March 16, 1992 — LION’SEYE — Page 9 OPI} Commentary The Same Stupid Questions Stay On By Andy McIntyre The other day a certain individual, who will remain nameless, asked me a question which reminded me of a series of questions that I can honestly say I have been asked my entire life, as far back as kindergarten. The question was whether or not I was Irish? This question almost immediately when asked, brings back an entire memory of childhood, being the only kid on the block who had red hair and a relatively fair complexion. Ever since those younger days, I can clearly remember countless times being asked the Irish question, followed with: “where did you get that red hair”, and “can you tan in the summer?” Believe me, nothing is as annoying as those three questions. Strangely, for whatever reason, it was always the same person or persons asking me the same questions each year. I must say that I did indeed, after sometime, begin to wonder if these people were asking me the questions simply in an attempt to get a rise out of me. However, silly old Andy would answer the same redundant questions each year and always get the same stupid response. “Oh ok, now I understand.” Yet, come the following spring, guess who was asking the questions all over again. That's right you guessed it, the same clowns who had asked me only a short year before. Eventually, as I got older, I was asked the questions a lot less, but every so often out of nowhere some curious fellow would quip, “Hey Andy, are you Irish, and where did you get that flame of your's; I'm surprised your house doesn’t catch on fire.” Yes, as kids get older they often tend to get more creative as well. Taking this in stride I would respond, “No I'm not Irish I'm Polynesian, and my house burned down last weekend.” Yes, I did for a time learn that the only way to fight against these racist attacks was to make fun of myself. It worked for a short while, but soon | Eleciaded Eddie, x. the kids learned how to counter, and I finally learned that the best defense was to simply just ignore them, and you know what, it worked. Today I'm pleased to say that I'm seldom ever asked the three notorious questions: “Are you Irish? can you tan” or “Where did you get that red hair?” However, I keep having this reoccurring nightmare. I'm sitting at my first real job interview and the owner of the newspaper say s, “well Mr. McIntyre, your credentials are all very good, but there is something I must ask you. Can you tan?” Viewpoint BSL Luncheon on February 11th involved speakers from Africa Photo by: MARY MATUS Communication Can Solve Campus Problems By Dorothy Watson Several weeks ago, I left the library at about seven in the evening. As I proceeded from the building, I was shocked to find myself alone in the dark, I mean pitch black darkness. I was midway up the steep hill, and there was not a person in sight. I do not take my safety for granted. I was alone and I could not have protected myself or my belongings. I wondered who was protecting the school’s property against crime, accidents, or fire? My first impulse was to send someone a message, heated with fire and brimstone, but I began to think in a more rational way. I decided I had better direct my concerns to the proper authority, because I know from experience that most problems can be solved to the benefit of everyone if you just take the time to communicate. So I went to Dr. Ed Tomezsko, and I communicated. Before I left the building, I saw Dr. Tomezsko looking for the proper persons to correct the problem. The very next night, I left the building at about seven, and guess what? There were everywhere, even on top of the main lights building. : I am glad that I took the time to communicate my concerns to Dr. Tomezsko. Who needs the hassle? God knows I don’t! Maybe you aren’t all frustrated and stirred up the way I first was, but I hope this article has made you think. The next time you get all fired up and Dbushy-tailed about something that concerns you, just pause for a moment and see if you can come up with a better way of solving . your problem. Communication worked for me, and 1 know I am a better person because I took the time to find a better way. “MY GUMS TURNED KIND OF WHITE, BUBBLY "AND SORE, AND SOMETIMES THE SKIN PEELS OFF AND BLEEDS? DIPPING IS FOR DIPS. DONT USE SNUFF OR CHEWING TOBACCO. CANCER ®
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers