Letters to the Editor

Responses to “GSA Dance: A Celebration of Lewdness” (10/12)

To the Editor:
I want to commend The Phillipian for publishing Sebastian Becker’s ’10 commentary, “GSA Dance: A Celebration of Lewdness?” It is very refreshing in this day and age for someone to speak so strongly on behalf of his views and the views of many others. The GSA Forum called in Sam Phil on Monday evening serves as a testament to the incredible atmosphere of discussion and dialogue his article catalysed. While everyone may not agree with his views, I think the free speech his article typifies is absolutely vital to the success of Phillips Academy as a diverse community. Diversity brings differences as well as similarities. While it is important to emphasize our shared humanity and the common beliefs many of us hold, it may be even more critical to cultivate the differences that make us all unique. Mr. Becker, in his stellar commentary, does just that. He gives voice to many of us on campus when he exclaims “The GSA needs to lose its arrogance and find more appropriate ways to attract new members.” The GSA’s tasteless and, often times, borderline vulgar advertisements have offended me and many others. Is Phillips Academy a preschool or a prep school? I am sensitive of their right to publish material supporting their cause. As Voltaire said, “I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll fight to the death to defend your right to say it.” However, I respectfully ask for the GSA’s consideration of others on campus in recognition of our respect for them. It is ironic that I am requesting that a minority group such as themselves be more mindful of the sensibilities of everyone else. Andover students hail from many parts of the United States and the world, from California to China, from South Carolina to Singapore. Homosexuality might be a touchy subject for us; raised Catholic, I myself have not necessarily fully accepted its normalcy. Therefore, I propose restraint and tastefulness on this issue. I do not disagree with their message on the importance of mutual awareness – their cause is a just one, but I do hold their means in contention. For example, how does recreating Britney’s and Madonna’s lesbian kiss contribute towards the education of youth from every quarter in any way? I find it ridiculous that in a school sanctioned event such behaviour is encouraged, let alone cheered on. My critics might argue that the GSA dance was voluntary; if we found gay PDA offensive we should not have been there. In response, I would like to remind all that the Ryley Room is a place for students to hang out and feel comfortable doing so. Therefore, shouldn’t ‘safe’ levels of decency be observed for all, including the more conservative members of the PA community who might be present, including Mr. Becker? In conclusion, I praise the efforts of everyone on campus that make an effort to promote intellectual discourse. I think many faculty members and students including Mr. Tipton, the GSA’s faculty advisor, will agree with me. Andover is our school and our life, and for us boarding students, our home eight months of the year. I hope this home will be one of tolerance, love and mutual respect. Mr. Becker’s article has stirred the melting pot of cultures and beliefs once again. I would like to applaud him for his courteous and unbiased display courage and conviction. To me, that is what living at Andover is all about. Sincerely, Nicholas Koh ’08