While important to question religion, beliefs should not be generalized
The controversy in The Daily Gamecock regarding the attack on the Muslim faith is an important discussion. On one hand, we should not live in a society that refuses to say, “I think your beliefs are stupid,” because religious beliefs have massive political and social consequences. This is, of course, not to trivialize the tenants of Islam or any other religion, but to commend Andrew Cederdahl on his willingness to take a stance he was aware would be controversial, with the clear goal of advancing his position on issues like governmental secularism for what he believes to be a social good. However, it is important to remember how much of an effect attacking a people can have and how victimized a student can feel.
For example, while I am now an atheist, I was raised Jewish and still retain a deep cultural Jewish heritage. I even sparingly attend services and observe holy days. It is true that there are Orthodox Jews who believe homosexuality is an abomination or that women should remain in the home. However, if I read an article in The Daily Gamecock that attacked Judaism as a backwards and hateful religion, it would very much jar with my experience, and I might even feel hated or feared.The inherent problem is that throughout history, many religions have caused some measure of evil, and by definition some must have caused more than others. A political and historical argument about the merits of Islam should be taken with the deepest consideration. Just as I would be furious over a generalization about Judaism based on the most fundamental orthodoxy, it is important to note that many Muslim students at USC have a very positive experience with their faith. But I think we must also end by commending Cederdahl for beginning the discussion. After all, someone must be wrong, and it could be you. And if your beliefs, say, prohibit abortion or gay marriage as a fundamentalist Christian’s might, or require that women cover their heads or not drive as the most fundamental Muslim’s might, I will be behind Andrew leading the charge against their enforcement as law.
— Max Lasser, second-year political science student
New director brings excitement, positive force to Carolina band
As many of you may know, Rebecca Phillips has been appointed as the director of athletic bands at USC. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be in the Carolina Band under the direction of Dr. Phillips. She is a wonderful director and is sure to make next year’s marching band an even more positive force at football games. Dr. Phillips has several great goals in mind for the Carolina Band in the fall, one of which is increasing our sound and numbers. If any of you have ever played an instrument in high school, please consider signing up for marching band next year. The fall of 2011 is going to be a great football season, and we need you to help us make the marching band all it can be. I am looking forward to seeing all we can do under the direction of Dr. Phillips and encourage you to sign up for marching band next fall and be a part of a great experience!
— Kathryn Williams, second-year music education student