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LETTERS continued from Page 7

plained their methods and

summarized some of their findings. There were stu- dents present; there were faculty members; there were members of staff. In that

To the Editor:

The psychologist Abra- ham Maslow once said: “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see ev- ery problem as a nail.”

It is a well-known fact that the form and design of any measurement technique influences the nature of the responses and results-which need to be interpreted with extreme caution, especially when we are dealing with fairly complex intellectual- issues. Since the implicit-subjective defi-

moral

nitions of researchers built into their psychological in- struments (i.e. question- aires) may very easily get reflected back in the per- ceptions and opinions of re-

Dear Editor: os

Come, let us reason to- gether! Have not two psy- chologists on campus made themselves slightly ridicu- lous? Their research findings are criticized in a straight- forward manner by a col- league. Their response? An outraged, self-righteous and blistering response to poor Rahman! What a paradigm case of academics losing per- spective and embracing with deathly seriousness their own

his colleagues the opportu- nity to make an immediate reply. Instead, he has poi- soned the well in an article

Rahman replies to criticism

spondants, such surveys have a tendency to become self- fulfilling prophecies. The re- sults then show exactly what one was looking for.

Sweeping generalizations based on vague and limited information are appalling to both reason and common- sense. It is such unwarrented extrapolations and “insinua- tions” (i.e. most students have been sexually harassed) that many find extremely ob- jectionable. Surely, it is not just the experts who have the right to feel objection- able. Surely, it is not just the experts who have the right to feel offended. Under such circumstances, the civility of the silent majority is also severly tested.

research, moral worth, and reputation!

And God forgive them for visiting on the rest of us such a weighty responsibility to grapple with the world- shaking issues involved!

Let’s remind them that Islanders are busy buying, selling, socializing, splitting wood, raising children, trav- elling and earning a living. Academics must forever re- mind themselves that what

, he knew they could not an- swer for a full week. Ironic,

isn’t it, that he accuses his colleagues of “sneaking”?

Elizabeth R. Epperly

From time to time, therefore, it is necessary to bring back the work of ex- perts under sharp scrutiny, especially when their work deals with sensitive moral is- sues. We must ask not sim- ply whether such research is permissible, but whether it is desirable; not simply whether experts should be allowed to get away with unwarranted generalizations, but also how hey ought to prevent their science from becoming sensationalism.

NOTE: The examples of poor taste and bad manners in point no.1 of the Mazer- Percival reply (March 17th) are NOT the ones given in my article “Harassment by Experts” (March 10th).

Mujeeb Rahman

they do occupied only a tiny area on the fleeting, shift- ing landscape of life. To believe and to visit on the rest of us a grand delusion that the universe must halt while the serious sins of Rah- man’s criticism are propiti- ated is to trivialize U.P.E.1. by banning humor and dis- torting perspective.

Sincerely,

James D. Cameron

cont. from Page 9

members are selling sport tickets on a draw to take place next month.

The club supplies all the necessary equipment to the fencers, both recreational and competative, but like any equipment, it wears out after a while and must be repaired replaced. Blades are the major part of the cost, ing the weapons, uniforms and equipment make up the rest of it. Membership fees help somewhat. Competi- tive members pay forty dol- lars each while recreational fencers pay twenty-five dol- lars for the year. What could help is for fencers to con- sider buying their own equip- ment if they feel that they are serious about the sport, as many competitive mem-

or

and maintain-

bers already do. The cost for a full set of equipment is comparable with the cost equipment with many other sports, about two hundred

and fifty dollars.

Presently, the club is preparing for the 1991 games that will be held here on the island. The new field house that will be built here is expected to have a combat room for the fencing compe- tition. As well, the club is trying to put together a team of our younger members to represent the island then. If our results from past tourna- ments are any indication, the team could be a major con- tender in the 1991 games.

So what draws a person to fencing? One fencer asked replied, “The thing that I like most about fencing is

that fact that it team sport.

performance.

myself.”

one person sport.

joining and staying with it.

She felt that it was a good § way to get exercise, and that | it was a sport in which she § felt she could succeed. Judg- | ing from her record in the B

last tournament, she already

has, and probably will suc- : For that matter, if

ceed. : one looks at the past his-

tory of the club, it appears : that a great deal of success has come to its members, and probably will continue

for years to come. °

NOTE: The following letter was omitted from last week's Gem by mistake.

Dear Editor:

I can’t believe the gall of “Waiting” to question or criticize the writing staff of The Gem in their so-called “lack of action”. Anyone is allowed to contribute to The Gem, so why doesn’t “Wait- ing” (if she/he is so intent on an article) find out some in- formation and write it!

Perhaps, “Waiting” would not want to do this be- cause it is time-consuming; or maybe there is too much

schoolwork now, coming to the end of the year; or is it because she/he would not be paid?

Well, considering the fact that there are only three Gem volunteers writ-

ing news, these reasons could be used by any of them.

Unless “Waiting” is will- ing to give up some of her/his time to write for The Gem, she/he has no right to com- plain or question the efforts of the Gem volunteers.

Michelle Cottreau VP Academic

is not a 5 There is not a® whole team depending on my @ The only one 2 that I am responsible for is 2 This seems to be B a common consensus among @ fencers, the fact that it is a B Another 5 person , Cora-Lee Desroches 5 gave a number of reasons for B

“AME NEW AND / IMPROVED TINMAN

Sl

SS March 24th=1988==—= a

a