4A - Monday, March 10, 2008 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com k~w Edited and managed by students at the University ofMichigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu The fact that we have not been attacked over the past six and a half years is not a matter of chance." - President Bush, justifying his veto of a bill to ban waterboarding as an interrogation method in the Central Intelligence Agency, as reported yesterday by The New York Times. An obituaryfor the word 'bitch' 4 ANDREW GROSSMAN EDITOR IN CHIEF GARY GRACA EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR GABE NELSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors. The Daily's public editor, Paul H. Johnson, acts as the readers'representative and takes a critical look at coverage and content in every section of the paper. Readers are encouraged to contact the public editor with questions andcomments. He canbe reached at publiceditor@umich.edu. Movin up, not out New student high-rise can't be another expensive option ousing in Ann Arbor can be brutal on a student bank account. A proposal to build a new 26-story high-rise called University village would do nothing to fix that. Ann Arbor residents, though, are opposed to the plan for another reason: They're afraid that such a tall building will hurt the city's atmosphere. But that's not the right reason for rejecting this plan. While the development would increase downtown density and boasts an eco-friendly design, it fails to recognize that opulent housing is not what a majority of students need. xcept in reference to female dogs - and even then self- control is advisable - it's time to stop using the word "bitch." A good place to start is this campus, which is suppos- edly progressive but where the word is said often. It's said in Angell Hall, dorms and this paper's newsroom K without a single STAMPFL turned head. A few examples: "She's just being a bitch," "Stop acting like a bitch" and "He's a bitch." A better place to start this word's demise is this generation, which is sufficiently colorblind to put a black candidate over the top but too resent- ful toward women who challenge traditional gender roles to stop casu- ally calling his opponent a bitch. For example: "I can't believe that bitch won Ohio," or "Did you hear what that bitch just said about NAFTA?" I'm not a bleeding-heart liberal, a cloistered academic or a radical feminist. I've never taken a women's studies class, and I don't own a single Hillary Clinton bumper sticker. I'm just a regular person who's asking other regular people to join him on the right side of history. It wasn't that long ago that words like "nigger" and "faggot" became unacceptable. On this campus at least, using either in the same way we use bitch is universally unimaginable. The word "faggot," while still popular in junior high school, was enough to get Isaiah Washington dropped from the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" after he used it on the set. If he had substituted "bitch" for "faggot," would he still be on the show? Probably. It's foolish to compare the horrid- ness of certain words, but few rea- sonable people would argue against treating "bitch" with the same disdain as the handful of other upper-echelon hateful words. But, it's a mystery why the word doesn't taste as bad when it rolls off of our tongues. I can already imagine the argu- ments on this column's online com- ment thread, so I'll respond to some of them in advance: It'sjust aword. Language has power; it affects us consciously and subconsciously. The word bitch isn't a problem because it's offensive or because it may make some women feel bad when they hear it. It's a problem because it perpetu- ates dangerous gender stereotypes, the same notions that result in tan- gible discrimination like male-female wage disparity. Its common usage makes it seem like it's a bad thing for a woman to be assertive or strong. For instance, it makes it seem like it's OK not to vote for Hillary Clinton because she doesn't fit old-fashioned views of a woman's role in society. Isn't this just overzealous politi- cal correctness? No. I'm not proposing that we pre- tend the word doesn't exist.As youmay have noticed, it appears often through- out this column. It'sjustnot OK to refer to anyone derogatorily as a bitch. Even if the person you're refer- ring to is a guy? Even then, because the word is still rooted in prejudice and misogyny. When you're calling a guy a bitch, you're basically calling him a woman. That shouldn't be an insult - just like calling someone gay or black or Jew- ish shouldn't be an insult. Haven't you used it regularly in private conversation just like everyone else, you hypocrite? Yes, but I stopped when I realized how unacceptable it is. I'm no differ- ent from you, and your life will be no worse when you stop using it. Shouldn't women try to reclaim ownership of the word and change its meaning? Maybe, but I doubt it will work. A better strategy is to trumpet how unacceptable it is, noting its obvi- ous ties to misogyny. No matter what feminists decide it should mean, it will still connote ill-tempered women, portraying their lack of submissive- ness as a negative. Bitch, a hateful term, dies of natural causes Why go after "bitch"? Aren't "cunt," "whore" and a few other words just as bad? Yes, but "bitch" is more ubiqui- tous. It's also seen as more acceptable. Watch network television for an hour and count the number of times it's used. I don't think any words should be prohibited from network TV, but I do think a healthy society should balk at the usage of "bitch" if it also pro- tests the usage of racist words. You're a prude. Fine, but in this case a little pru- dence is necessary. Karl Stampfl was the Daily's fall/ winter editor in chief in 2007. He can be reached at kstampfl@umich.edu. 4 University Village would be built at the corner of South University and South Forest Avenues. Housing up to 1,400 residents, the building would include luxuries like flat- screen televisions, a workout facility, a caf6, a washer and dryer in every unit and Resi- dential Advisor on every floor. The plans also include a green roof, which would save energy and recycle rainwater. No announce- ment has been made about how much the units would cost. At a public forum last week, some Ann Arbor residents said the high-rise will threaten Ann Arbor's small-town feel. They said they're afraid of turning South Uni- versity Avenue into something resembling Chicago. And they're worried that the tall building might block sunlight. But a few shad sidewalks aren't a travesty. Wat these residents fail to realize is that Ann Arbor will change. Healthy cities grow. That growth can happen in two ways: up or out. Building out is an env'onmentally unfriendly practice that creeps into green spaces, destroys wildlife and forces people to consume resources. Building up is more environmentally responsible. The problem with the planned develop- ment is its cost. Ann Arbor doesn't need its own Trump Tower. It needs affordable housing. The Central Campus housing market is already a nightmare. Near cam- pus, even the worst living conditions come with hefty price tags, driving poorer stu- dents further from campus. Although this primarily affects students, Ann Arborites doesn't seem pleased either. Worried about students encroaching on their sub- urban tranquility, Burns Park residents got the City Council to rezone part of the neighborhood, effectively preventing homeowners from turning their proper- ties into student rentals. That doesn't take away from the fact that the city has to put students somewhere. Housing blatantly targeted at wealthy students creates class segregation. The University has long trumpeted its efforts to increase diversity. This new development challenges that stance. Students of all finan- cial backgrounds need convenient living at a reasonable price. While it can improve the situation by building and renovating new residence halls, it is also the University's responsibility as such an influential institu- tion to be the voice fighting with the city to achieve this goal. The plan for University Village acknowl- edges the important reality that more hous- ingmight costthe city alittle sunlight. It also recognizes that new construction shouldn't come at the expense of the environment. But students are in desperate need of affordable housing. This issue cannot be ignored, even if a few disgruntled residents think it will make downtown a little less quaint. SEND LETTERS TO: TOTHEDAILY@UMICH.EDU EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Emad Ansari, Harun Buljina, Anindya Bhadra, Kevin Bunkley, Ben Caleca, Satyajeet Deshmukh, Milly Dick, Mike Eber, Emmarie Huetteman, Theresa Kennelly, Emily Michels, Arikia Millikan, Kate Peabody, Robert Soave, lmran Syed, Neil Tambe, Matt Trecha, Kate Truesdell, Radhika Upadhyaya, Rachel Van Gilder, Rachel Wagner, Patrick Zabawa. PAUL TINKERHESS W T No excuse for no caucus A graduation e-mail surprisefrom 'U' TO THE DAILY: In December 2007 I graduated from the University's Ross School of Business, and I have a piece of advice that I would like to pass along to all graduating students: Save your e- mails before you graduate. When I signed up for my e-mail account through the University, I was told to choose my uniqname wisely because I would have it for the rest of my life. However, the University failed to mention that I would have to pay to continue my e-mail account after I graduated. I found this out when my e-mail was cut off the other day without any other warning. When I called Information Technology Central Services to ask about my account, I was told that it would cost $10 per month to continue with my e-mail address. After paying more than $70,000 for my master's degree, I figured the least the Univer- sity could do was keep its promise of providing me with an e-mail account that was supposed to be "permanent." Next time the Alumni Associa- tion calls me and asks for a dona- tion, I'm going tell it that I already gave my allocation to ITCS. Brian Cain Alum Streetcars are back in style and worth a shot TO THE DAILY: When I read the editorial Fri- day advocating that the city of Ann Arbor buy streetcars, I realized that I have come full circle in my life (A desire named streetcar, 03/07/2008). Streetcars are back in vogue, and I love it. I am old enough to remember rid- ing streetcars in Detroit. For young- er people streetcars are hip and modern; forne they open an ency- Smiler had clopedia of wonderful memories. to shine light . When my husband and I went on receives little our first date to the Fox Theatre in she chose to f downtown Detroit over 50 years of excess whi ago, we took a streetcar. Growing bemoaning her I up, I rode the streetcar with my family to visit friends, go to work, Scott Rudolph attend church and go shopping. I Rackham can still hear the click of the tracks and feel the sway of the ride as the Usin mi streetcar picked up speed. I say go ahead with bringing streetcars to Ann Arbor, including e some form of shuttle transporta- tion into the city from surrounding TO THE DAILY: places. Streetcars are environmen- Though nIan) tally friendly and worth consider- have been awar ing as an "original and exhilarating International - way to get around the city," as the Women's rights editorial contended. I love it. enhanced by a allow more fem Mary Badalamenti society. With n University Health Service staff boardroom, ge legislative right Missing a chance to cal involvenen you might thint confront consumerism gained true e serious probler and other parts( TO THE DAILY: women are depi Shakira Smiler's most recent right to life. column (The high cost of success, One ofmanye 03/07/2008) transformed a real empower wome issue into a superficial tantrum. credit loans. Mi From the article's title, readers vide women wi might have thought Smiler would their economicC talk about the challenge of afford- and develop sE ing a complete business wardrobe instance, Joyce) before even landing a job requir- gar in the wors ing expensive attire. Whether pur- robi. Because of poseful or not, appearances matter she has been at in interviews, putting a financial nesses and empl strain on those who already strug- Despite the gle to make their tuition payments. cess of microcrE Instead of discussing this serious has not implem issue, Smiler gave us a glimpse into development to a life of over-consumption and fis- legislators anda cal irresponsibility. increased inves None of the purchases that Smil- nance and mic er detailed have any professional opment prograr use. Instead, she buys these things half the fundin to "keep up with (her) rich friends." poor. I cannot The frivolity these items and inad- ter way to cele equate reason for having them Women's Day 2C only trivializes the real problems confronting people who genuinely Jae Seung Lee want to afford a quality education. LSA freshman an opportunity on a problem that attention. Instead, launt her lifestyle ile simultaneously lack of funding. crocredit to women y people might not e of it, Saturday was 'omen's Day 2008. have been greatly constant urge to ale participation in sore women in the nuine equality in s and more politi- nt among women, k that women have quality. However, ms exist in Africa of the world, where rived of their basic ffective methods to n has been micro- crocredit loans pro- th credit to lessen dependence on men elf-confidence. For Wairimu was a beg- t slum area of Nai- f microcredit loans, ble to run six busi- 4oy 62 people. international suc- edit loans, America ented them as main ols. Write to your ask them to support stment in microfi- roenterprise devel- ms, specifying that g goes to the very think of any bet- brate International 008. If firefighters realize they've been hosing the wrong house, they don't say, "Sorry, we can't put out the fire; we already used a lot of water on the house next door." Trying to make that case would beas irre- sponsible as the one offered by the Daily's editorial that claimed resources should not be spent on a fair Michigan Democratic cau- cus because funds were already used for the pointless Jan. 15 presidential primary (No election mulligan, 02/19/2008), The fire in this case is the burning desire of a people to playtheir part in the unfolding drama of American democracy. Resources wasted on Jan. 15 have no bearing in the urgent need to meet that desire. The facts are plain enough. State Demo- cratic Party officials invited voters to a Jan- uary election that had been boycotted by the contestants. Responding to concerns that tiny Iowa and New Hampshire should not be alone in determining the race's early momentum, the Democratic National Committee offered a new approach for 2008. Yes, Iowa and New Hampshire would maintain early positions. But this year, one southern state and one western state with substantial minority populations, South Carolina and Nevada, were be moved ahead in the primary calen- dar, to January. Other states were to hold contests after Feb. 4. Florida cut ahead in line with a January primary date despite warnings from the DNC that it would be disqualified. It was dis- qualified. Like lemmings to the sea, Michi- gan party officials followed by announcing a January contest. It was disqualified. The candidates themselves vowed not to recam- paign in the renegade status, with several further distancing themselves by pulling their names from the Michigan ballot, mak- ing it crystal clear that Michigan would not be holding a legitimate primary on Jan. 15. In a sequel to the original tragedy, Michi- gan Democratic Party leaders are now com- mitting a second failure of leadership by perpetuating the lie that the Jan. 15 primary was valid after all. Rather than stepping into our rightful place in the pageant of history, we find our- selves placed in the absurd and embarrass- ing role of bystander at the naked emperor's parade. In a transparent deception, Sen. Carl Levin wrapped himself in an invisible garment: "Given that 600,000 Michigan voters participated in a primary that was held in accordance with Michigan law," he told The Detroit News, "it seems to me that it would not be practical or fair to throw out the results of that election." Michigan law?As if this were a contest for governor instead of the Democratic nominee for president. Where is the innocent child who will explain to the senior senator that Michigan consists of two peninsulas, not an island unto itself? But there is hardly time for that. Our burning desire to have our voices heard is unquenched. The future may show whether it was practical for elected leaders to ignore this need. History shows that meeting this demand for empowerment is not a luxury that can be passed over as an extravagance; it is the fundamental business of govern- ment. It is the source of the same flame that sparked the American Revolution. Keeping this in mind, it becomes clear that the cost of any election is trivial compared with the sacrifices made over centuries to secure this chance at representative government. Ironically, the national spotlight sought by planners of the Jan. 15 primary is focused on Michigan now more than ever. With the contest so close, so late in the race, Michi- gan should hold a legitimate caucus in the coming months, reclaim our seats at the national convention and perhaps play the starring role in determining the next U.S. president. Or, Wolverines, we could give that up to Ohio. Paul Tinkerhess is an Ann Arbor resident. 0 WYMAN KHUU G Nthing much. Just excited T about graduation. I'm the first in Co7rats man. Thats my family to graduate! -awealw. Yeah yo. I'm about to iRobe SupQ What'sod?Frost this badboy... You kno up Wht \take the road less travelled. Yeah... Us Asians sdft really have m roads to travel