Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1935-11-22
. CONSIDERATION OF. EMPHASIS
(The Pioneer)

For fear that people may read into this editorial a meaning which
is not in mind, much less meant to be conveyed, it seems necessary to
way at all. Not only are athletics designed to play an important part
in conege life, but they do that very thing, arousing spirit and pride
gaher by a common loyalty. The competitive spirit is created in stu
dent spectators as well as players, and a gentlemanly manner of re-
ceiving wins n losses can be acquired. Again, athletics are important,
and this editorial is not critcizng the athletic program.
The suggestion is merely being made that perhaps athletics are being
emphasized out of proportion to and at the expense Of, the, cultural
program and purpose of the college, which is stated to be "te cult
walton of the knowledge and appreciation of human achievements in
the arts and sciences; the development of love OF excellence, broad
human sytnpathies," etc. Most colleges have a program which offers
to the student body at various times throughout the year speeches by
prominent men or recognized authorizes upon some subject, concerts
by leading orchetras, bands, or choral groups, and dramatic presenta-
tons by capable companies. Catawba students last year had the OPP
portunity of hearing a fine talk by the great American poet, Edwin
Markham, if they attended his lecture at Livingstone College. High
Point College has already this year had two such performances Provid-
ed for the student body, one Of which was a concert by the famous
Kryl Band, probably the leading concert band in the country. The
writer has heard speeches by Wifred Grenfel and Count Felix Won
Luckner, the sSea Devil" at Pennsylvania colleges of the size of
Catawba. Such a program would be beneficial to all the students.
Every one, in a sense, would be participants, whereas the development
of mental and physical coordination, which the athletic program
specifically offers, is received only by a very few under present condi-
tons at Catawba.
Moreover, the organizations and activities on the campus which are
of a cultural nature receive, in a financial way, college support which
seems literally insignificant beside what is spent in athletic channels.
The case of the band was "aired' in the last issue. The band practices
regularly and participates in campus and community functions, handl-
cappe by a lack of music. And the love Of music shown by the
members is the only cohesive force. There is, likewise, sufficient
musical talent at Catawba for a college orchestra, and one is certainly
in keeping with the musical department. of which Catawba boasts.
But the 'non-provison' of a trained leader prevents its formation.
For each of the past two years practically a dozen people represented
Catawba at Interstate intercollegiate forensic ornaments, and the
debating teams have travelled into South Carolina and Pennsylvania,
part of the expenses being paid by the debaters themselves. The col
lege support is $1,000 a year. The Blue Masque, which offers a Gull
tural appreciation Of dramatcs, is entirely self-supporting. And the
extended tours Of the Glee Club have largely been funded by the or
ganization itself. r. -.
The reason why college money is not forthcoming seems to be that
no fees are paid by the students to provide for programs or support
of organizations. However, an athletic fee of $500 is included
among the expenses, and must be paid. Surely this shows a dspropor-
ton which needs correction. To collect that amount of money and
spend it all on athletics seems unjust when cultural activities are not
provided for at all. Again, THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM IS: NC
BEING CRITICIZED. But the emphasis and lack of proportion GER
tainly deserve to be brought to light and to receive considerations: