BYU, Racism, and Perspective

[Jeff K.]

Jeff K.:

I think it is more common than we sometimes fear. The vast majority of BYU students have no problems abiding with the Honor Code.

I would say it must be a Mormon thing, but have seen too many of my Catholic and Southern Baptist friends do the same thing. It may be more common than some may believe.

[Messenger]

So I did a online search for "byu riot" and the only thing that came up was one guy saying that in the 80s there was a huge pillow fight at Helaman Halls with over a hundred students and that CNN came out and reported it as an out of control riot. Is this what you were talking about?

Ah, found a more detailed story by typing in "byu pillow fight" here: http://buckleyplanet...w_fight_fi.html

interesting because we were living there at the time in married student housing up on the hill and I don't remember it at all, will have to ask my husband if he does.

add-on: Ah, I just read a comment that says it actually happened in 87, we were gone by then. Wonder what the real story actually is.

Thanks for the link. In that story he stated that a lot of people left BYU. But nobody has really tapped into the reason why people left. Back in those days when Missionaries returned they were expected to go to BYU. After all, that was the way it was done for years and years. Me, I didn’t even take the SAT, I just showed up and got admitted with my mission release papers. I got a Pell Grant, found a job on campus and enrolled - that was it. To get into my major I didn’t even need to take College Algebra! But all that changed in two years. And for many students, even when Bishops tried to explain Jeffrey Holland's new plan for BYU, and the new restrictions, it meant a lot of pressure on the students. It meant going home without a degree. Many participated in the pillow fight, which turned out a bit more serious with fights and a lot of damage. So when President Jeffrey Holland sent a letter telling everyone how disappointed he was. I must say, then at 20 years old, I was disappointed in him. Because nobody else explained the new policy to our parents, bishops, and friends back home.

But I will say this; I look back with fond memories when I think of BYU - especially for the religion classes. It gave me perspective on a lot of things. And I wouldn’t have missed that riot, and consider it a privilege to have been there and can tell about it now. I just wish I could have had my camera with me when that mob was running after my car, standing on the roofs of cars, and tearing up the grounds.

I was there another year after that. But, I was the only one on my floor that stayed. I finished my degree in Portland Oregon where I heard gunfire nearly every night.

[thesometimesaint]

Jeff K.:

While I have no hard and fast stats to back it up. I hope, and believe, it is far more than just a Mormon thing. It is a bit like the old saw: "96 million children successfully made it to school today, but it is the tragic very few that don't that make the news".

[Messenger]

Secretly you are a flagelent aren't you?

Not typically no. However, I thought it was on opportunity to post something that happened a long time ago to many students, that hasnt been talked about. Not to publicly scourge myself (which is definately not my style - and seems to be the label you are trying to give me???) but perhaps bring some opinions forth. But you have to hand it to me... I least I answer the questions when you ask them. You seem to avoid them. That to me shows you have something to hide? Is this why you attack?

[Jeff K.]

Jeff K.:

While I have no hard and fast stats to back it up. I hope, and believe, it is far more than just a Mormon thing. It is a bit like the old saw: "96 million children successfully made it to school today, but it is the tragic very few that don't that make the news".

LOL, it is a perspective some could use when discussing the church in this forum. Different persepectives aside, I am constantly amazed how the church gets so much right and does so well given the diversity of those who hear and follow its message. I have run relatively large organizations and been part of them, and I am simply amazed at how well the church handles the diversity of issues it regularly faces.

Of course, without that perspective every hiccup becomes the apocalypse of BYU riots. I mean pillows, really?. Pillows!?!? Qadaffi obviously was the dean during that activity, and all those students dedicated freedom fighters for the sacredness of our tithing. Smite them brethern, smite them.......

[Jeff K.]

Not typically no. However, I thought it was on opportunity to post something that happened a long time ago to many students, that hasnt been talked about. Not to publicly scourge myself (which is definately not my style - and seems to be the label you are trying to give me???) but perhaps bring some opinions forth. But you have to hand it to me... I least I answer the questions when you ask them. You seem to avoid them. That to me shows you have something to hide? Is this why you attack?

Again, I must be way to subtle for you. Something I am rarely accused of on this board.

[Messenger]

Again, I must be way to subtle for you. Something I am rarely accused of on this board.

By the way the word 'to' should be 'too' Just an subtle FYI.

[Jeff K.]

Why yes it is. Darn, that just changes the whole context. Oh no, I can't believe it, I completely miscommunicated my point. I suddenly feel

[Calm]

Why yes it is. Darn, that just changes the whole context. Oh no, I can't believe it, I completely miscommunicated my point. I suddenly feel

I have to admit, this is the best response to a spelling correction that I've seen.

[Messenger]

I have to admit, this is the best response to a spelling correction that I've seen.

I too must say it was his most intelligent, well thought out posts of the day.

[Calm]

I too must say it was his most intelligent, well thought out posts of the day.

Now, now children. Play nice.....

[Messenger]

Now, now children. Play nice.....

Always!

[LeSellers]

By the way the word 'to' should be 'too' Just an subtle FYI.

Did you really mean "an subtle ..."?

Lehi

[BookofMormonLuvr]

Did you really mean "an subtle ..."?

Lehi

Good catch.

Carry on.

[Skylla]

Jeff K and Messenger: Knock it off.

Skylla

[consiglieri]

Now, now children. Play nice.....

Hand me that pillow, Cal.

[consiglieri]

Jeff K and Messenger: Knock it off.

Skylla

That's JeffK for you.

Always shooting the Messenger . . .

[volgadon]

Hand me that pillow, Cal.

The Gospel Standards Riot.

[volgadon]

I was in Chile during the pleblicites, and I was in Ayacucho during the time of the Sendero Luminoso. Seems like an overwrought overimaginative tempest in a teapot at BYU.

A few disembowled pillows, several smashed cars and no fatalities or hospitalisations, this because students were expected to get good grades? Colour me unimpressed. If that is all BYU has had to worry about in in all of its existence, then tempest in a teapot indeed (or single stir of the spoon).