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December 1980 Page 3 — EDITORIALS OUR VIEW We Must Examine Sex Roles A recent study on the impact of the Spelman College environment on its students by Dr. Jacquelyn Fleming for the Carnegie Foundation caused quite a commotion in certain circles of the campus community. While this commotion is quite justified on the basis of the study’s findings, one wonders whether the furor will be transmitted in constructive channels in an effort to address the crucial issues thrown at us from this study. It is interesting that while some students had much to say about a feature column on page 9 of the last Spotlight issue (which was not even meant to be taken seriously), no one cared to respond to the news story on page 7 in which Dr. Fleming revealed aspects about Spelman women that would make most of us cringe in our seats. On second thought, however, if Dr. Fleming’s findings are accurate, then what we find as interesting would certainly seem normal. It would be quite normal for Spelman students to bypass news pages of worthy content to dwell on a feature story concerning beauty queens. According to Dr. Felming’s findings, Spelman women, as they progress from freshman class status to senior status, tend to lower their career aspirations into more traditional occupational avenues. According to her study, “There are specific indications of changes from nontraditional career womanhood toward a working wife orientation,” and Spotlight The Spotlight salutes Mrs. Isabel Stewart, Dr. Jacquelyn Jones-Royster, and all of those who made it possible for the Spelman Community to be involved with the planning and execution of the conference on southern women, “From “the self-concept and personality findings indicate less assertiveness and outspokenness by senior year.” In addition, the study reveals that “the reduced interest in studyingand grades as well as greater interest in the extracurricular may be symptomatic of a loss of ego-involvement in intellectual pursuits.” This study has raised crucial issues that we must deliberate and act upon, rather than toss off as mere nonsense. Much of what the study says is reflective of the actual Spelman College environment. There are so many of us, who run around pledging Alpha Angel, Que Pearl, Sigma Sweetheart, etc. (all of which are extracurricular endeavors) when we should be in our rooms studying. We do take exception, however, with one thing. The study should have been titled, “The Impact of Men (or Morehouse Men, in particular) on Spelman students,” for this is what the issue really is. As the study points out, “The sex role conditioning that occurs in social interactions with males, exerts a powerful influence on young women who hope to come away with marriage partners — an influence apparently stronger than the values of Spelman College.” Needless to say, this influence is also often in conflict with the purposes and goals of Spelman College. Clearly this raises an issue that should not be ignored. Salutes Myth to Modern Times,” which was held November 13-15. Such an activity is reflective of the kinds of endeavors this institution should be involved in as a black female institution of higher learning. Tribute To Black Women “A Tribute to Black Women," the 1980 Morehouse Homecoming Coronation was also a tribute to black men, particularly black men. The Spotlight satutes Lamar Alford and his staff for the fine production. Coronation was positive, uplifting, very well executed and professionally handled, and it made every woman in the audience proud to be black and female. We also salute our Spelman Sisters who participated in coronation for portraying and representing black womanhood at its best in this year’s coronation. Spotlight Apologizes The Spotlight Staff and editors apologize for the poor layout and appearance of our last issue. We have met internally, reorganized, and have changed printers. The Spelman College Community will never receive an issue of similar quality as the last one. Editorials in this column are written jointly by the editor-in-chief and associate editor and reflect this paper's official position. This Spotlight does welcome editorials or lettersfrom students or faculty or any interested person. We maintain, however, the right to reject any copy. DO not enter “To Be Or Not To Be... etACK PESOUR-CES IMC, e>R4N)D0M jfc. By Stacy Aniece Morgan Contributing Writer Black colleges have played an intricate part in the Black community. For many years these were the only schools that were available for Blacks seeking higher education, and historically Black colleges have produced influential individuals. The role as well as the ideas of Black institutions play an important function in society. The most important tools in the educational system are faculty members and administrators. In Black institutions the faculty-student relationship is quite unique. Teachers in Black institutions tend to have a closer relationship with their students, whether it be in or outside of the classroom. Administrators heed to the students needs, considering the student an individual and not just a number. Academically, the performance of a student attending a Black institution exceeds that of a student attending a White college. In a Black institution one still obtains material from the traditional textbooks, but he is also given supplemental material that is pertinent to the Black/Africak people. For example, in a Psychology course in the Black college the student still learns about Freud and Piaget, but he is also given some Akbar and Nobles. Going beyond this realm, the tcaching.of pride in Black schools is also a very important tradition. Teaching that “Black” is not a word that should carry negative connotations, but on the contrary positive connotations, can often clarify years of miseducation. One’s social life, along with his cultural life, is also enhanced at Black colleges. The various organizations that are available to the individual are quite appealing — “there is something for everyone.” If the person is interested in a National, Black group it should not be difficult to find. Blacks tend to join “Black" sororities and fraternities, thus the opportunity is usually available. However, the Black institution may still have professional, “White” sororities and fraternities. Whereas, the Black student in White institution may have little or no say in the student government, the Black student in the Black college can have an impact on the function of the school. Culturally, the Black colleges have come and relate ideas along with talents. The plays, speakers, concerts, etc. presented by students are also rewarding in Black Colleges; making one feel very proud of being part of a race that is “overwhelmed” with natural abilities. It is no secret that Black institutions are subtly being destroyed. Black colelges must not become history, but must continue to stand the test of time in order tot produce Black leaders of the future*...