Letters

Inaccuracies lead to misconceptions about
WAC

“We’re a lot of freaks, but freaks in a good
way.”

As well meant as the above quote by a world arts and cultures
student was, the only thing it accomplished was the proliferation
of misconceptions about this exceptional program (“WAC
students optimistic over headquarter switch“ Daily Bruin,
News, Dec. 3).

The article, published on the front page, contains errors in
both its factual and emotional content. It wrongly identifies the
chair of the WAC department and claims the department is moving
fall 2002, when we are in fact moving right now and will begin
classes in Lot 32 this quarter. Additionally, the article says that
there is an art studio in Kaufman Hall when there has never been
one.

The errors of greatest concern to the members of the world arts
and cultures Procession class ““ who did a great deal of work
on the event this article covered ““ were those made in the
portrayal of WAC. Our department is not just a bunch of dancers who
like to parade around and make noise. WAC is remarkably innovative
in how it incorporates performing arts and cultural studies. We are
people interested in culture just as much as art, and engage in
activity that is academic just as much as it is physical.

The WAC Procession class took a great deal of care in selecting
our title because we wanted one that supported the event’s
theme of “communitas,” or spontaneous community
building. The idea was to create an event not only for the joy of
people within the department, but also for people who have
misconceived notions about WAC. The Bruin’s coverage,
unfortunately, did not help in clarifying any of those ideas.

Perhaps a better student quote would have been “WAC and
proud!” Both the dancer and the scholar in me firmly support
that as a more accurate representation of who I am.

Emily S. Vartanian Co-president, World Arts and
Cultures Undergraduate Society