Comments on: Sexual Orientation, College-Style

By: Gustie2014

Gustie2014 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:25:43 +0000

This video has been completely edited to show the worst parts of the skits, and shows ABSOLUTELY NO CONTEXT as to how it relates to the college students of Gustavus. The person who posted these videos is a extreme conservative, who is against all things GLTB. Gustavus is a GLTB friendly institution. Get over it.

By: Proud Gustie Alum!

Proud Gustie Alum! — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:05:13 +0000

I am a Gustavus alum and could not be prouder of my alma mater. It sickens me that the individual who released these videos has brought such negative attention upon this incredible institution. I transferred to GAC my freshman year and did not experience orientation there. I did, however, attend orientation at my original institution. It in no way prepared me for the realities of college life. My discussion with fellow gusties proves these events were worth attendance and Gustavus’ orientation prepared them for college.

These skits are in no way attempted to indoctrinate freshman. That sense comes from the individual who infiltrated freshman orientation, took video, and edited them to support his claims. Yes, they joke about sex. Yes, there are atheists at Gustauvs. Yes, there is a strong GLBT community. That doesn’t mean that Gustavus aims to indoctrinate freshman by exposing them to these groups. And those who do not go to Gustavus must keep in mind that these are the only things this individual wanted to show about GAC.

I entered Gustavus as an individual that did not grow up attending church and I left a strong Christian. I learned to respect and accept everyone, whether I agree with their life choices or not. The idea that one of my fellow gusties wants to undermine our experiences in such a way is shameful.

If a parent refuses to allow their child to attend Gustavus after seeing these videos, well that’s there choice. But parents need to realize that your children are adults now and can make their own decisions and form their own beliefs.

Gustavus is a religious institution. It allows their students the opportunity to be exposed to the world in which we live while providing opportunities to further their faith. If you do not want to be exposed to diversity, there are other Christian Liberal Arts colleges in Minnesota you can attend.

I wouldn’t trade my time at Gustavus for anything. To have individuals with no affiliation to GAC bashing it is horrendous. I respect that you all have a right to your own opinions but I urge you to take the time to learn about our institution. Though no one but a gustie can understand or appreciate the experience. I only wish that I had had the opportunity to attend this part of orientation.

By: HeisserSommer

HeisserSommer — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:47:28 +0000

@Sophie Donnelly, October 10th, 2010 | 10:17 pm: While many of these situations may go against the word of the Bible, we must nevertheless respect their feelings and lifestyle.

Why?

By: jm

jm — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 15:29:44 +0000

Is “lion” a typo? I think it should be “loin”.

By: Gary Keith Chesterton

Gary Keith Chesterton — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:30:59 +0000

“While many of these situations may go against the word of the Bible, we must nevertheless respect their feelings and lifestyle.”

Well, I guess that says it all. Last one out of Western civilization, please turn out the lights.

By: Sophie Donnelly

Sophie Donnelly — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:17:33 +0000

As a virgin, heterosexual, Lutheran young woman currently attending Gustavus Adolphus, I found these skits fantastic and very insightful. While many of the situations do not pertain to me personally, I know many friends and students who could relate to the skits shown and we need to be realistic about our current society. While many of these situations may go against the word of the Bible, we must nevertheless respect their feelings and lifestyle. I also agree with Gustie, who noted how sad it is that a majority of the skits NOT pertaining to sexuality were not shown. In general I just feel the individuals bashing this method of orientation need to grow up and keep their issues to themselves.

By: Gustie

Gustie — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:59:30 +0000

I think it is FANTASTIC that skits, programs, and orientations like this are provided for the young students who are, undoubtedly, going to have to face one or all of these situations throughout their time in college. The only sad thing about these videos is that 50 minute orientation programs are cut down, edited, and manipulated into a 5 minute video to make the viewers believe the entire show is about sex and sexuality. The reality is that there are dozens more skits about such things as laundry etiquette, not walking alone at night, where to study in the library, how to manage stress, healthy eating habits, and many other college-related tips and hints. I sure wish the whole story were presented in these videos…

By: Neon

Neon — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:36:08 +0000

Thank you Mary for your post! I am disturbed that so many do not notice the benefit of these presentations. Gustavus is a religiously affiliated college but it does not pressure students to follow “traditional” Christian values. The videos are intended to poke fun at common college situations as well as inform new freshmen of serious dangers. Drinking, frat parties, and sex WILL happen at colleges regardless of the affiliation. I was better off being warned, educated, and prepared.

Gustavus and the town of St. Peter is an area full of love, service, and acceptance of all people, period. To me, those are true “Christian” values.

By: АА

АА — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:20:35 +0000

Thank you Marv and AT for your sensible comments. I agree wholeheartedly.

By: AT

AT — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:53:25 +0000

The lion costumes are because the lion is the school mascot (called a “Gustie,” but since that’s not a real thing, you get a lion costume; ditto the “Ole” at St. Olaf, another lion). So the lion is merely a symbol of school spirit. None of the rest of your post is worth commenting on.