Oppenheim Inaccurate About Harvard

To the editors:

#I have always assumed that Noah D. Oppenheim '00 (Opinion, May 22) went about systematically attacking Harvard organizations because he found it exciting or intriguing or in some way enjoyable. I was mistaken. It seems clear by his last column that what drives him is a genuine unhappiness and disapproval of almost everything.

By adopting such a narrow and pessimistic stance toward Harvard institutions, not only has Oppenheim been inaccurate, but he has also painted a picture of Harvard for himself that he cannot enjoy. I have been a member of organizations he has criticized as well as service organizations which he seems to single out as the only worthy pursuits. He has consistently judged organizations by their weakest link and the Harvard community by one girl in a crpe shop (which he believes is indicative of a greater personality). I do not mean to defend any of the disturbing examples Oppenheim cited, but it is important to remember that these weak links are present in all facets of life. If they are all Oppenheim notices I doubt he will ever be happy.

I refuse to judge the worth of my friends by their socioeconomic status (as Oppenheim implies that I do) and I refuse to choose my activities because of their approbation in Oppenheim's eyes. When I am facing my senior week next year, I intend to tip one back with the great friends I've made and the people that I may not know as well but have still made this College a great experience for me. I will be proud of what I have done and I will look back fondly on the great experiences I have had. I wish Oppenheim luck in his noble quest to make an impact "in spite of" Harvard and I hope he someday finds a little happiness in his surroundings.

J. Clay Petre '01

May 23, 2000

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Harvard Lacks Social Justice Spirit

To the editors:

It is a shame that Oppenheim's column came off as too bitter to be taken seriously, because he hints at crucial problems within the University.

First of all, final clubs no longer distinguish on the basis of class. All male students who are accepted to a club can participate; financial provisions are made for members who do not have enough money to pay monthly fees. Final clubs are exclusive in the sense that only males are eligible to become members, and women are probably hypocritical to partake in an institution where they are second class citizens in this day and age. Oppenheim also fails to mention the rise of female social clubs including the Bee and the Seneca. Furthermore, there is discussion among some final clubs regarding the possibility of going co-ed. Oppenheim blames the clubs unfairly out of frustration that Harvard provides no forum for social life.

Oppenheim moves beyond his bitter analysis of the social scene and hints at a key problem involving the University, that it could do more to foster the ethical background and sense of community that contribute to a true feeling of excellence and accomplishment.

Oppenheim's implication of a lack of morality on the part of the Harvard community made me realize that Harvard lacked the most valuable feature of my high school education. The Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City was dedicated to its mission statement to better oneself by serving the community. Two tangible forms of this dedication were a community service requirement and an extensive community service program.

Even at the Ethical Culture School, the student body often seemed more absorbed about getting into college than bettering their community. Yet while Fieldston was far from perfect, students and teachers alike promoted discussion and action about social issues. The spirit for social reform was powerfully alive within the walls of Fieldston much the way stress and cutthroat competition are the prevalent feelings in the Yard. There are certainly many groups at Harvard dedicated to the community, but this is different from a school-wide stated mission in the pursuit of social justice.

Oppenheim is perhaps justified in his cynicism regarding Harvard, but none of us are justified in our unwillingness to strive for change. If you take anything from hearing "the world is your oyster," it should be the knowledge that the power to try and change things for the better is yours.

Anna M. Harrington '02

May 23, 2000