Newspapers / Winston-Salem State University Student … / May 1, 1989, edition 1 / Page 2
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PAGE 2 The News Argus May 1989 Opinion A Letter to WSSU's Fraternities To the Fraternities: As I sat watcliing tlie step show on ttie nigtit of April 21st in the K.R. Williams Auditorium, a young lady sit ting b)ehind me said something that real ly caught my attention. "Why are they being so nasty"? she asked her friend beside her and referring to one of the fraternities on stage at the time. "They're nothing but a bunch of sexual show-offs", her friend replied. After hearing this, I began to view the groups' performances differently. The young ladies were right, and until they had said something, I hadn't really paid much attention as to how members of fraterni ties were dancing (if it may be called dancing, because it certainly wasn't stepping). A Greek step show is supposed to be just what it's called — a step show. Emphasis should be focused mainly on the stepping and not really the dancing movements that accompany it. Granted, the entire presentation looks good and is entertaining to watch, but when "dirty dancing" becomes an oh-so-important part of the act, isn't that going a bit too far? Humping the stage floor, crotch- grabbing and "Da Butt"- style butt-rub bing were undoubtedly the most com mon gestures by the fraternities (and yes, I am speaking directly of the frats here, because the sororities didn't even come close to matching the frats vul garity), sending a message to me and probably others of trying to show their masculinity. Young men of our fraterni ties, you need not be so immoral in try ing to prove your manhood; if it wasn t apparent to the audience that you are of the male species when you first walked out on stage, then it never will be. On a final note, let me say this to the frats: Many of you will arpe that your actions were harmless, nothing but a mere form of the new dance craze. Though that may t>e your opinion, we all know that certain body parts are more private than others, and therefore are treated with more dignity. Yes, it's your body and you may do with it as you please, but the next time you per form in public, try not to be so common, ok? You'll still be admired and respect ed all the same. A Concerned WSSU Ram How Do You Chioose a Slogan? By Stephen Maddox Should a historically black institu tion express its blackness? This is the question that WSSU's WSNC 90.5 FM had to ask itself while in search of a slo gan for the spring semester of 1989. You may be saying to yourself, "WSNC does not have a slogan this semester?" That is because WSNC's suggestion was disapproved by the chairman of the Mass Communication Department and also by the chancellor of the university. So what was this mysterious slogan anyway? The WSNC-FM staff wanted to call the station "The Strength of Black College Radio," a slogan not intended to direct attention to its wattage, but to stress its diversity in programming. Also, WSNC wanted to stress the fact that it is indeed a college radio station even though its power of 125 watts carries its sound throughout much of Winston-Salem, not just around the campus. While these ideas may seem good to some, others said that the airwaves are for the public to enjoy and that this particular slogan would in some way drive white listeners away from the sta tion, and even from attending this uni versity. Should a historically black universi ty be so concerned with the idea of attracting the majority (which in this case is the minority) that they will ignore what they are, what they came from and where they want to go? These questions bring some to an entirely subjective conclusion; If there is even one white person attending this university, it may not even have the right to call itself a black university. After attending this year's Black College Radio Convention in Atlanta, Ga., 1 was enlightened by the fact that other predominantly black colleges and universities were experiencing similar matters that concern their blackness, and a great many of these stations are indeed winning their battle. With exam ples such as Virginia State University's "Black by Popular Demand" and Howard University's "It's a Black Thing, You Wouldn't Understand," some predominantly black institutions are expressing their blackness and doing it in a successful manner. With programs such as "In Black America," "Black Class" and "The Con scious Party," it is obvious that WSNC- FM is focusing on the black commimity that surrounds its campus. So why not express the facts? Johnson Publishing. Co. is doing so with Ebony/Jet maga zines. There is also Essence magazine. You also have programs such as Black Entertainment Television and "Ebony/Jet Celebrity Showcase." But perhaps a college radio station is somewhat different. There are more than just black artists b>eing played in rotation; WSNC has white announcers and they definitely have white listeners. At the same time, however, this univer sity was founded for blacks as an alter native and an opportunity for the Afro- American to further his educated mind when the predominantly white universi ties would not give him a chance. Should this be forgotten? Should this not be forgotten? Irvin Carrol, a student at Winston- Salem State University, had this to say: "I believe that a radio station should cater to all that may be within its listen ing radius; however, we should be able to use the slogan. I don't think it is offensive." What do you think? While the argimients for both sides could continue for a great many semesters to come, one thing is for sure: WSNC will continue to be "On the Strength - On the Airl’l ^est of Luck^ CCass of 1989 Who Can Our Children Trust These Days? By Joanie T\ittle MANAGING EDITOR In a recent Winston-Salem Journal. I saw two stories that really upset me. Both stories told of how two men, one an assistant principal and the other an ordained minister, had been charged with taking indecent liberties with minors. Although this is not a new crime in our society, when something hits close to home you l>egin to really take a seri ous look at how you as an individual can make a change. All of my life I have been told as countless others have that you can always trust your ministers as well as your teachers. With the recent indictments, I guess Americans will have to reexamine their now imrealistic beliefs. I hate to to admit it but I guess that our society is reaching a by-gone era of trust. A sad and tragic part of the recent situation is that both men charged are individuals that we entrust our chil dren's lives to in order to teach them some of the valuable lessons of life! I shudder to think what lessons these unfortunate children have been forced to learn, thanks in part to our society's ignorance. And also if they will ever be able to trust an adult again. Fortunately, there are still a large group of people that refuse to throw away their high moral standards, so thanks to us our country still has a fight ing chance to overcome this terrible crime. LEHERS TO THE EDITOR If you have an opinion to express, write a letter to the editor, c/o The News Argus office. Room 313, Hall-Patterson Building, WSSU. The News Argus Stafi: Editor Bryon TInnin Advertising Manager/ Managing Editor Sports Editor Entertainment Editor ..John Poindexter Staff Reporters, continued Photonranher.* staff Reporters Shandra Cammack Craig Thomas Joanie Tuttle Joanie Tuttle EuGenia Williamson Georgeiien Brown !."..Craig Thomas Joyce McMillan Lisa Stewart candl Smallwood Facutty Valerie Saddler It you have any questions or latters to the edHor, wr. >ie News Argus staft, Room 313, Hall-Patterson Communications Building, WSSU I campus.
Winston-Salem State University Student Newspaper
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May 1, 1989, edition 1
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