Inauguration!

So, are you and your friends doing the American thing and cutting class to attend the Inauguration in DC Monday and Tuesday?

Then you should send The Pharos pictures of your experience at pharos@wvwc.edu ! We'll publish a selection of photos we receive in an upcoming print publication.

Just be sure to tell us who is in the photo and who took it. Have fun celebrating a new era for the USA!

2009 Is Upon Us

Hey!

We realize this thing hasn't been updated since Heath Ledger died. Sorry about that. Things were pretty crazy here at The Pharos last semester, but we're back now. You'll see lots of stuff here, everything from opinion pieces to recipes to things that we just think are especially relevant for the college community and beyond. But first, let me give you a quick rundown of what's been going on personnel wise for us.

This year, The Pharos is headed up by senior Sarah Wilkinson and sophomore Alic' Shreves, serving as co-Editors in Chief.

News Editor Daniel Trader and Social and Community Editor Jeff Webb both returned to their respective positions, without too much pleading from Editor Wilkinson.

Entertainment Editor Jennifer Elkins also returned to her position, albeit after a semester-hiatus of study abroad in London, England. We are all very jealous. During her "sabbatical" as we'll call it, Krysta Rexrode filled her position as Interim Entertainment Editor, and everyone on staff is very grateful to Krysta for her service.

New in the fall was Sports Editor Carlee Gault. We are thrilled to have her; she's fantastic!

New this spring to our lovely Editorial Board is Alice Foley, who will fill the slot of Greek Editor. This position sat vacant last semester due to lack of available parties, but we're thrilled to have Alice on board. She'll be fantastic, and she's also quite entertaining.

Our print publication dates for this semester have not yet been set in stone, but look out here for updates on that. As far as this blog goes, you should have updates at least every other day, if not every day.

We look forward to a great semester of serving the Wesleyan community!

(Got something to say? Leave a note in the comments or email pharos@wvwc.edu!)



The Pharos acts both as a source of news and as a forum of free expression for the West Virginia Wesleyan community. The Pharos and its staff operate with editorial freedom and responsibility. The views and editorials printed within the Pharos and its affiliated forms reflect the opinions of the individual writers and not the college or the Pharos staff as a whole.

The Pharos mourns...

Everyone on the staff of The Pharos is shocked, saddened, and disheartened to learn of the death of actor Heath Ledger.

Ledger was a prominent actor in several films that defined our generation, including 10 Things I Hate About You, The Patriot, and Brokeback Mountain. His enormous talent will be greatly missed.


According to CNN and wire reports, Ledger, 28, was found dead in a Lower Manhattan apartment. Ledger was discovered by his housekeeper, who was attempting to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse. He was pronounced dead at 3:30 PM today, Tuesday, January 22, 2008.

The Pharos mourns this tragic loss to the film making industry.

Recipe for your Dorm

Note: This recipe does require an oven, which all of the Camden apartments have, as well as most of the upper-class dorms. Editor Wilkinson also thinks (though she has not tried this herself) that maybe if one used a bagel (or maybe two or three bagels) instead of pizza dough, one could do this in the microwave until the cheese gets melty.

Recipe submitted by Lauren Hametz, reporter for The Pharos

Spinach Dip Pizza

Here is an easy to make twist on a pizza that any college student can make and you don’t even need to know how to cook.

prep time: 5 minutes

cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 pizza pre-made pizza dough

1 TGIFriday’s spinach and artichoke dip

1 tomato or 1 can of diced tomatoes

Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Directions

1. First, you will need to preheat your oven to about 400 degrees. Then you will need to heat up the spinach dip in your microwave for a couple of minutes just to make it soft so that it will be easy to spread on top of the pizza.

2. Next, you will need to spread the dip on top of the pizza dough. Put on as much as you like or as little as you want.

3. After you have put the spinach dip on you will need to either cut a tomato up and put it on top of the pizza or open a can of diced tomatoes and put those on top of your pizza.

4. Then you can sprinkle some cheese on top of your pizza to your liking.

5. Finally, all you need to do is place your pizza in the oven and wait about ten minutes, checking your pizza a little before ten minutes to watch its progress, and when your pizza is cooked to the way you like it, take it out, let it cool down, and eat it!

The Pharos Gears up for Second Semester

Whew! We here at The Pharos can hardly believe how quickly the fall semester went by!

Spring 2008 brings a couple of changes for The Pharos. First, we now have a vacancy in the position of Sports Editor. We will continue to bring you the best sports news possible as we work to fill the position. Second, we have a new crop of writers thanks to the Newspaper Practicum class! We are very excited about these new people, as well as the experienced writers who are staying on staff from previous semesters.

Editors Zak Ritchie and Sarah Wilkinson look forward to another exciting semester of bringing you The Pharos. Be sure to email pharos@wvwc.edu with news tips and suggestions!

Most of All You've Got to Hide it from the Kids: The Coming of Age Tale of “The Graduate”

Young adults refusing to conform to the idealistic standards of society is a constant theme portrayed throughout history. Consequently, many young adults believed that the older adults of their generation simply did not understand them—or their lifestyle choices. Throughout the 1960s, following the conservative mindset of 1950s America, many American teenagers sought to cut away the apron strings of their parents conservatism, taking part in the rebellious lifestyle of sex, drugs and rock and roll.
The film, “The Graduate,” produced in 1967, typifies the struggle of a young man, Ben Braddock, who is attempting to find his place in the world, while at the same time, portraying his rebellion from his parents as he engages in a marital affair with an older woman, Mrs. Robinson. The plot of the film is incredibly twisted, not only because Mrs. Robinson is the wife of Ben’s father’s business partner, but is also a long-time friend of the family.
It is evident that Ben’s family is suffocating him with their values in the first scene of the film in which Ben is gazing into a fish tank in his room, not wanting to attend his college graduation party.
Mr. Braddock: What's the matter? The guests are all downstairs, Ben, waiting to see you.
Benjamin: Look, Dad, could you explain to them that I have to be alone for a while?
Mr. Braddock: These are all our good friends, Ben. Most of them have known you since, well, practically since you were born. What is it, Ben?
Benjamin: I'm just...
Mr. Braddock: Worried?
Benjamin: Well...
Mr. Braddock: About what?
Benjamin: I guess about my future.
Mr. Braddock: What about it?
Benjamin: I don't know... I want it to be...
Mr. Braddock: To be what?
Benjamin: [looks at his father] ... Different.

Throughout the film, Ben struggles to find himself—a recent graduate, he is unsure what he wants to do with his life. Mrs. Robinson’s initial attraction toward Ben first appears at his graduation party, an ironic twist because her own daughter, Elaine Robinson, is merely a college student as well. Upon coercing Ben to take her home and then proceeding to seduce him, it is obvious that Ben is incredibly uncomfortable.
Ben: Oh my god.
Mrs. Robinson: Pardon?
Ben: Oh no, Mrs. Robinson. Oh no.
Mrs. Robinson: What's wrong?
Ben: Mrs. Robinson, you didn't... I mean, you didn't expect...
Mrs. Robinson: What?
Ben: I mean, you didn't really think I'd do something like that.
Mrs. Robinson: Like what?
Ben: What do you think?
Mrs. Robinson: Well, I don't know.
Ben: For god's sake, Mrs. Robinson. Here we are. You got me into your house. You give me a drink. You... put on music. Now you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me your husband won't be home for hours.
Mrs. Robinson: So?
Ben: Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me.
Although at first, Ben may have been uncomfortable with Mrs. Robinson’s aggressive sexual behavior, he soon warmed up to the attention and the two began their affair—further coercing Ben to become more emotionally involved in the relationship than Mrs. Robinson. He wants the pair to talk rather than simply having sexual intercourse;
however, Mrs. Robinson quickly opposes, wanting to keep their relationship merely sexual.
Ben’s situation becomes more complicated when his parents begin questioning his late-night whereabouts, along with his plans for the future—thus proving that Ben is merely drifting along in his life, without any concrete plan.
Mr. Braddock: Ben, what are you doing?
Ben: Well, I would say that I'm just drifting. Here in the pool.
Mr. Braddock: Why?
Ben: Well, it's very comfortable just to drift here.
Mr. Braddock: Have you thought about graduate school?
Ben: No.
Mr. Braddock: Would you mind telling me then what those four years of college were for? What was the point of all that hard work?
Ben: You got me.
Furthermore, his relationship with Mrs. Robinson disintegrates when he begins to date—and fall in love with—her young, attractive daughter Elaine. Soon after, Mrs. Robinson threatens to tell her daughter of their relationship, forcing Ben to admit to their affair. The whirlwind of trauma that follows—Ben’s parents’ disgust, Mr. Robinson’s threats, Mrs. Robinson’s psychotic behavior and Elaine’s departure to college—only fuels Ben’s unrequited love for Elaine. He refuses to give up, and follows her to Berkeley.
The film’s plot continues to display parents’ forcing their children to conform to their morals and standards when, after Elaine falls in love with Ben, the Robinson’s force her to marry a medical student from Berkeley. Ben was completely heartbroken; however he rushed to the church, where he found Elaine kissing her new husband. Still not willing to give up on their love, he yells at Elaine through a glass panel, and she flees from the church, thus allowing the pair to start their relationship with one another—at the contempt of their families.
Mrs. Robinson: Elaine, it's too late.
Elaine: Not for me.

Although many critics argue that “The Graduate” promoted sexual promiscuity, and was too risqué for its time, I believe that the film was both eye-opening and revolutionary to the lives of young Americans. All too often, young adults make their life decisions based on their parents’ views—rather than regarding their own happiness and well-being. The internal conflict of Ben, which is seen throughout the film, epitomizes his struggle of finding himself following his graduation. He is unsure what he wants to do with his life, although his affluent family and friends try to impose unwanted advice. His affair with Mrs. Robinson further shows his confusion and although the affair could be deemed as sexually provocative to film critics, I believe that it was necessary to enhance viewers’ perception of Ben’s uncertainty in his life.
All in all, “The Graduate” portrayed the exact feelings—confusion, anger, mistrust—that many young adults living in 1960s America felt. It is practically impossible for young adults to grow up independently in a society in which the previous generation’s ideas are forced upon them. At the same time, this same concept compels many coming-of-age men and women to engage in outlandish behaviors, such as Ben’s affair with Mrs. Robinson. Without films like “The Graduate” young adults would possibly not be able to have the courage to make their own decisions about their lives. The film is a straight-forward portrayal of a reality in which young adults must make decisions about the lives—whether right or wrong—in order to ensure their happiness, without regard for the approval of their parents’ generation.

-Meaghan Cochrane

Letter to the Editors

This letter was written in response to Amanda Seebaugh's column that appeared in the October 18, 2007 print issue of The Pharos. Due to space constraints, this letter was not published in the print version.

Dear Editors:
This is in response to Amanda Seebaugh’s column in the Pharos on Oct 18^th.

When we read the article, we were hurt not only because we felt like people were singled out, but also because we felt like it was us, as fellow human beings, that were causing her to feel silenced. In response to the article, a dialogue took place on campus that Amanda took part in. We got to speak with her and how her article affected some of her readers.

We value that everyone has a voice and we strongly believe that everyone deserves to be heard. However when we do vocalize what we feel, we believe that there is an obligation to make sure what we’re saying is clear.

There were a few points in the column that we wanted to recognize. First, she said that she felt like she was being persecuted in several different ways including her religious beliefs and her moral standing. The problem that we found was that in response to this persecution she then singled out another group that then felt persecuted. This, we feel, doesn’t solve anything and may have even deepened the rift in communication that could have remedied the situation.

Secondly, she makes a point that she’s afraid of offending people for what she has to say. What we could do, instead of constantly remaining silent, is to recognize why these thoughts are offending people, to take a moment to see things from another person’s perspective. This doesn’t mean that you can’t say what you feel, but that you should be contentious of others and their feelings when you’re speaking.

We realize that if this article wasn’t written, we would have no idea how this one person felt, and if you don’t speak up about what you feel, no one will know what you feel either. In addition, it’s also important to listen to what others are saying and not be afraid to disagree with them. You may disagree, and that’s not a bad thing, we need to learn how to talk to one another, and this is where we can start.

So now that we’ve learned that there’s prejudice on campus, let’s talk about it.

--Jennifer Jones and Jess Barkley

Letter to the Editors

This letter was written in response to Amanda Seebaugh's column that appeared in the October 18, 2007 print issue of The Pharos.

Dear Editors:

I have grown since coming to college. In my three years (and change) here at Wesleyan, I have learned more than what can be taught in lecture halls. Some of these lessons have been very difficult. Perhaps one of the most difficult, and yet obvious, is that communication is the key to any relationship, whether it be with your significant other, your friends, your professors, God – whoever. Though some might not recognize it, communication is important with your peers, as well, even if you don’t consider yourself to be in a direct relationship with them. What you do and say may come in conflict or agreement with what other people do and say, even if you aren’t interacting personally. In a way, this is communication within a relationship.

Upon reading Amanda Seebaugh’s latest article, I recall these things. She makes several valid points. She has brought a pressing issue to the forefront and it might make many people uncomfortable to have opinions expressed so bluntly that until now only seemed to be undercurrents. Some may react with indignation, claiming that the problem rests with the “closed minded, out-of-date, and mean” Christians. Others may express empathy and feel defensive about their own beliefs as well. Neither of these stances is helpful to the communication required to handle the situation.

Open communication between people of different faiths and practices is desperately needed on this campus. What are the true differences and what are the roots of conflict? These questions should be approached with open dialogue that is non-judgmental. Those involved should understand that they will walk away not having gained a convert but instead a better understanding of someone else’s beliefs.

I recognize a double-standard that exists within our language on this campus. Many people have worked against the use of the word “gay” as an adjective to describe something undesired and there has been success with that. However, many of these same people, if they were to become particularly frustrated, might growl, “Jesus Christ!” This is something Amanda claims to be particularly offensive. If you ask others to check their language, I think it would only be fair to check your own language as well. This comes from understanding.

Speaking of frustration, it seems to run deep with the students here. Hot topics such as homosexuality are closely intertwined with ones’ spiritual beliefs. These are also political issues (same-sex marriage, for example), making the need to discuss them all the more necessary and yet, when they are mentioned, people roll their eyes. The talking points have already been spoon-fed to the opposing camps by the spindoctors and no one wants to hear them rehashed. The world of politics does not stand still while we grow tired of the issues at hand – Congress still passes laws despite our short attention span. Now is the time when we should be gaining a deeper understanding of what the other side has to say. Why do some people believe homosexuality is wrong? Can you ask this question of someone and listen patiently to their answer, honestly trying to understand where they are coming from?

It is difficult. And yet, it is necessary. What can be gained from letting our anger and frustration rule our discussions? Does this help anyone on either side of the debate? I encourage the people of this campus to speak with someone about something on which you disagree. Ask questions curiously, not spitefully. Let go of your concerns about being judged and simply learn from one another. Share what you believe, what you’ve learned here and elsewhere, and this will lead to a better understanding of that which once frustrated you.

--Josh Briscoe

Letter to the Editors

This letter was written in response to Amanda Seebaugh's column that appeared in the October 18, 2007 print issue of The Pharos.

Dear Editors:

I am responding to the article written by columnist Amanda Seebaugh in the last issue of The Pharos. It has come to my attention that Ms. Seebaugh has received considerable negative feedback for her work. I would like to express my thoughts.

First of all, I have to say that I am a Bible-believing Christian. Therefore, I agree with Ms. Seebaugh’s stance on homosexuality. Also, I understand how she feels. It is true that prejudice exists on this campus, against both homosexuals and those who do not agree with that lifestyle. However, sometimes this results in a self-righteous attitude and people such as I seem to evade such people. This is not what Christianity is. Christianity is not about avoiding non-believers. Jesus commands us to love. He calls us to love God with everything we have, as well as our neighbor.

Ms. Seebaugh pointed out that she does not avoid homosexuals. I am glad she mentioned this. She does not believe she is any better than someone who is not a Christian, and neither do I. We are not perfect; Christians mess up. This is not an excuse to sin, however. I am glad she mentioned that Christians need to speak up more. This is true, but we can’t do it out of self-righteousness or duty. It has to be out of love and a desire to point people to Jesus. I do not believe Ms. Seebaugh is trying to be hateful with her article, merely truthful. She wants people to hear what the Bible says.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is not about being right. It is about the fact that humans are sinful, sin separates us from God, someone was going to have to pay the price of death for that sin, and Jesus Christ died so that we wouldn’t have to. I just want everyone who reads this to know that love is not about saying something is ok. I don’t hate homosexuals because I disagree with them. I still love them as people, just as everyone should. Thank you for your time.

--Josh Carpenter

Letter to the Editors

This letter was written in response to Amanda Seebaugh's column that appeared in the October 18, 2007 print issue of The Pharos.


Dear Editors:

Practitioners of Christianity have been persecuted since the religions’ first emergence; it’s practically a foundation of the dogma. Amanda Seebaugh voiced her opinion that she feels persecuted by much of the student population because of her beliefs. My response to this is: who doesn’t? West Virginia Wesleyan College is a very unique animal—a religious liberal arts college. With a student body of less than 1300, we are going to encounter, in close proximity, people and ideas that challenge our beliefs. But if I believed for one second that there is a wave of anti-Christian sentiment on this campus as massive as the one described by Miss Seebaugh in her article, I’d have to eat my shoe. I have seen nearly nothing here but positive acceptance of a variety of convictions, and I can’t imagine something so widely endorsed as Christianity would meet with the amount of opposition expressed in her article.

As we are a predominantly Christian campus, with an assortment of Christian student organizations, I am astonished that she could not find more like-minded companions rather than people who oppose her.

But even in the midst of my incredulity concerning the basis of her article, a thought springs to mind: is seeking similar friends the point of going to college? If college were just about a degree, then we’d all just come in, learn, and leave. But part of the college experience, the one we’re paying nearly $30,000 a year for, is to interact with different types of people. I imagine that Miss Seebaugh, though anticipating a change of scenery, was perhaps ill-prepared to deal with the very real actuality that there are people who’ve had different lives and who have different ideas about the world we inhabit, and perhaps confused ugly prejudice with strong criticism. But criticism isn’t prejudice; your convictions are your convictions whether others hold them or not, and criticism can, in fact, strengthen your beliefs. Who knows, Miss Seebaugh; you may come out of college with an even stronger faith than when you entered.

--Jennifer Scott