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THE SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT
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November, 1965
The SPELMAN SPOTLIGHT
Editorial Staff
FRIEDA E. WILLIAMSON, Editor-in-Chief
PATRICIA A. KING, Associate Editor
HENRIETTA TURNQUEST, Business Manager
FEATURE EDITORS — Janice Holloway, Brenda Greene,
Melba Davis, Melody McDowell
LITERARY EDITORS — Cynthia Smith, Maggis Davis,
Patricia Collins c . 0
FASHION EDITOR EXCHANGE EDITOR
Carol Webb Carolyn Clark
PHOTOGRAPHER jjafeSUMfo CARTOONIST
Janis Mills press Margaret Mills
TYPISTS — Marjorie Rich, Jean Richardson
LAY-OUT — Marilyn Wilson, Carolyn Reynolds, Barbara
Varner, Janice Mills, Cheryl Birchette, Delores Parker,
Linda Paramore, Ruth Mason, Angela King
Dr. Richard A. Carroll, Faculty Advisor
Group Versus Group!
There is much too strong a tendency in us to make judgments
from face value. We dismiss as unfit the members of one group
because that group is in conflict with the one to which we belong,
while we accept those in our own group simply because they be
long to the group. The person who inadequately expresses himself
we dismiss as having nothing to express, while we tend to laud the
eloquence of him who expresses what amounts to nothing, but ex
presses it well.
There are two basic reasons behind our tendency to behave in
this manner: 1.) Our thinking eventuates to the point where our
“doxy” is orthodoxy and all other is heterodoxy—anyone is right
to the extent that his belief^ coincide with ours, otherwise he is
wrong. 2.) We blindly allow the voice of prestige to resound over
that of the soul—what the elected leader says must be right—he’s
the leader, while what the little man says has to be wrong unless he
agrees with the leader.
The person cheated in such judgments as these is none other
than the judge himself. For he cheats himself of opportunities to
broaden his views, to exchange right for wrong, or to reassert and
redefine his own beliefs. Thus if the judge is without an opinion,
he is robbed of the opportunity to adopt one or at least to gain
insight into the situation, the latter being very important in that
it is a step away from ignorance. Moreover, if the judge holds an
opinion, he is robbed of the opportunity to test its validity. Re
member anything compared to nothing is right. Only those ideas
that are able to hold their own when stacked up against opposing
ideas are worthwhile.
Whether the various views which encounter be good or bad,
right or wrong, what harm can exposure do? According to John
Stuart Mill, exposure to both right and wrong views serves a worth
while purpose—exposure to the right, obviously, because they
guide your thinking in the right direction, and exposure to the
wrong because they make the right have a greater impression on
the mind.
This year more so than any other before there are arising, not
only in the Atlanta University Center, but in metropolitan Atlanta
as well, numerous and varied opportunities for us to broaden our
views and to reassert ourselves. Don’t neglect a discussion simply
because the committee that sponsors it holds views different from
yours. Don’t overlook a lecture series simply because the lecturer’s
ideas are subversive to your dearest beliefs. You may disagree with
everything you hear. That’s your prerogative. But by doing so you
will have become more alert mentally and more constructively
critical.
The War in Viet Nam!
As college students, we are
often accused of being isolated
in the ivory tower of campus
concerns, oblivious to what goes
on outside, in the world at large.
Our minds are focused upon the
material presented in the class
room, or they are directed in the
social intrigues that are indulged
in about the campuses. Few of
us really do exert ourselves to
keep abreast of world, national,
or even local events, except
when they are incidentally a
part of the courses that we are
taking.
In biology, philosophy, and
religion, we consider the nature
of man. By extension, we also
reflect upon the relations be
tween nations and different peo
ples. In political science, we
learn something of the roles of
the citizens, who comprise the
electorate; and of those of the
elected legislators and execu
tives, who are charged with the
responsibilities of formulating
national policies. The concept of
the maintenance of a favorable
balance of power is discussed,
and its application in the pres
ent situation is demonstrated.
History and economics teach us
how nations have reacted in the
past, but we must determine how
to mold the present, and prepare
for the future. Psychology
teaches us of the dissonance be
tween thought and action: If, for
example, a person has pacificist
inclinations, but is also staunch
ly patriotic, he is confronted by
opposing alternatives when he is
drafted. On the one hand, he is
emphatically against the nation’s
intervention in, for instance, the
war in Viet Nam; on the other,
he recognizes his duty as a citi
zen to support his country in its
efforts to secure the national
welfare. However he decides to
act, he will be in conflict with
himself and at least one of his
convictions.
The demonstrations against
the United States policy in Viet
Nam, or anywhere, the burning
of draft cards, and other antipa
thetic behavior may be regarded
either as being the legitimate
protests of conscientious citi
zens, or the uncooperative agita
tion of cowards and professional
instigators.
The only way that we, as col
lege students, are aroused by
such issues is through personal
(Continued on Page 6)
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Editorially Speaking . . .
Have You Identified?
As we leave midterm, we may truly say the school year
is in “full swing.” Thus far, how has your extra time been spent?
Do you sleep every not so spare moment? Or play cards? Or chat
with acquaintances in dorm rooms and lounges, and/or in the
snack shop? You say, “Certainly, I do these things, but not all
of them everyday.” Think ahead for a mo
ment. Nine months of that class “goof-off”
routine seems a rather dreary prospect.
What is there other than chatting, din
ing, or playing cards? Extra-curricular or
ganizations, of course. Spelman has many.
“But,” you ask, “which one is right for me,
the loquacious card player?” That’s a ques
tion only you can answer. Why not begin
your investigation with “Where do my in
terests lie?” May I offer a few suggestions
in that direction.
You love singing join the Glee Club or A-M-S Chorus. It’s
common knowledge that every member is no prima donna.
You enjoy writing. Don’t be timid or discouraged, there aren’t
too many Frosts, McGills, and Baldwins in the world. Identify
with the SPOTLIGHT Staff.
You’re one of those rare slave-drivers who adore hard labor,
find your way tothe REFLECTIONS office. Double that for the
newspaper staff.
You’re one of those artistic beings bristling with “yummy”
ideas, find Dianne Wilson. She’ll need you when it’s social-affair
decorating time.
Sports fascinate you, try the Intramurals or the Swimming
Club. If none of these descriptions applies to you, try your de
partmental clubs. We all have majors and minors. Or seek out the
Sunday School Council. Let’s hope we aren’t a body of atheists
or agnostics.
Don’t be timid, discard your restraint. Every task is of equal
importance in the end. Each must be done before a job is success
fully completed. Hence, service weighs heavily in the efficient
operation of any organization.
Can some President say of you, “Certainly, I know her. She’s
an active member of our organization.”? Let it be said. You’ll
reap maximum benefits, I assure you. Life isn’t just earning
money, or should I say, existing as an independent bread-winner.
Rather, it’s becoming an integral part of a society which demands
your membership, as you definitely need to belong. Start prac
ticing. Identify, now!
More Defensive Devices
Needed on Campus
With a ten foot wall surrounding the Eastern boundary of
Spelman’s campus, with a crude gate welcoming arrivals to Spel-
man’s campus, with “NO, NO” signs blocking autos’ attempts to
venture beyond the entrance to the campus, and with watchmen
hovering about campus, who would have thought that someone
would not only venture beyond these obstacles but also rfiake
entrance into one of the dorms?
Yet, the inevitable happened and, on early Tuesday morning,
October 26, Morgan Hall was in an upheaval as girls were
awakened in the wee hours of the morning by policemen search
ing for an attempted rapist. The details have been exagerated
beyond a measurable degree but the fact remains that a man did
make entrance into the dorm and, had it not been for the calm
manner in which the girls of Morgan conducted themselves, an
unfortunate incident may have resulted from this “unexpected call
in the night.”
Spelman officials should concentrate more on inventing safety
and defensive devices for students rather than employing obstacles
to prevent young ladies from re-entering dorms after hours. The
job the watchmen are performing is questionable. It has been
agreed by many students that a man should be allowed to make
residence in the dorm since a man’s appearance in a blue uniform
apparently failed to make an impression upon the attempted rapist.
Hopes have been expressed that the “Rockefeller Rogues” will
busy their minds with insuring that this type of incident will not
occur again.
Commendation must be made to the girls of Morgan Hall
who acted in a mature, womanly manner in a situation in which
many people would have become hysterical.
We’ve done our part, now, it is time for everyone to perk
up to the inevitable and be prepared for future incidents.