xt7np55dfx7g https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7np55dfx7g/data/mets.xml The Kentucky Kernel Kentucky -- Lexington The Kentucky Kernel 1992-03-10 Earlier Titles: Idea of University of Kentucky, The State College Cadet newspapers English Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. The Kentucky Kernel The Kentucky Kernel, March 10, 1992 text The Kentucky Kernel, March 10, 1992 1992 1992-03-10 2020 true xt7np55dfx7g section xt7np55dfx7g Kentucky Kernel *1! tit-545. ._ __ ;_ MAW §E?,§,rl\w_ 3.1» .- r g .4 ,_ . t . g ., , ' , t ., ‘ ‘~ . . . . I . . = , . , , ,. - 1,: W By TAMMY GAY Staff Writer Most college students only wor- ry about studies, their social lives Darin Simpson has business on his mind. Simpson, a freshman at Lexing- ton Community College, started school -— and his restaurant, H.R.H. Dumplin’s —- in August and maybe part-time jobs. But “I hadn't any experience in res- taurants at all," said Simpson, a native of Owensboro, Ky. “Me and my father ate in a res- taurant, a Dumplin‘s in Munay, Ky., and I thought it was really outstanding, and it was some- thing Lexington needed,” he said. “We decided this would be a good location, and I would go to school up here." Simpson and his father re- JEFF BURLEVII Kernel Stall STRICTLY BUSINESS: Lexington Community College freshman Darin Simpson opened a fran— chise of H.R.H. Dumplin's, a specialty bake shop, in August. He enjoys juggling work and school. LCC freshman owns, runs local specialty bake shop searched the restaurant chain and talked to the franchise owner. They settled on opening a Dum- plin's in Lexington. After training at the Royal Academy for Dumplin’s, he stan— ed the job. Simpson spends his days going back and forth between his class- es and work. See SIMPSON, Page 2 W .. .ntstnceten Tuesday, March 10. 1992 Studies differ on rate of higher-ed retention By NICK COMER Senior Staff Writer Are too many of Kentucky‘s high school graduates starting college but not sticking around for a de- gree? Former Gov. Wallace Wilkinson thinks so. Wilkinson, a UK trustee, attacked Kentucky's “unacceptably high non-completion rate" in a guest col- umn that appeared in the Jan. 17 Kentucky Kernel. But indications are that the prob- lem of retention is not nearly as acute among Kentucky’s college students as it is nationwide. Wilkinson cited a study by the Educational Testing Service, of Princeton, NJ, which found that only 24 percent of 1980 high school graduates nationwide had received a bachelor's degree in ans. sciences or professional seven years later. But, according to a study by the state Council on Higher Education, 44 percent of the students who en- tered a state public college in 1982 had received an undergraduate de- gree five years later while 12 per- cent were still enrolled in a degree program. Gary Cox. executive director of CHE, was pleased with Kentucky‘s numbers. “Obviously, our goal would be 100 percent,” he said. “But com- pared to the national figures, that's substantially better." But Cox pointed out that the root of the differences might be found in Candidates assess SGA role the fact that more Kentucky stu- dents arc entering two—year institu- tions now than in the early 19805. “Of course with national figures, you’re talking ab0ut a whole range of different institutions,“ Cox said. “I suspect that we had a larger per- centage, at least at that time, of stu- dents attending four-year institu- tions." Fewer graduates of two-year in- stitutions go on to receive a bache- lor's degree than students who enter a four-year college in the first place, he noted. A CHE study of those who entered Kentucky com- munity colleges in the fall of 1984 found that only 9 percent had re- ceived a four-year degree by spring See GRADUATES, Page 2 Newly-formed LAMBDA invites gays, non-gays to join By CHRISTOPHER McDAVID Staff Writer Contrary to what the name might suggest, UK LAMBDA is not part of the greek system but rather a campus organization for gays, lesbi- ans and bisexuals. Formerly Gays and Lesbians United for Education, the group changed its name to include bisexu- a1 and heterosexual supporters. UK LAMBDA consists of about 30 members from ages 18 to 50. It is a social and political support group that sponsors alcohol-free ac- tivities for its members. The group formed an alliance with Western Kentucky University, University of Louisville and Centre College for information sharing and mutual support. Joint events have been planned for April, and a con- ference at UK is planned for fall. The letter lambda has been adopted as an international symbol for gay, lesbian and bisexual libera- tion. Chuck Smith, who belongs to LAMBDA, said members chose the symbol because it is “inclusive of everyone." The Kinsey Institute, which is based at Indiana University and re- searches sexual behavior and activi- ty, states that while 10 percent of the population is exclusively homo- sexual, approximately 40 percent of the population has had at least one homosexual encounter. Members recently traveled to Vanderbilt University to attend a three-day conference where they formed an alliance of Southern les- bigay student groups. Eighteen universities were repre- sented, including a large contingent from Georgia, who was celebrating a recent decision by the state board of trustees to add a sexual orienta- tion non-discrimination clause for all state universities. No university in Kentucky except for Transylva- nia University currently has such a clause. UK LAMBDA meets the first and third Thursday of each month. Previous meetings have featured speakers such as representatives of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG), AIDS Volun- teers of Lexington (AVOL) and state Rep. Ernesto Scorsone. in campaign for new library By KELLEY POPHAM Assistant News Editor As Student Government Association presidential candidates pledge support for the Commonwealth Library campaign, student campaign chairwoman Erica McDonald questions whether the support is anything more than political rhetoric. The role SGA will assume in raising funds for the proposed library will be one of the main issues ad- dressed during presidential campaigning this spring. Candidates view SGA's role in the campaign dif- ferently. However, all candidates affirm their per- sonal support and urge students to donate. McDonald said it concerns her is that only one presidential candidate has donated to the campaign. “I want the people walking around and kissing ba- bies the next few weeks to mean what they say.“ McDonald said. McDonald also urges candidates to wear pledge pins given to those who have donated before asking others to give. “I don't like people to use the campaign as a mechanism to move forward." she said. SGA Arts and Sciences Senator Jay lnglc is a member of the Student Library Endowment Com— mittee and is the only presidential candidate who has donated to the campaign. lngle said his running mate, Senator at Large Jill Cranston, and he have taken art active role since the campaign began. Their participation is an attempt to create what he said he hopes is a more user-friendly library. Despite that involvement, he said he will not set aside funds for the library within the SGA budget next year. “I don‘t think it ‘would be appropriate for SGA to get involved with fund raising. As student govern ment president, I would urge everybody to get in- volvcd," he said. See LIBRARY, Page 2 Two SGA senators propose debate in addition to GPAC By KYLE FOSTER News Editor In an attempt to “provide a voice for a majority“ of UK students, two Student Government Associa- tion senators want to hold an election debate, made up of a political action committee composed of cam- pus organizations. Senator at Large David King and Graduate School Senator Adrian Jones have dubbed the debate “PAC." They said PAC would be a stronger voice for all UK students than the Greek Political Action Committee. During its four years of existence, the GPAC de- bate, which will be held March 29, has been the only debate held for SGA presidential candidates. The GPAC is made up of two representatives from each social sorority and social fraternity chapter at UK. Students want poll By JOE BRAUN Assistant Editorial Editor law school students are circulating a petition to restore a voting station to the College of Law for the 1992 spring elections. after Studcnt Govcmment As- sociation Spring Elections Board chairman Jim Kruspe decided not to place one there. Students are hoping their petition Will encourage Kruspe to rctum the voting station to their building. Kruspe said their petition “really won‘t change anything." He removed the voting station at the law school so he could place an extra machine at Margaret 1. King but it is not representative of all L'K groups. Jones said. “(FAQ is not to take an and-greek stance.“ he said. “But this group will choose the best candidate regardless of being greek or not." Traditionally. GPAC has endorsed a candidate who is a member of the UK greek community. Also. every candidate receiving a GPA(‘ endorsement has won the presidential election. King said the most important aspect of PAC is that it would be another voice besides GPAC. The two senators are proposing that the political action committee consist of two representatives from the following organizations: Student Organiza- tions Assembly, Commuter Student Board, UK As. sociation of Non-traditional Students, Residence See PAC, Page 2 back in law school Library. the largest and busiest voting locann on campus, he said. UK Student Bar Association President Doug Kcmpcr is organizing the petition at the law school to try to return the polling location to the law school. Kcmpcr said the removal of the voting booth in- side tlte law school “almost guarantees that no morc than a handful of law school students will vote. They‘ll be guaranteed a potential 450 votes would not be cast." He said students at the law school tend to isolatc thcmsclvcs frotn the rest of campus, and, because of this. voter turnout from the law school would be ex- See PETITION, Page 2 _ spears UK TODAY INSIDE next season from an injury. Story, Page 5. Jeff Brassow is optimistic about returning anterior cruciate away. WRFL—FM and the Student Center Food Court kick 011 spring break from 11 am. to 2 pm. Coupons, sundries will be given ‘Masala’ examines love, racism. Review, Page 3. Diversions ...................... 3 Sports ............................. 5 Viewpoint ....................... 6 Classifieds ..................... 7 I - Mucky Kernel, Tuesday, March to, 1992 Library Continued from page 1 Ingle said his priority in student government would be student ser- vices. However, he said he would support any decision made by the SGA Senate about student fees’ ap. propriation. Presidential candidate Dave Eas- ley, a finance and accounting junior, has taken a more passive approach to library fund raising and, unlike Ingle and other candidates, does not plan to lobby for funds within state g0vemment. Easley said he will concentrate on increasing the number of scholar- ships to benefit students “right here and right now.” “To be honest, a lot of us will have graduated by the time the li- brary is built," Easley said. After talking with UK President Charles Wethington, Easley said he is glad the library will be paid for by private funding. He also said he urges students to donate but added “if students don't want to, they shouldn‘t be forced to (give) (with) times the way they are " While Easley said UK has plenty of resources as compared to other universities its size, he would like to see the new library extend its hours for students. Candidate Reed Good agreed that stressing 100 percent participation in the library campaign is unreason- able. Good, Kirwan Tower’s assistant hall director, has overseen library fund raising within Kirwan Tower but has not donated. He plans to lobby in state g0v- emment and has some definite ide- asonwhathewouldliketoseefor students in the new structure. Good said a multicultural-center area is needed for students — not only to understand the diverse urti- versity population but also to rec- ognize that the world is moving to- ward an international market and cultural understanding is impera- tive. Candidate Kirk Haynes, a health and safety education junior, also expressed definite views concem- ing features that should be included in the library, like a current periodi- cal reading room, more copy ma- chines and more handicap- accessible computer terminals. Haynes said he plans to contact state senators and representatives, if elected, to tour the Margaret l. King Library to illustrate the need for a new facility. Haynes said he doesn‘t see how any candidate can answer whether he will appropriate money for the library because questions have been raised about whether student fees should be mandated. However, he said he will not support donating more to the library than he would to other organizations, thus ensur- ing SGA's equal support of campus programs. Not unlike the other candidates, Alan Vick said he recognizes the need for the library but is con- cerned about spending student fees for its construction. “I don't want to take the money Lexington’s Premiere Rock-n-Roll Cafe 2 for All day EVERY day Lexington's ONLY Alternative Rock Cafe Nicholasville Road 1/4 mile south of Mano-War on the left , 272-361 5 domestic beers well drinks computer rental D Laser printers Open 24 hours 253-1360 401 S. Limestone «fixgéassfl'xwéw D A selection of leading software r--------------' $2.00 off per hour é; on computer rental " , Come into the Kinko’s listed and save on in-store self-service ;, Macintosh or IBM PS/Z computer rental time. One coupon per *5 customer per visit through 5/30/92. Not valid with other offers. 2 the copycen Mac or IBM' PS/2' it’s your choice You have the right ideas... but you just don't have the computer to make them happen Whether you're an IBM PS/Z or Mac user. you'll find the tools you need to get the job done in our comfortable work area D In-store Macintosh' and IBM PSQ kinko's E E-i WllDCAT P$M SQUAD Learning Clinics Tuesday, March 24, 6-8 pm Saturday, March 28, 12-2 pm Sunday, March 29, 2-4 pm Memorial Coliseum Tryouts Saturday, April 4, 9 am Memorial Coliseum now for something that would not be built until we're long gone.“ Vick said. Healsosaidhewouldliketosee the new library benefit students through tutoring programs. Because UK's Writing Center has helped so many students, he said. a general math and chemistry center would benefit the student population. Although Vick does not plan to support SGA funding of the library, he would like to see students con~ tact political higher-ups. “We’ve got to have support and encourage people to call up that 1- 8“) number to their representative. Nobody ever calls these people. If everybody on the campus would call up, they would have to listen." Vick said. Although he has not donated, SGA comptroller Pete November. also a presidential candidate, is making the library campaign SGA’s main fund-raising project While November said he wants students on campus to contact their representative and stress the impor- tance of their support in the cam paign, he does not feel every 100 percent panicipation from students is necessary — because of financial strain. McDonald has announced her support of November in the election but disagrees with November's con- centration on fund raising. “The library is not going to be built by SGA’s saying they’re going to have a fund-raiser,” she said. Instead McDonald said she would like to see SGA give support to and stress the necessity for the cam- paisn- McDonald said every student at UK can give, but it is a matter of prioritizing. “Some people don’t want to give up the keg. It’s a matter of sacri- fice,” she said. KENNEDY Book Store now taking measurements for graduation Caps & Gowns Beautiful new personal- ized announcements with full name,degree, major PAC Continued from page 1 Hall Association, International Stu- dents Council. Disabled Students Union. UK Black Roundtable. Graduate Students Association and the LCC Association of Students. JonessaidheandKingareinthe process of contacting the presidents of each of these organizations and asking them to take part in PAC. “The purpose of this organization is simply (to) provide the stu- dent body with the opportunity to have a stronger voice in whom they would like to see become our future leaders in student government,” reads the letter that the presidents of each organization will receive. Some members of these organi- zations also are members of the greek system. which will provide even more diversity that already ex- ists in the political action commit- tee. Jones said. King aid Jones have proposed that the political action committee hold two forums — a presidential ticket fonim and a senators at large forum. “We feel that having these groups make an endorsement would pro- vide the majority of students a bet- ter view of whom they should elect as future members of SGA," Jones' letter read. “This group would be more at ease to choose the best candidate because it isn't all greek," he said. Bryan Morrison, co-chairman of GPAC and Interfratemity Council vice president at large, said he has no problem with the senators begin— ning another debate. “I think it will help. but I think (GPAC) is a very important part of theelection.Ithinkitsaysalot about GPAC that it has chosen all the presidents. It’s doing a good job,” he said. But Morrison also said that he and co-chairwoman Melissa Browne have stressed to GPAC members the importance of choos- ing the best candidate, whether he or she is a member of the greek community. “The Greek Political Action Committee is not formed to support a greek person," Morrison said. “The main purpose of GPAC is to let the candidates discuss their platforms. I think another debate would let them discuss their plat- form and let them get their message to more students.” Petition Continued from page 1 tremely low. Kruspe has assigned members of the law school to vote in the Busi- ness and Economics Building, locat- ed next to the UK College of Law. He said he believes law school students will walk next door and vote like many other colleges al- ready have to do. Kemper disagrees with Kruspe’s reasoning. “I don’t think many students will (vote). Some don‘t even know where the Business and Economic Building is located," he said. Kemper said he plans to present his petition to the SGA Senate at its Standing committee meetings to- morrow night Kruspe said that while in the past the College of Law has had its own voting station, he believes his revi- sions will better serve the needs of all students. SGA Senator at Large and vice presidential candidate Jill Cranston, who defended having a poll at the school at last week's senate meet- ing, said she still wants a poll there. “I'm concerned because it's been a precedent at the law school to have a booth, and the law school is so centralized,” Cranston said. She said more than 50 percent of the law students usually vote in SGA elections each year. This is a higher turnout than any other col- lege, she said. “Undergraduates go from build- ing to building and to the Student Center and the library on a regular basis. But the law school has their library, all of their classes and two lounges all in one building. They do not leave the law school." Kruspe said he planned the vot- ing schedules earlier in the semes- ter and said the schedules are best for students. “They have the opportunity to vote. It's not mandated anywhere that the law school should have their own polling place in their own building,” Kruspe said. “I’m giving them a fair opponu- nity to vote. I don’t think they need special treatment simply because they’re law students. If I put (a vot- ing machine) in the law school, all schools would want their own, and we don't have the money to do that.” Graduates Continued from page 1 1990. Although a comparison of the ETS and CHE studies indicates that the retention rate for Kentucky's universities is 20 percent higher than the national figures, the state's dropout rate is still too high, said Doug Alexander, a spokesman for Wilkinson. “Half the cup is still empty," he said. In any case, keeping students in college is no easy task, said Robert Hemenway, UK chancellor for the Lexington Campus. “Sometimes it doesn’t happen be- 2for1 Tuesdays Buy one 6” sub and a medium drink and get second 6” sub FREE* (After 4pm only) 'Second 6" sub must be of equal or lesser price. Limit one. Not good with any other offer. No coupon necessary. 325 S. Lime 233-7811 (Next to Two Keys) 11 O F cannula”: at, fl 1. cause of financial reasons,” he said. “Sometimes the student doesn’t do the studying that is necessary. Sometimes the University doesn’t fulfill all its hopes.” Financial hardships are a “major reason" students leave school, he said, an assessment which is sec- onded by CHE. “As a generality, it seems that the leading reason given for dropping out is financial considerations, and the second is personal problems,” a CHE report said. The report points out that the reasons are self- reported by the students. Nonetheless, colleges are facing their share of problems nationwide, not only in keeping students from dropping out, but also in getting them to enroll in college in the first place. The ETS study found that 55 per- cent of 1980 high school graduates nationwide went to either a two- year or four-year college. By com- parison, CHE found that 53.9 per- cent of Kentucky’s graduating sen- iors go directly to college. Wilkinson also attacked the abili- ty of colleges to hold onto “high- ability seniors.” the brightest of high school seniors. The ETS study found that half of the 1980 high school seniors who scored in the top 25 percent of an achievement test had received a bachelor‘s de- gree seven years after graduation. CHE does not yet have figures on the college retention rates of the top 25 percent of Kentucky’s college students. But surveys of some of Ken- tucky‘s brightest high school gradu- ates indicate that the top I percent or 2 percent are getting their under- graduate degrees and, in many cas- es, are pursuing a graduate degree. The Kentucky Governor’s Schol- ar program each year accepts 700 of the state‘s top high school sen- iors as determined by one of sever- al tests. The program provides a motivational learning environment for the students during the summer between their junior and senior years of high school, said Lillian Press, retired director of the pro- gram. A survey of 1985 Governor's Scholar participants, taken in 1990, showed that 81 percent of those re- sponding were planning on going to graduate school. Press said the study was a voluntary survey to which about 40 percent of the 1985 students responded. Cox pointed out the Govemor’s Scholar participants represent a smaller percentage of the total stu- dents than the “highcr-ability" sen- iors surveyed by ETS. He also not- ed that those students are eligible for scholarships and are heavily re- cruited by some colleges. “Those students have lots of op- portunities, lots of choices," Cox said. Nonetheless. the indications are most of the students who partici- pate in the program go to college and get a degree, Press said. “Of our students, I believe we have a very large retention in col- lege,” she said. Kentucky’s Governor Scholar participants seem to go on to col- lege at overwhelming rates. Simpson Continued from page 1 “I feel that my education is going ‘ to be the most important thing,” he said. “(This restaurant) opened up mainly to get me through school —- for me to have a job and go to school at the same time." Simpson, however, said he would be willing to give up his restaurant for school. “If it came down to a decision, I would sell the restaurant and stick straight to school,” he said. The Student Library Campaign C hallenges Student Organizations Fraternities Sororities Residence Halls For 100% Participation nithe Book Endowment fl l —.._.-—..__ teenagers-51ml. his 10\ tur his W l St butlthink . tpartof tsays a lot chosenall ingagood 'd that he Melissa to GPAC e of choos- whether he the greek aI Action ,. to support 0 ll said. f GPAC is iscuss their ther debate their plat- eir message I has their .5 and two ding. They o I." ed the vot- the semes- es are best .rtuniiy to anywhere ould have their own ir opportu- they need y because put (a vot- school, all 'r own, and . ey to do . 1 percent eir under- many cas- te degree. or's Schol- cepts 700 . hool sen- e of sever- provides a vironment e summer = d senior id Lillian f the pro- ovemor’s n in 1990, f those re- on going s said the survey to f the 1985 ovemor's present a ' total stu- iIity” sen- - also not- - eligible eavily re- ots of op- es," Cox tions are 0 partici- 0 college d. Iieve we in in col- Scholar in to col- . nd go to he would restaurant I cision, I and stick try "1 5 Kentucky Kernel, Tueedey, March to, 1992 - 3 ‘Mississippi Masala’ fresh look at lines dividing love and color By JOHN DYER FORT Assistant Arts Editor The beautiful thing about chil- dren is how they learn from their surroundings. When 6-year-old Mina. an Asian Indian living in Uganda, says goodbye to Uncle Okelo, a black African, tears roll down both their faces. Okelo and Mina's father. Jay, have been life- . long friends. It’s the most natural thing in the world for Mina to be blind to Okelo’s black skin. “Mississippi Masala" is about as beautiful, fresh and profound as the first day of spring. This is a gorgeous. earthy film with sun- light slanting through it and the lightness of warm spring air. “Masala" could be one of the most original, brilliant films re- leased in the 19905. Unfortunate- ly, it will likely enjoy the sort of infamy kin to cult and foreign films. The film is infused with an evocative atmosphere founded on strains of Indian sitar strings, Af- rican rhythms and Afro-American blues. The diverse sounds fit tight with the image on the screen — the result is a celebration and syn- thesis (sometimes clash) of cul- ture. “Masala” is wonh seeing if only for the melding of sound and scenery. “Masala" opens in 1972, the year ldi Amin ordered all Asians to leave Uganda The film is the story of one Asian Indian family forced to leave the only country they have ever known, the coun- try they Iove. They live in a beau— tiful, open-air home with a veran- da that looks out over the rolling, lush green countryside and flow- ers that are so colorful they ap- pear to be on fire. Uganda is a Garden of Eden. The father, Jay (Roshan Seth), is a lawyer who has defended the rights of blacks; he is called “bootlicker” and “uaitor” by his Indian friends. Now he is being discriminated against because of the light brown color of his skin. But he knows that black Africans are tired of seeing Indians prosper in “their" country. He publicly de- nounces Amin on the BBC radio, is arrested, and only escapes after his lifelong African friend, Okelo, bribes the jailer. lay tells Okelo how much he loves Uganda, that his Indian cul. ture has always come second to his love for his African homeland. Okelo, knowing that greater forc- es are at work, tells him stemly: “Africa is for Africans. Black Af- ricans.” Jay leaves Uganda bitter and angry. refusing to say goodbye to Okelo. The bus loaded with Indi- ans and luggage is stopped by Ugandan troops on the highway and Jay’s wife, Kinnu, is forced off at gunpoint. Tense moments pass before they take her jewelry and let her go. Eighteen years pass. We catch up with the Indian family living and operating a motel with other Indians in Greenwood, Mississip- pi, 1990. The music evolves into brash. rollicking Delta blues. It‘s a wonderful touch of foreshadow- ing and cultural ambiguity. The rolling fields and aban- doned lots of rural Mississippi are a stark backdrop to the changed lives of Jay, Kinnu and Mina. Jay is still “living” in Uganda. He is a sour man who wears his martyrdom on his sleeve for all to see. Kinnu (Sharmila Tagore) runs a liquor store frequented by blacks in the run down pan of Greenwood. An old man sits among the bottles, plays his har- monica and buys beer by the can. Mina (Sarita Choudhury) is now 24, a beautiful, dark-skinned woman with almond-shaped eyes and long, black hair. “Masala" is three movies in one: it’s the story of the home— land, racism and the trap of the bitter past; it’s a sociocultural study of Asian Indians living in the Deep South, an odd, often hi- larious case of the Melting Pot getting a strange new spice; final- Iy, “Masala" is a love story, a dif- ficult and courageous argument of passion. When Mina meets Demetrius (Denzel Washington), a black carpet cleaner from Greenwood, they wind up dancing. Holding each other, making eye contact, something comes over them. For perhaps the first time, Mina is falling in love; her life opens up to her. Removed from her oppres- sive, ethnocentric upbringing, she comes alive and discovers a deep- er self she‘d lost cleaning hotel rooms and sheltered by family. When Mina comes home she remembers her childhood, Africa, and especially. Okelo. It's as if she had to deny this pan of her- self because of her father‘s anger. Mina’s earliest, most original self doesn't recognize skin color; she is rich with memories of beau- tiful Uganda, Okelo and love. When Mina meets Demetrius' family, they are curious about her worldly back- ground. She tells them her grandfather was brought to Uganda from India by the British to build the railroad. They ask her. then, if they were slaves. WASHINGTON Mina had never thought about it. She tells them she's never been to India and they respond: “Hey, you’re just like us. We’ve never been to Africa." Demetrius’ fami- ly easily identifies with Mina and accepts her as another person of color living in white America. Mina’s family. however, doesn't approve and forbids the match because Demetrius is black. Demetrius confronts Jay, who says “I was young and want- ed to change the world. The world doesn‘t change that easily. I don’t want Mina to be hurt I don‘t want her to have to struggle like I did." Demetrius doesn't want to hear about the “struggle." He reminds Jay that he is only slightly lighter titan him. But lay persists, telling Mina they were forced out of Uganda by blacks. Now they must stick to their own kind. Mina sees through her father for the first time, saying “Okelo risked his life for you. What more proof of his love do you need?” Jay is left alone to confront his own past and the poverty and big- otry of his present. “Mississippi Masala" is a brave, picturesque film that ex- plores some complicated country: culture, family, love, racism and life as a minority in America. Director Mira Nair has done a spectacular job combining cultu- ral, musical and visual threads from diverse, sometimes dispar- ate, places and weaving them into a single fabric. The music, cine- matography and narrative of this incredible film will make it one that is hard to forget. “Mississippi Masala" is a must-see for a trou- bled. confused world. Mississippi Masala. rated “R." currently is playing at North Park Cinemas. Weaver, experimental animation and AIDS drama highlight week “Racism makes you want to hate yourself," Spike Lee told us last Friday night at Memorial Hall. It dawned on me how much sense that makes. It's similar to growing up in a dysfunctional family where Mom and Dad raise you to believe you're not good enough or smart enough. This is especially true if you have “brothers” and “sisters” who seem to do everything right but don’t give you the time of day. When someone asked Lee if black people are going backward, Lee responded cooly and wisely: “I think America is going backward. Especially since the Reagan-Bush years." Racism in our country. on our campus, is not a problem, but a symptom. We are a dysfunctional family, picking on our “weaker” lit- tle brother. It doesn’t make it right just because Mom and Dad look the other way. Someday. we all have to leave home. Nationally recognized tapestry artist Geary Jones will demon- strat