Calling the Quad Home
I am writing in response to Adam I. Arenson's column on "The Death of the Houses" (Column, March 20). I agree with Arenson that there are some inequalities within the Harvard system, and that reducing the size of blocking groups to eight people is not necessarily going to make House communities more diverse.
However, I must disagree with Arenson's numerous disparaging remarks about life in the Quad. I'll admit that some of my blockmates were none too pleased when we first heard the news that we were placed into Pforzheimer House. We were even more devastated when the ten of us were put in the Jordan Co-op, which I can say is probably the worst housing on campus.
But if Arenson had ever lived in the Quad, he would know that he was wrong, and might not think those who liked living there were so "strange." Not only did we feel like we fully belonged to a great House community, but because we lived in Jordan, we made an even bigger effort to meet people and get involved in House life.
Perhaps students aren't as comfortable going into Houses as they used to be because they can no longer be sure of what type of atmosphere they're moving into. But, hey, presumably we're all intelligent, driven individuals, so maybe it's time we took time to get to know the people who lived around us. If you want a House community, go and be part of it. More importantly, don't put down the other Houses that have great spirit just because it's lacking in your own. It's not about whether you live at the River or in the Quad, but about where your friends are and the effort you make.
Katherine O'Neil '01
March 20, 2000
Fonda's Unsettling Past
Last Wednesday, Harvard hosted Jane Fonda, an active supporter of America's totalitarian opponent in the Vietnam conflict (News, March 16). On Thursday, Harvard hosted Patrick Buchanan, a controversial politician with unpopular views (News, March 17). The contradiction in student reaction to the speeches and in your coverage of the speeches amazes me. Attendees of Fonda's speech warmly received her, and never questioned her about her actions in support of Ho Chi Minh and North Vietnam. Similarly, the news article neglected to mention that aspect of her past. Buchanan, on the other hand, was widely protested, and audience members hissed at him and interrupted him during his speech. The Crimson devoted the vast majority of its coverage of his speech to criticisms of his views.
The controversy over Buchanan stems from his words, not his actions. Fonda, on the other hand, acted not only against policy but against American servicemen. North Vietnamese propagandists photographed her posing with North Vietnamese anti-aircraft guns that had been used to shoot down American pilots. She visited North Vietnamese prison camps at which hundreds of American veterans have reported being tortured by their captors.
Harvard students and The Crimson should be ashamed at the amazing hypocrisy of protesting a politician with controversial views while praising an active supporter of a regime that tortured Americans.
Alex S. Herzlinger '00
March 17, 2000