First Year Focus

Politics and Popularity

Its all about politics these days:

Elections for Duke Student Government offices have begun, the Chronicle just elected a new editor, fraternity rush has concluded, and I've finally seen "G.I. Jane."

This year we have four candidates for student government president -- three black women and a white male. Most of us are sure one of the women is the most qualified candidate, but rumors are flying. Some say that the guy is going to win simply because the other candidates are all black and female, and could easily split the vote. Others think all the candidates have turned into fakes. My friend Kate was talking about how amused she had been at a comment one of the candidates made the other day. "What an awesome person," she thought. Another friend was quick to remind her that it's election time -- no wonder everyone's being so nice.

Elections at the Chronicle were a lot more subdued, but still, there were politics involved. We still haven't appointed department heads and associate editors, so things are quite friendly over there as of late. I have to admit I'm a part of this too, but still, it seems so ridiculous to have elections for positions that require more writing skills than people skills.

Frat rush was just another political showcase -- how many people can you impress? How much can you drink? How many girls can you hook up with? I respect most of the frat guys I know, but their rush was borderline absurd (then again, they'd say the same thing of us.) Now that it's over, the pledges are all walking around in their newly acquired frat hats, showing off their status.

And finally, after watching "G.I. Jane" last night with my roommate, I began to think that everyone has ulterior motives.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm not the world's biggest cynic. It just seems like people here are out to improve their images, not their lives. Do people at other schools agree? Write me and tell me.