Food for thought about Smith

<p>Btw, I have just a shred of sympathy for those who are discomfited by various “orientation” issues though not for those who don’t get over them.</p>

<p>I was pretty strongly in the “no students identifying as male” (transgender) at Smith. Then I met one and spoke with him. I found my position to be untenable. The alternative is “messy” but I get it.</p>

<p>The OP should also know that tonight was Primal Scream and STREAK. About 20 people ran around campus nude and ran through the library. OH THE HORROR :)</p>

<p>And during final exam week, too! Madness upon madness!!</p>

<p>Oh, avert my eyes and plug my ears! :)</p>

<p>Got nothing against letting off some steam before/during finals week - - but naked convocation is another matter entirely.</p>

<p>From the Smith “police blotter,” April 12:</p>

<p>06:57 PM, Lyman Gardens, Case 1109-169-OF
College Policy Violation: A person reported seeing four or five females running around in the area completely nude. Two of the students were sought out and questioned</p>

<p>The horrors! :eek:</p>

<p>There are always people streaking or skinny dipping. Big whoop. It’s one of the few places you can do it and feel safe and I love that.</p>

<p>Also, I love convocation for the way it is. I think it’s beautiful. Most people do NOT go naked. Bras and jeans, or funny costumes, occasionally lingerie is the norm.</p>

<p>Lol. “Two of the students were sought out and questioned.” Not saying I’ve ever been subject to these “questionings” but they usually go something like this, I’m told: </p>

<p><em>Public Safety officer approaches student, eyes, averted, towel outstretched</em>: Uh… Miss… Uh… you need to…um… please put on some clothes. Please. </p>

<p><em>Student jumps into pond</em> </p>

<p>And yes, Convocation is fairly non-naked these days. Scantily clad, but not naked.</p>

<p>You are wrong, the OP had plenty of interaction and observation combined. The two together led her to determine Smith was not a good fit. TheDad observed on another thread that you know you are a Smithie when you can count your heterosexual friends on one hand. Yet, (s)he criticizes others for being critical of a campus culture that is too edgy about gay rights. This one dimensional approach misdirects parents and potential students.</p>

<p>Correction: TheDad did no such thing. </p>

<p>TheDad posted a spoofy “You Know That You’re a Smithie When…” post which contains elements of, but highly exaggerates, Smith traits. Number of heterosexual friends on one hand? When 70 percent or so of Smith is straight?</p>

<p>Smith is certainly a bad fit for anyone who gets their knickers in a twist about gay people not knowing their place and staying in their comfortable [for you] closet. I don’t think any one has ever disputed that. So you can take your voodoo doll exercise elsewhere. </p>

<p>Or, Satanus retro mes.</p>

<p>^TD wins.</p>

<p>Regarding the other stuff, yeah, that was definitely not a serious piece (nor written by TD), and if you check that thread, I don’t think you’ll find someone who agrees with that part you mentioned. </p>

<p>One of the nice things about Smith is that virtually everyone needs more than one hand to number their friends–straight friends, gay friends, bisexual friends, what have you. It’s a place very conducive to making friends and to viewing said friends as more than their sexual orientation, no matter what that is. It’s pretty cool. </p>

<p>Didn’t cncrdparent say s/he was leaving the forum several pages ago?</p>

<p>Yea, what’s up with cncrdparent returning? I thought this thread was done and gone?</p>

<p>Maybe if we didn’t grab the bait she would go away. :(</p>

<p>Ahh, heck, I’m for grabbing the bait!</p>

<p>I just found out I work with Gay people!!! And I think its in large part due to Smith since many of their graduates are living IN my locale! In very respectable positions! </p>

<p>I am hereby changing my handle to “cncrdworker” so I can warn people in my city that 1) there are indeed gay people here, that 2) they indeed talk openly about there “lifestyle” (especially if you move a chair up close and listen really carefully), and 3) even before you move your chair, if you are openly affronted by their lifestyle, you may be preyed upon by their being even MORE outlandish when they see our overt squeamishness! </p>

<p>So, if you are “concerned” like me, don’t say I did not warn you NYC may not be the place for your daughter! BTW, are there Smith graduates, and… you know, L- word people in other cities and towns across our Nation? I am just concerned to find the right fit…you know, for my Daughter and …for others. </p>

<p>I feel so much better having protected …everyone else…</p>

<p>brie99 - Brilliant advice! Jeeze, I guess this means I have to move out of NYC post-Smith…eek! :(</p>

<p>I suppose there are guaranteed gay-free communities like Broken Condom, Oklahoma or Moose Dropping, Idaho where vigilance is eternal. </p>

<p>Not to be confused with the men-only community of Nogales.</p>

<p>Where can I go to overcome my fear of Republicans?</p>

<p>Hey mini - there are even Republicans at Smith!</p>

<p>Yes, and they engage in open displays of Republicanism (sic) right in front of everyone!!! Oh, the humanity! Yet, somehow, those of us who are not
manage to deal.</p>

<p>Reminds me: what’s the difference between Glen Beck and the Hindenburg?</p>

<p>One is a flaming Nazi gas bag and the other is a zeppelin.</p>

<p>Yes, but will that help me overcome my fear? I mean they flaunt it, and everything! (and they might even believe in the Rapture - actually, lots of folks believe in the Rapture, it’s just a matter of timing!) </p>

<p>I’m more worried about the closeted ones. I mean, they might infect our children without our even knowing it!</p>