Self-stimulation sparks senses, partner ("Higher" Education Bark Alert) (Rant)

The Daily University Star ^ | 24 Apr 2003 | Adrienne Dunkin ('Yo Adrienne)

[Gunrunner2]

"Whether you're choking the chicken, spanking the monkey, flogging the dolphin, double clicking the mouse, petting the beaver or stroking the kitty, have no fear - there is no harming of actual animals going on here. These are just a few funny terms we use to feel more comfortable talking about masturbation in a public or private setting. . ."

(Snip)

[Gunrunner2]

My gawd!! I can't believe even my ol "conservative" university in Texas has gone over to the dark side by publishing trash in the student newspaper.

I called the university and registered my objection. I was asked to send my objections in an email to the Dean of Fine Arts and Communications, as well as the Chair of the Mass Communications Department.

I did (email follows):

Sir, I am an alumnus of SWT. That said, from time to time I visit the SWT web page (http://www.swt.edu), as well as the University Star web page, just to see how SWT is getting along. Imagine my shock when I happened upon a vile column published in the University Star ("Self-stimulation sparks senses, partner," Adrienne Dunkin, http://www.universitystar.com/03/04/24/opn1.html).

This article has no intellectual value whatsoever. It is nothing more than eighth-grade bathroom graffiti. And SWT considers this trash acceptable?

What would possess SWT to publish something that reads like a transcript from a Howard Stern show? Has SWT fallen so low that they see nothing wrong in publishing the prurient thoughts of an immature mind? What happened to SWT? Does SWT have no decency or standards? What is going on?

Think about the sort of message this column sends to visitors, students, parents and alumni. Indeed, Miss Dunkin's parents must be very proud. Have you sent them a copy of her column? I think they would be very interested in knowing what their daughter is up to, and how SWT is encouraging this behavior and contributing to their--and Miss Dunkin's eventual---embarrassment.

I cannot imagine you, or anyone in authority, approving the publication of this column. I can only imagine the student editor saying to Miss Dunkin, "Yup, that's the ticket, that's one good opinion piece. Good on 'ya. We will publish straightaway! By the way, are you busy Friday night?"

If SWT wishes to ever be considered a "serious" academic institution, and not the Berkley of Texas, then I suggest you provide more direct guidance. After all, that is the role of instructors and educators--to draw out, to lead in the pursuit of excellence and truth. Further, you should be encouraging growth and maturity through thoughtful discourse---with an eye on civilized behavior.

Sadly, as Miss Dunkin's article demonstrates, you and your department failed in your adult and educational responsibilities.

Regards,

[Gunrunner2]

Of course, that would be "Barf" Alert, not Bark Alert. . .but then again, maybe Bark does fit. . .

[Saturnalia]

God forbid people talk about sex!

[jriemer]

Bark is right. This is a series problem that the SWT paper published such crop.

[Wolfie]

"Flogging The Bishop"

[anniegetyourgun]

And, heaven knows our society just doesn't talk about it enough. Yep...we need more saturation....especially among the college demographic.

[billorites]

Is that like "Faxing the Pope?"

[Abcdefg]

'bout time they laid OFF the farm animals.

[goodnesswins]

Is this a "SEX SCHOOL?"

[IronJack]

God forbid people talk about sex!

To what end? Has all the talk enlightened us any? Are we now magically exempt from the repercussions of wanton carnality? What has "letting it all hang out" gotten us except an embarrassing sunburn?

[wbill]

I prefer "disciplining the primate" to "spanking the monkey".