Devil's Advocate: In Defense Of Hezbollah
Louis Hall

While I am fully aware that the following dissertation will offend some readers and simply be dismissed as an untruth by others, I feel it is my duty to address the issue at hand.

It seems today that nobody in America, outside of the Lebanese embassy, is willing to demand swift condemnation of Israel for its unspeakable and unwarranted aggression toward the peaceable people of Lebanon. The international community, it seems, is perfectly content to stand by idly chatting of peace while a regional superpower goes about bullying its weak and virtually defenseless neighbor to the north, why? To answer that question, I think it necessary to examine the media and its portrayal of the players involved.

For example, I find it interesting that we rarely refer to militant groups such as Hezbollah for what, in essence, they really are. Coincidentally, they are exactly what they claim to be--displaced patriots fighting to regain a homeland stripped from their parents by post World War Two European powers only fifty years ago. Fifty years is not a lot of time to forgive such an injustice and it is understandable that squalid refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon would become breeding grounds for angry young zealots bent on political redemption and outright revenge. To illustrate, I ask you to imagine your own sentiments had you been born in destitute poverty while the fertile land your parents once farmed was being settled by their evictors.

Two weeks ago, Hezbollah struck out by the only means afforded them--through guerrilla attacks directed at Israeli military targets in occupied south Lebanon. The Israeli response was excessive, indiscriminate, and it blatantly overstepped the internationally accepted boundaries of war. In just over ten days, Israeli warplanes have blown up an ambulance filled with children; fired rockets into a United Nations refugee camp killing dozens of women, children, and peace-keepers; and otherwise bombarded a peaceful nation in order to strongarm it into acting against Hezbollah from within.

Hezbollah's methods, though far from forgivable, are at least comprehendable--desperation and determination don't mix well--especially in matters of nationalism. Israel's actions, on the other hand, are completely baffling. Why attack innocent civilians and, what's more, why punish Lebanon which lacks any control over Hezbollah? Israel will accomplish only two things that I can foresee--they will fan the fires of discontent that already burn within the refugee camps and, perhaps, spread them deeper into Lebanon, and they will reduce themselves, as a nation, to the status of "terrorist" (if they haven't already done so).

The issue of segregating classrooms between the sexes is a controversial topic being discussed even in the modern times of today. As a future teacher, should this be an issue I should be considering? In my mind, no. When talking of segregating classrooms between the sexes, I truly cannot see any benefits of taking this action. I do, however, consider the action of educating the future teachers, and the current teachers of the world, on how to teach children to look beyond the sexual stereotyping and limitations put upon them by their cultures and society, of great importance. It is a known fact that gender roles are, to a large degree, taught within schools. Both the teachers and peers, of which the children interact with on a daily basis, pass on to the children what is to be "expected" of them according to societies standards. If we segregate the classrooms, how are the children ever going to be able to look beyond these stereotypes, and become capable of working together as one instead of as two separate sexes?

I believe these teachings should begin as early as possible when dealing with classroom experiences. I feel that it is the job as well as the responsibility of the teacher to let the children know that they do not have to be limited by societies cultural morality. We, as teachers, need to inform students that it's okay for girls to speak-out and for boys to play in the kitchen area if they want to.

In closing, I would like to state my belief that if this problem is not addressed these gender role stereotypes will continue throughout the lives of the children. Instead of segregating the children, we should encourage them to interact between the sexes, as they will be expected to do when school is no longer a part of their lives.

What Did You Learn In School Today?
Tammy Tango

Dear Parents,
Looking into a classroom you will witness mini-adults seated proudly at their tiny desks staring happily at their precious school books and supplies. Many desks appear untidy with the wrinkled papers spewing from the shelves. This is the typical scene in a third grade classroom.

Teaching a rambunctious group of children can be exhausting and exciting. Looking into the educational field from a child’s stand point can be trying for adults. We must realize that as children scan their brain for solutions to problems, they keep one thought in the back of their heads. “If I do well mommy and daddy will be so proud of me. And if I don’t do well they will think that I am a failure”.

During the school year children increasingly view their intellectual skills more realistically and self critically. By doing this they can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses more perceptively. Parents, this is where the danger comes into play. The process your child is using is risky for their self-confidence. As parents, you need to be there to encourage your children’s academic skills and their personal acceptance. Too much pressure from parents causes unwanted and misunderstood stress for a child. If you take the time to help your children with their school assignments you will be kept aware of their progress. If you notice a decline in their grades talk to them about it. If you are not satisfied with the results of your conversation contact the teacher. If after all of this you are still finding it difficult to accept your child’s grades, visit the school and see for yourself how hard they are working. If you could witness the excitement that I see in their tiny faces you would understand their innocence. Children are on a constant mission to see how much they can learn in a day. I understand that most of you are working parents, but that does not excuse you from interacting in your child’s academic career. Take the time to go over the homework and try to include it with every day events. Everyday I see students take giant steps up the educational ladder. As responsible and loving parents you must not consciously overlook your child’s accomplishments.

From the look of their desks one may falsely assume that a child’s mind is as scattered as their possessions. Realistically, children are constantly looking for new ways to learn. Just as a 15 month old looks nervously at their parents for reassurance when they take their first steps, a student will look to his or her parents for approval, acceptance and reassurance. Children benefit not only in skills but also in self-esteem when they are with parents and other adults who encourage their capabilities in a supportive, non-critical atmosphere. As a future teacher I plan to do my part and I am counting on you to do yours.

**NOTE: This does not pertain to all men and women. In my personal experiences, many males I know are obsessed with male sports in the media. Whether it be basketball, baseball, football, or hockey, college or pro, men's eyes are glued to the television set. I find it fascinating that a number of males can tell you exactly where and what they were doing when the United States defeated the Soviet Union in hockey in the 1980 Olympic Games or, when Kirk Gibson hit a game winning home run in the 1988 World Series. However, some men are quick to forget great moments in sports for Steffi Graff or Mary Lou Retton. Why does this happen?

The number one answer is...MEDIA COVERAGE. Statistics show that "in 1993, only 5% of televised sports news covered women's sports-virtually the same percentage as in 1989." The good news today is that the numbers are slowly increasing. Recently I searched though the television stations one Saturday afternoon and to my surprise, a women's college basketball game was being televised on one major broadcasting station while women's figure skating was on another. Finally, I said to myself, we're getting the coverage! I personally enjoy NFL football and men's college basketball(my father's influence) but I cheer when I see women receiving the recognition they deserve. The big question is...What would happen if the coverage was reversed and women's sports were televised more than men's'? Would women become mesmerized by the television? Would men unplug their televisions?

The questions above were raised in hopes for further discussion on the topic amongst peers of both sexes. The address below is given for responses to the article: 50899@udel.edu.

Statistics in article taken from “This Enpowering Women in Sports report is a publication of the Feminist Majority Foundation’s Task Force of Women and Girls in Sports.”