Wilson’s message is relatable
Marlena: Thank you for the very relevant piece. You are so right that Hollywood has set up unrealistic, unattainable beauty standards for society. Kate Hudson, Scarlett Johansson, Michelle Trachtenberg, Mila Kunis, Lizzy Caplan, Amanda Seyfried, Natalie Portman, Neve Campbell, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rashida Jones, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amanda Peet, Leah Remini, Winona Ryder, Laura Prepon and Jennifer Connelly come to mind as unacceptable role models for the white-nationalist minority. Like blacks, white nationalists have a tough time navigating the waters of true femininity when so many of today’s celebrities are Jewish. I look forward to reading and empathizing with more of your work in the future.
Eric Rajala
alumnus, New York City
Corruption is everywhere
While I appreciate the role of the University Graduate Student Association in advocating for graduate students, I must say that I was very disheartened by the comments in the recent article regarding UGSA elections (“UGSA chooses new executives,” Mar. 30). In that article, the new UGSA treasurer relates that his position is not so subject to abuse and corruption as similar positions with other organizations. Given his statement that “money [should be] spent on things that will benefit the students,” I can only assume that he is implying that other organizations are not doing so — or worse, are completely corrupt. While this is no overt injustice, it does seem to belie a deep-seated attitude that has plagued this campus administration since the days Mary Sleasley and her husband were gallivanting down Pullen Drive in the expensive new car her 90-percent raise bought her. While other organizations may not be so hamstrung with set expenses as the UGSA is, we are certainly no more prone to abuse.
William Clay Thompson
doctoral student, applied mathematics
treasurer, society for industrial and applied mathematic
Avani’s future father response
Avani, I was slightly disheartened by your response in your recent column. What is unfair is the fact that the woman involved felt the need to cover up her actions. Simply because the man expresses a desire to accept responsibility for an unplanned pregnancy does not mean that the reality of the pregnancy for the woman is changed; simply because the man feels that the pregnancy should be continued does not mean that the woman’s inclinations are invalid. Knowing that she is not ready for parenthood does not make the woman irresponsible. At times, all couples will come into difficult circumstances and may not agree on a specific course of action. This is that kind of situation; and if you can’t respect her need to make what she feels is the best decision for her health and future, maybe you were not so sure about being soul mates after all.
Lossie Rooney
junior, engineering undesignated
