University of Virginia Library

Letters To The Editor

Does Tradition Imply Chauvinism?

I wish to reply to Mr. Tuck
F. Axierod's comments
concerning the title of the
University's yearbook, Corks
and Curls. As I am both a
female student and a member
of the managing board of the
Corks and Curls. I was
personally offended by Mr.
Axlerod's letter.

The Corks and Curls, dating
back to the previous century,
remains one of the most viable
links with the "Old
University." Yet, even when
this book was established in
1887, the title itself was in
keeping with the traditions of
what was considered the Old
"U" at that time. Usage of the
word "curl" meant merely to
make an A on a quiz, while
"cork" meant to fail it. Just as
our generation speaks of
"aceing" or "flagging" an
exam, so did the students of
the 1800's speak of "corking
and curling."

At a time when, because of
its increasing size, this
University is losing many of its
customs, the members of the
yearbook staff have sought to
preserve this tradition.

Does tradition imply
chauvinism?

Latent Desires

What has made everyone
take Mr. Gorman's letter
seriously? It was obviously a
hlague, or Mr. Gorman has
some serious problems. The
most prominent of these is
revealed by the sexual
implications in his description
of his niece.

He attributes to her "long
brown limbs" and "a tender
bosom." What does "brown"
mean? Either she is black, very
tanned, or Mr. Gorman is
exaggerating the beauty of his
virtuous niece. If I believed this
letter to be authentic, I would
be forced to reveal Mr.
Gorman's own latent
incestuous desires.

Catacombs

One of the comforting
aspects of laundering in the
Monroe Hill "catacombs" is
the modest, efficient-looking
display of out-of-order/-refund-request
cards. Don't
you believe it! Modest and
efficient are not the words;
conniving, lucrative,
charismatic, parsimonious,
avaricious, niggardly, and
deceitful may be.

In mid-October I lost two
dimes in driers that wouldn't
operate. So I filled out a card.
And received no response. Two
weeks later I completed
another card. And received no
response. Two weeks later, a
third card. Still no response.

Fellow-patrons, derive no
comfort from the suggested
security; my fears force me to
feel that it's a facade!