What I Learned at U.PE.I.

Well, the time has finally come for me to say goodbye to UPEI. Yes, that’sright. Iwon’tbe back next semester -- to the relief of a great many people, I’m sure!

In the five years that I have been a student at this university I have witnessed and encour- aged change. Attherisk ofsounding * ‘aggres- siveand confrontational’ I would like to add thatchangeis often opposed by those who have the most to lose.

Ofcourse, I couldn’t leave without making a final controversial statement and this one is directed to those students who were accurately described in the November 21 editorial page of the Guardian as having been ‘‘Puffed up with an incredible sense of self-importance, [these] students billed themselves as Students for Free Speech and Academic Rights’’.

Over the past week, there have been several articles and editorials written aboutthe show- ing of ‘“The Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death’’. The first article which appeared in the Guardian on Thursday, No- vember 19 stated:

«* a group of 10 women from a Women’s Studies course who had come to protest the showing left [the room where the film was being shown] after one student threatened to call security to have them removed.’ , (Hmmmmmm, calling security seems rather confrontational.)

[understand that the group felt threatened by Julie Coulton’s presence and remarks. Granted, she may have very well interrupted your **peaceful’’ showing butdoes shenothave the exact same rights to freedom of expression/ speech/or academic freedom (depending on which argument you are using this week) as every member of your group? This presenta- tion was nota private showing --am I correct? Therefore, all people who had interest in the film were encouraged to attend. So you see, Julie Coulton had a right -- which incidently was given to herby you -- to voice herconcern with the showing of the film. (I rest my case. I guess the jury will be out on that one fora while).

ye

Enough ofthat topic. This was supposed to be aniceletter saying goodbye to good-old-UPEI. Ishouldnote thatI wrote this list after reflect- ing onthe factthatI have spent five yearsofmy lifeand$20,000atUPEL. Hereis whatI learned inreturn:

(1)To respect other people’ s right to disagree with me. I also learned that they might earn that respect by convincing me through well organized and concrete arguments.

(2) Soul Searching 101 is the best (and tough- est) course one will ever take. Fortunately, it is offered each semester, has no prerequisite, no limit on enrolmentand is totally inclusive.

(3) Having ‘‘friends in low places’’ is often morerewarding and self-affirming than having a few in places of (supposed) power.

(4) People appreciate being talked with -- not at.

(5) The parking problem may beaconcern to some but wemustalso remember that there are people in our university community who can’t afford food let aloneacar. The $700 foreach new parking space, presently being discussed by our Board of Governors, would be better spent on toysand Christmas turkeys for single parent families (just a suggestion).

(6) Strength lies not in numbers but in the conviction of one’s beliefs and the ability to live with one’s self.

(7) The Barn (ie. Panther Lounge) is the place to go when one feels like being an animal -- a place to cut loose and relax.

(8) People really do care about other people. This was never more evident to me then the hugeturnoutat the rally to show support for the survivor of the (alleged) Sexual Assault in September of this year.

So there. I guess I got my money’s worth, learned something and may even beable to get ajob some day. (Ha -- lamsuch adreamer!) Here’sto Faith, Knowledge, and Service,

Heather J. Morrison

LETTERS

To Certain Elements on Campus,

InCanada we enjoy certain rightsand freedoms. So, ifIbother myselfenough to watchamovie, oh, let’s say, Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death, I canand I will. Idon’tneed somebody to TELL ME notto watch it. No, | can make up my own mind. I can decide for myself.

Idid see it. Quite willingly as a matter of fact. I decided that the film makes fun ofeveryone equally. And that’s whatwe’re supposed to be talking about anyway, isn’t it?

I’m sick of certain people claiming that the road to equality is paved with censorship an¢ blacklists. Stop cloaking fascism with equal: ity or feminism. Youcan protestanything you like including the previously mentioned PG 13 film, but don’t tell anybody they can’t see it They might be able to make their own deci: sions. And why weren’tany of you protesting Basic Instinct when it was shownat the Bar! Surely that is more pomographic.

It’s also time for you ‘‘select”’ few to makes real difference. Howaboutsharing yourheads and burning afew books you don’ tlike? Noth ing like a good book burning to let the people know you mean business. I suggest you star with the Robertson Library. It has a rat selection of “‘pornography”’ written by “ old white guys” like Aristophanes, Melvill Orton. How dare you decide for me. If! don’ wantto readorsee something, Iwon’t. Tut channel, leave the room, don’ tread that boo But the beauty is that I have the choice to4 that.

Do youreally think we’ reall too stupid what’ srightand what’s wrong? We're unive sity students. Think. Ifyouhadputyoure?

into getting better lighting on campus, walkhomeprogram, or God forbid arape“

protesting this insignificant film. perhaps* violence might have been avoided.

But above all: Stop limiting my choices Y

Roddy Weather