Whenever I find myself outside of my dorm building, Park Ave., after 9 p.m, I wonder what was so important to keep me out past 9. Not because I like to go to bed at 9 or anything along those lines. It is simply because, whenever I get to Park Ave. after 9 p.m, I have to drag myself around to the front to let myself in. Doesn’t sound so bad, except that it is bloody freezing out at the moment. Not to mention the fact that it is just simply inconvenient. And, well, nobody likes to be inconvenienced.
When I had first found out that the side doors of Park Ave. could not be used as an entrance after 9 p.m I was a little confused. I had a feeling that it was some delusional attempt at deterring vandalism and upping student safety. When I was able to contact residence life about the subject, I found that while I wasn’t too far off in my guesses, my hypothesis about their coherency was incorrect.

I played a quick game of phone tag with Residence Life and Public Safety and was able to talk to the Residence Life Director Eric Range about the Park Ave. side doors. What I found out was that originally there was only one entrance into Park Ave., the front entrance. Once the school had decided to utilize card access, Residence Life, in conjunction with Public Safety, had decided to allow access to the side doors during the day.

During a trial period entrance through the side doors was available until Midnight, but it was found there was a rise of unwanted activities, such as people from other buildings bringing unwanted items into Park Ave. So it was decided that when the Resident Assistants began their shifts in the front entrance booth at 9 p.m the side doors would no longer be available as an entrance.

The idea is that it is better to be able to see all who are coming in and out of the building. That being aware that you are being watched as you enter a building will deter you from deviant behavior. I have to disagree with this. I think that cameras could do the trick, especially because you never know who is on the other end of a camera’s signal. Walking through the front door, the only person you come across could quite possibly be a friend who is willing to look the other way. And regardless of who is watching you when you enter, no one continues to watch you through the rest of your excursion through the building.

And anyway, people can prop the doors to allow entrance for whomever. They can also let their friends in the side doors. If entrance through the side doors was at the very least extended for an hour or so, there would be less of a propping problem.

Though vandalism is historically high in Park Ave., the recent decline is being credited more to the switch of card swipes and the addition of cameras to the buildings than to the filtering of students through the front entrance. So that sort of debunks my “deterring vandalism” theory.

I will actually have to say that overall I am less annoyed with the fact that the side doors of Park Ave. are inconveniently inaccessible for entrance after 9 p.m than I am with the idea that we need to be babysat. Now, that is a little difficult to swallow.

SARA BROWN
Student Voice Contributor

The U.N. Pathways lecture series, sponsored by the FDU Department of Global Learning, recently concluded for the semester with the last lecture on Venezuela and the prior one being on the European Union.  For about the past six years, FDU has sought to encourage its students to think globally by providing ambassadors to speak to the students at these lectures.

Dr. Marilyn Rye, Associate Provost at the College at Florham, states that learning does not simply happen in the classroom, but outside of it as well.

“A great deal of students’ education in college comes from outside the classroom, in addition to their course work. It is important for a college campus to have an environment where there are many opportunities for students to gain a general awareness of the world they live in.”

Laymah Cisco, a freshman who has lived in the U.S. for ten years after moving here from her native Liberia, can’t emphasize enough the learning that occurs at the lectures.

“I truly did learn so much about the EU and its intentions . . .  I really feel that these lectures serve to educate students who have never left the U.S. on global affairs because there is so much we don’t know. I only wish students were required to attend, so that a lot of us can see what information is right under our noses.”

However, it is not only the lecture, but the dinner afterwards that educates the students.  It is a much more intimate setting than the lecture.  Because it is open to those with reservations only, there are fewer people, and students can get the chance to talk to the ambassador one-on-one.
Mark Sapara, Assistant Dean and Director of the FIS program, believes that the students that attend the dinner as well as the lecture tend to get the most out of the experience.

“Those moments seem to be the ones where students recognize the magnitude of the experience.”
Some students, however, feel that improvements can be made to the program.  Rob Rosano, a sophomore Biochemistry major, feels that the dinner should be open to more students.

“There are so many students who are eager to attend the dinner, whether they have been told by admissions about it and given the impression that it is more open, or because they are truly interested in interacting with the people there.  But so few students are allowed to attend that it makes me wonder:  Is this for the faculty or those here for an education?”

Mark Sapara suggests that “perhaps there should be a ‘cocktail hour’ before the lecture where students are invited to attend.”

Overall, the U.N. pathways lectures have definitely made a lasting impact on the student body.
“I think that . . . the U.N. connection has attracted students here and that the lectures have increased students’ interest in global issues,” said Rye. “As you can tell from going to the lectures, today we always have a large number of students in the audience and they ask thoughtful and interesting questions.”

Cisco enjoys taking part in the lecture series, and feels that it is very educational. “Those few hours have really gotten my attention as to question what goes on around the globe, and I am so grateful for the chance to attend.”

JACKIE HUMEN
The Office of Global Learning

Now that President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden are preparing to move into the White House, speculation has begun as to who will be packing their bags and joining them. The nation eagerly awaited the announcement of some of Obama’s Cabinet members, hoping to see some political big wigs working together. That’s exactly what they got, but now that some of the staff has been disclosed, people have begun to worry if the high profile, big personality politicians chosen will be able get anything done or will it be a clash of the titans.

“Obama’s Cabinet is being filled with personalities who may or may not have their own agendas. However, I think that these people have achieved a degree of fame because of their skills as politicians,” said Rachael Nole, a senior at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

One of those personalities includes Sen. Hillary Clinton. Clinton, a Democrat, most notably almost defeated Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. After campaigning against him, Clinton will now work alongside Obama as his Secretary of State.

Robert Gates will return to his post as Secretary of Defense. Gates, who has very different policies than that of Obama, is a Republican who was appointed Defense Secretary in 2006 under President George W. Bush, replacing Donald Rumsfeld. Another Republican entering the mix is General James L. Jones. Jones is a retired commander for the United States Marine Corps and will hold the position of National Security Advisor. With these two high profile and very opinionated men to compete with, the question has been raised if compromises will be able to be reached.

A group of Republicans will round out Obama’s key cabinet members. Eric Holder, Obama’s senior legal advisor, will become the first African American to hold the office of Attorney General. Another first is Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano becoming the first woman to be named the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Finishing out this group is Susan Rice, who will serve as Ambassador to the United Nations. Rice served on the National Security Council and was Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs under President Bill Clinton.

“I think the more personalities the better. Too many liked-minded people making decisions leads to one-sided outcomes. The more personalities present, I think the more chance for change,” said Colleen Ciriello, a junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

While many question Obama’s choices, others wait in anticipation to see what these key players can do for our nation. Heather Suboleski, a Fairleigh Dickinson University senior, said, “I think that people are too quick to judge Obama. Let him pick his cabinet and if he screws it up, then we can criticize him. I think he’s shown sound judgment in choosing people to run his winning campaign, I wouldn’t underestimate him.”

Others question Obama’s promise of change. With many of his picks being around during the Clinton years or Republicans, how can he promote change?

Finally, Obama does not seem to have any real core issues on which he will not budge. Does that mean he is only interested in getting things done, as opposed to taking a stand when necessary?
By choosing such a diverse group, one can only question how many compromises Obama will have to make in order for there to be any progress. It’s going to be interesting to see just how much he listens to all these people, and how much he puts his foot down, as well as what it is he really wants to accomplish.

So will these politicians be able to play nice? Only time will tell.

LAURETTE SLATTERY
Student Voice Contributor

Laughter and cheers echoed throughout the Dreyfuss Theatre on Nov. 19 following the opening performance of Neil Simon’s comedy, “Brighton Beach Memoirs.” The play ran from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23 and ended with a matinee performance. A modest audience was scattered among the mostly empty seats on the play’s opening night. However, the extreme lack of patronage that night did not hinder the cast’s exceptional performance of the well-known, coming-of-age comedy.

Set in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1937, “Brighton Beach Memoirs” follows the life of pubescent teen, Eugene Morris Jerome, and his Jewish family during the Great Depression. Like many families in the post-World War I era, the Jerome family struggles to make ends meet. This is especially difficult for them because Eugene’s mother, Kate, has housed her widowed sister, Blanche, along with Blanche’s daughters, ambitious 16-year-old, Nora, and hypochondriac, bookworm, Laurie. The Jerome family depends on Eugene’s father, Jack, and Eugene’s role model and older brother, Stanley, for income. These struggles create endless tensions that revolve around their unfavorable financial situation. Through thick and thin, Eugene documents his family’s struggles and triumphs in his memoirs, an outward expression of his desire to become a writer, that is, if Major League Baseball doesn’t recruit him first.

An observant and curious teen, Eugene is often the scapegoat for all of his family’s problems. In his good-hearted and humorous nature, however, Eugene is able to brush aside his unearned trouble-maker reputation as he awkwardly straddles the gap between boyhood and manhood. Throughout the play, Eugene must learn to cope with constant conflicts including his father’s illness, his aunt’s struggle for independence and his lusty, hormone-driven crush on his cousin, Nora.

Eugene was played by freshman Alexander Boruff, a film major who made his theater debut at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Both plucky and sharp, Boruff’s comedic timing as Eugene was well-executed as he tackled the traditionally taboo and unnerving topics of wet dreams and masturbation with a humorous and endearing twist. Boruff’s performance made Eugene a relatable and sympathetic character as he constantly turned to face the audience, reading directly from the most recent scribbles in his memoirs.

The portrayal of Kate Jerome by graduate student Ashley Hencken was another noteworthy performance. Played with fervor and attitude, Hencken’s Kate was exceptional as she proved to be the strong, backbone of the Jerome household.

Throughout her performance, she kept the audience chuckling as she nagged her son, Eugene, for the most trivial of things including writing too loudly and playing catch against the side of the house.

Merideth Wilson, a senior theatre major, shined as Blanche Morton. Between dating woes and a quest to keep her two daughters happy and healthy, Blanche was played as strong and enduring. Wilson’s movements as Blanche were tired and exhausted as she struggled to sew table linens. Yet throughout the performance, her voice remained strong and unwavering like her fortitude.

In her Fairleigh Dickinson University theater debut, Michele Kole played Blanche’s bookish daughter, Laurie Morton. Although Laurie can be an easily dislikable character, Kole gave her personality despite her matter-of-fact line reading. Where Kole’s vocal acting and Brooklyn accent faltered, her physical acting persisted as she sat on the living room couch, gladly being waited on hand and foot.
The setting was picturesque, featuring two stories of the Jerome household with a living room and dining room downstairs and two bedrooms on the second level. With sepia-colored photos on the wall and an old foot-pedal sewing machine, the setting was that of a late-1930s home. And though opening night presented a few lighting glitches, the performance as a whole ran smoothly.

Ending with America’s initial presence in World War II, the play and performance illustrated the life and times of a typical Great Depression-era family, complete with the laughter and tears of characters and audience members.

ELYSE FETHERMAN
Entertainment Editor

The contemporary love story between human and vampire continues to capture the hearts of audiences in both novel and film. However, close comparison reveals the film is not as comparable to the novel as it may seem. The plot line in the film remains consistent to that of the novel. Where some of the dialogue is changed, the flow of the conversation remains familiar to the novel.

The tension between Edward Cullen (Rob Pattinson) and Isabella Swan, or Bella (Kristen Stewart), is tame in the film in comparison with the best-selling novel. Pattinson dazzled “Twilight” fans with Edward’s “crooked smile” and “masochistic lion” tendencies, two descriptions drawn directly from the novel. He portrayed the “cold one,” as written in the novel, torturing himself in order to be close to Bella.

An interesting difference between the two mediums was the conversationalist writing and the virtual nonexistence of conversation in the film, especially between the main characters. The relationship between Edward and Bella is founded on curiosity and an insistence on gathering information about each other. The scene in the meadow, a monumental point in Edward and Bella’s relationship, is inconsistent in the film as the only communication between the two is without words, which does not stay true to Bella’s (or Edward’s) inquisitive nature. However, the chemistry and tension between Edward and Bella is an accurate interpretation of their relationship in the novel. They are haunted by the dangers of getting too close to each other. Edward is perpetually afraid of losing control of his vampire instincts and hurting Bella. Bella is afraid of pushing Edward away by getting too close. So they are stuck in a cautionary awkwardness that makes readers (and viewers) chuckle.

The Cullen family, the coven of vampires disguised as an adoptive family, maintains their mysterious and alluring image in the film version as in the novel. While most of the details of their lives force them to be secretive, their home showcases them as they are: constructed with more glass than paneling. The interior of the Cullen’s home is not white in the film as it is in the novel, which was to signify the Cullen’s innocent lifestyle in comparison to other vampires. “It is the only place we can truly be ourselves,” says Edward when he brings Bella to formally meet his family. Their favorite game is the all-American pastime, baseball, which they only play during thunderstorms to decrease their risk of discovery even though they live far from the center of the town of Forks.

The tense rivalry between the Quileutes pack and the Cullen coven is a main theme of the novel that made its way briefly to the screen. The negative connotation of the phrase “cold ones” that Quileute legends apply to the Cullen family emphasizes the tension Bella is caught between: the concern for her safety from Billy Black, her father’s best friend, and her boyfriend.

In cutting a 550-page novel to fit into such a short time frame as two hours, it is no wonder there are differences. One could go on for hours about the minor differences but the basis of the story remains. One thing is not lost in translation: “Twilight” is a modern love story that throws two people in a tornado of difficult choices.

MEGAN LACEY
Staff Writer

A 50-year-old film franchise (nay – icon) should be monumentally influential toward the creation and conception of new characters, not the other way around. Robert Ludlum’s novels have only been adapted to three action movies so far. Paired next to Bond’s 22, why is it James who thinks he’s Jason Bourne?

Still, you griping critics, be at ease. Daniel Craig pulls off the grandiose car chases and excessive brawling quite well. The actor makes a stunning new Bond: brutal yet careful, large and muscular, but graceful. And the women are unanimously swooning. Perhaps Craig should stand for a sort of reinvention to keep up with the times. Bond is no longer simply about an attitude.

In “Quantum of Solace,” the man we’ve come to know and love is less of a say-er, as in films past, and much more of a do-er. The ridiculousness of it all, however, does not go unnoticed. How one rogue British Secret Service agent can outrun a caravan of goons firing hundreds of rounds of machine gun fire or take out four of his peers (handcuffed, no less) in a brief elevator ride with a few swift kicks is so conceptually frustrating that it’s comical. Bond, being Bond, walks away from every situation looking particularly debonair, no matter how askew his collar or torn his bloody shirt.
The manner of filming only adds to the viewer’s frustration. Action scenes abound with quick, fleeting cuts that never allow the audience to focus on one thing for more than a second. Poor camera angles are juxtaposed nicely with plenty of computer-generated twists and action-packed noises, but we’re no fools.

There are certain points where you just can’t tell what the hell you’re looking at, and when the dust settles, we’re left wondering how we achieved the resolve we see on the screen. The plot itself is somewhat spotty, and while 2006’s “Casino Royale” is not a pre-requisite, it may benefit you to familiarize yourself with the story. In “Solace,” the ineffable Bond is still rather torn over the betrayal of his ex-plaything, Vesper, but he doesn’t let it slow him down. With the help of his new 20-something gal-pal known only as Camille, he sets his sights on evil entrepreneur Dominic Greene, played wonderfully by French actor Mathieu Amalric, whose motivation is to somehow (surprise, surprise) achieve global domination, starting with Bolivia.

Craig does a fine job doing what Bond has always been known to do. He’s a Brit who drinks like an Irishman (there’s not one scene where an idle Bond isn’t brandishing a glass) and seduces women more easily than ever (throwing lines like: “I can’t find the stationary. Will you help me look?”). This time around, however, we’re forced to reconsider his excessive alcohol consumption and uninhibited sexual activity.

They seem almost less inherent to his character and more like mechanisms used to cope with the death of Vesper, and the prospect of her betrayal. The film’s loose plot centers around Bond’s perceived inability to properly accept it, after all – so much so that M (again faithfully played by Judi Dench) sees fit to have the untamed agent accosted. Our poor, brooding Bond is always so misunderstood, isn’t he?

“Quantum of Solace” opened everywhere Nov. 14. It’s rated PG-13 for gratuitous violence and a modest scene of sensuality.

MATT RYAN
Staff Writer

“White Christmas” is a staple musical for the holidays. The major star power and talents of Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, Vera-Ellen and Danny Kaye combined with the music of Irving Berlin make an uplifting holiday movie. More than 50 years after the film, “White Christmas” made its Broadway debut.

While it is missing the star power of the film, “White Christmas” is an enjoyable holiday show.
It tells the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, two army buddies who make it big as singers. Wallace and Davis meet the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy, who are a sister act trying to make it professionally. Judy and Phil quickly fall in love. Through a series of events, Wallace and Davis and the Haynes sisters end up at an inn owned by Wallace and Davis’ former general in the army.

The story of “White Christmas” clearly exists just so that the musicals numbers can take place. The movie had its four stars to help sell the paper-thin plot. The stars of the Broadway show are merely pragmatic. Stephen Bogardus does nothing to distinguish himself in the role of Bob, and while Jeffry Denman is likeable enough as Phil, there is nothing particularly memorable about him. Meredith Patterson brings a bright presence to the stage as Judy. As her sister Betty, Kerry O’Malley is mediocre, but it is difficult not to compare her to the film version of Betty played by Clooney.

While the stars of the show may only be run of the mill, the supporting cast certainly makes up for them. As Martha Watson, the inn concierge, Susan Mansur seems to be channeling Lucy Ricardo. She is a warm presence with wonderful comedic timing.

The other major standout in the supporting cast was Cliff Bemis as Ezekiel Foster, the inn handyman. His monotone voice and sluggish movements get the biggest laughs of the entire show.

There is no question that the score of “White Christmas” is one of the most beautiful. The score includes all of the songs from the movie, except for “Minstrel Show/Mandy” and “Choreography.” Quite a few other Irving Berlin standards have been added, including “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.”

The show is at its best when it presents big production numbers. The wonderful ensemble is a joy to watch, particularly the tap dancing in “I Love a Piano.”

While “White Christmas” might not be the best musical on Broadway right now, it certainly provides what it promises: light holiday fun. It is a perfect holiday outing for the family, as the music is sure to please everyone.

For more information about “White Christmas, log onto whitechristmasmusical.com. The show is seasonal and is scheduled to run only through Jan. 4.

MICHELE KOLE
Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, FDU became the laugh factory of Madison, N.J., as it hosted the New Jersey Comedy Festival. On this night, six fellow students became comedians for five minutes in a contest to figure out who would go on to the finals to become the king or queen of comedy.

To kick off the show, the audience was introduced to comedian TJ Del Reno who joked about our new president, NJ Transit and his own voice, among other topics.

After Del Reno was Mike Caruso who decided to take on the role of a nerd and win over the ladies with his smooth talk. Caruso was hilarious. Next was Gordon Baker-Bone, who talked about our newly elected president, Barack Obama, and how he can’t hide being black. Baker-Bone was also very entertaining.

Then there was Shamia Casiano, whose routine focused on the fact that she’s not ghetto, that she can dance and she can’t do dances from hit songs like “Crank That” by Soulja Boy and the two step. Her jokes were carefully planned and also very witty.

Then the performers took a little break so Del Reno could chat up the audience some more. After Del Reno, Christine Tirrell talked about when she came out, how her family reacted and first dates. She was very comical.

Then Sabrina Noel came up and spoke of her freshman year at FDU, among other topics.

Finally, we saw Aaron Gage talk about being Jewish and being in relationships. He was very amusing.
As the judges convened over the contestants, the audience got to hear some more hilarious stories from Del Reno, including his picture day in school and his hilarious experience in Times Square for New Year’s.

After some time, Dennis Hedlund, creator and executive producer of the New Jersey Comedy Festival, went up on stage and announced that Caruso, Baker-Bone and Gage were the winners.
Caitlin Regan, FPC’s campus relations chairwoman and senior at FDU, enjoyed the event and was happy with the turnout since they had over 100 people come out for the contest. She said that the performers were awesome and she was really happy that the audience responded well to them. She can’t wait to work with Hedlund again and is hopeful of hosting the event next year.

According to Hedlund, he brought about the festival for two reasons: to help college students become comedians and to also help out his son, Derek. He stated that he wanted students to get the feeling of being up on stage as a comedian.

He said that they’ll have new-found respect for comedians because it’s very tough to do, even though they’re only on stage for five minutes.

He also wanted his son to “see the inside of various colleges throughout the state. And most importantly, to meet and talk with the students from the various schools to see what New Jersey college he liked best to attend.” Both reasons are very noble ones to begin this festival.

LISA ARPINO
Staff Writer

The Mansion’s Lenfell Hall was filled with people on Nov. 11, all anticipating the arrival of Ambassador Julio Escalona, Acting Permanent Representative of Venezuela to the United Nations, to speak on “Venezuela and Its Region.” The crowd was expecting his arrival at 6:30 p.m., however, Escalona did not arrive until shortly after 7 p.m. due to traffic.

Accompanying Escalona was his interpreter, Second Secretary Victor Ovales, who filled in for Ambassador Jorge Valero Briceño’s absence. Jason Scorza, Associate Provost for Global Learning, welcomed the Venezuelan representatives while Ambassador Ahmad Kamal, president of the Ambassador’s Club at the United Nations, directed the introduction of the lecture.

Escalona began by addressing Kamal as a friend and brother. He also said that he had no doubt he arrived at the university because the students had a visible interest to learn. One of the first topics up for discussion was the well-known issue of oil prices dropping from $147 to $67, an important topic since Venezuela makes 95 percent of its income from oil exports, according to Jackie Humen, student assistant in the Office of Global Learning.

With that dilemma, Russian and Venezuelan forces have been carrying out joint military practices, as well as taking out many loans and military equipment, which have raised much unease in the United States. Escalona denied Venezuela accepting loans from Russia, but confirmed the acceptance of military equipment, arguing they have no other options because the U.S. put trade sanctions, forcing them to go to other countries.

Kamal asked about the tension between Venezuela and Colombia by playfully asking, “But you are both major suppliers to the U.S.: you supply oil, Colombia supplies cocaine, so why can’t you get along?” After exchanging a few subtle chuckles, Escalona responded, “No country is perfect. No society is perfect. Venezuela is not perfect also. Neither is the United States.” The audience emitted gasps, and low conversation erupted.

As controversial as some of Escalona’s responses were, mostly in regards to his opinions about the U.S., Humen thinks that the crowd took to him well. “You would expect an ambassador to not be so pointed. He was very honest and open and that surprised a lot of people. Also, not only did it make the audience more engaged, it gave us a clearer picture about where Venezuela stands with us. A lot of people expected him to just smooth things out. He was not very anti-American, but he was very pointed and it was enlightening towards the audience,” said Humen.

Escalona courteously debated over economic and political issues to the crowd of American students and faculty. He emphasized statements by throwing up his hand, yet he kept an amiable smile throughout the discussion. Venezuela’s relationship with Cuba was another field repeatedly visited. Escalona said, “Each country is free of establishing its political, economic, diplomatic relations that it wishes to establish. The fact is that in the U.S. there is strong propaganda against Cuba.”

He added that the U.S. has actually established its own relations with countries that are worse than Cuba, and Venezuela does not comment. He asked why the United States could not do the same.
The Office of Global Learning was very pleased with the abundant turnout. Humen believed that Escalona’s visit was a unique opportunity, stating it was the best one yet.

Since FDU has a Latin American student organization on campus, the lecture was even more significant to the university. Humen also said the freshmen are often excited when these United Nations Pathways lectures are offered because it is something they are not used to, it allows them to think beyond the world they grew up in, especially when the topic is Venezuela, according to Humen.
The lecture received tremendous feedback from the faculty. Humen said that Escalona’s visit exposed the rumored oppressing side of the U.S.

“I think it put a lot of things in perspective. That we are not necessarily the greatest country in the world,” said Humen, who was interested in the point of “American exceptionalism,” where there is an expectation of the U.S. to be the superior form of government.

“Other countries don’t see it that way. We need to open our minds to the idea that other countries have legitimate good ways of doing things,” said Humen.

ASIA YOUNG
Staff Writer

In accordance with its philosophy as a “Leader in Global Education,” FDU has integrated the theme of cultural differences into the incoming freshman classes through the medium of novels.

For two years, Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake” was a freshman reading assignment. For the fall of 2008, Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” another contemporary novel with cultural themes, was chosen after the successful results of Lahiri’s piece.

Lona Whitmarsh, associate professor of psychology, believes that the shared experience of understanding the novel unites the students and develops a connectedness to the university. “We are also trying to make sure that the freshman orientation is about adjusting as an individual,” said Whitmarsh.

To help further the progress of the novel, FDU set up three events to complement the learning ordeal. The most recent portion was a showing of “The Kite Runner” movie for the FDU public.
Whitmarsh and Yolanda Hawkins-Rodgers, associate professor of psychology, led the first presentation on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. in Twombly Lounge.

The hour-long event, “The Psychology of Evil: The Abuse of Power,” was introduced to a room full of students and faculty, with the intent on discussing “power and control as upsetting and outside of usual behavior,” said Whitmarsh.

There were a number of slideshows, which debated the definition of evil, faces that represent evil, the human mind, locating evil within particular people, fundamental attribution errors, and ways that good people fall into evil traps. Whitmarsh offered a simple statement during the lecture. “The human mind has amazing potential [yet] has responsibility for perversion and evil,” he said.

A two-sided handout was also passed out with a checklist of personality traits. One side was meant for the audience to choose which qualities were most associated with the character Amir, and the other side was meant to be chosen for the surveyor. As a whole, it was determined that when people perceive someone as evil, they are not given much choice; these “evil” individuals are always associated with negative qualities.

Kenneth Sammond, who teaches English literature, led the second installment of “The Kite Runner” events in the Orangerie at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Sammond’s “Social Structure: The Islamic Imagination” was first introduced by Martin Green, chair of the literature, language, writing, and philosophy department, who reasoned the book’s booming popularity is due to its “enormously gripping and moving” quality.

Sammond began by stating Hosseini’s novel introduces many of its readers to Islam and Muslims in the world. He encouraged conversation by asking first, “What is Islam to you? What are Muslims like? What does your imagination tell us about Islam?” He said, “There is no wrong or offensive answer.” Still, he was met by silence. Eventually, an array of answers were spoken by students that Sammond used for the rest of the night’s discussion.

The dialogue became more intense as the issues of comparing religion, westernization, male dominance, and the idea of redemption were argued. Sammond said, “Americans have a cafeteria of options; take of what you like of what’s being offered on line.” He asked if this idea reinforced the same values that we see ourselves in the west and how Muslims look at their own way of life. Some of Sammond’s discussion topics were avidly disputed.

Ultimately, Sammond’s purpose was to demonstrate how the book failed to grasp the Islamic imagination because it was not written by an Afghan. But if it were, he continued, American readers would not be able to comprehend it. Sammond gave simple and convincing advice: “We have to be open to the possibility of translation.”

Sammond felt it was a challenge to engage the audience for two reasons: “Students are often reticent about speaking their views in an unfamiliar setting [and] students and others are afraid to say things that might offend or upset others about their beliefs.”

Sammond said if more students attended, the discussion would have proved more gratifying, but said it was fulfilling regardless. “In fact, the longer the talk went on, the more engaging the conversation became…till we had to end the discussion.”

Whitmarsh said, “Every time we read something, we try to take something away to enhance our lives.” In addition, she feels it is important to make decisions that are congruent with an individual’s values. She questioned, “How do we create an environment that has zero tolerance for disrespect or negative behavior? How do we eliminate that?” She brought up these questions in relation to the tragedy of the murder of an FDU student a few years prior, whose fate was brought on by an abusive relationship.

Whitemarsh’s lecture on power and control was developed from the struggles of the characters in the novel, but fundamentally, she wanted to create awareness of the types of abusive relationships, emotional or physical, that manifest over time.

“One death is way too many. My goal and objective is to do everything we can in our abilities to never allow that to happen again,” Whitmarsh said.

She also pointed out that an individual could easily take more inappropriate control in a relationship.
“We need to not allow ourselves to be vulnerable,” she said. Whitmarsh was delighted by the enthusiastic turnout and trusts that the audience came to hear and reflect on new ideas.

ASIA YOUNG
Staff Writer