OCR Text |
Show Friday, February 13, 1987 Page Nina Ethics 101 : Avoiding reality for fun and profit The wonderful 1980s. A decade that is, believe it or not, more than half over with. A decade that is in search of an identity. Come aboard, Air. Webster. If there is any word that can come close to defining the '80s, that word may be "aversion." Outlandish aversion. The big causes of the '80s reflect how we dodge them and the senselessners of it. Wc conjure spectres out of thin air to help out. Terrorism. This is the biggy. It has involved world politics and innocent human lives. It has erected barricades around the White House. It has slung guns on airport security guards. Vet, we've blown it out of proportion. We put our national integrity on the line for a few hostages. We pull out all our "compassion" for these pitiable prisoners, all the while ignoring that they represent the most miniscule fraction of our population sub-machi- states and parties (like, "attacks on innocent civilians"). 5 A synonym for "swarthy opponent of U.S. foreign policy." Give me an adequate definition. I can't come up with one and even eiperts (do the names Casey or McFarlane ring any bells?) admit that they cannot define it. Paranoid aversion is, in part, replacing real fears with the fear of something you cannot explain. PRESS BOX ne Aversion is aided when large fears chase small causes. Case in point: missing children. Their pictures are plastered all over your milk cartons, junk mail and supermarket pamphlets. Vet, for all the hoopla, there really isn't much of a problem. Even those who are most sure of themselves concede that they cannot really estimate the numbers involved. But the FBI indicates that only one percent of all children reported missing are abducted by strangers. The highest total of children missing, from December, 1985, up to today, has been fifty-thre- e. All the others kids either ran away or were abducted by parents in custody disputes. As the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said, "The most dangerous place for a child in this country is in his or her home." Playing idealist. There's a benefit to fighting table-to- p battles. You don't ever risk your life, but to wear the uniform. Plus, you seem like part you get of the team. Meanwhile, schizophrenics wander the streets, single mothers struggle in poverty, a real war gains possible. We've become afraid of being labeled or, worse yet, "uncaring." Well, these the people went to the Middle East knowing full-we- ll be could But we when to. hear subjected dangers they that "seven Americans' are being held, it is then that we rally, it is then that we mobilize and it is then that we cover our tails with ethical smoke-screen- s. To show just how we avoid reality, a challenge must be made. This challenge was first issued by Christopher Hitchens in Harper's, and goes something like this: Give me an adequate definition of terrorism. But it cannot be any of these three things: 1 Generalized, so that it may apply to states, parties or movements. 2 A cliche of the kind that all warring states and parties have always used to attack all other warring "cold-hearte- d" LETTERS- 0 oPnnQS velocity in Nicaragua, nuclear proliferation goes unchecked and individual liberty is slowly stifled. Pleasant. But maybe fighting those real battles would be unpleasant. Maybe it is funner, easier and more pleasant to shadow-bo- x with insubstantial, distant problems. Vou, at least, avoid a fight. But maybe politicians, spurred-o- n by public and media pressure, keep us "down to earth." Ha! That brings me to: One more myth: Sunday-mornin- g interview Meet the Press). These are the shows programs (like that supposedly give the media and viewers continuous and open access to "important" people. Well, that's hardly the case. Instead, those people who are in demand use their standing as leverage to get on the show of their choice and under the conditions of their choice. They get to pick the panelists, the topics of discussion and even regulate the questions. This is artful aversion. Afraid to be asked the tough question (or any questions at all, in some cases), these politicians display the true spirit of the 1980s. Get riled up, fight for a cause, believe in something just don't question the worth of the battle and certainly don't have a clear fix on what you're fighting, fighting for or fighting with. Use abstract causes as an emotional release valve and a socializing tool, but don't dream of changing the world. Because then, you might have a real fight on your hands. Send any worthwhile ideas or unusual news items to: Press Box, 240 Union. The Press Box is a weekly column, compiled and written by Kent Anderson, a senior majoring in English and a copy editor for the Chronicle. - IS OPI6 Ot Editor: I realize that I may be somewhat .i tnS DGSt in my see me irritated to John Youngren assessment, but it really criticize the Utah basketball team, in particular, senior forward Albert Springs, in his article last Wednesday. Since John was previously the sports editor for the ASUU non-objecti- ve Chronicle, I would tend to expect more from him, especially when states, "the problem is with . . . Albert Springs." Excuse me, John, but I have news for you: Albert is not the problem, you are. The man happens to be the best defensive player in the nation and would give plenty of players in the NBA some problems. In fact, if he were not trying to continually help which he might be the team, he could be an is over. NCAA tournament the time the anyway by The fact is, John, just because the team loses a few games doesn't mean you should be pointing out all of the bad things. I presume it will be just like last year; people complain all year long and act like great fans when the team finishes strong. Brooke Smith an, Senior chemistry and biology presents a dance on Friday 13th (i.e. Friday the 13th) W XVC- the day before Valentines (Day Q:00 pm to 12 midnight in the romantic - Student Services 13uilding (the building where you pay tuition) Cupid contemplates Venus, goddess of love, seeking hides from rejection. FREE to all students !! a new profession. |