Questioning the validity of the six judges who assessed the dance groups, decrying their decision, and crowning yourselves the "People's Champs," leaves a very bitter taste in the mouths of many of the people who made it possible for you to be on the stage in the first place. It is not only disrespectful to our organization and the months of work we put into this event; it is also disrespectful to the rightful winners of the event: F.I.S.T.S. Although every Phaymus complaint has been premised with a "F.I.S.T.S was great, but," these sorts of complaints undermine the phenomenal show that F.I.S.T.S put on. I have two last suggestions to groups who feel that they were slighted by the Showdown judging or by the ALC.
Instead of cutting up the competition in many different parts so everybody can get a trophy, why not just step up the routines to the level of groups like F.I.S.T.S.? By this, I don't necessarily mean copying the step group's act, but perhaps shying away from extensive hip gyrating and overtly sexual dances. The Showdown is about originality, and personally, I am happy that "music video dancing," which has historically objectified women, particularly my sisters of AHANA descent, was not rewarded with first place at this year's Showdown. In addition to (literally) stepping your game up on stage, I ask that you make your impact felt in the political arena as well. This huge outcry from the followers of Phaymus proves exactly what student leaders have said all year, that the AHANA community is stagnant and doesn't care about real issues. With the increasing marginalization of AHANA and GLBT students on campus, and the hate crime incidents of last semester, you would think people would want to fight for something real. Apparently, a plastic trophy is more than enough justification to erupt in a revolt. I hope the next time AHANA student rights are infringed, that you all respond so fervently.
Seif Ammus is a junior in the Caroll School of Management.
Spring Break
