Maybe think of something else on the fifth of November

Erin Fenner

The film V for Vendetta became a favorite for young up-and-coming anarchists when it came out in 2006. In its dystopian presentation of Britain, it made not-so-subtle critiques of administrations using manipulative measures to maintain power. This resonated with the Americans who, at the time, were becoming disillusioned with the Bush administration. (His approval ratings were hovering below 40 percent, according to Gallup polls.)

Protesters from the Occupy Wall Street movement – and occupiers from all over the country – are using the Guy Fawkes mask from the film as part of the protest.* I get the obvious connections. I see them. But, I cringe when considering the subtext of the film, and that people from a movement that aspires to be peaceful and non-hierarchical are using that mask as a symbol.

Intent vs. Impact: The Effects of Theme Parties on the UI Campus

Shaina Craner

Let’s face it, the University of Idaho has a bit of a reputation as a party school. I decided to come here shortly before graduating high school, and the first comment I usually heard was something along the lines of “So you’re a partier, huh?” At that point I hadn’t even visited UI, so I was becoming a little concerned about what was in store.

Those high school students who do come to visit before their graduation—typically during a Vandal Friday event—often get to see a more well-rounded view of the Vandal community beyond the common hearsay and speculation. In the most recent Vandal Friday weekend, however, the university did not put its most distinguished foot forward. An unnamed Greek organization threw a party early Friday with the theme of “white trash,” the aftermath of which was openly displayed on a beer can strewn lawn for any Vandal Friday participants to see.

Denise Carl, the ASUI Student Engagement Coordinator, put together a campus forum Thursday where students and faculty could come to discuss the issue. The point, Carl said, was not to condemn the Greek system or even parties themselves, but to discuss the ramifications of potentially offensive themes and their reflection on the university.

“I think we have an obligation to everybody to see how some folks’ actions impact people on campus,” Carl said. “Are you behaving the way you want to behave and have others see you?”

Jesse Jackson reaches out to young America

Erin Fenner

Reverend Jesse Jackson called on youth to affect social change in his “Keep Hope Alive” speech given February 7 in the Kibbie Dome.

“We’ve changed America because young America came alive,” he said

Jackson suggested education as a fundamental tool for activism. He referred to Martin Luther King Jr.’s thorough education

“(Your) first obligation is to get academically grounded,” he said.

He hailed democracy and called on the crowd to practice the right to vote.

“Ten thousand students will determine or be the next Congress person,” he said.

He referenced sports as an environment that fostered racial egalitarianism, but that this attitude should go beyond sports.

“There’s a sense of inherent justice on the field,” Jackson said, “I want black and white students to become roommates…and not just play ball together.”

Here are some responses from the audience: