Magazine encourages unhealthy self-images
So I picked up this Campus Magazine that seems to be circulating around, and well, I think we would be much better off without this pile of trash.
Let me quote an example from the end of semester '03 edition titled, "Nip and Tuck": "Of course, plastic surgery is always an option. Feel huge and mushy? Liposuction may be for you. Feel shapeless and flat? Butt implants or Îmicrofat grafting,' in which fat is removed from one part of the body and injected to the buttocks, may be what you need. Needless to say, cost is an important consideration. Pay rent, or look great as you walk away: What is your priority?"
Is this what you want to read? Someone telling you that if you don't feel attractive, you should go spend thousands of dollars on plastic surgery?
What ever happened to "Be yourself"?
These words aren't just some slogan we hock at grade school kids to prevent minor conflict, these words are the opening to a real life.
The rest of the magazine goes on to showcase overly emphasized models, the correct ways to dress (as opposed to things that are not cool ÷ what is this, junior high?) and plenty of fashion trends.
Such a publication is similar to the non-journalistic properties of YM, Teen People or even the hilarious J-14.
My problem with these magazines is they are the epitome of mass corporate image, showcasing what people look like when they are cool, and how you can be cool.
They do so by removing traces of individuality and creating an army of sameness.
So ask yourself next time you see a campus magazine heading your way: Do I want to lose who I am and be who they want me to be? Do I want to be myself?
Alan Fullmer
journalism freshman
University should lose wasteful expenditures
This letter is in response to President Likins' request for a $500 tuition increase.
I was just sitting in our new student union with some friends, eating my $8 On Deck Deli sandwich and talking about how I wasn't going to be able to graduate on time because I couldn't get into my required classes.
We were sitting by the Gallagher Theater when we noticed two (of many throughout the union) plasma screen TVs right above the movie theater entrance.
These TVs basically just tell you what movies are playing and when. On the wall just below these TVs are posters for these same upcoming movies.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but one of these promotional tools costs about $25 and the other probably costs about $12,000.
Essentially, these do the same job and are located in the same place.
This got me thinking about all the expensive, useless things we have around this campus that the president and others have taken it upon themselves to buy using our money.
Next time you're on campus, take a look around at all the useless expenditures.
These include plasma screen TVs, giant sculptures and art galleries (in the union and business school), the desert garden and $30,000 worth of grass on the Mall.
Think about these expenditures next time you're trying to register for a class that's been closed or is full.
We're surrounded by these useless expenses and no one realizes that we pay for all of it, and now Likins wants to charge us even more money.
Some may contest that this is a relatively cheap school, but the fact remains that students can't get
classes and money is being wasted that could go to better alternatives.
Thanks, UA, for allocating our money so well. This school needs to get its priorities straight.
Thinking about all this makes me relieved I'll be out of this school in a few months.
Josh Epstein
marketing and entrepreneurship senior