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Commentary

Pointing fingers

Townies. That's what many of us tend to call town residents when we spot them around campus, downtown and at various campus parties. Although, in many respects, the term "townies" is not meant to sound harmful or insulting, there is an underlying negative connotation to the name, like inferior and/or troublesome. The social gap between the town and the college community is a legacy that never appears to be truly dealt with and resolved. We are quick to point fingers to members of the town community when there is a disruption or problem at a party or, even in more serious cases, if we hear of an assault in Oberlin.

Although there have been instances where town residents were guilty of various disruptions and crimes, quick judgement should be avoided. We must realize that many students who commit the same crimes are dealt with in a more protective, nurturing way by the Oberlin Police and Security, whereas town residents simply don't get the same treatment.

The college should work to identify itself with the town because, in essence, the town and the school are both part of one community. Even in matters as simple as including young members of the town community at campus parties, the College only loosely enforces its "students only" policy in dorms. Of course students want to feel protected in their living space, yet when parties are held in dorms, how else are young members of the town community able to socialize with college students and vice versa? Let's face it, parties are one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to meet and socialize with new people.

From the inequalities in prices for performances or use of the Gym to inequalities in treatment by the Oberlin Police and Security, there is a deeply rooted structural problem hurting town residents and the College is in essence condoning. Undoubtedly, there are students, faculty and administrators who work to lessen the gap between the town and college, yet the problem requires more discussion, analysis and commitment by both parts of the community. In Oberlin, the College and town residents should strive beyond tolerating each other and begin to incorporate and apreciate each other's lives on an equal level.


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Related Story:

Social tensions pose a problem to the Oberlin community
- April 25, 1997

Oberlin

Copyright © 1997, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 125, Number 22, April 25, 1997

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