Earnhardt Understood Risks Before Driving

To the editors:

As a longtime fan of both Dale Earnhardt and NASCAR, I was confused by Cathy H. Tran's column in last Wednesday's sports section (Sports, "When Will Nascar Learn?," Feb. 21). The restrictor plates that Tran alludes to are already used on superspeedways, and they actually increase the threat of accident by bunching cars tightly together. The safety improvements she suggests, such as soft-wall technology or the Hans device, are impractical for stock car racing; stock cars are heavier and require more in-cockpit freedom of movement than Formula One cars.

The bottom line is that stock car racing is inherently dangerous. Earnhardt accepted the risks when he climbed into the car. I will sorely miss seeing the Number 3 race around the track. But let's remember Earnhardt as he should be remembered--as a great champion, not as a martyr for stock car safety.

Chris E. Wolfe '01

Feb. 21, 2001

Teaching Helps Tenure

To the editors:

A recent article entitled "High CUE Ratings May Hurt Tenure Chances" (News, Feb. 21) reinforces a common misconception among students. I would like to try to correct that misconception and clarify remarks attributed to me.

Associate Professor of Linguistics Bert R. Vaux is quoted as saying that "being a good teacher carries with it the implication that you are not a good scholar." This is certainly not true in the Physics Department, and I do not think it is true in most departments. The same clarity of thought and expression that makes a good teacher also contributes to being a good researcher and scholar. The late Richard Feynman was one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century. Anyone who has seen the film of his lecture explaining the essence of quantum mechanics (which I enjoy playing for my Core course) knows that he was also a superb teacher.

Harvard professors are appointed to teach and to do research. Clearly, a professor who spends all of his or her time teaching will not do any research, and conversely a professor who spends all of his or her time at research is unlikely to be an effective teacher. A balance is needed. From discussions in the Physics Department, I know that all of my colleagues prize good teaching and strive to attain the proper balance.

When we consider a junior faculty member for promotion to tenure, or consider an outside appointment, the quality and promise of scientific work is the primary consideration. However, the expected quality of teaching is important and is always discussed and considered. I do not believe that the Physics Department would recommend the appointment of a professor who was known to be a poor teacher. Between two candidates with approximately equal scientific promise, the edge would definitely go to the one who is likely to be the better teacher.

When mentoring junior colleagues, we always advise them of the importance of good teaching and urge them to use their CUE evaluations and the services of the Bok Center to improve their teaching.

Gary Feldman

Feb. 28, 2001

The writer is Baird Professor of Science and former chair of the Physics Department.

Cartoon Misunderstood

To the editors:

While I agree with the sentiment expressed by Orr, Shames and Rosenfeld in their critique of Farris's portrayal of the "Ideal Harvard President" (Letters, "Cartoon Objectifies," Feb. 22), I think their anger is misdirected. I would like to point out that the image used in the cartoon--an incredibly exaggerated and emaciated female body--has been the dominant symbol in the Steve Madden advertisement campaign for over two years. I have long been appalled at the unhealthy and overtly stereotypical image of a tiny waist and gargantuan legs being sold to young women.

I immediately understood Farris's cartoon to be making fun of this preposterous image that is a constant presence throughout the U.S. We must criticize the culture that insists on proliferating such horrible images of femininity, not the cartoonist who mocks it.

Rachel S. Weinerman '03

Feb. 22, 2001

House Spirit Lacking

To the editors:

At the risk of inflating the significance of increasing members in Greek organizations (News, "Rush Hour," Feb. 23), the recent explosion of interest in such groups should trigger an examination of the House-centered College system. Although the two spheres of social bodies may not necessarily intersect (especially as rush targets first-years) and can meet different needs, the core missions of many Greek groups include strengthening camaraderie and organizational allegiance, offering outlets for community service and providing support and advice for its members--many of which fall under the purview of the House system. If the Houses are not adequately addressing these important aspects of the undergraduate experience and students are finding other means to satisfy them, perhaps a new model for undergraduate life should be explored. Student center anyone?

Steve W. Chung '01

Feb. 24, 2001

Find a Friend in Adams

To the editors:

From the standpoint of many Adamsians, Scott A. Resnick's column "On Food and Fairness" (Opinion, Feb. 28) was particularly ill-timed, coming close on the heels of a Monday night when the Adams dining hall was so crowded that it was impossible for two people to find a seat together as early as 5:30 p.m. On our side, the real problem at hand is that the no-interhouse policy has not been enforced. Our issue is with the practical problem of having to circle the dining hall of our own house like nomads, loaded trays in our hands and forlorn looks on our faces.

That being said, most of us recognize that the Quadlings got a raw deal. In general, we welcome you all; the principle provocation of grumblings about the gong are the tables full of Lowell- and Quincy-ites with nary an Adamsian in their midst. We were happy to adopt the PfoHo-ers last year, and I daresay we'd do it again if you asked nicely and/or kicked our butts in football again. Perhaps we should resurrect a suggestion made last year that Adams adopt PfoHo, Lowell adopt Cabot and Quincy adopt Currier, or some arrangement like that. In the meantime, befriend an Adamsian. We're cute, we're cuddly and we're allowed two guests apiece.

Taryn Arthur '02

Feb. 28, 2001