Professional Documents
Culture Documents
the
hillsdale
forum
December 2012
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CONTENTS
VOLUME XIII, ISSUE III, DECEMBER 2012
Conservative Features
3 A Biblical Critique of the Liberal Arts by Rachael Wierenga
STAFF
Editor-in-Chief
Wes Wright
The written word was once highly prized and expensive. The printing press
made literature easier to come by, but Al Gores invention of the internet
degraded the quality of written discourse. Eatough writes about our virtual
travails and how we might be able to solve them.
STAFF WRITERS
Spencer Amaral
Mike Giles
Sam Ryskamp
Corrie Beth Hendon
James Inwood
Savannah Tibbetts
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Corrie Beth Hendon
EDITORS
Mike Giles
Matt OSullivan
Chelsey Schmid
Campus Features
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Laurie Barnes
Shaun Lichti
Caroline Green
America has not sent a man to the moon since 1972. Creed argues that the
space race was just a Cold War gimmick and tells us why lessened enthusiasm
for space exploration is a good thing.
All your quintessential college moments, set to music. Professor Cole shares his
Hillsdale soundtrack.
HEAD DESIGNER
Lauren Wierenga
If you think Hillsdale is awesome now, soon it will be out of this world.
15 Campus Smackdown: Public School vs. Homeschool by Sam Ryskamp
Hillsdale students explain why they either (a) know absolutely nothing or (b) have
no social skills.
McClatchey discusses Benh Zeitlins short film about post-Katrina New Orleans.
It is a raw, emotional, and rather damp film.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Ryne Bessemer
Diana Higbee 96 lives in France and sings opera around the world.
Hillsdale College is full of dancers. Three of the best a swing doll, a Tower
star, and a ballroom gentleman discuss dance and the liberal arts.
ADVERTISEMENT
MANAGER
Nate McBride
WES WRIGHT
MISSION STATEMENT
CORRECTIONS
A biblical Critique
of the Liberal Arts
By: Rachael
Wierenga
Rachael Wierenga is a
Senior studying English.
4
Caleb Eatough
The growing of magnificent facial hair is an art. Men have sought hirsute glory for millennia,
both as a sign of manliness and to win the hearts of ladies. Unfortunately, what was once a
rite of passage has fallen out of favor, replaced by urbane, clean-shaven men with Photoshop
abs. One month out of the year, college men reject this trend in that fabled event: No-Shave
November. This tradition should not be limited to men, however; women should also be allowed to pursue knowledge of Truth and Beauty.
Plato and his beard discussed the difference between art and the noble art. An art or craft
can be anything from taco-making to music; what makes an art noble is that it is done with
intent to pursue knowledge of Form. Sculpting facial hair into manly sideburns, gravity-defying
moustaches, and billowing beards can be a noble art if it is pursued with intent to better
understand Beauty. The goal of No-Shave November cannot be the pursuit of knowledge of
Beauty, however, for it culminates in wild tangles of rather gross hair instead of stylish mustachios. Though it has this defect, No-Shave November can be a noble art if it pursues modesty
and through that, Beauty.
One is modest when one minimizes individual success, talent, or beauty. Modesty is chivalric;
it is the realization that though circumstance may temporarily distinguish individuals, all men
are created equal and should be treated as such. Further, it is the understanding that beauty
of character is greater than evanescent reputation or appearance. Rampant facial or leg hair
conceals ones physical beauty in the same manner as modesty of dress, forcing society to
look beyond external appearance to focus on qualities of the soul.
The modern media lambastes society with its conception of bodily perfection. No-Shave
November is a noble pursuit because it allows one to seek knowledge of deeper Beauty. Because both genders are equally capable of not shaving, the tradition should not be limited to
men alone. To restrict women from pursuing knowledge of the Form of Beauty in this manner
is to reject the basis of the endeavor, for it implies that they are not worthy of noble, philosophical enquiry. That women must be allowed to participate is clear. Whether they should actually
do so is another question entirely.
Winter lasts most of the year at Hillsdale, so physical beauty is regularly concealed by
bulky coats and lumpy snow gear. Ladies, while you can participate in No-Shave November,
you do not need to be as furry as a hare to join in its celebration of modesty dressing warmly
will suffice. Ultimately, neither gender should be harried for not shaving during the eleventh
month, but you need not feel gross for others to look at your personality. Just wear sweatpants
once in a while.
For men at Hillsdale, November is a sacred time. They stride about campus, chins covered in
stubble and necks partly cloudy with patchy beards. Some even manage to grow respectable
moustaches or beards. No-shave November is a tradition beloved by young men. It gives
them a common goal and a chance to grow out their facial hair in a socially-acceptable
manner. It is also a distinctly male tradition: what do girls derive from participating?
When men participate in No-Shave November or any of the other months of virile virtue
(Augustache or Manuary, for example) they bond through common activity with their peers. For a whole month,
they and their friends go around looking slightly ridiculous and uncouth, bucking social norms to emulate their
bearded role-models. According to Victoria Sherrows Encyclopedia of Hair, the Ancient Greeks venerated facial
hair, offering up the first growth on a young man to the gods. The Romans of the Republic continued this tradition, growing elaborate beards and linking shaving with femininity. In his Life of Antony, Plutarch praised Mark
Antory because his beard was well growngiving him altogether a bold, masculine look. The Encyclopedia
notes that after 1900 shaving companies drove beards out of vogue. But fickle fashion should not keep men
from their masculinity.
Should girls be allowed to participate in No-shave November? When a woman decides not to shave, its not a
public event; no one will look at a would-be female participant and think of her femininity. As Anthony Esolen
noted in his lecture about education, boys and girls have different characters. When guys forgo shaving they
invite social judgment, sacrificing a well-groomed appearance to participate in some harmless, masculine fun
with their peers. This yearly ritual leaves an external mark that identifies them as participants; they can gladly
say they are a part of No-shave November. Which of these benefits would a female participant gain? With
women there is no social element and no corresponding feminine bonding, so the event cannot achieve its goal.
No-Shave November would lose something if girls were allowed to participate. For them to be included, the
very definition of the month would need to change. Without celebration of masculinity, what is left? Neglect of
grooming is all that remains, and that is not worth celebrating. No, girls that want to take part in this peculiarly
male celebration would be better served with something uniquely feminine, far be it from me to propose what
7
they might do.
Autocracy
Autocracy Now
Now
BY: JAMES INWOOD
of the Founders, the idea runs contrary to the
millennia of politics before the Declaration.
What good is an invented axiom? Indeed, this
assertion conflicts with more than tradition: it
contradicts the government of the very cosmos.
God rules the universe as its king; rule among
men is justified by something other than popular
consent. There are three possible theses for the
justification of such government: the What,
How, and Who questions of the Lords universal
government (Where and When are inapplicable
to deities). The What argument notes that God
rules perfectly. The How
argument contends that God
respects human freedom in His
rule, and so requires no consent.
The Who argument is that of
Christian scripture: the Creator
is sovereign. For government
by imperfect man, authority
is reduced to competence by
the first argument, respect of
liberty by the second, and the
earthly extension of Gods
work justice by the third.
Conveniently, each of these
options is satisfied under the
name of ruling well. This
principle relies on the regimes
members, for the wise and virtuous rule better
than fools and fiends. A governments composition
depends on its number. As officials accumulate,
the state adheres more to the citizenry, just as
larger samples better represent a population.
While narrower states like oligarchy or autocracy
may vary from the whole, democracy must draw
from the common. The average man is corrupt
and foolish, so democracies feature the same
attributes and officialdom must be narrowed.
Republicans seek to solve this problem
by refining the errant popular will through
11
12
Professors
iPod
By: Anna Shoffner
Professor Lee Cole is so hip his wife had to make him buy a dinosaur cell phone to
keep with the times. But when Professor Cole isnt discussing Aristotle or Kant he is
listening to a fantastic assortment of so-off-the-mainstream-it-isnt-even-funny rock
music (like songs containing references to Kant). So Prof. Cole and The Forum got
together and made a soundtrack for all the quintessentially Hillsdalian moments in
every students life at the Dale. This should help you get through these last few weeks
of the semester. Enjoy.
For Monday: Phase Dance, Pat Metheny Group (from Pat Metheny Group)
For Wednesday: Running up that Hill, Kate Bush (Hounds of Love)
For Friday: Red Sails, David Bowie (Lodger)
For Sunday (better known as Semi-Formal Homework Day): Psalm, Roxy Music (Stranded)
Rhetoric and the Great Books: Suppers Ready, Genesis (Foxtrot)
Math Class: Pi, Kate Bush (Aerial)
Art: Michelangelo, Slapp Happy (Casablanca Moon)
Intro to Economics: The Money Song, Monty Python
Speech Class: Elephant Talk, King Crimson (Discipline)
Intro to Philosophy: Seriously Deep, Eberhard Weber Colours (Silent Feet) or Philosophy Now,
Scritti Politti (Provision)
For Greek Mythology: Orpheus, David Sylvian (Secrets from the Beehive)
For Science: Natural Science, Rush (Permanent Waves)
Exam cramming: I Dont Remember, Peter Gabriel (Peter Gabriel IIIMelt)
Understand Hillsdating: The Word Girl, Scritti Politti (Cupid and Psyche 85)
Surviving Hillsdale in the Winter: Topplue, Votter & Skerf, Terje Rypdal (To Be Continued) and
Someone, Somewhere (in Summertime), Simple Minds (New Gold Dream)
That moment when youre on your knees in front of Central Hall screaming, WHY is it so
HARD?!: Sat in your Lap, Kate Bush (The Dreaming ) or Tinseltown in the Rain, The Blue
Nile (A Walk Across the Rooftops)
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14
VS
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Why do you think Public schooling is preferable to homeschooling?
Homeschooling is great because it is typically accompanied by a high level of parental involvement.
Anyone with a high level of parental involvement will have an excellent education, be it homeschool
or otherwise, because parents will instill the value of hard work and education in their children. But
people are social animals, and public school is the sort of social environment that children need to
form relationships with peers.
Did you find yourself adequately prepared for the perils of freshman year at Hillsdale College?
I would say I found myself about as prepared as the next freshman. Somewhere between I know how
to read and I can write a Jackson English paper.
What do you think are the dangers of homeschooling?
Sometimes, parents who homeschool lack time or ability, so their children are only halfway educated.
But most of the time, homeschool parents are probably better equipped than the average public
school parent. The problem is homeschool communities, which do tend to be dedicated and closeknit, are artificial communities that can lead to a cloistered environment in which kids views of society
are narrow and lopsided.
How were you able to find the truth despite the overwhelming left-wing indoctrination?
Most of what you learn in public school is merely normal education. I still learned math, grammar,
physics, American History, economics, etc., and if I picked up any left-wing tendencies, I am sure they
were hammered out by my parents and Hillsdale. My parents took care of the political and social liberalism, and Hillsdale has taught me what tradition there is to conserve. Or maybe I am a closet liberal.
Shhh.
Would you send your children to public schooling?
Yes, especially if I end up living in my hometown. I graduated from the same high school from which
my father and my grandfather and grandmother graduatedin fact, that is where my grandparents
met. I love the Grandville Public School system because it is such a community focal point and because I had such good teachers and friends.
Human Interest
15
15
VS
HOMESCHOOL
Why did you prefer your homeschool education over public schooling?
My public high school was not conducive to learning because of its pervasive drug culture. Homeschooling allowed me to interact with others who were passionate about the liberal arts. I had access
to any AP course I wanted to take, as well as the resources of the local community college.
Heres a tough question: are there any drawbacks to todays public school system?
All public schools are not created equal. If you happen to live in a district with a terrible public school,
you are stuck unless you want to pay through the nose for a private school. Additionally, the public
school system is a product of mass culture and seeks to inculcate a certain set of values and attitudes
in its students. This agenda quashes creativity and promotes an atmosphere at odds with individuality.
Do you believe you were adequately prepared for the rigors of freshman year at Hillsdale?
Yes. Homeschooling allowed me to adjust to the rigors of college by taking multiple college classes
during highschool. I was also able to take rigorous AP classes, which prepared me well for Hillsdale.
Was it difficult to go through high school without learning any social skills?
Ha! Contrary to popular belief, not all homeschoolers live primarily in their basements. I took classes
with other students in a pseudo school setting, and I also interacted with hundreds of other homeschoolers across the country through speech and debate. Nearly all my social skills were developed
after I stopped going to private school and started homeschooling.
Which would you chose for your children: a world-class public school or homeschooling?
The main reason I see for homeschooling is as an alternative to poor conventional alternatives. I would
not have a problem sending my children to a rigorous public school rooted in the liberal arts,
but those are few and hard to come by. I would have to
evaluate on a case by case basis, but a public school
would have to be stellar if I were to send my children to it.
16
16
GLORY AT SEA
a review of A short film
By Forester McClatchey
I try and think about how the storm and all
of these people dyin was part of Gods plan. But
mostly I just stare up to the water hopin I can have
one last look at them.
Writer-director Benh Zeitlins 2008 short film
Glory at Sea opens with an underwater view of
a rain-dimpled ocean surface, an eerily beautiful
image that sets the tone for the movie. Zeitlin and
New Orleans art collective Court 13 have created
something grounded, moving, and utterly unique.
The
ragged
figures in Glory
at Sea seem to
merge with the
post-apocalyptic
wasteland
of
New
Orleans
after Hurricane
Katrina.
They
clamber through
the
debris,
cobbling together
survivalist lives,
scrabbling
for
joy
and
comprehension in the wake of such extreme loss. They
struggle with the words of their preacher, Reverend
Carlton, who tells them that the storm was part of
Gods plan. Unable to accept this reassurance, they
long to sail across the sea to reunite with their loved
ones. When a seaweed-caked survivor named Jake
washes ashore, they have their guide. The village
bands together with moving spirituality to build a
raft out of wreckage and things with luck on em
like rusted cars, beds, and even a bathtub. They cast
humor
17
18
a well-textured film.
The characters and landscapes converge: a man
sleeps easily in a bed wedged in the arms of a live
oak; kelp and human hair wave in unison beneath
the surf. The cinematography makes such unlikely
visions seem natural.
Ultimately, the short film owes its appeal to
compelling characters and the narrative momentum
of a fairy tale. It has an inexorable drive; the odd
events are what must happen, are fated to occur. A
moral lesson must be imparted.
The film suffers from a few moments of ambiguity
and occasionally shaky camerawork, but overall
Benh Zeitlins art succeeds. The images a man
pining for his drowned lover, a despairing priest
watching his congregation sail to their doom are
difficult to forget. When the film ends, one feels one
has witnessed a genuinely special story of eerie
beauty and catharsis.
Garret holt
Hunk
Hillsdales
Year: Junior
Major: History MAjor
Home Economics Minor
If you could be dictator of any country, which would you rule and why?
Africa, because I love Chinese food and I could daily ski in the Alps and I
could ride my fleet of llamas to my palace.
If you could date any historical figure, who would the lucky woman be?
Easy. Bella from Twilight. I mean who doesnt want an extremely needy,
super awkward girl who double-crossed a vampire for a werewolf?
Hottie
and
Compiled by
Savanah Tibbetts
t
Mary Crail
of the month
If you could be dictator of any country, which would you rule and why?
Djibouti. Because its fun to say and its in Africa so I wouldnt have to deal
with the cold weather all the time.
Does Hillsdating do more good than harm to Hillsdalian social life?
100% false. All you Hillsdaters out there: dont be afraid of your feelings.
If your love life were a movie, how would Family Video categorize it?
The Video Game sectionbecause Im a player.
If you could date any historical figure, who would the lucky man be?
Heath Ledger too soon? And do I have to give a why? its Heath Ledger.
On a scale of one to 24, one being a day in a canoe on the lake and 24
being a 24-hour cross-fit workout, how exhausting is it to deal with all of
the men begging to be with you?
Well, when theyre begging appropriately its not stressful at all, because
of all the presents.
21
Spotlight on...
Dancers
Compiled by Wes Wright
Hillsdale has a thriving dance community. From Tower Dancers to Jazz Afterglows, Garden Parties to Regency Balls,
students are dancing all the time. Here are a few stars to watch next time you hit the dance floor.
Haley Pelissier
What styles of dance do you do?
Swing and Ballroom. I have been since I came
to Hillsdale, so for two years. I also go to a club
back home in Seattle. I am the Vice President and
DJ of the Hepcats Swing Dancing Club.
What is the Swing Dancing Club like?
We get 50-100 people at the beginning of the
year, which drops to thirty regulars the rest of the
year. We play big band music, primarily, but also
classic rock like Elvis and the Beach Boys. And
some medium-tempo modern songs like Tik
Tok by Ke$sha.
What would you say those hesitant to dance?
Swing is very Hillsdalian; it teaches courteousness and proper interaction between the genders.
Its classy, a lot of fun, and something you can
use throughout your life.
How does dance fit into the liberal arts?
The liberal arts are supposed to be uplifting and
improve character. Dance does this by teaching
the proper way to interact while training both
mind and body.
Gabe Duttlinger
What styles of dance do you do?
I do American-style Ballroom, which includes
Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Cha-Cha, and
Swing, among others. My favorite is Cha-Cha.
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing in 2003, when I was in tenth
grade. Everyone did ballroom lessons before Winter Formal. When I came back from Iraq I joined
the Ballroom Dancing Club at Hillsdale and took
Social Dance every semester. A year and a half
later I was running the club. I also taught professionally over the summer.
What would you say those hesitant to dance?
Guys: It is scary, and requires vulnerability. Guys
arent comfortable exposing their vulnerabilities,
but the girl-guy ratio (usually 3:2) speaks for
itself. Girls love to dance.
Also, ballroom isnt just for old people. I try to
play modern dance music you would hear in a
club, so people will say Oh yeah, we can ballroom dance to this! Some good ones are Low
by T-Pain featuring Flo Rida thats a great chacha song and Enrique Iglesias. Ring My Bells
is good for rumba.
How does dance fit into the liberal arts?
Dance strengthens the body by movement, the
heart by discipline, the mind by improvisation,
and character by wholesome social interaction. It
complements our scientific, historical, and literary
education and strengthens our fraternal bonds.
Dan Thelen
What styles of dance do you do?
Ive been dancing for seven years. I do ballet,
modern, jazz, and Scottish Highland. I also teach
hip hop and musical theatre at Studio 55 down
town. No matter what kind of dance I am doing,
Im happy. I am a Tower Dancer considering
Hillsdales minor in Dance.
What is the minor in Dance like?
The Dance minor requires dance technique classes
like ballet and modern, movement-based theatre
classes, history of dance, pilates, et cetera. You
have to do Tower Dancers we have a concert on
the first weekend in February, by the way. It will
be Greek-themed, like all of this years theatre. I
am doing some choreography for the show. Tower
Dancers only dances to wordless music, instrumentals; lyrics often serve as a crutch to dancers
and choreographers.
How does dance fit into the liberal arts?
Dance is good for ones mental, spiritual, and
physical well-being. One can also look at it
academically: learning to understand music, how
to move, and how to avoid injury. Terminology
of movement is a field of its own. Ballet, for example, has names for all of its moves; you could
write down a whole routine and people could read
it and do it. It is a language of movement and
words. Rudolf Laban went further and categorized
all movement in terms of words and symbols. A
complete language for dance it looks at energy
use (bound, contained, free-flow), contraction
versus expansion, weighted movement.
Its very cool.
Hillsdale in Photos
By Caroline Green