After all of the controversy over using stereotypes as the basis for humor in The Chronicle last semester, you would think that this year's writers and cartoonists might have learned a lesson. But from the looks of the Sept. 6 "Dukies" cartoon, it appears that Leslie and her editor haven't quite gotten the message.
The cartoon about freshmen is nothing but a list of demeaning social stereotypes, progressively degenerating to the point of labeling first year girls as "fresh meat" and mocking a situation where for too many girls, alcohol and naiveté can end up in sexual assault. And this from a female cartoonist!
I recognize that a cartoonist's job is often to poke fun at our social habits, but even then, one would hope that our author could find something more witty, insightful or simply more entertaining than illustrating the same tired stereotypes that we've all heard a million times. Aside from being energetic, talented and optimistic, the freshmen are bewildered and nervous-unsure of how to play the game, or which game to play, in this confusing and contradictory place called Duke.
It'd be nice to think that those of us who've been around the block could actually reach out to them. Maybe we could share what we know and make them feel a little more at home. Or maybe, in our infinite social and academic perfection, it's better for us to mock the freshmen for their efforts and insecurities. After all, it's not like we've ever been in their shoes.
Brian Wright
Trinity '07
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