As the campus issues columnist, it’s my job to interpret current events relevant to the MU community and offer my semi-informed opinion, throwing in my own solutions to problems when applicable. The new year provides a fresh start, but also opens the door for new and creative ways for things to go awry. There are many opportunities for making mistakes, and I outline those below. Consider this a preventative measure. But even more, consider this a warning to all: I don’t want to have to write a column about you.
Regarding the new MSA President: Xavier Billingsley, the latest commander-in-chief of the Missouri Students Association, the undergraduate government that is purportedly “committed to representing the interests and advocating for issues facing the student body,” is the student with the most power at MU. As most superhero movies tell us, with great power comes the great probability of fucking it up.
I’m not suggesting I think Xavier will sink MSA like the Titanic, I’m just entertaining the idea so I have prepared material if disaster strikes. My greatest advice for Xavier is to avoid the all-too-common political gaffe. The last president, Eric Woods, was a rather reserved guy and avoided being cornered like a cautious gazelle, but look back two years ago when the MSA President Tim Noce embarrassed us all by rambling about his dream of acquiring a live tiger for MU. This blew up, was even mentioned on ESPN and is now best forgotten about. I’d rather not have to write an entire column about an earnest, yet idiotic MSA President. It’s been done.
Regarding campus administration: In 2011, we were horrified respected leaders in athletics could disappoint us so much. Penn State’s Joe Paterno and our own Gary Pinkel both did their part to fail as role models due to dubious behavior. I hope it’s obvious I’m not comparing knowledge of underage sexual abuse to a DUI, but both represent that awkward moment when the curtain is drawn back and we realize the Wizard of Oz is a twit. If Brady Deaton gets toasted and wrecks his car on the quad, my job will be too easy. This goes to professors, deans and curators too. We’re watching you.
Regarding public racist incidents: For the last two years, we have gained national attention for racially charged displays in prominent campus locale. These symbolic and overt attacks aimed at African American members of the MU community have illuminated the enormous racial divide that exists at this university and in the country as a whole. Why is this an issue, other than the fact it should be obvious by now that it’s an atrocious subset of fuckery to perpetuate racism? Let’s think about it: in fall 2011, white enrollment at MU was at 78.6 percent, and African American at 6.7 percent. I focus on this dichotomy alone due to the nature of race relations in the U.S. and because whites and African Americans represent the two highest race/ethnic groups at MU. The drastic population difference, compounded with public attacks and an awkward history of MU (see: Lloyd Gaines’ story), highlights a serious social issue. As the numbers I mentioned earlier show, MU doesn’t need help driving racial divides.
If you or a friend are so inclined to do something to assert your majority privilege, to attempt to be funny, to make a name for yourself, or whatever twisted logic you have developed, listen up. Stay home, stay offline and play The Sims or something. The only place where your sense of social order is acceptable is… oh wait, that place doesn’t exist and it certainly isn’t MU.
Happy 2012.
