Virginia Tech is a great place to go to school. There are many people here who have done a great job of being themselves and finding their niche. Just look at the variety of opinions in this newspaper if you don’t believe me. This university is breaking ground every day and, as they say, “inventing the future.” However, there are still way too many people living in the confines of normal society. For those of you who are slaves to fitting in, I ask, “Why?”
I will never understand how some people can just be part of the crowd. How does one gain satisfaction from having an identity that is nearly identical to that of everyone else?
For the ladies, what’s up with the boots? You know what I’m talking about — those stupid ugly wannabe Eskimo boots. Did Cosmo print an article saying that all men secretly have an Eskimo fetish and wearing these abominations all the time will get you a husband? I don’t have an Eskimo fetish, but then again my thumb is not exactly on the pulse of the male population, so maybe there is something to these boots.
And spandex! Holy Father in Heaven, don’t you ever let the girls forget their spandex with their ugly boots. What if a girl thought for herself and made decisions based on what she believed and didn’t care what her friends thought. That would just be silly.
Women in this country have only started officially being treated equally within the last 40 years or so, and there is still not 100 percent equal treatment. For these reasons I wasn’t too harsh on criticizing their cultural stereotypes.
Seriously girls, carry yourself with some class and understand if you are trying to snare a man, your clothes don’t matter.
Now it’s time for the men, you lousy bunch of knuckleheads. Men on the other hand have always been free to decide whatever they want, and yet they still push themselves into the molds of society.
We need to do something about fraternities, like make joining one punishable to the fullest extent of my imagination. I swear there is a fraternal hive mind attitude that is truly frightening. Slap on the goofy sunglasses, pop some collars and drink your weight in cheap beer — now that’s what I call helping your community. I know I’m stereotyping, and I don’t care.
Men, we have so many great individuals to look at for examples on how to lead a unique fulfilling life. Alan Moore, Rush Limbaugh, Larry “Wild Man” Fischer, Hunter S. Thompson and Chuck Schuldiner are all men who have led diverse, unique lives that should be recognized by the male population as examples of the fact that anything is possible.
And not just males — everyone should have someone in mind that has attained greatness and use that person as inspiration. Maybe inspiration isn’t the right word. Maybe proof is a better word. Proof that you can do something no one has ever done before and still be OK, proof that you will survive if you go against the crowd.
As far as I know, we only get one life. Why not make the most of it? I want everyone to be successful and have a fulfilling life. I want everyone to make the most of their talents and not worry about what others think. If you are a student, now is the time to set yourself on the path that leads to your life being your own.
Leave a comment 101 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
And you know what really bothers me? Collegiate Times writers who waste space in our daily newspaper complaining about what people are wearing, instead of focusing on the many other subjects that could help the university and its students.
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I agree, Student. The CT is the worst college newspaper in the freaking country.
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The Tartan (Radford)
https://php.radford.edu/~tartan/wp/
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Mr. Guida- first off, thanks. Of all the excellent things you could have written on- Michael Moore, the indie scene at SheSha, or how lovely your new 'coexist' sticker is going to look on the back of your 2010 prius, I'm glad you chose to write about us. We are indeed honored that you pulled yourself away from your theater club canvas bag drive long enough to give us TOTs regulars the publicity we deserve.
When I make my daily commute from Roanoke Street to Squires in my Z71 tahoe, who else would I look down upon? Not some classless girl in uggs as you put it- you know why? Because shes riding shotgun. I'm glad you feel unique, along with all your friends updating their blogs on mac airs while sipping fair trade coffee at Bolo's. You are unique. In fact, youre just as unique as us frat stars, just at the opposite end of the commercial spectrum. We simply choose to throw money around a little more freely at things that dont include the words green, hybrid, or world of warcraft.
The Joker put it best: "What would I do without you?... you complete me." Keep writing Mr. Guida, because independent people like you give us reason to keep achieving unprecedented levels of frat stardom. Plus, I can't think of better reading material than yours while sipping my starbucks at the empo... except for my beautiful WSJ of course.
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Ya know, you are suggesting that people [should] work as hard at not fitting in as the people who work at fitting in. Both are reactionary.
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Think about this though, if everybody starts trying as hard as possible to be different then that becomes the societal norm and then by being different you are molding into society.
??
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He isnt suggesting that we try to be different, he is suggesting that you be yourself which would actually require no effort at all. Your logic is flawed not his.
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I was just trying to make a joke but I failed...thanks Lou for ruining my fun ;-)
But your point is correct of course my logic is flawed lol
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"Seriously girls, carry yourself with some class and understand if you are trying to snare a man, your clothes dont matter."
So because I wear Uggs and have for YEARS because I don't like when my feet are cold--I'm lacking class?
Oh, OKAY.
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I'm afraid so. Not that Vincent makes blanket statements or makes judgments based on stereotypes, but yes if you wear Uggs you are a classless woman. The best part is that he mentions there is still not 100% equal treatment for woman since its only been 40 years since their official equal treatment, so he criticizes women less harshly and treats them differently than he otherwise would. Women are to be pitied, not treated equally in Vincent's eyes
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Lovely. I wonder who this kid is, Vincent Guida doesn't even seem to exist. He criticizes people for not being themselves, but then writes under a different name? Hypocrisy at its best.
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Your an idiot. Join a fraternity and find out what it is really all about. Sure we have fun becasue we actually have friends, unlike you who has hate for everyone and everything...
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There are so many things wrong with this column:
1.The fact that because I enjoy having warm things on my feet makes me not be able to think for myself.
2. "Trying to snare a man". Really? Really? You think that lowly women can't take your "harsh on criticism on cultural stereotypes" because we haven't been equal citizens for long enough, yet you imply that women wear certain clothes to catch her man. Isn't that idea in itself offense enough? I, for one, don't care what a man thinks about my shoes when I put them on and my goal in life is definitely not to entrap a man with my womanly ways.
3. This column could definitely be a joke because each male Vincent mentioned has serious issues In fact, if Vincent actually believes these men are people to look up to, he is dangerously off-base. Alan Moore- LSD dealer who calls himself the antichrist. Rush Limbaugh- Oxycontin addict. Wild Man Fischer- institutionalized for attacking his mother at age 16. Hunter S. Thompson- killed himself. Chuck Schuldiner- lead death metal movement.
Vincent clearly feels isolated and alone on this campus. To him, I recommend joining a club doing something you enjoy. This article seems like a cry for help.
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Alan Moore never called himself an antichrist, he called himself an anarchist. Rush Limbaugh's a prick, I don't know that his drug addiction has anything to do with it. Did you really just wikipedia these guys and pick out the first thing you read in their biography sections?
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Chuck Schuldiner was in the band Death, how does this qualify as having a serious issue?
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You are lacking in sources. "Individuals to look at for examples on how to lead a unique fulfilling life"?!?!
ACCORDING TO FORBES,
48% of all US Presidents,
42% of US Senators,
30% of US Congressman,
40% of US Supreme Court Justices, and
ONE FOURTH of Forbes top 500 CEOs
ARE MEMBERS OF A FRATERNITY OR SORORITY.
I would also like to point out a few FAMOUS Greek members:
Mark Zuckerburg (founder of Facebook)
Martin Luther King, Jr
Donald Trump
Condoleeza Rice
Maya Angelou
Rosa Parks
Georgia O'keefe
William Rasmussen (founder of ESPN)
Neil Armstrong
Are you insisting that these people didn't "go against the crowd" and that they are not "examples of the fact that anything is possible"????
This article cannot be backed up. Your faulty opinions have no physical support. Not to mention, I only confronted ONE thing you mentioned.
I didn't even mention: "girls, carry yourself with some class and understand if you are trying to snare a man, your clothes don't matter" or "a girl through for herself and made decisions based on what she believed" or even you claiming fraternities don't help the community.
This article was a waste of space in the newspaper. As a previous editor-in-chief of a newspaper, I am completely blown away by the ridiculous opinions posed in this article. I cannot believe such an article was even written, much less published.
PS. Expect a letter from me.
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The study you've posted on elected officials who are "Greek" does not at all convince me that those people are examples to follow in order to "lead a unique and fulfilling life." In fact, it just proves to me that these people know how to appeal to the masses who are electing them. Very similar indeed to the popularity contest that IS "Homecoming King and Queen." Fraternities and sororities are the only people who pay attention or care at all about such trivialities. To me, it's embarrassing that some college students are still so caught up in the high-school mentality of being crowned "Most Popular." Therefore, I don't accept your sources as proof that Greek Life breeds better people.
Also, it's fine to disagree with an opinion. Keep in mind, though, that your opinion is in no way more valid than that of the author of this article. I'm sure you've heard of "freedom of press," which is the amendment being utilized by the author. That's the reason this article "was even written, much less published."
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god bless you, michelle
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Michelle,
Do a little research, please. You're an embarrassment to this university (much like Vincent). The Homecoming King and Queen "contest" is just as competitive as Orientation Leaders on our campus, and they serve a POSITION for our campus. The King and Queen become ambassadors for our campus, look into something before you knock it.
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ambassadors??? wtf does that even mean?? that is truly the dumbest thing ive ever heard. is it anything like a real ambassador? cause thats even more foolish...
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If thats the dumbest thing youve ever heard then you need to get out more.
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Michelle,
I am not at all stating that "Greek Life breeds better people". I am simply saying that Greek Life DOES breed successful individuals who lead "unique fulfilling lives" as opposed to the claims Vincent made that Greeks are a "lousy bunch of knuckleheads" who have a "fraternal hive mind attitude".
Maybe it is just my opinion, but I believe the stats speak for themselves when I say the MAJORITY of VT students are not involved with Greek life. Therefore, how can Vincent say that joining a fraternal organization is "going with the crowd".
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Thanks for the back up, Tucker.
And Charles, you can do some research with Michelle, too.
I'll even help you out: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2009&itemno=858&head=University%20crowns%202009%20Homecoming%20King%20and%20Queen
That's just a taste of what it is..Not to mention the Tradition behind the whole thing and if you don't understand tradition, you belong at a Community College.
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Your statements about Homecoming Queen and King are truthful. The entire contest is basically a popularity contest. Although as Rebecca stated, they serve as representatives to our entire VT community. Maybe the rest of VT should become more involved with choosing these ambassadors for sincere reasons, like what the student will do with their title.
On your last remarks on how my "opinion" is no more valid that Vincent's, I believe the exact opposite. My listed stats and related comments are factual. My "opinion" came out in the last paragraph where I stated this article is a waste of space in the newspaper. I believe there are more important issues to discuss, for example the issue you brought up with Homecoming King and Queen. I would be much more impressed if Vincent wrote an article urging VT students to become involved with this process, instead of bashing Greek life.
I completely respect his freedom of speech. Yet, his opinion that Greek life should be punishable is unjustifiable.
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greek life makes connections for people after college. i highly doubt alot of these people in high government positions and these corporate big wigs would even have come close to their present day position had it not been for their nonsense "conformist, pay for your friends, pledge cause my friends are" mentality. now go away.
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But you forget, 100% of politicians are arrogant pricks as well.
Vincent may have been harsh in some of his comments, but I agree with Michelle. First Amendment rights extend to everyone, not just pissed off ex-editors
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Perhaps you haven't taken into consideration that fraternities were a different type of organization back when many of these people were members. Roughly 30 of the 44 presidents of this country went to school during the 18th or 19th century - back when fraternities were still respectable organizations that didn't fall into the above stereotype. And I'm not saying that all fraternities fall into this stereotype - just the majority of them.
And Vincent is one of my roommates at the moment. And I can assure you he'd be more than happy to receive your letter and promptly direct it to the shredder.
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I think his point was the stereotypical fraternity. Those people may very well have been involved in typical behavior for those that are in greek life. Just because they are famous and coincidentally were involved in greek life does not mean that they in anyway were far and above the rest and didn't join in with the stereotypical behavior. Fraternities--and sororities for that matter--have certain things attached with their names for a reason. Don't forget that.
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I apologize. I forgot to post my sources.
http://www.forbes.com/2003/01/31/cx_dd_0131frat.html
http://www.greek101.com/lounge/famous.php?org=all
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Shut up Vincent. Whoop-de-doo, the worst college newspaper in the United States published your abominable article. Good luck putting that on your resume, it should take you really far in life. Did it ever occur to you that just because someone doesn't sit in their dorm room playing Halo and listening to death metal doesn't mean they're not unique??I'll see you picking up my garbage in a few years, because I, along with most other Hokies, actually have SOCIAL SKILLS that will take me far in life. Happy Holidays.
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Wow. It's like someone read some funny blogs on the internet critiquing college life and thought WOW I can do that.
You're not funny.
You make no valid points.
And you're the reason no one reads the botch of a paper that is the collegiate times.
Do you even go to Tech?
Better hide your face from campus and all the people you cast judgement on.
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You obviously read it, along with a bunch of other people posting here....but good point....no really it is...::snickers::
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Your retarded, about a quarter (120) of all chief executives on the Forbes Super 500 list of America's largest corporations were members of college fraternities. 8.5% of full-time university undergraduates are members of either a fraternity or a sorority. Not only have fraternities been the breeding ground of those 120 Forbes 500s chief executive officers, they also have spawned 48% of all U.S. presidents, 42% of U.S. senators, 30% of U.S. congressmen, and 40% of U.S. Supreme Court justices, according to data from The North-American Interfraternity Conference. The social skills, which you clearly don't have, that help students gain admittance into the Greek system are the same aptitudes that can later give them a leg-up in corporate climbing. Plus, once they've graduated, they can tap into the network of past fraternity brothers or sisters who litter all tiers of corporate America, but hey I guess they were just trying to fit in.....
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Kid you couldn't be more of an idiot if you tried. Absolutely hilarious reading that comment, "I'll see you picking up my garbage in a few years". Sad thing is you hate on the uggs because you don't have to balls or the social skills to even talk to the beautiful, respected ladies kicking it fresh in them. Take a shower, clean your greasy hair, maybe make it out of the house once in a while, and please god don't continue writing in this newspaper.
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not at you student 2, you got it right
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Since this kid cant be found, and based on his type of writing I almost want to bet that its the freaky looking red haired kid with the long hair who writes for the CT. His articles are always depressing and talking about how he hates his life, so I guess he has nothing better to do than rag on people that get out and do things. This article is seriously offensive and should be removed to to an inability to back up anything he says.
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are you serious? grow up.
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Yes. No.
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it's in the OPINIONS section. you people are morons. if it's an opinion it doesn't need to be backed by fact. get over yourselves. If you don't like it, don't read it. or maybe learn a little more about the AWARD WINNING collegiate times before you run your mouths. I thought what this kid had to say was ridiculous, but it's not like it was billed as a news story, so quit your whining.
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This is obviously a column, anyone who has ever read a newspaper realizes that a column is an opinion piece. And since we do live in the United States everyone here is entitled to have an opinion and they are allowed to voice it. I'm in a fraternity and I don't feel personally attacked by this, sorry, its his opinion let it go.
On the other hand as a former editor in chief of a newspaper, this article doesn't really have any coherent theme and kinds sucks.
And the spandex...keep it at the gym.
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If you are in a fraternity how can you possibly agree with this article?
You are not personally attacked by the fact he said that joining a fraternity should be "punishable to the fullest extent of my imagination" or the fact that he thinks you will not live a "fulfilling life"??
Yes, he has an opinion and he is allowed to state it. BUT, his claims are stupid (for lack of a better word).
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And you're a person who's only goal in life it seems is to make the illusion that your thought process vastly trumps all who seek to stand up to you. Seriously, except that people have the right to free speech or try out for Totalitarian of the Year. Might want to make yourself seem like less of a tool (for lack of a better word).
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Never once did Anonymous say he agreed with Vincent. There were generalizations made in the article - get over it. A generalization about an organization in no way says anything about the individuals in that organization. Vincent simply stated his opinion, and he's fully entitled to do so. You should quit the ad hominems and stop being a b*tch (for lack of a better word).
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A. If you think that clothing is the only aspect of personal differentiation and identity you need to go back to sociology class.
B. If choosing comfort makes me just like everyone else, I am absolutely a conformist.
C. I assume you have never put a foot much less both feet in a pair of UGGs therefore disabling you from being able to make any educated assertion about the nature of UGGs.If choosing to keep ourselves clean cut and not have facial hair raging from our face like Larry Fisher and Alan Moore then yes we are conformists.
D. If my values and non-conformity now lie in my spandex then I do believe the world is officially ending. The Aztecs must be right about 2012/ I have also never hear of anyone being shunned for not wearing spandex.
E. If clothes dont matter as you stated in paragraph 6, then what is the point of your column? Why would it matter if we wore spandex or not?
F. Yet another strike to your accountability is that you openly admit to stereotyping. Have you ever been to a Greek philanthropy? I would assume the answer to that would be no.
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It was the Mayans who predicted the 2012 apocalypse, just FYI. Although I'm not sure what values and conformity have to do with that.
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A. If you think that clothing is the only aspect of personal differentiation and identity you need to go back to sociology class.
B. If choosing comfort makes me just like everyone else, I am absolutely a conformist.
C. I assume you have never put a foot much less both feet in a pair of UGGs therefore disabling you from being able to make any educated assertion about the nature of UGGs.If choosing to keep ourselves clean cut and not have facial hair raging from our face like Larry Fisher and Alan Moore then yes we are conformists.
D. If my values and non-conformity now lie in my spandex then I do believe the world is officially ending. The Aztecs must be right about 2012/ I have also never hear of anyone being shunned for not wearing spandex.
E. If clothes dont matter as you stated in paragraph 6, then what is the point of your column? Why would it matter if we wore spandex or not?
F. Yet another strike to your accountability is that you openly admit to stereotyping. Have you ever been to a Greek philanthropy? I would assume the answer to that would be no.
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G. Last time I checked, there were plenty of non- Greek students that drink their weight in beer.
H. The function of sunglasses regardless of design are used to protect the retinas from deterioration. The Croakies attached to them are used to avoid losing the sunglasses or causing damage to them. Thats not conformity that is simply smart. If its not your style that is your personal choice. The ability to be completely unique does not only include clothing.
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i am being an individual by saying that your article does NOT suck! but in doing so i am making myself look stupid. but my looking stupid has nothing to do with my clothes so its okay!
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Did he really just list Rush Limbaugh as someone that should be looked up to and recognized? I can't stop laughing.
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Freedom of Press or not.. This article has no backing to it, it's a waste of space. Everyone has already covered pretty much everything wrong with this, but my question--to the editor--is why did this even get published? Do you like being the editor of a paper that continually puts out articles that are as horrible as this one? Do you enjoy backing people who are discriminatory and prejudice? And do you encourage writing frivolous articles that have no backing whatsoever?
I think it's time the Collegiate Times sees a competitor. Let me know if you're genuinely interested.
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Freedom of press is irrelevant here. Mr. Guida does not own the paper. The CT would not be infringing on his rights if they refuse to publish this sophomoric garbage. I think the problem is a lack of columnists for the CT, so they just publish every word that comes across the desk to fill the paper each day.
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The negative comments on here really just makes it look like he proved his point, but I would just like to point out that by claiming to shun societal norms you are not being different or an individual, you are simply conforming to the "non-conformist" role in society, that tells you that you must write CT articles bashing the silly "conformists". Its just a different type of same, don't kid yourself that its unique
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First of all you consistently contradict yourself through out your article. You talk about truely becomeing an individual and then you insist that we emulate your idols. Secondly, the only men that don't like spandex are clearly puffs. Thirdly, you tell people to find their own niche which is literally what fraternal and social organization all about. It not about popped collars and drinking cheap beer. Fraternities are a support system of people with similar interests, who you develop close relationships with. The hope is that the fraternity becomes a family that helps and supports you to grow... i.e. the concept of brotherhood. I've found a niche that I'm comfortable with and I don't pop my collar. If I'm comfortable with myself why are you uncomfortable with me. Honestly, your critism of people and ideas that you clearly don't know or understand only reflects your ignorance and self esteem issue. The next time you go on a self righteous tirade about people that have the guts to stand out and wear what they want, even if that means spandex with uggs, realize that you are the one who is really showing the lack of class and independence. Seriously dude, I challenge you to have the courage to be happy with yourself without putting down others to make you feel better.
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just cuz we think your socially awkward and girls call you a "creeper" doesn't mean you have to be hateful... but now i ain't your buddy guy.
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Apparently his real name is Chris.. But not sure about his last name.
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You use Rush Limbaugh as an example of someone who demonstrates anything is possible? Why don't you throw Hitler on there too? Any credibility in your criticism of those hideous boots flew out the window with that one.
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Perhaps young Vincent should spend less time judging people by their appearances and he would realize that what makes someone an individual is not how they dress. Fashion trends have changed throughout history, sorry you just happened to not like the current style. You need to step outside of your DJ booth and expand your world beyond what i assumes is an exclusive group of "non-conforming" snobs who think they better than everyone else because they dress differently. Don't you realize you're conforming to what the idea of a non-conformist is.
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Entertainers?
Or oxycontin addicts or suicidal or felons. No big deal.
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If you were offended by the article, you really need to re-read it. Its pretty tongue-in-cheek and silly for a reason. Girls, he's not actually attacking your precious UGG boots. Frat guys, he doesn't actually think you should be punished. Ya'll need to lighten up a bit.
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Wow, It's not funny whatsoever. If nothing else, his examples of who to look up to are sickening.
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I mean, Rush says some naughty things every once in a while, but hes just an entertainer. In fact, I think all of the people Vincent mentioned are entertainers. "Sickening" seems like a pretty strong word.
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Sickening? Alan Moore wrote V for Vendetta and Watchmen, two of the best graphic novels of all time with social commentary that was beyond his realm of contemporary politics. Before you throw the word sickening out there, do a little research.
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you think I didn't know that? haha. Regardless, this column is a pointless waste of space.
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I think this guy comes across as foolish and idiotic regardless of the content of this article. His writing lacks cohesiveness, flow, and any type of reputability. It is an opinion piece, but his opinions are not logically validated. Furthermore, his rambling style of writing does not lend coherence. But lets not just slam this guy--the majority of writers for the Collegiate Times are guilty of the same. However, we can blame both Mr. Guida and the editors of the CT to allow this piece of formal writing to slip in apparently unedited.
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I love how everyone who doesn't work for the CT thinks they can do it so much better. I'd challenge all of you to write a column for the CT and see if you are as great as you think you are.
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What's more, looking at Mr. Guida's body of work, it is obvious that this is a guy desperate to convince the entire CT-reading community of how special and individualistic he is, often by spewing inane and unsupported opinions. It is little wonder he finds a dubious role model in Rush Limbaugh, for, similarly, he is one to often spew unsubstantiated wisdom.
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Interesting. I wasn't aware that an opinion required support.
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I agree, Rush Limbaugh is a great example of the fact that "anything is possible." If an angry idiot can word-vomit his way onto the national scene (not only that, but some good-hearted-but-easily-misinformed folks actually listen to it and believe it!) and make millions of dollars, anything really is possible. Doesn't make it a good thing...
Much like most of the author's columns, I found this to be a few wasted minutes of my life. I can't fault the CT for printing it (First Amendment and all), but I would suggest Mr. Guida spend a little more time and/or thought on what he says, rather than dabbling in tired stereotypes.
Buddy, I will congratulate you on accomplishing your goal of garnering attention, but if you're too busy studying or whatever to come up with a column idea, just quit and turn it over to someone who may have something slightly less ridiculous to say.
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you thing girls get dressed just to impress guys?! hahahahaha
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...Yes. Are you feeling ok? Like maybe a loss of blood, drug use, maybe alcohol? OF COURSE THEY DO, IT'S CALLED PEACOCKING
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Like, ohmaigawwwd when I put my little Uggies on I think I am so precious and all the boyz want me because of what shoes I'm wearing!
If you think what shoes girls wear is a form of peacocking, you are mistaken. We know guys are only concentrated on regions further north of there. If I wanted to peacock I would put on a push up bra and my lowest cut shirt- which I haven't seen lately by the way. Are you still using it to stuff your underwear?
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Name one straight man on campus that doesn't thoroughly enjoy spandex season?
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I remember my first collegiate times article.
We get it Vincent(Chris). You're cool. You're edgy. You're different.
Let me just ask how much community service you've done lately? Raised millions of dollars for charity? Given up part or all of your summer to ride a bicycle 4,000 miles across the United States or 800 miles across Florida touching the lives of people with disabilities? Traveled to 6 week-long camps who accommodate people with disabilities and provide free labor, constructing accessible parks and trails?
I'm going to guess probably not. You probably just sitting at home writing about groups you think you understand just because you watched the movie Animal House.
The CT used to actually be good.
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The CT used to be good, and then it got boring. Vincent is trying to make it entertaining to read. It's boring as hell now.
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I think this piece was meant to be satirical. I think it is about how people voted for Obama and are swooning over health care even though they knew nothing about them and just "followed the crowd" and want/wanted both. He is obviously a right-winger angry at the "conforming" liberals, note the love for Rush.
If he didn't mean to be satirical, then he is an idiot...although I hate social frats/soros as well because you shouldn't feel the need to buy friends but w/e, I won't go writing an article about it those people can do what they want it doesnt affect me.
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Then he obviously needs to learn how to write a proper satire.
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"I will never understand how some people can just be part of the crowd. How does one gain satisfaction from having an identity that is nearly identical to that of everyone else?"
Sure some people try to fit in, but trying SO hard to not conform is even worse. It obviously stems from insecurity- you think you won't get noticed any other way but to stand out from the crowd. You look down on people who follow fashion trends or who are in greek like because it's "conforming" but in you mocking these people and have your "EFF off attitude" is only alienating yourself from society and you are going to end up alone taking care of the 10 cats you own.
And as for this:
"Did Cosmo print an article saying that all men secretly have an Eskimo fetish and wearing these abominations all the time will get you a husband?"
Why do you assume women do things solely to get attention from men? Admittedly, some women do, but you shouldn't cast a serious stereotype like that even if you "don't care."
You belong under the 'my only friends are my video games and stuffed animals' group. Oh sorry, was that a stereotype?
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I happen to agree with this article in its entirety, the fact that so many people are getting offended by this is ridiculous. None of you even took a moment to think that maybe this article doesnt apply to you. Just because you wear uggs doesnt mean you wear them to simply fit it or to "snare a man", but there is no denying that many women do wear them for those reasons, probably the majority. Same logic applies to being in a fraternity. As for a quarter of Forbes top 500 CEO's being in a fraternity, they pretty obviously went to college. Again hes not calling them stupid, hes calling them conformists. Can anybody honestly say when they think of a stereotypical frat boy they dont think of some jock with his collar popped holding a Natty ice? Fact is if you are offended by this article then some part of you does feel like you are conforming to what society dictates to be a stereotype. Oh, and if you dont like the kind of articles that are being written in this news paper, then write one yourself and shut up.
That is all.
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Fact is you do not know anything about greek life and if you think of popped collars and natty ice then maybe you should go out to Oak Lane and just watch people there. Guarantee you wont see hardly anyone with popped collars or natty ice. Get a clue and get some facts before you attack a whole group of people, and if you attack said group of people dont be suprised when they call you out and make you look like a fool for being ignorant and wrong.
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And you clearly didn't read Lou's comment or else you would realize he was saying that stereotypes don't necessarily apply to individuals. Get a clue and actually read something before you get all whiny and make an uninformed response; and if you do make an uninformed response, don't be surprised when you get called out and made to look like a fool for being ignorant and wrong.
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wow way to call me out on not being able to read. real cool man. how do you live with yourself?
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Ignorance and idiocy infuriate me. What can I say?
What infuriates me even more is when someone sets up a strawman argument (in your case resulting from a lack of comprehension skills), and then calls someone with a rational point ignorant. So don't get all defensive when someone calls you out when you attempted to do the same thing (although your execution was laughable at best).
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Vincent,
Your not writing an article in the Theatre and Arts column so why are you being so dramatic? Did you cry while you wrote this? Did you really feel people would be like "Yeah! I'm so Inspired." Who could possibly want to be a part of what your proposing. Lets sit around and downtalk society while we wear every black article of clothing possible, smoke hookah and listen to emo music-now thats what I call helping your community. I know, I'm stereotyping, but hey, I don't care. While the Greek community does enjoy its cheap beer from time to time at least fraternities and sororities hold philanthropies to raise money to help solve real problems. For all anyone reading this article knows you just sit at a typewriter and complain about insignificant nothings. Way to help out...really...you should be very proud . You and people like you bring nothing to the table but negativity. With all due respect, you are worthless. So while you cry yourself to sleep every night for not choosing to go to NYU where you could be around your kind of people, my knuckle-head buddies and I will continue to laugh at people like you while enjoying college life to the fullest of our abilities.
Thank you and Goodnight
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You are a terrible person. And it sounds like you care more about clothes than the typical "conformist" that you so despise.
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1. (in reference to your previous article) you say that its on the mind of every guy constantly to get laid, if so are you including yourself, bc it seems like youve been pretty unsuccessful in that aspect of your life bc its obvious you do not understand females at all.
2. you are not a female so please dont try to stereotype them by whats on their feet? is it wrong that people like comfort?
3. you shouldn't give your stupid opinions on something you know nothing about i.e. females, and fraternities. i wouldnt stereotype what its like to be a loner like you, bc i dont know whats that like.
4. if you really wanna show youre not conforming how about you become the first CT writer to write articles to just themselves, bc no one wants to hear what you think Mr. Guida
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Perhaps earning a passing grade in Freshman Composition should be a prerequisite for the publication of an opinion piece. Seriously, the sentence structure in this column is whack. "Regular columnist?" Jesus.
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It's not like this is a letter to the president. If you want to comment on the article, maybe you should say something pertaining to what he said. Sometimes true feelings can't be put into a complete sentence. Calm down.
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That could be said for the majority of these comments.
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Dear Editor, I think you need to tell ole Vincent to hit the road and hire "Rebecca" to write for your paper. Apparently, she knows how to write in a way that makes people want to read a newspaper.
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I have seen a few people comment and say "Oh Uggs are sooo comfy and they keep my feet warm here in the tundra." First off, hasn't anyone ever heard of buying a pack of socks? No one needs to spend $200 to keep their feet nice and cozy. Whatever, you might as well use the cash as a napkin because you are wasting some serious dough on ugly boots. I agree with the spandex. Please put on a pair of jeans so no one has to see your backside giggle with every step you take. Uggs, longchamp, rainbow, north face, camelbak...these are all things I repeatedly get tired of seeing everyday. He has a very valuable point. Go into any classroom and look at what everyone is wearing. I bet most people never had anything from those brands before they came to school and saw that everyone else had them. Why don't all of you preppy wannabes go out and buy yourself a personality...or better yet, get mommy and daddy to spend all of their precious money on one for you!
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I work at a shoe store and believe it or not there is technology in how uggs are made. You arent supposed to wear socks with them as they are designed to help regulate your body heat and keep your feet warm without making them sweaty. Thats why they cost so much and why the imitation ones are pieces of crap just like you!
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Lulz, Vincent is the best writer the CT has ever had. He adds humor to a section that has had a dearth of it ever since I came to Tech in 2006. His columns are a refreshing change from the typical conservatives vs. liberals columns that never actually back up their crap. Vincent just writes whatever he feels like for amusement. I mean, his first article that I read was talking about how great heavy metal lyrics are. If you people can't understand that his articles are INTENDED to be provocative and "stupid", then how do you guys have social lives actually? If you take everything seriously and have no sense of humor, then how did you survive in life this far?
Also, his point about Uggz is that they are overpriced for what they do. My girlfriend has boots that cost 1/3 as much and feel just as warm and comfortable. People who buy clothing like North Face and Uggz aren't buying them because they're better quality, because they aren't.
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You obviously are not an "outdoorsy" person or you would know that the true North Face products (as well as Patagonia, Uggs, Mountain Hardware and other "preppy brands" etc.) were the first of their kind and are of outstanding quality--if they weren't, you'd be able to buy them anywhere.
P.s. Do you often wear your girlfriend's boots? Just judging by your knowledge of their warmth and comfort. :) And how would you know if they were just "as" warm and comfy as Uggs if you've also never worn Uggs? Hmm. I feel like you're a closet Ugg-wearer, sir.
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You do realize that on every single article Vincent has written, someone has asked him to please stop writing? haha. His columns are full of trash and pointlessness. Honestly, if they were truly humorous, then none of this would matter--but they're not. They just plain suck.
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Rock and roll Vincent Guida, rock and roll!
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Really? I actually thought this was funny. At least it's a different take. Everyone's getting so offended- it's really not that insulting at all- coming from someone whose sported Uggs and spandex... I can appreciate someone with a different viewpoint. It is kinda funny to see girls all wearing the same thing.... at least it makes you think about it.
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I completely agree with you VTgirl. I thought it was really funny as well, and I do own Ugg boots and spandex, and yeah a hell of a lot of people do wear them. As for the men...well yes there is a stereotype of the cheap beer, popped collar thing. It has nothing to do w anyone specifically it's merely a general observation.
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If you're in a fraternity and are responsible for placing your org's ads then stop placing ads in the CT and DO NOT pick up another copy from the stands. EMCVT will lose ad revenue from the clients they just bashed, will lose circulation numbers they sell to other advertisers, and will suffer until they dump this moron who wrote this.
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