Anth230: Anthropology of East Asia

"those who love the past do not understand the present"

The way I relate this quote to our school is through memories of good times had in the past, and new school policies that are taking away our freedoms and the few times we can get away from work to enjoy some leisure time... and to this I can say that I do not understand the present, and I am trying to elicit the quality of life I once had. As far as tradition at this school, the continuous efforts to change the reputation of this school have all but destroyed the traditions. Do you still say hello to strangers you pass on the hill? I try, but some people are not very inviting. Glad to be a senior and sorry for those who just got here because you really have no idea what you got yourself into. Freshmen, see you at a frat party in 3 years when you're old enough. Snoogans

-bob

I am also very glad to be an upperclassman here due to the new implications that the administration is discussing. I think that it is important to try to understand the present when worrying about upholding the past. I do however believe that our school does not worry enough about preserving tradition. I understand that under age drinking is against the law and that the school dislikes our ranking as the number 2 party school but we are also ranked very high in numerous other categories of more importance. I think that the school would be very disappointed to see itself in 20 years if there are no longer parties at fraternity houses and everything is moved out to the country. In cracking down on alchohol, they would remove the social aspect that we have here. This aspect is one where everyone is welcome at parties and there is a large open social network or at least larger than other schools where parties are closed. I think that the samurai's quote is interesting because he was willing to look outside the box and understand the reasons that the stipends were destroyed even when it had such a large aspect on his life.

I think that the samurai's quote "those who love the past do not understand the present" is very true, but I also believe there should be a corollary added to it to make it more complete. That corollary would be "those who do not know the past cannot challenge the present". Why add this you might ask? Well, an case-study or example might help. Currently at Washington and Lee, the administration has decided to make a more concerted effort to follow the board-mandated alcohol policy that has been in effect for a little over three years. Prior to this alcohol policy, as alums, and even some of this year's senior class can tell you, drinking was not as regulated and controlled as it is now. Kegs, drinking games, etc. were all allowed in frat houses--the social scene was very loosely controlled, which in turn made it a lot more relaxed and fun. Following the administrative effort to control the social scene, many predicted the downfall of the social scene at this school--mostly upperclassmen who valued what they had known:the school's history as a great educational institution and an equally awesome party scene. Opinions aside, this love of the past led many of these people to ignore the present conditions that call for stricter enforcement of alcohol imbibation. This includes the terrible tort system and the easy formulation of lawsuits by parents who did not raise their children responsibly and think the school should do it for them. Yet from a different angle, the people who are criticizing these upperclassmen, and the people in charge of administrating the policy, do not know the past, and thus will not challenge the currently held point of view, as wrong as it may be. These people are freshman who might think they know how this school works, and why the policies are in effect, but they have no idea how the school used to function. Similarly, the administrators, from my knowledge, never went here, so how can they appreciate the old atmosphere that made 18 year old men and women responsible for themselves? Due to the fact that they never experienced what it was like, they have no problem going with the current policy in place. What happens as a result, is that policy is put into place and administered that could possibly make no sense, as this current one does. Innovation in a system or institution does not happen by accepting the status quo, it comes from challenging the accepted position, and making people think about the consequences of their unhesitant actions. If you do not know what history of something is, then do not praise the current condition, and do not make it into a moral issue. Thanks

With the relationship between this quote and the current trend at Washington and Lee their are many similarities. This samurai who gave up his stipend turned his back on the past traditions of bushido and i'm sure was considered an outcast by all the others that still respected thier traditions. This japanese person gave up his honor which is one of the worst things you could do because he gave up his honor for selfish reasons: himself.
Eventhough some of the current administration hasnt been at Washington and Lee that long, many have turned their backs on the students and the great traditions of Washington and Lee. And whats worse some have done this for merely selfish reasons. Eventhough many agree that the laws of virginia such as drinking should be obeyed, this is not the reason they are trying to shut down the society scene at Washington and Lee. Just like the samurai, it is for himself. Its so he can start a new life and direct it the way he wants to be. He no longer wants to be a samurai, but move on and do his own thing. The new policies at Washington and Lee can definitely be seen as "padding for the resume." Instead of sticking to the traditions and the happiness of the students, some merely want this as a stepping stone so they can acheive higher goals.

"those who love the past do not understand the present"

I think that this quote is false in regard to the present state of W&L. It seems to me that those people associated with W&L who know and love its past are also those who are capable of understanding its present. Only the Alumni, upperclassmen and others who have been around for at least a while can really understand the extent to which the administration is altering the university. I think that the administration makes use of the fact that students (on average) are only here for four years. The incoming freshman have little or no idea of how things used to be. Without understanding of the past they don't really comprhend the entirety of the present and all its changes. I don't necessarily think change is a bad thing... sometimes a break with tradition is a good thing (take allowing female students for example. A good thing in my opinion, but definitly a break with tradition.) However I do think that the administration needs to really think through the ways that they do change the school and make sure that they are making the right choices for the right reasons. In the effort to make the school look better to outsiders the administration is creating an unsafe environment for its students. As alcohol consumption is pushed off campus, I have a hunch that the sexual offenses (both reported and unreported will rise). This is only one example of an bad change. I'm sure there are many. If I had to choose a college again, I don't know if I would choose this one. Because I love its past, I feel that I do understand its present and I think things are going downhill. The safety and happiness of students should come before rankings and I think that only those who love W&L's past understand the mistakes of the present administration.

In response to the question posed by Carlos, I think that there is an aspect of truth to the words of the samurai who said, “those who love the past do not understand the present.” If a person is obsessed with the past and has a constant focus on a specific event in the past, then by common logic it would stand that the individual would have a hard time focusing in on the present and understanding the present. On the other hand, the philosopher George Santayana said that “those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.” This argument is often applied to slavery, the world wars and other dangers to humanity. When considering both perspectives, I think it is best to find a middle ground in which both philosophies can be applied, thereby understanding the present and future, while remembering the past to ensure we do not make the same mistakes twice.
As to traditions at W&L, I’m with Bob, as my remaining time at W&L diminishes, I continually look back to the life I had during my first years here. The administration’s efforts to control the school’s social institutions as well as her social reputation is the very thing that is killing the traditions. As freshman, the seniors we met spoke of the lost tailgates, kegs, and drinking games in the frats, all traditions rooted in W&L’s social scene. Soon, I’m afraid I’ll be speaking of more lost traditions, traditions that are what attract a large portion of our student body. Yes, the education that W&L provides its students is extremely valuable, but the majority of students receive more than book smarts during their four years at W&L and unless you are planning on crunching numbers in some dark corner office 24-7, the social skills you learn at W&L will have just as much of an impact on a your advancement in life as your ability to get an A in accounting. If the administration does not like the way of life at W&L then they should go somewhere else and leave those of us who love W&L and ALL her traditions to enjoy the school, traditions and all. Bob, I’ll see you Friday at Beta for an unregistered cocktail party with drinking games. I’ll bring the keg. -Ben

So far, these are the responses that I anticipated, and I feel the same way. I couldn't agree with Megan's assessment more. If the people running this school had any idea about W&L's traditions, I think the student body would be much happier with the direction in which the university is heading. From all that I understand, the student body used to be virtually autonomous. Now, we don't even know what's happening or planned until we receive some form of decree from the administration. Sure, they hold these "open" forums, but I've been, and all that happens is that every point a student brings up is shot down. Thanks for the responses so far, I couldn't agree more, and can I come to Beta for the party?

"Those who love the past do not understand the present"

This quote is very interesting in the context of a school that is "mired in tradition", but i believe that the quote certainly has some elements of truth to it. Before coming to this school i really had no idea what to expect out of the student body, and it is a rather conservative group of people. This is associated with a preservation of the status quo, or a maintenance of past practices and traditions, which has its merits, but also its downfalls. I feel like too many people are too ready to deny any change with the argument of tradition. Just because something is tradition dosent necessarily make it a good thing. I think a refusal to change does show a misunderstanding of the present. If we look at this alcohol situation, we see everyone complaining about the changes that are occuring like it is a conspiracy against the student body, but this kind of thing is happening all across the country. I do not see it as a good thing but it is the way our society is headed. We will just have to find somewhere else to get hammered.

This quote really provides a great understanding of how a good number of alumni are feeling with regards to the current status of Washington and Lee. The majority of alumni from this school really do in fact love the past and the traditions that were associated with W and L. This is represented by the response that the school sees around homecoming and alumni weekends with numerous alumni returning to their alma matter. Over the past 10 years, since my brother first came here, there has been a shift in the attitudes of the alumni, though this might not be represented by the dollar amount of donations given over the last few years. There is a sense of a traditional school in the sense of its deep heritage and history that is trying to be something that it is not. That is it is trying to be more of an ivy leage school with limited social interaction, rather than being a teaching university with a lot of social interaction. While the amount of money in donations has increased, I do not think that there has been an increase in the number of donations. Having been kicked off campus last year with Beta, I have experienced some unhappy and unwilling to give to the university, alumni. Talking with someone who works at the university phoneathon, he/she expressed that he/she talks to more and more unhappy alumni. I think that this number of unhappy alumni is growing and is a result of this current administration. As a certain history professor puts it, "the bureacrats are taking over the school" and this is not a good thing. I know for sure that I will not donate any money to this school when I am older...

I think you can look at this quote from several angles. Most interesting and applicable in America would probably be women's rights. For many men, from generations past, it is especially difficult to acknowlege women as beings that thrive outside the house and homemaking realm. Society has made great leaps toward women's rights; in fact, affirmative action has benefited women more so than african americans (as intended). However, western culture still need take great strides in promoting an equal to man.

It seems that the W&L part of this quote is more than well-covered. I agree with the our two beloved Betas in the group that the poor freshmen will never love their PAST because the PRESENT administration is ruining it. Hopefully, the present upperclassmen can help maintain the very few parts of this school that makes its past so distinguished. Carlos' quote reminded me of famous historian Dr. Thomas Sowell's heavily argued position that history repeats itself, and those that do not learn from history are harshly punished for it. I am one of the very few attendees of the open forum for students on the Strategic Planning Committee's intentions for the future of our school, and an even smaller percentage of those at the meeting who believe that Washington and Lee has much to be proud of and less that needs changing. I agree with the samurai, but would argue that the essence of this quote is that those who love the past must also be able to apply its lessons to the present. In concordance with Thomas Sowell, those who don't will regret it. In tying that to W&L, I agree that liability negates the idea of using the same loose policies that we're used to, which is why Traveler has been such a widely acclaimed sucess. Washington and Lee is Washington and Lee and there is no reason to try to make it like another small, ridigly difficult, strict and boring liberal arts school (if you disagree please follow attached links to transfer applications for Davidson and Middlebury). Having just taken a trip to UVA where lists and people at the door asking 'who do you know' are the staples of fraternity parties, I hate to think W&L, who prides itself on the world's friendliest campus, is headed in that direction. Lists and wristbands will kill our unique fraternity scene and subsequently change the dynamics of our application pool. If this happens, we will have failed our mission to remain unique among small, liberal arts schools. To stay unique, we must embrace our past. Take liability out of the equation by creating other safety nets for alcohol's presence on campus.

When I first read this quote it immediately made me think of my parents and grandparents. Parents and grandparents are so set in their ways that they often times refuse to open their minds to what's going on around them and quickly reject new ideas or forms of expression. For example, most parents and grandparents have coped with the idea of girls having their ears pierced once and most can even deal with a boy having his ear pierced. However, few approve of multiple piercings or tattoos because they don't see the appeal and write it off as a passing fad. Granted this may be true in some cases, but many people get piercings and tattoos as a form of self-expression (and sometimes rebellion). Being so set in one's ways makes it difficult to understand a modern point of view because most people want things their way.

I think Carlos' quote is true in some cases at this school- even looking away from the administration and alcohol policies. The thing that jumps out in my mind is the speaking tradition. One of the things I paid attention to most during my college tours were the beliefs, superstitions, and customs of the schools I visited. I really like the idea of the speaking tradition and tradition-steeped image it revealed to me about the school, and I think this is true for many people. The school sells the speaking tradition as an indicant of how well we respect the past, and more specifically remembering General Lee. However walking on the hill tells a different story. People are often too engrossed in their cell phone conversations to say hello, or at times just do not acknowledge another person as they walk by. I think this speaks to this quote. We like to think about the traditions our school has embodied. We talk about them to all outsiders whether its friends, prospective students, or family, but we don’t actually practice these traditions we claim to love. They do not feel applicable in our present daily lives. I feel in this way they do not understand how such tradition applies to today. As I understand it, the speaking tradition was instituted to ease the divides between faculty and students from the north and south after the Civil War. I believe it became another important component to look to when women where admitted into the school. And today it is important for the same reasons to begin to unite a student body that is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse.

I agree with the Samurai. But after applying this samurai's quote to Washington and Lee, I would like to point out that I feel like the administration does NOT love the past, and therefore does NOT understand the present. However, I would like to also point out, before I proceed, that this is not intended to be diatribe directed at the administration; Lord knows there have been too many of those recently. Instead, I am simply commenting on their behavior, and relating that to the importance of the samurai's words.

True, the school needs to take liability into account when it makes its decisions. That is why it is acceptable that they are making these changes. However, while I cannot offer a better solution than what they are prescribing, I CAN say that I think that they are not taking our school's beloved history and tradition into account when they make/attempt to implement these changes.

John Baker is right when he points out that part of our school's tradition, but more importantly greatness, can be attributed to the openness one can experience here. Yes, alcohol is illegal, but if the school pushes it off campus then people will abuse it even worse in their country houses. This is comparable to how a child who was never allowed to drink at home is very likely to become a raging binge drinker upon his arrival at college. The school does not understand this "present" situation. Furthermore, they use the unfortunate deaths of two students involved in an alcohol related automobile accident (which happened almost 5 years ago) as their primary example, time and time again, of how dangerous alcohol abuse is and what it leads to. This, my friends, is unacceptable. The wreck was quite unfortunate. I know: the male victim was from my hometown and my humble town of Lexington, Kentucky was quite shocked and saddened by the accident. But, bad things happen and it is not right to blame underage drinking on campus for an unfortunate incident in which an individual acted irresponsibly.

But I digress. My point is that the administration does not understand the social norms of our present day life at Washington and Lee. They claim to hold our traditions here in high regards, but if they truly did, why would they slowly take away from us the things that make this place great? the reasons we came to school here? the things that make our rigorous and trying academic endeavors bearable?

The administration claims to understand the present. They justify this claim with the fact that Dean Watkins and another "Dean-in-charge-of-breaking-our-timely-traditions" drove to Windfall hill, one of the several centers of off campus entertainment, and "observed" what goes on there. THIS IS ALSO UNACCEPTABLE. They need to stop this tomfoolery and LISTEN to the students, even if they don't hear what they want to hear. This is imperative if they are intent on understanding the present.

As much as I agree with the Samurai, I feel that it applies to W&L in a special way. The administration does not love the past and does not understand the present and therefore is messing up left and right, whereas the beloved board of trustees LOVES the past with all their heart, but unfortunately does not really understand the present, and therefore cannot be of much assistance despite their reverence for what W&L used to be like.

Hope this made some sense guys.

-Michael Caspani

I think that in order to survive in the present, one has to make a compromise with the past. And with W&L being so rich in its history and tradition, it is hard for anyone to really accept any change.
The change that is on top of everyone's mind is the new alcohol/fraternity party policies. I am sure there is more behind these recentl new rules, but from what I understand is it is because of the dramatic increase in sexual assault cases on the campus. Yes alcohol for sure makes certain situations worse and had people been sober, I am sure that many of these instances could have been avoided. But for me what it comes down to is the character of the person: men are just plain sleezeballs if they think it's acceptable to do anything against a woman's wishes. and women need to realize that they are strong enough to defend themselves and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying no. if the woman is too drunk to even do anything, well then that is just pathetic on the guy's part that he needs to hook up w/ basically an inanimate object (=pervert). people just need to learn to avoid some situations. definitely still go out, drink, and have a good time. but don't get so wasted that you lose complete control of yourself.

While I do agree with this statement to some extent, I do think that it is not always the case. Furthermore, this statement is only true if the present has changed greatly from the past in terms of tradition in general, they are kept around in part because love them, but also because people can’t imagine behaving or acting in any other way. In this, these words make perfect sense. In some cases why people are unwilling to make changes, they lack the imagination or the will to adapt and evolve, this is why women and voting was met with such protest or why many people did not want to admit women to VMI and Washington & Lee as well, especially W & L.

On the other hand, you can love the past and use it as a lens for examining the present and thus are better able to understand the present times. People may learn through mistakes and still not regret them. Someone may reminisce fondly on their wild youth, they know better now and may have perhaps done things they shouldn’t have, but they wouldn’t change it.

How you take this statement depends on the context in which it is used.

From my own experience I think that one cannot turn his back on his roots without losing part of his identity. I'm coming from a small Eastern European country which was founded in the year 681 A.C. Given our location, we have taken part in some of the most important wars and cultural movements in the history of the European continent. Still, right now, being an ex-communist country, our country is suffering from lack of resourses and low economy levels despite our legendary historical background. People from my generation start to turn their back on tradition and many of them, like myself seek realization in foreign countries where there are better opportunities for young people in the job market. I went to an American high school back in Bulgaria and now I'm about to graduate from W&L with a business degree. Spending five years in the American high-school back home really oriented me to the American culture and I felt very comfortable in adopting the American ways of thinking on matters like career and education. Being so pro-american and so cultured in the American way of living I kinda felt outta place in my own country before I came in the US to attend college. More or less I had turned my back on Bulgarian tradition, history and way of life. One can even say that I had even lost my Bulgarian identity. However, upon coming to the States I went through a lot of experiences and, being on my own, through a lot of hard periods which made me appreciate going home for the breaks and really falling back on the life I used to lead before I came to the US. It is very strange, but the older you get and the more serious conversations you have with older people, the more you realize that their views and ideas might have been shaped by different historical events, but tradition and cultural background is what really bonds two people from different generations. It is just part of your identity and the sooner you realize that, the easier it is going to be for you to cope with whatever situation you fall in. For me, being from a foreign country gives me an additional perspective on many issues in the United States. I feel like it gives me the freedom to go outside the american cultural frame and really be able to evaluate situations more accurately in terms of what's right, or wrong, and ultimately, what's best for me.

I agree with Kristen at how this quote can be looked at from differnt angles. Since the administration's treatment of the alcohol policy has already been discussed in such detail, like Kristen I wanted to talk about other changes that this quote can be applied to. Working at the phonathon, I find that there are some alumni who are very bold in expressing their opinions of women here at W&L...especially over the phone. Even though we are approaching the 20 year mark, some alums are still very upset. They are a good example of "those who love the past do not understand the present".

And sometimes I don't think it's that they don't understand the present, but they are not willing to accept the changes. This has probably been metioned before, but the past should be taken into consideration when observing the present. I think this campus is definitly mired in tradition and history, but looking beyond the alcohol policies, whether it is making the school coed or promoting diversity, some changes have been for the better.

The samurai quote parallels a present situation here at Washington and Lee. For most students, upperclassmen especially, the present situation at W&L is looking more and more different from the past. I have very strong opinions about Washington and Lee traditions, many of them I can't stand, but some of them I believe make up the fabric of our great university. For example, the honor system. There aren't many other institutions that share this unique governing system on a college campus. Also, the speaking tradition is very important, I am from the city, and it's refreshing to come to W&L and experience such close a community atmosphere. But on the other hand, there are certain traditions that I could care less about. Here are some examples: dressing up country club style to go to a football game, "the old south ball", worship of confederate flags as if our country didn't already have a flag, lack of diversity. Yes lack of diversity is a tradition at W&L. Some Students and their parents want to keep W&L exactly the way it was 30 years ago! NEWSFLASH! 30 years ago their were no women and like 2 students of color and 15 people from the north at W&L. Frankly I could go on forever about this topic. But let me just say that I believe the samurai had the right idea. The past should be a stepping stone to the present not a blueprint. How about this quote, it is from a funny movie called coming to America starring eddi murphy but the meaning is powerful. Traditions are important, "But what is also a tradition is that things must and always do change." It's a shame the greek sytem is under such heavy fire from the new alcohol enforcement taskforce. But they'll find a way to adapt. Whether that means holding more off campus parties or doing things sober. Perhaps it will even force the campus closer together with more schoolwide funcitons not involving alcohol. Lastly, I think the administration should turn its attenttion to more important things.

Well, I'd say in a lot of ways that comment isn't too far from the truth. Of course if you are particularly enamored with some aspect of the past, you'll find it pretty hard to give it up. Especially if you think that it was better than what we have today. Sometimes, you just think that the present is just a watered down version of the past. "When I was your age I had to walk 10 miles in the snow, barefoot!" Maybe that often quoted mystical grandfather is telling the truth when he says that and maybe he's not (and maybe he's just joking), but in any case it shows that sometimes we love the past not because it's better but because it's more familiar. Change is also a really hard thing to accept. Or perhaps we believe that the past produced better stronger people. That imaginary grandfather may believe that walking in the show for 10 miles builds character. People who hang the confederate flag, often simply believe that they are only showing southern pride. And perhaps neither is entirely wrong. However, disregarding the present so that you can hold on to the past is never a good idea. Tradition and history are there for you to learn from not to be clung to mindlessly. I think you can both respect the past and understand the present, but that if your love for the past causes you to cling to it rather than respect it, then you'll run into some problems (like if the imaginary grandfather sent his grandson to school without shoes in the snow).