. No matter what your week's agenda holds, here's a suggestion to make it even better. Treat yourself to a few minutes of prayer each day. Really.
Power and the 'R' word
By
The Observer
· Thursday, March 4, 2010
It wasn't long ago that saying something sucks would garner disapproving looks and perhaps a stern talking-to. Despite the fact that "sucks" refers to what many would consider a deviant sex act, it has become a common part of our vocabulary. It's widespread usage in our vernacular has rendered the word largely inoffensive and powerless.
Antiheroism
By
The Observer
· Thursday, March 4, 2010
Not one word of "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" is true.
Gail's legacy
By
The Observer
· Thursday, March 4, 2010
A visit to ND is always bittersweet for alumni, but this week I experienced a return to campus both more sorrowful and more glorious than usual as we laid to rest my former teacher, mentor and friend Dr. Gail Walton.
Nothing turns me on like short hair and charity
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, March 3, 2010
As most of us know, Spring Break is the prime-time for getting hair cut. Whether it's convenient to make an appointment at your home hairdresser or you want to look good for Panama City, the locks usually drop. The purpose of this article is quite simple: to convince every female on this campus to not cut her hair until April 21.
Basilica Wedding Madness
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, March 3, 2010
As a member of the Notre Dame community, I have always known about the "ring by spring" mentality. This year, I got more insight to the phenomenon. It started last summer and slowly but surely progressed until the last minute end of January proposal. Then the calling group organization began. No less than three of my friends, no doubt braver than I, decided to try to have their weddings at the Basilica in the summer of 2011. I myself went to my local church as soon as I got engaged and was able to set my date at the time I wanted that day.
Chile earthquake
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I am a 2009 graduate living in Santiago, Chile since May of last year. It is with incredible frustration that I write to you today, as 80 percent of the population of my country has been affected by one of the greatest natural disasters recorded in history.
Why I'm a hockey fan now
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Every time the Olympic Games roll around, all kinds of sports pick up new fans. It has almost become cliché to talk one's love of curling after the winter games or a newfound respect for the modern pentathlon (pistol shooting, epee fencing, 200 meter swim, show jumping, and a cross country race) following the Summer Olympics. However, with the passing of the Vancouver games, I have found myself a newly minted hockey fan. As a Kansas City native, the opportunity to play hockey never really presented itself. There are fewer rinks in the city limits than I could count on my two hands. My high school had a club team, but I don't have any idea who they played. The closest I ever got to getting into hockey was when Kansas City, Mo. built a puck-shaped arena downtown, and subsequently failed to woo the Pittsburgh Penguins to town. I wasn't really heartbroken.
Be aware of the R-word
By
The Observer
· Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I agree with yesterday's column ("Spread the word to end the word," March 2) and the Letter to the Editor ("The hurtfulness of one word," March 2) on the importance of the efforts to end the careless use of the words "retard" and "retarded." On March 3, I call on all students to be aware of the use of these words and to be vocal in combating them. There are three main ways these words are used. First is when the R-word is used as a derogatory term for someone with intellectual disabilities. This is hurtful, crass and just plain low. Although it's the most obvious use of the R-word, it's not the most common use on campus. We should pay attention to the other, more insidious uses of the R-word. One is the use of the R-word for something annoying, worthless or undesirable (e.g. "Parietals are so ___!") This sends a message to society, whether you intend it or not, that people with intellectual disabilities should be associated with unwelcome or inconvenient things. That's just not true. The last use of the R-word is as a casual insult against fellow students, coworkers, or faculty. When you call your peers the R-word, you take their (and your) intellectual abilities for granted. Be grateful for the talents God gave you, the ones that got you a high school diploma and a college acceptance with relatively little difficulty; be aware at the same time that some people face challenges to fit in every day. People with intellectual disabilities display amazing strength and bravery. On March 3, share in that courage. Pledge to end the R-word.
Undergraduate research integral to Notre Dame
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 2, 2010
In response to Justin DeRosa's letter in Viewpoint ("An argument against research," Feb. 24), Mr. DeRosa is mistaken in saying that Fr. Jenkins "in his inaugural address, asserted that he is simply committed to ‘maintaining' [Notre Dame's] traditional excellence in undergraduate teaching." This statement is nowhere in Fr. Jenkins' address (see http://inauguration.nd.edu/ceremonies/inaugural_address.shtml), and the suggestion that Fr. Jenkins and the University are merely settling for a status quo in teaching is also unfounded. Instead, Fr. Jenkins was visionary in tying undergraduate research to his goal of constantly improving undergraduate education across the board. Undergraduate research is education, and research is service. As such, undergraduate research embodies the best of what Notre Dame has to offer. DeRosa's letter shows that there are misunderstandings about research and the University's promotion of it among undergraduates. At our new Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE) — which is one symbol of the University's commitment to academic excellence — we try to dispel myths about research and intellectual pursuits overall. First, research is not diametrically opposed to teaching and learning, as some may think. In fact, research is the cutting edge of undergraduate education. Top universities around the nation and the world recognize this, and Notre Dame strives to be a leader in undergraduate research. Students flourish when they challenge themselves and venture into the unknown, investigating ideas and beliefs about themselves and others, cultures, the world ... whether through science, engineering, the humanities and arts, architecture or the social sciences and business. Second, research is a far broader enterprise than many believe. Undergraduate research involves not just laboratory experiments, but also critical analysis of texts and artifacts, ethnographies, oral histories, creative endeavors, studies of the theory and form that underlie creative works and so on. For many students across the University, research is an integral part of learning, one that takes students beyond the classroom. Through the research experience, students take full ownership of their education — pursuing their own questions, working independently many times, collaborating one-on-one with faculty members and becoming creators of knowledge. Why do research? A few practical reasons include discernment about majors and post-graduate opportunities and the honing of technical and communication skills. The real reasons, though, have to do with authentic learning and discovery. Through research, undergraduates not only discover knowledge and truths about the world, but also discover something about themselves — who they are, what they believe, what they might be capable of. Research requires a bit of risk-taking, venturing into unfamiliar physical spaces and intellectual territories. It can be a personal as well as an academic challenge, and we invite students to embark on that venture. Another reason to participate in research is that Notre Dame is a research institution, with a treasure trove of faculty, graduate students, laboratories, libraries, archives and access to additional resources all over the world. Notre Dame is a relatively small institution compared to many research universities, but that means there are even more opportunities for undergraduate research. Students here can more easily get to know faculty and graduate students well, especially when collaborating on research projects. At CUSE, we are here to help undergraduates take full advantage of what Notre Dame has to offer. Perhaps the best reason to conduct research is that it is a form of service. In his inaugural address, Fr. Jenkins quoted Pope John Paul II, who stated that our proper activity as members of a Catholic university is "Learning to think rigorously, so as to act rightly and to serve humanity better." Notre Dame students are talented intellectually; to not use the gift of one's mind would be to waste that gift. Put another way, participating in research, scholarship and creative endeavors serves the greater good. It is no accident that our new center is located in Geddes Hall, home to the Center for Social Concerns and the Institute for Church Life. At CUSE, we promote intellectual pursuits enthusiastically because we know that undergraduates have much to contribute to our understanding of the world, to improving the quality of life and to addressing some of the important, exigent challenges that we face today.
Spread the word to end the word
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tomorrow, a human rights movement will sweep our country. Thousands of college students on hundreds of campuses, joined by students of all ages, are trying to jog the consciousness of a nation. They are sensitizing Americans to a subtle but pernicious prejudice reflected in our language — in the common use of the slur "retard." Every one of us can join their effort. It's as simple as changing the way we speak. But are we fighting something that even exists? We say yes. Recently, one of the authors was shopping with his 14-year-old sister, Olivia Palumbo. With a slew of children's books under her arm, Olivia bounded down an aisle, her brother in tow. As she pointed at something that caught her interest, her laugh nearly drowned out a taunting voice from behind: "Who let the retard in? Look guys, I can run like the retard!" The boy and his posse ran by, pointing. Olivia's intellectual disability had attracted negative attention for years. She did not turn around. Nor did her brother. This prejudice exists. And it is virulent. Retard, like other slurs, does more than hurt feelings. These words crystallize discrimination and encapsulate marginalizing stereotypes. What slurs do against ethnic or other minorities, so does "retard" when used pejoratively against people with intellectual disabilities. Because of their effects, society has made these forms of hate speech reprehensible. So it should be with "retard." Olivia, her friends, her family and all those with intellectual disabilities deserve as much. But the word often appears in a subtler and, ultimately, more dangerous form. We've all heard it before: A sports fan disparages an official, "Ref, are you a retard!?" A comedian accuses a celebrity of being "retarded." A politician refers to his colleagues as "f---ing retarded." In these examples, the word "retard(ed)" seems to mean something close to "stupid," "incapable" or "undesirable." And this seems like harmless fun. After all, if no one like Olivia is being made fun of, what's the problem? The problem is this. Because of past use of "mental retardation" as a diagnostic term, "retard(ed)" became inextricably tied to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When the R-word is used, these people are invoked by this connection. When society warps "retard(ed)" to mean something close to "worthless", or "undesirable," this bleeds into the image of those with intellectual disabilities and they are associated with this negativity. The bigotry is subtle but very real. Every pejorative use of the term "retard(ed)" reinforces this stereotype of undesirability. Olivia is neither incapable nor worthless. She is an incredible person with a wealth to contribute to the world. Unfortunately, she lives in a society that, through its language, demonstrates and perpetuates its belief to the contrary. The words we use blind us to the abilities and worth of people with intellectual disabilities, ultimately robbing us of the invaluable contribution they offer. Is this not enough for us to reconsider our language? Tomorrow, on March 3, thousands of students are rallying their peers to challenge their language and pledge to end their pejorative use of the R-word. Their intentions are not to ban a word or censor society but rather to awaken others to the harmful effects of this label. Yet we ask for more than a single day of activism and a pledge. As many critics have pointed out, language is dynamic; if "retard" fades away, new words will rise as replacements. For this reason, this movement calls for a change of not only our language but also our actions and attitudes. We must go beyond words and embrace those oft-ignored members of society whose talents and personalities go forgotten and neglected. Volunteer for Special Olympics or Best Buddies, support legislation that promotes access to healthcare and education and encourage employers to hire people with intellectual disabilities. By recognizing these people as valuable citizens, we chip away at the wall of intolerance and exclusion that has too long plagued our society. The first step is to change society's language. Today and tomorrow, we challenge you to change yours. Give two minutes tomorrow and sign your pledge on the banners in Lafortune and the dining halls. Change the conversation. Spread the word to end the R-word.
The hurtfulness of one word
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Someone once told me he loves people who have developmental disabilities because they remind him "just how neat God really is." Unfortunately, most people do not share this man's point-of-view. People with developmental disabilities are one of the most ostracized groups in America. Seventy percent of people with developmental disabilities are unemployed, 60 percent of parents do not want developmentally disabled children to attend the same school as their children and over 90 percent of babies diagnosed with Down Syndrome are aborted. There is growing awareness about the value of people with developmental disabilities, but much of our country remains oblivious to the tangible benefits people with disabilities offer. On March 3, 2010, Special Olympics will hold its second annual "Spread the Word to End the Word" day, which raises awareness about the offensive use of the word "retarded" in casual conversation. The r-word is deeply offensive and demeaning to the special needs community, yet its use continues to be prevalent. This is because many people do not realize that the way the r-word is often used can bring a person with special needs to tears. Ending the use of the r-word will not end the prejudice towards people with special needs, but it is a start. Our words are a reflection of our ideologies, and by changing our language, we can begin to influence our ideologies. The ultimate goal of "Spread the Word to End the Word" is not to stop the use of the r-word, but to make known the fact that people with developmental disabilities are truly blessed, and that they can contribute to society in a tangible way. So please, think about what you are saying next time you use the r-word, and remember who you are offending.
In gratitude to Gail Walton
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I was among those who were deeply saddened to receive word of the death of Dr. Gail Walton on Wednesday. I only know a small fraction of the students who had worked with Gail during her many years as director of music at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, but in the wake of her passing, all have expressed remarkable sentiments of gratitude. She was a trusted mentor, who helped instill lifelong passions for choral music. Some tell me they are indebted to her for their entire professional careers in Church music, and still others affirm that Gail played a key role in their decisions to enter the Catholic Church, by her example of faith and by her devotion to beauty and reverence in sacred music. For my own part, I will be eternally grateful to Gail for providing me an opportunity to appreciate the grandeur and breadth of the Church's living liturgical tradition. When I first came to Notre Dame, I had never experienced time-honored hymnody, the use of the pipe organ, choral masterpieces or Gregorian chant at Mass before. She fostered a repertoire and culture of prayer that broadened my perspective and shaped my love for the Mass. I was also blessed to get to know Gail better in recent years. On a personal level, Gail helped my wife, a Liturgical Choir alumna, and me to prepare our wedding music at the Basilica. And at a professional level, I found Gail always open to service of the Church, both within and beyond the campus of Notre Dame. The last month has seen the University of Notre Dame suffer the loss of two great figures in her Catholic heritage. First, the death of Dr. Ralph McInerny, and now the passing of Dr. Walton. The former devoted his prolific academic career to the integrity of the Catholic intellectual and literary tradition. Gail's influence came in subtle form, through her commitment to the evangelizing power of the Church's artistic treasury. In liturgical studies, we are taught that the manner in which we pray lays the foundation for what we believe. Gail Walton may not have realized during her earthly life how catechetical her work was, but I suspect it has helped many to encounter the Divine in a profound way. May her legacy live on, and may she rest in peace amidst the communion of Saints and the choirs of Angels.
Keep on fighting
By
The Observer
· Tuesday, March 2, 2010
While almost every student at Notre Dame stepped onto campus as a freshman with a long list of extracurricular activities they excelled in during their high school years, not all of us had the time or the quick tongue necessary to join the Debate Club. Regardless, Notre Dame students love to debate, and this is never more evident than when one reads the Viewpoint section of this paper.
Concerning just wages
By
The Observer
· Monday, March 1, 2010
Just a few thoughts on the discussion of just wages and the working poor taking place in The Observer right now. There are those on the one side who emphasize that the Church has no specific teaching on just what the exact figure of a just wage should be, and even that Christ himself doesn't talk about just wages — His teaching is completely otherworldly. There are those on the other side who seem to think that somehow the Church suddenly woke up in 1891 to talk of economic justice when Leo XIII wrote "Rerum Novarum," having lived in darkness and ignorance before the industrial revolution. Sometimes it seems that serendipitously that's when the Church finally started to agree with the author. But let's just consider a few All Stars of the Catholic tradition.
