Review: What the Wine Sellers Buy

Susan M. West

What the Wine Sellers Buy

Performance: 3:00 pm, November 8, 2009

Ron Milner’s What the Wine Sellers Buy was undoubtedly the worst play I have seen performed at TSU.  The play dealt with the longstanding theme of drugs and prostitution, and the tempting of the young by close, older acquaintances in that young person’s life.

According to the TSU website, the play was set in the streets of Detroit in the 1950s. Someone apparently forgot to tell the director that cordless phones weren’t used in the 50s, nor did the hippie’s look of the 70s exist. Since the play was written in the 1974, one would wonder if the director, or the writer, made those mistakes.

On a larger scale, the setting was well constructed. TSU’s theatre workforce did a good job creating the look of the boarding house kitchen and Mae’s bedroom. The stage was complete with street scenes and house parties, along with the main kitchen and bedroom areas. There was a creative mix of set changes and the actors transformed well, except for the all too often stumbling or tripping over a prop.  I liked that all scenes took place without complete darkness or curtain drops in between, except that Act 1 was two hours long.  When the final scene of that act concluded, the audience had no clue whether it was intermission or if the play had ended. One audience member actually got up and asked an usher if the play was over. I waited all too anxiously for the actors to appear for their bow, but to my disappointed the play soon resumed and lasted another hour. Fortunately, the last hour was much better than the first two, and the wait for the end wasn’t unbearable.

The costumes were all too 70s in appearance. Rico, the pimp, looked like he had stepped right out of That 70s Show, with his pink leisure suit and burgundy hat.  Mae and the other girls were also dressed a couple of decades in the future for the play to have taken place in the 50s. I’m not sure if there was a make-up artist, or if the actors did their own make-up because both moms in the play looked like college students. In fact, all the actors resembled college students, so it was hard to tell how old anyone was supposed to be.

In all fairness, the actors were fine. Ashley Bishop showed signs of excellent acting skills, except for her smiles to the other actors in between her serious lines. No one stumbled, over lines anyway, and most seemed very familiar with their parts. There was, however,  a sense of separation between the actors and their performances. Though they were good, they didn’t seem to really relate to their characters.

The play dragged on and on with most characters spewing cuss word after cuss word. After a while, I wasn’t sure if the language was in the script, or just the actors adding their own flavor to the characters. The play was a collage of f-words, n-words, and p-words, most often making no statement or adding anything to the meaning of the play.

The comic relief was the “wino” scenes in the streets. The first time it was very funny, but by the third time I saw the scene repeated, and heard the p-word spouted excessively, I began to feel offended as a woman. I actually wondered if Milner was a misogynist. I felt this way a number of times, especially being introduced to Mae’s mom, who was portrayed as self absorbed and uncaring for no apparent reason. Personally, I think the writer had no perception of what it must be like to be a single mom raising three girls. “Not there for Mae?” I hardly believe mom was not there for Mae, when looking at her room, one could plainly see Mae had been well cared for. One must not forget Mae was a teenager, and teenage girls are almost never satisfied with parental, especially mom’s, care.

Milner obviously had little idea of what it takes for a good male role model, too. Though he tried with the deacon character, (Melvin, I think), he made him seem distant and casual. Police were corrupt, dads were absent, and Rico was a drug dealing pimp. True, some of this was necessary for the theme of the play, but there was a lingering feeling of little hope of Steve ever  rising above his circumstances, even though he eventually came to his senses. The male characters  had mixed ideas of right and wrong, and there was no one to really show Steve how to make it.

The play depicted the “same ole” theme of a poor boy in the projects tempted by his surroundings as he struggles to rise above them. Only in this play, Steve’s circumstances rambled on through too many repetitious scenes, too many f-words and n-words, and not enough substance to make the play meaningful. Even the metaphor of “what the wine sellers buy” didn’t get captured in a sense that would make it memorable or important. Too bad, too, it was clever.

I was disappointed and rolled my eyes more than once, as I sat through three hours of something I could have watched on TV, minus the bad language. TSU plays are usually rich in history or present strong statements of African American struggles in a world that often fights against them. There was no strong statement in What the Wine Sellers Buy except, “why”. Why did Marc Payne choose this one and why didn’t anyone stop him?

My First Attempt at a Political Cartoon

300 Days in Office

P.S. Please excuse the spelling mistakes. I’ll do it over one day.

Confusion Links Language and Text Messaging

The digital language of SMS (short or silent messaging service), otherwise known as texting, may be damaging the language skills of young people, many teachers believe.

Digital shorthand has evolved into over 6000 terms and acronyms transferred over cyberspace between 82 million people. Texting, chatting, and internet shorthand may be confusing the actual English language with a new code of verbiage.  

“Yes, I’m seeing a lot of this in my first and second year students,” states Samantha Morgan-Curtis, associate professor of TSU’s Language, Literature, and Philosophy.

Along with “texting” being substituted for English in course assignments, Morgan-Curtis is noticing problems with article usage, syntax, and the development of ideas; issues that are more common with English Language Learners. Spelling is also a concern.

The National Council of Teachers for English has recognized that problems exist in the relationships between traditional writing forms and the new digital content.

“Some digital texts share common forms and common purposes: the online newspaper, for example, is similar in many ways to its print-based counterpart,” states the NCTE position paper. “At the same time, digital texts possess characteristics that are unique to the digital medium, challenging our ideas about what texts are and how they work.”

Not everyone sees a problem with the language of texting. David Crystal, a British linguist, believes it actually helps young people to be better communicators. He compares the lingo to the graphics, symbols, and abbreviations that have interlaced language throughout history. Crystal says in order to leave letters out; one has to know they are there.

Maybe then, the responsibility lies with teachers to correct diligently and grade accordingly when students confuse the text. Something Morgan-Curtis does quite well.

“Add this to the list of forms of communication we need to be teaching now,” states Christopher Dawson, ZDNet blogger and fan of classroom technology. “After all, students find little difficulty in switching between colloquial speech with their friends and more adult-oriented (and often grammatically-correct) speech when addressing adults.  There is no reason that students can’t learn to make this same distinction between SMS-speak and the real English language.”

No Kidding!

Insight:

imminent, approaching, impending, on the way, coming, just around the corner, near, close, about to happen, within reach

Microsoft Word 2007: Thesaurus: English (United States)

Revised: TSU Reform Begins With Students

Tennessee State University should require first-time freshmen to submit an essay and three letters of recommendation as a way of attracting a more serious student.

Several TSU students are frustrated with the less than serious student that often disrupts the classroom and wastes valuable time. Enforcing higher admissions standards would help to eliminate the need to coddle idle students and give the university a boost in reputation.

“It’s a wise idea.” said Jasmine Anderson, president of the centennial sophomore class of 2012. “Requiring an essay and recommendation letters would be very helpful in attracting more serious students. It would help raise standards.”

According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, in order to distinguish one applicant from the other, a large number of highly ranked institutions across the country require an essay. Interestingly, it reports that only 14 out of 90 HBCUs surveyed applied the same procedure.   

Letters of recommendation are means of communication that give admissions officers reliable perceptions into students’ characters, personalities, and skills.

“These letters are an important way for admissions officials to gain insight into a student’s personal strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments,” states an article published by the College Foundation of North Carolina.

Admission requirements for TSU are lower than four other local universities. According to the university’s website, incoming freshmen are required to have accumulated a GPA of 2.25 in high school with an ACT score of 19.

The University of Memphis, which does not list a GPA minimum, bases its requirements on an Admissions Index. The Memphis college yielded a 41.9% graduation rate from first-time freshmen during the 2002-2008 period.

“The admission of first-time freshmen is selective based on the calculated index, and also includes an evaluation of the required high school curriculum completed,” states the university’s admissions webpage. “In some cases, recommendations are also considered.”

Increasing academic requirements for TSU may attract more serious-minded college students, thus improving retention and graduation rates. TSU could add the requirements without changing its policy on GPA or ACT scores.

Requiring an essay and recommendation letters from teachers or employers will not only offer insight to the admissions officers, but cause the potential student to evaluate his/her reasoning for attending a four-year institution. The student might also be enticed to appraise his/her work ethics, study habits, and personal values.

“I teach a mixture of students,” says Coreen Jackson, assistant professor of Communications at TSU. “Some of them are serious, and some are not.” The “mixed” classroom is all too common across disciplines at TSU.

Adding a written essay and reference requirements does not seem that it would be too much trouble to implement, but trying to get that information from TSU Admissions was practically impossible. A recent phone call to that department resulted in numerous conversations with people who indicated they could not answer the question, which ultimately led to a voice-mail message and no call back.

Others do not think it is a good idea. Julie Roberts, academic coordinator for TSU’s College of Business, thinks adding requirements might entice out-going high school students to attend community colleges instead. Some believe that increasing admission requirements might dispute the historical mission of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“Admissions reform wouldn’t work for schools like TSU because that’s their purpose,” says Jonathan Adair, a psychology master’s student at TSU. “They are around to give students a second chance.”

A thorough search of the mission and purposes of TSU, as well as HBCUs, gives no indication that they exist to benefit the non-motivated, low-producing student. According to several sources, HBCUs were established to serve the African-American community. The federal Housing and Urban Development grants HBCUs money to assist in the economic development and revitalization of their communities.

TSU’s own statement of purpose emphasizes quality instruction, applied research, and community service. These are not the characteristics of lackadaisical, party-minded, young students.

“Tennessee State University expresses its commitment to students’ overall development by promoting life-long learning, scholarly inquiry, and a commitment of service to others,” states the TSU 2007 Fact Book. “Programs and services are geared toward promoting and nurturing students’ growth and development as persons who are liberally educated, appreciate cultural diversity, and embody a sense of civic and social responsibility.”

According to TBR’s latest statistical information, TSU ranks the lowest in university enrollment, and the only one to decline. Additionally, TSU ranks the lowest in retention and is the second lowest in graduation rates.

Starting from the bottom of the TSU pyramid (the high school admissions process), might be the simplest, most efficient way to begin reforming the image of TSU. A simple essay to cause an incoming student to consider his/her reasons for college admission, along with three adult references defending his/her character, might grant the admissions department a little extra work, but may prove a mighty step towards the incarnation of reform.

“If you want to make a change, why wouldn’t you rise to the occasion?” Anderson adds. “TSU is up for reaccreditation in 2010. Our reputation and the value of our degree is at stake. This is a large scale issue that affects everyone.”

TSU and The Shopping Bag Serve Community

The Shopping Bag on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tenn. has a unique connection to Tennessee State University.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy inner-city neighborhood, sits the little retail thrift store. Barely visable from the road, The Shopping Bag seeks to serve an under-served community.

“The Shopping Bag was started in 1982 by a group of United Methodist women who wanted to help the community,” explains Mersiye Erdem, the store’s current manager.

With a grant from the Federal Housing and Urban Development HBCU, TSU’s Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, local contractors, and Bethlehem Centers of Nashville worked together to remodel the old store. A new space, bright lighting, and reduced inventory make the renovated store an asset to the area.

“The  store is full of quality, name brand clothing and is within walking distance from many low-income neighborhoods,” says Gayle Kindig, The Shopping Bag board president. ” We are thrilled to be back in business serving the TSU community.”

The store’s paid manager, Erdem, depends on volunteers like TSU service-learning students and others who are dedicated to the cause. Eighty six year old, Luree Rowan, works twice a week and has been volunteering at the store for 20 years.

Rowan enjoys socializing with other volunteers, some of them seniors from local Methodist churches.

“I volunteer to exercise my hands and my mind,” she explains, smiling brightly. “I’m enjoying life.”

Business suits, jackets, coats, and dress clothes are commonly stocked items at The Shopping Bag.  Jewerly, shoes, purses, and other accessories can also be found at bargain prices.

Proceeds from sales are donated to the many programs of Bethlehem Centers. Bethlehem Center’s program participants also benefit from the inexpensive merchandise. Children’s clothes are especially low priced. The store is sometimes featured by The Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap.

“The more you shop, the more you help,” Ms. Cheap is known to say.

Customers, donors, and volunteers are always needed at The Shopping Bag, located  in the Bethlehem Centers building. Donations can be dropped off during regular hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a. m. to 3:30 p. m. TSU work study students interested in retail are encouraged to apply. Students looking for service-learning projects are also encouraged to volunteer.

For more information, visit the store at 1417 Charlotte Avenue, or call 615-327-2074. You can also find them on Facebook or online at bethlehemcenters.org.

The Shopping Bag on Charlotte

Too Much Apathy on TSU Campus

Today was a big day in my Newswriting class. Or so I thought. TSU’s President Melvin Johnson accepted our  invitation to speak in our class and showed up. Right on time. Unfortunately, half of the class did not.

Last week, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, joined Carl Boyd, Jr. on the TSU radio show, Nothing but the Truth. The event was held in the forum of the student center, which seats roughly 400 people. Aside from students and faculty of the Communications Department, there were maybe 50 other people there. Before it was over, most of them had left the premises.

If students don’t care about the University president in class, or the Lieutenant Governor on campus, what do they care about? I know for a fact that hundreds gather in the amphitheatre when the band plays for a pep rally. Hundreds gather at football games, and basketball games. Hundreds gather for the portable DJ who sets up in the public space near the student center. But that’s music and sports. Entertaining. Fun.

It saddens me that students and faculty, young and old, have such apathy on a college campus where intellectual thought determines the future. I wonder what will become of …excuse me, there’s a game on.

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Runaways Review

3pm performance, Sunday, October 4, 2009

Tennessee State University, Performing Arts Center

The TSU freshman play, Runaways, depicted the story of a college student, Linda, who was seeking a degree in social work. Linda was fulfilling her internship at a home for runaways. At first, Linda is hesitant to get involved and believes she is not prepared or qualified to interact with the runaway teens. Her attitude develops throughout the play, as the interactions and experiences of the House teach her confidence. The climax occurs when Linda’s own sister runs away, and Linda is sent to the morgue to identify a young woman who could be her sister. Fortunately, Linda’s sister is found alive and the family is reunited.

The setting is a modern inner-city location that could be Nashville. Cell phones, graffiti, and clothing illustrated this element, though, the runaway house was far from modern. A black dial-up telephone sitting on the desk, and still in use, showed the audience the lack of attention and resources often given to social services. The House was located deep in the inner-city as it was surrounded by walls of graffiti, giving the appearance of an interstate underpass.

There were few sound effects, mostly ringtones of telephones, or background sirens and automobiles on a busy highway. One noticeable special effect was the masked characters sitting on each side of the set when they were not in “full” character, the underlying symbol being the blank face (mask); a hint that they were nobody unless interacting in the House.

Though the runaway house maintained many of the same rules as home, runaways were respected and accountable for their actions and attitudes. The door to the house was always opened, allowing freedom for the runaways to come and go as desired. No one was forced to stay or call home. A strong theme of personal accountability and responsibility permeated the entire performance.

The purpose of the play was to raise awareness of runaway teens and offer reasons and solutions for their actions. The play suggested the dangers of running away, as well as offered plausible reasons for why teens leave home for the streets. The play presented an understanding of the mindset of runaway teens and illustrated the frustrations of those who attempt to help. This play would be a great production for a fundraising event for a “real” runaway house, as it showed all sides of the issue.

For a freshman play, the performance was adequate. The lack of experience was apparent in the un-projected voices, and deficiency of acting skills, which will surely come with practice. Being the last show of the weekend run, the actors were probably tired and strained. All in all, the story was good, the actors were good, and the play emphasized issues, personal responsibility, and alternate solutions. It was a worthwhile attempt. One I would recommend.

Ramsey Guest on TSU Radio

Ramsey Guest on TSU Radio

By Susan M. West

 

Tennessee’s Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey made a guest appearance at Tennessee State University today for the WSTS radio show, “Nothing but the Truth”.

In addition to his position as lieutenant governor, Ramsey also holds a senate seat in District 2, and is a professional real estate agent and auctioneer.   The show’s host, Carl Boyd, Jr. was ready and waiting with a bottle of water and a Mountain Dew for his guest.

“You know what this is right here?” said Ramsey, holding up the Mountain Dew for his audience to see. “Red-neck anti-depressant.”

On that note, Ramsey settled into his seat for an entertaining, if not enlightening, 45 minute conversation.  Ramsey maintained his humor and light-heartedness throughout the interview, though Boyd tried hard to heat the discussion.

Weaving innuendos of a future governorship, Ramsey spoke on topics such as the downtrodden economy, national health care, and the newly passed “guns in bars” law.

“Capitalism is a good word,” Ramsey declared. “Profit is a good word. I see that being demonized in our society today.”

He told Boyd of his experience in his own small businesses and how times have changed from his college days. Ramsey noted that the young college graduate will change careers a half dozen times in a lifetime. He suggested Tennessee’s economy will improve by the creation of high paying “green” jobs.

Ramsey was adamant about the government staying out of small business and healthcare. He asserted that there was no healthcare crisis in this country, but a health care access crisis.

“Government taking over healthcare will not make it affordable.” Ramsey said.

He suggested allowing businesses to pool together to purchase health insurance, and creating competition by legalizing the purchase across state lines. Ramsey reasoned that other businesses are allowed to operate multi-state; insurance companies should not be exempt.

Boyd’s final question regarded the new “guns in bars” law and Ramsey’s vote to approve it. Ramsey’s passion for the issue was fierce. He described the extensive process necessary to obtain a gun permit in Tennessee and added that no licensed gun carrier has ever abused the privilege.

“Twelve years into that,” Ramsey said, speaking of the 1997 legislation that expedited the permit process, “There is not one documented case.” A study by the Violence Policy Center published in July disputes this claim.