TO THE EDITOR:
I would like to know who thought it would be a good idea to rename the women’s intramural flag football league to powder puff. I have always thought the term “powder puff” was used to differentiate the two-hand touch game for high school women from the tackling game for high school men. However, in the case of intramural FLAG football, both men and women are playing the exact same game. So why should the league for women be called something different?
I am also curious as to who thought it was a good idea to have women compete for pink intramural champion shirts. Everyone who plays IM sports understands that the blue shirt holds a particularly high status among students. Blue shirts signify that you won in the competitive league, while white shirts show that you won in the recreational league—therefore demonstrating that different colors hold much different meanings.
What, then, does a pink shirt mean? I don’t think it’s fair to assume that women would want anything besides the coveted Carolina blue intramural champion shirt. It is part of the reason people love competing in the first place. What would be said if this particular decision was made for the men’s league? It would NEVER happen.
I personally am offended that women are no longer playing the same flag football as everyone else. No longer are we competing for the same prize. Instead, we get pink. Well, I say no thank you; the well-regarded Carolina BLUE shirt is fine by me.
Rose Florence
Senior
Journalism and Mass Communication
TO THE EDITOR:
Earlier this week in the DTH a little tidbit in the police log (obviously a favorite section, everyone likes to look for their friends, right?) caught my eye. Once again, local law enforcement and the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency have teamed up to end underage drinking in Chapel Hill.
Let’s face it guys, that’s just never going to happen. I’m not saying that underaged drinking isn’t a problem in Chapel Hill. I’m not saying it’s not worth pursuing. But seriously, giving tickets to a bunch of college kids just doesn’t really do much. We’ve all heard about our friends with drinking tickets taking a drug and alcohol education class and the ticket being magically expunged.
My real problem with the matter is, these kids aren’t hurting anyone (besides their livers). A great majority of UNC students live on campus and those that live off campus generally live within walking distance of Franklin Street In my 2 previous years at UNC, I have never seen a road block. Wouldn’t this be a better way to utilize our police force, by pursuing those that could seriously harm others by driving drunk rather than attacking a few 19-year olds having a harmless beer?
So please, ALE officers, let me go to Bob’s or buy a bottle of wine from Harris Teeter with my fake ID. I promise, I’m not driving anywhere.
Did I mention I don’t turn 21 until the MIDDLE of my SENIOR year?
Allie Halpern
Junior
Biology
TO THE EDITOR:
I was thrilled to see the DTH’s coverage of the ALE sting operation that gave out 51 citations for drinking violations. It is comforting to know that 18-20 year olds cannot be trusted with an alcoholic beverage. It is interesting to note that the United States is the only nation that requires its citizens to be 21 to drink. However, in this same country an 18 year old can be drafted to fight and die in a war, as well as, help to elect the leader of the free world. On a side note, what is happening in Chapel Hill while these “stings” are operating? Public safety is certainly not a concern seeing as the police log is full of stories of vandalism, rape, and robbery. Personally, I feel that the officers involved in the sting could better serve the community if they were more concerned with actual crime.
Joshua Howell
Senior
Chemistry
TO THE EDITOR:
I am deeply upset by the letter to the editor that was published attacking the Men?s Rugby Team. For one thing, allegations are just that: allegations; and Ms. Thomas does not know the details of any of the accusations leveled against the team. To compare these men to Michael Vick is absolutely absurd and inappropriate. The last thing this situation needs is Ann Coulter-esque inflammation and slander. The Blue and White article she mentions reported facts about the intelligence and integrity of the team leaders ? not vague accusations about alcohol violations that are most definitely not limited to this one group of friends. Bringing up the fact that the team was commended in the spring only weakens her argument ? this is a team that has always prided itself in playing clean, respectable rugby ? and not falling into the dirty cheap shots that are so common (and celebrated) in much of American rugby. This is also a group of people who I can say have personally stood up for and protected me as a female friend, and whose overall friendship I will always look back on and value. To quote the very well done Blue and White article, ?Rugby may be a hooligan’s game because of the level of fitness and contact it requires, but the leadership skills needed to play certainly can only be had by gentlemen.? Though I lament the situation this team is in, anyone who knows these gentlemen can take comfort in the fact that the members of this team, (and especially their leaders) have the fortitude and courage to get through this mess and get back on the field.
Elizabeth Trott
Senior
Religious Studies
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