On Symbols, ENOUGH Is Enough

To the Editors of The Crimson:

In the interest of ideological pluralism and bright colors, I would like to humbly present a new, unofficial campus group. This group is named ENOUGH and its symbol is a chartreuse irregular quadrangle. ENOUGH is not politically correct or proper, or even particularly aware. In fact, it isn't even a clever acronym. ENOUGH is ENOUGH.

Recently, it has come to my attention that several groups on campus are fighting over pink triangles versus blue squares. Without any truly critical issues facing the world, I can completely understand these groups' concern. After all, what are a recession, a budget crisis and imminent war and midterms in the face of colors and geometry? With this in mind, I decided to develop my own position and present it to the world.

Unfortunately, my plan was shattered. My roommate was kind enough to explain that these little colored symbols actually represented something. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that all the problems facing bisexuals, gays and lesbians could be solved by pink triangles. It is insignificant compared to my shock upon learning that all the desirable morals and values of the world are contained within a blue square.

Here, I thought the blue squares on the sidewalks represented a gigantic game of Pac Man. I was understandably quite relieved to learn such things. Apparently, I am really learning something at Harvard.

But never fear, I am learning something else, too. Who could possible fail to learn something from the "pinkers" posters? Only, I never really knew that people could engage in such gymnastic exercises. Furthermore, these posters stimulated my curiosity. I was simply dying to know who was tasteless enough to put such things up in public--not to mention who was tasteless enough to be photographed in such a compromising position. Unfortunately, I have not yet found the answers.

Then I learned that blue squares opposed pink triangles. Are we now going to be besieged by posters of soft pornography right before parent's weekend, I wondered? How exciting! But, to my intense disappointment, this was not going to be. "Imagine what else I could have learned!" No, we were instead deluged by text from a group with the most annoying acronym in modern history.

Text is so boring. And what a text! It espoused "traditional values." I don't mean to be difficult, but isn't that rather vague? After all, it is traditional for the Indians, er, excuse me, Native Americans, to value community ownership of land. Is that what I am supposed to live by? Needless to say, I was unimpressed.

Last week, I read in The Crimson that the pinkers are planning to mount a counter-campaign. In the interest of my own personal sanity and the conservation of thumbtacks, I decided start my own group, ENOUGH. The philosophy is simple. Date and share an abode with whomever you please, and shut up about it. We really don't care. And don't plaster my entryway with boring text that says nothing. I feel compelled to read it. I read all the stuff from the Publisher's Clearing House, too.

Essentially, what ENOUGH stands for is nothing. Can we simply live and let live. (Did I really write that? What a cliche.) Please? It is time to get onto issues of more importance. For instance, why can we never get ice at the Union?

So, next time you see a chartreuse irregular quadrangle, show your support and do nothing. Don't poster, don't chalk up the sidewalk, just drop it. An ENOUGH pin can be purchased for the low price of $10. After all, I never have ENOUGH money. And make the world a more colorful, geometric place. Leslie Hakala '94