Exponent Online » Letters to the Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org Mon, 10 May 2010 19:50:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 Letter to the Editor: Better understanding needed for opinion http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/22/letter-to-the-editor-better-understanding-needed-for-opinion/ http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/22/letter-to-the-editor-better-understanding-needed-for-opinion/#comments Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:01:30 +0000 Letter To The Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/?p=4706 I was bothered by the opinion article titled “‘Rapelay’ video game far from funny.” The first comment I would like to discuss is “our happily misogynistic culture.” Ignoring the misguided assumption that “our” culture can be summed up in a singular definition containing misogyny, there is also the fact that “Rapelay” is not a product of “our” culture. It is a product of a part of the Japanese culture. Furthermore, the game was never intended for retail outside of Japan. “Rapelay” is actually very far from “our” culture.

Then there is the comment that “we have truly hit rock bottom,” suggesting that “Rapelay” is something new when it was actually released in 2006. Expressing that “we” have hit rock bottom is another attempt to group the world into a singular culture. One video game company created and sold the game. Also, it is safe to say that “we” are far from hitting “rock bottom” considering the uproar that was caused by the game. In further defense of “our” culture, the majority of the controversy came from “our” culture despite the fact that the game was not offered in the United States.

There is also the claim that no one “can do anything about it” and that “it cannot be banned.” In fact, the Ethics Organization of Computer Software, a self-policing Japanese organization, has banned the production and retail of “Rapelay” along with any other rape-type games. This decision was because of the controversy of the game. Only some very troubled individuals are uploading their copies of the game for illegal use now.

Although I agree with the point of the article, a better understanding of the subject needs to be reached before a proper opinion and harsh judgment of “our” culture is expressed.

Jordan Weiand
Communication Technologies – Imaging Media
Senior

]]> http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/22/letter-to-the-editor-better-understanding-needed-for-opinion/feed/ 0 Letter to the Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/21/letter-to-the-editor-9/ http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/21/letter-to-the-editor-9/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:17:59 +0000 Letter To The Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/?p=4685 I am questioning the column “Attendance at a party is not a ‘yes’ to sex” (Exponent 4/8). This column did not properly reflect Alex Knepper’s attitude in The Eagle. The irrational assumptions of his opinions are downright slander. I am not saying that this man went about his issues with date-rape claims in the proper fashion; he does take many attacks upon the feminist community. But this Exponent column is an embarrassment to the journalistic community.

Knepper says a woman is indicating that she would want sex by heading back to a man’s room with him after a party. I have not done the research, but I feel confident saying that if a girl goes back to a boy’s room while intoxicated, she is not headed there to talk about the weather or feelings. Knepper used the word “indicating” specifically because he is not saying that a woman is giving up all rights to refuse and completely agreeing to have sex with the man no questions asked. Still, it is not the common code of courtesy to ask, while hammered, “Hey, is it cool if we have sex?” Especially when the sex is anonymous. The heat of the moment leads to things that may be regretted in the morning, but not at the time of the act.

Date-rape is a very blurry area. This sort of vaguely described term is abused by some who claim date-rape after having sex with someone that they never would have if they were sober. Knepper is not addressing the issue of women saying no and then being forced into sex. He is speaking on the issue of women saying yes at the time and then going back on their word calling the sexual act “date-rape.”

People may have some skewed perceptions of what a fraternity man really is, probably based on the media’s portrayal of them. But such bold, uninformed and downright stupid ideas about them in a public media outlet is plainly and simply foolish.

Please refrain from publishing articles that are not based in fact. Having an article based solely on opinions and rash generalizations is a disgrace to UW-Platteville students.

Tom Brady
Mechanical Engineering
Freshman

]]> http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/04/21/letter-to-the-editor-9/feed/ 0 Letter to the Editor: ZBX suspension not enough http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/02/22/letter-to-the-editor-zbx-suspension-not-enough/ http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/02/22/letter-to-the-editor-zbx-suspension-not-enough/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:12:46 +0000 Letter To The Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/?p=4214 Regarding the hazing in the campus sorority, I thought it was ridiculous that the campus suspended the sorority for two semesters instead of kicking them out entirely. I do not know if they thought the hazing was considered harmless or if they thought it “was not that bad,” but I thought they would at least feel obligated to make it known that that kind of behavior would not be tolerated — and by their punishment, that is what they made it seem. If there were three separate incidents, you would think that would be three strikes, right? I was just really surprised how poorly the campus handled the situation. I expected the group to be removed from campus. The actions, regardless if they were forced to do them or not, were immature, mean, perverted and disgusting, and any organization that exhibits these qualities reflects poorly on a campus community that I am not proud to be a part of.

Elizabeth Strelow
Business Administration
Senior

]]> http://www.uwpexponent.org/2010/02/22/letter-to-the-editor-zbx-suspension-not-enough/feed/ 0 Letter to the editor: Graduate school an alternative to unemployment http://www.uwpexponent.org/2009/12/15/letter-to-the-editor-graduate-school-an-alternative-to-unemployment/ http://www.uwpexponent.org/2009/12/15/letter-to-the-editor-graduate-school-an-alternative-to-unemployment/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:22:35 +0000 Letter To The Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/?p=3829 Dec. 15]]> It’s graduation time again, and while dreams of tassel-turning and diplomas swim in the heads of those soon to shake hands with the chancellor, it can be a bittersweet ‘congratulations’ for those without a serious job prospect.

According to cnn.com, spring graduates had a rough time this past year suffering through the economy and battling each other for the 40% fewer job prospects compared to those of 2008. CNN also said that, while the job market is better, this is no time to put your feet up. With national unemployment up—now at 10.2% per CNN—the well-prepared student may find him or herself living at home with mom and dad. Don’t believe me? Nearly one in seven college grads moved home for an extended period last summer (according to Pew Research Center), and not much has changed in the job market since then.

While there are options in this economy, those options are few and far between, and to land one of them in your field, you need deep commitment, great networking and a little luck. Don’t settle for a job that will “just get the bills paid.” Take a step towards the career you want and consider a better option than scanning the classifieds: graduate school.

It’s not for everyone. Without knowing your longer-term career goals, it’s a mistake to enroll in graduate school. UW-P has some wonderful resources for those who are questioning or interested: namely the Career Center and Counseling Services.

If you are interested, a graduate degree can act as a stepping stone to a higher paying job and make people immediately more marketable than their baccalaureate-holding peers.

According to Roger Meyer, the director of University Counseling Services, an advanced degree can do all of these things, depending on the specific degree and the job market within the field. “Advanced degrees commonly tend to make people more money and make them more marketable in general compared to someone with a bachelor’s degree.”

Employers will consider more than just your degree when seeking to hire, said Meyer. “The best way to make yourself marketable is to get your bachelor’s and work for one to three years to build up your work experience within the field. Then get your master’s degree. Also, the willingness to relocate can be very important. When you are geographically limited, options can be severely reduced, and oftentimes who you know can become as important as what you know.”

Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa have 130 graduate schools, with 31 schools in the Badger State. In our local area, there is UW-Madison and Edgewood College, Clarke College, Loras College and the University of Dubuque. UW-P also has great graduate options offering master’s degrees in engineering, project management and criminal justice through the Distance Learning Center in addition to on-campus graduate programs in computer science, counselor education, industrial technology management and education.

Employers want to hire people who are lifetime learners. Fields and industries will progress, things will change, and “to be hirable later on, it often helps to have an advanced degree depending on the field you choose,” said Diana Trendt, director of the Career Center. “Students interested should also talk with their advisor or faculty, because they often have some very valuable insight into their specific field.”

As the holiday season approaches and tassels turn, think about your future and consider the advantages a graduate degree can offer.

Ian Clark is a staff writer at the Distance Learning Center, which offers online master’s degrees in engineering, criminal justice, and project management. To learn more, visit www.uwplatt.edu/disted.

]]> http://www.uwpexponent.org/2009/12/15/letter-to-the-editor-graduate-school-an-alternative-to-unemployment/feed/ 0 Letter to the editor: There’s a lot to like about the Greeks http://www.uwpexponent.org/2009/12/10/letter-to-the-editor-theres-a-lot-to-like-about-the-greeks/ http://www.uwpexponent.org/2009/12/10/letter-to-the-editor-theres-a-lot-to-like-about-the-greeks/#comments Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:00:55 +0000 Letter To The Editor http://www.uwpexponent.org/?p=3772 Dec. 10]]> As a Greek community, we would like to take time to shine some positive light onto what we do for the Platteville community and UW-Platteville. Everyone knows that there are negative stereotypes about Greeks, but we are working hard to transform our image to better reflect ourselves and the virtues for which we stand. We have grown frustrated with the overabundance of attention on rarely-made poor decisions by a few people that reflect poorly upon the entire community.

One thing that is greatly overlooked is how much the Greek community contributes to the city of Platteville and the UW-P campus. For example, Zeta Beta Chi recently raised $1,880 for the homeless during their Homeless-A-Thon. This semester the Greek community has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, the United Foundation for Disabled Archers, Heartland Health Care Center, Grant County Family Fun Night, Boy Scouts with Special Needs, Adopt-a-Highway, the Platteville Jaycees, Family Advocates, Orchard Manor, Wisconsin Badger Camp, Heartstrings and other local groups and organizations.

Along with helping these organizations, we are also actively involved with Homecoming. Many Greek organizations sponsor and participate in events during that week. We also stay connected with our alumni, which helps build a sense of pride in UW-P and encourages current students to stay connected with the campus after graduation. In addition, most organizations have a social component. We are a close-knit community and enjoy meeting and spending time with people from different organizations. We take pride in our Greek family and if one of us hurts, we all hurt.

We would like to challenge each and every one of you to get to know people in the Greek community and learn more about what we stand for. It would be nice for people to see the good things we do on the front of the paper once in a while.

The Greek Community
Written by Courtney Wiegel
and Emily Niebuhr, members
of Kappa Alpha Sigma

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