Lincoln University - Lion Yearbook (Lincoln University, PA)

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20 LINCOLN NEWS SOPHISTICATION I am llic world. I am wlial is good and what is had. I am society in all its splendor. I am vulgarity in all its debauchery. I am worldly wisdom. I am the mean, the neutral, and the extreme. I am sophistication. I have intrinsic value. I am of real worth. I help some and they Ilee. I avoid others and they collide with me. 'Hie majority seek me and all find me, say the idiots. Those never know me, for their ancestors have sought me too vigorously. Seek me gradually and I will help you; imitate me continually and I will destroy you and yours. To know me thoroughly is self assurance. Self assurance is the foundation stone of that unsurpassable quality— the quality that every leader possesses—the power of | os- session. To know me scantily is to he a blind mail Irod- diug familiar paths. '1'«» know me scarcely is possible decep- tion. sure perception, hut never assurance. To he ignor- ant of me is to he alone in a pitch black jungle. The jungle appears thus to you, for you are unaware of the world’s affairs. The jungle is dangerous, for it contains cruel beasts of prey, who are ever lurking to snatch un- sophisticated beings. It exhibits many superficialities, sweet stented, alluring poisons. Dare you taste of these? No, not without my consent. I am the director of all events, poise, nervousness, tleeds of valor, crimes of lust, ambition, laziness, perseverance, despondency, social ap- proval. and embarrassment. I am the criminal, I am the judge. Sooner or later, you must know me. Obliterate your fears and sip of the magic fount of worldly wisdom. I am inevitable. To live and die a normal life is to know me. I am the Omega of human perfection. Ah, wlial it costs to know me. I have made angelic maidens, harlots. I have transformed the hale and robust into human ghouls. To know me wisely is a blessing. To know me in folly is a scourge. Shadows of the past, mem- ories of yesterday, sweet, hitter reminiscences all these I have caused, y»-s, I. golden sophistication, beaming nion- 8ler- U. Vm.kuio Fontaink. ’30. WHY I CAMK TO LINCOLN Lincoln! What’s in the name? It represents all the true and noble ideals of this, our great American democracy. A name that brings fond reminiscenes of that illustrious martyr and suviour. Horn humble, yet that man rose to those lofty heights, which all of us some «lay hope to attain. How, then, cun one resist the name of Lincoln. A beaten path has been trodden to the very doors of Lincoln by those who now form, in most communities, a truly influential and beneficial element. It was through one of these sons of Lincoln that I was made to sec the most glorious light of that wonderful institution, leading the way to higher attainments. Again, it was through this alumnus that I was persuaded to follow in the paths of those, who have gone on before me. lie disclosed the ad- vantages of seeking a cultural education at Lincoln. A healthful locality, suitable equipment, a capable faculty, and an excellent curriculum, all helping to make Lincoln an institution recognized throughout the civilized world. Then in this modern day; world learning is absolutely essential. There is a new trend of thought and an awaken- ing to new responsibilities, 'flic tide of the ignoramus is at ebb flow with very little probability of rising again. Naturally, I didn’t want to he in that fading class, so I determined to seek a higher education. To what ends of this big old world has that good old Lincoln spirit not penetrated? I’m sure they arc few. A spirit that is magnetic, drawing raw recruits to higher education and ideals, and moulding men to build a stronger, liner nation. A spirit touching the hearts of men, drawing them closer together in bonds of brotherly love, a prime law of our Deity. I came to Lincoln to improve myself and to heller my condition, for no mail progresses without the view-point licfore him of improving his station in life. I want to make this life, cold and drab as it is, interesting to myself and to others as far as I am able. Lastly, I want to lie not a man-servant, Iml a servant of men. Lf.on Thomas. ’31. VIEWS OK A NON-FKATKKNITY MAN That person who is not a brother to someone is a rara avis in American society. The American negro docs not boast of having many llabbels in his ranks, but lie does boast of an extensive and intensive fraternity life. It seems that we have adopted the ancient practice of lotemism, for we arc recognized as Elks, Reindeer, Moose, etc., if not Odd Fellow, Mason or Knight of this Order and that Order. Once a year, the representatives of a clan assemble for a great display, at which lime thousands of dollars are squandered in wlial is termed a good time—and the outlet for repressed desires of political ambition is assured liini at the convention. The one queer feature of such organiza- tions is the claim that they arc brothers when the diversity and dissimilarity of its members are so much in evidence. The intelligentsia of colored America can he divided into four fraternities. It is unnecessary to question if fraterni- ties contain the nucleus. Every ordinary college youth tries to make a fraternity because he thinks it will add con- siderably to his prestige. And often he trades his individu- ality, his ideals and common sense for this prestige. I speak chiefly of those individuals who become afflicted with the “fraternity complex.” During the period of the fraternity rush the prospective member is spotted. He is spotted for the following reasons: He may have pulchritude, a light complexion, family pres- tige, athletic ability and money. These form the criterion. Not so easily considered is that person having personality that is not “collegiate,” nor sartorial inclinations, though he has character and is fit raw material for the college mill. And it is because of the above criteria that I have mentioned, that I established my opinion that fraternities are artificial and superficial. And. too, the exclusiveness that they claim is a myth. At least ninety per cent of the students of a college be- come members of one of the four national fraternities. An average student is eligible--the ideals that arc expressed so reverently at times are only shibboleths. Maybe I should not have mentioned that. Maybe I should lx- narrow. It is so much easier to he so. There arc two practices that are usually concerned be- cause they seem inevitable. If so, they are a reflection upon intelligent people. First, fraternities become live political parties, in which the spoils system is indulged In the great- est extent. Merit is discarded into the asli can— ami this office and that office are held by men who owe their success to fraternity hacking. The intelligentsia of colored America are social snobs. Prejudices are based on pins and color. Visitors who conic (Continued on Page 23)