Opinions

Andrea Matthews '11: No radicalization without representation

Consider this an open letter to the New York Times. 

Editorial cartoon, March 15, 2010

William Tomasko '13: Charlie bit my Common App

A high school senior speaks to the camera in a fake British accent and describes his passions for video games and philosophy. Another displays her drawings and paintings. Another shows off original dance moves representing pie charts and scatter plots.

David Sheffield '11: Organic food is bovine manure

Many forms of pseudoscience are linked to political ideology. The last presidential administration perfectly demonstrated how some sets of pseudoscientific ideas can tag along with other political beliefs. While President Barack Obama has done a good job of restoring science to most of the White House, ...

Editorial: Make it count

This month, Rhode Island residents will receive surveys for the 2010 census. The only problem is there aren't enough people to go door-to-door surveying households that fail to return the form by mail. We encourage students to help resolve this issue by getting jobs with the local census office.

Abigail Chance '11: Lady Gaga - a feminist icon?

I have to admit, somewhat shamefully, that I've been seduced by the Ga. At first it was easy to write her off simply because of the mainstream popularity of her unapologetically catchy anthems and her provocative costumes. However, given a closer look, there seems to be something much more to this new ...

Letter: Don't discontinue first-pick contest - improve it

To the Editor:A recent article ("First-pick contest causes controversy," March 8) mentioned the possibility that the competition will be discontinued. I strongly believe this is unnecessary. As one of this year's entrants, I write to suggest improvements for future years.

Mike Johnson '11: We've got it good

As a columnist, I read The Herald's Opinions page to see what my colleagues have to say. As a student, I read the Opinions page because, well, it's darn good theater. Column after column exposes a perceived injustice on campus, and the timeless practice of rhetoric oozes from the pages like hollandaise ...

Editorial: Time for a change

In an age of constant advancements in Internet technology, we're glad to see Brown make efforts to upgrade its Web-based services. During the past year, the University has abandoned outdated systems in favor of newer, more efficient ones.

Kshitij Lauria '13: (Ab)using the Open Curriculum

When I met with my first-year advisor earlier this semester, he made an offhand remark I'll never forget. We began our conversation with what is something of a tradition between us now: some healthy, agreeable complaining about the weather ("Where I come from this would be illegal." "But it never snows ...

Letter: Pedestrian safety comes down to attitude

To the Editor:Sunday afternoon, as I was driving on Angell, a one-way street, a student in the middle of the block darted in front of me to cross. If I hadn't stopped quickly, I would have hit him.

Editorial: Lecturing the Board

When the Brown Lecture Board brought former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to campus last semester, we had high expectations. Recent speakers sponsored by Lecture Board — including outed CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson and former Ark. Gov. Mike Huckabee — delivered engaging talks to ...

Hunter Fast '12: Divestment will not bring rapprochement

Last week, Brown students saw numerous posters and banners declaring that "we don't want our education profiting from occupation." To this end, activists observed Israeli Apartheid Week, advocating Brown's divestment from companies that profit from Israeli policy in the West Bank and Gaza. This advocacy ...

Letter: Group's use of 'apartheid' appropriate

To the Editor:The guest column by Roberta Goldman '13 ("Brown Students for Palestine (and Israel)," March 4) misrepresents Brown Students for Justice in Palestine, as well as their use of the word "apartheid."

Mary Bates GS: Grad school interviewing 101

It's that time of year again: the applications have been reviewed and a lucky few have been invited to attend interview weekends at their prospective grad schools. This is a chance for both the faculty and the potential students to evaluate each other and get a feel for the "fit" between student and ...

Editorial: One bigoted man

The Herald reported Feb. 25 that Health Services plans to implement several new measures in order to be more welcoming to transgender students. These steps include training caregivers and staff on transgender issues, changing forms and signs to reflect the range of gender identities and allowing students ...

Yue Wang '12: What to do with Uganda?

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill introduced in Uganda last fall is deeply disturbing: it called for the death penalty for "any form of sexual relationship between persons of the same sex," which was later lightened to life imprisonment. However, capital punishment is still applicable for "serial offenders" ...

Letter: Uganda bill opposition about human rights, not culture

In his column ("Understanding the odd story of gay rights in Africa," March 5), Dominic Mhiripiri '12 accuses supporters of the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill of being patronizing, closed-minded carpetbaggers. They just don't understand Southern culture. Trying to end lynching in the South is forcing Northern ...

Sean Quigley '10: Being truly collegial

Seeking a way to keep brick-and-mortar colleges and universities relevant, in an age when online institutions threaten to make the attainment of a bachelor's degree substantially easier and more convenient, David Sheffield '11 ("What could Brown do for you?", Feb. 25) proposed several recommendations ...

Letter: Phi Beta Kappa should require more breadth

To the Editor:     As chair of the Physics Department, my attention was naturally drawn to Tyler Rosenbaum's recent column ("No physicists need apply," March 3). What activity or organization would not welcome physicists with open arms? Imagine my surprise when I read of Rosenbaum's ...