Hyperreal Film Club
Shame on Us
RECEIVED Tue., Dec. 14, 2004
Dear Editor,
In your "Naked City" [News, Dec. 10], you admit the naked truth that "we hang our Horns in shame" because the road to the Rose Bowl "was paved with whining," but shame also on you for your bully jab urging UT to "kick some Wolverine ass." You thereby bow to the crude boasting and bragging characteristic of the media and culture you so often lament. Where is your logical identity with the liberal/progressive Berkeley community, its classy Golden Bears, and its truly first-class university, presumably closer to your professed ideals and policies. Also, remember that sports fans and the blue states of California (and Michigan) have not forgotten the Enron energy manipulation from the Bush league; the last two red-state presidential victories; UT's refusal to accept second place in the College World Series in Omaha; and even President Nixon crowning the Horns "Number One" in their locker room after the 1969 Arkansas game while ignoring undefeated Penn State in the rankings.
"OU" know so well that if you can't prevail on the field, then politically change the vote at the polls, but true sports champions win rather than whine, and they show class before they kick ass. Win or lose in Pasadena, the BCS vote switches still make UT smell like a ruse rather than a rose!
In your "Naked City" [News, Dec. 10], you admit the naked truth that "we hang our Horns in shame" because the road to the Rose Bowl "was paved with whining," but shame also on you for your bully jab urging UT to "kick some Wolverine ass." You thereby bow to the crude boasting and bragging characteristic of the media and culture you so often lament. Where is your logical identity with the liberal/progressive Berkeley community, its classy Golden Bears, and its truly first-class university, presumably closer to your professed ideals and policies. Also, remember that sports fans and the blue states of California (and Michigan) have not forgotten the Enron energy manipulation from the Bush league; the last two red-state presidential victories; UT's refusal to accept second place in the College World Series in Omaha; and even President Nixon crowning the Horns "Number One" in their locker room after the 1969 Arkansas game while ignoring undefeated Penn State in the rankings.
"OU" know so well that if you can't prevail on the field, then politically change the vote at the polls, but true sports champions win rather than whine, and they show class before they kick ass. Win or lose in Pasadena, the BCS vote switches still make UT smell like a ruse rather than a rose!
Gene Burd
Associate professor of journalism, UT
Associate professor of journalism, UT