KEVIN YAROCH

What, has the Maroon become the woman-concealment police? I don't know that this particular set of neuroses is one that needed to be aired in public.

ANONYMOUS

The humor in this column (if it exists at all) is bland and uninspired, perhaps just like your life here at UChicago if you were more interested in a nipple then paying attention in class.

THOMAS JAMESON

When is somebody on the Maroon going to realize that its time to fire Luke Dumas?

There hasn't been one editorial he has written which has not reeked of over-generalization, poor research, bitterness, knee-jerk conservative complaint, and an inability to even present what might be amusing satire or shock-humor in a halfway well-written manner. What is the point of this editorial? That women need to put their clothes on so that Luke Dumas (who by his last editorial is admittedly gay) can focus in class? An excuse to say the word 'skank' over and over to keep riding the you-just-don't-understand-it's-funny horse he launched with his asinine analysis of music, and furthered with his out-of-nowhere, nonsensical critique of "Jesus Sandals"?

That the Maroon did not apologize for running Dumas' offensive editorial on Pride Week was annoying but unexpected. That they continue to let him write without any apparent oversight given his propensity for hackery (or even continue to let him write at all), is shocking.

PHIL UNDERWOOD

This is ridiculous, not to mention misogynistic. Believe it or not, women do not have a secret plan to distract you or "use the weather as an excuse to more effectively become tramps." "Tramp" and "skank" are not appropriate words to use to describe people in your class, especially not in the Maroon.
I'd be more willing to overlook this if I didn't see an idiotic article from Luke Dumas practically every time I pick up the Maroon. "Walking a mile in Jesus sandals" was the worst, but this one is pretty close. No one cares whether you think people should wake up earlier, or that, in your opinion, too many people smoke.
If you're going to write a column, fine, but constantly whining about what everyone else does, especially when it has literally no effect on your life, is just annoying and pointless.

KATAH HART

Luke, I am concerned that I might be one of these "skanks" you described in your recent article. Can you come over and inspect my wardrobe so I can be sure my peers at this esteemed University aren't thinking of me as a "skank" instead respecting that I am a person?? Please advise me against any shirts that would encourage you to fantasize about my nipples.

AA

Ah, Dumbass Dumas strikes again. Congrats Maroon, for giving voice to yet another blowhard among us.

AINSLEY

Have you ever been to another college campus? Or the mall? Get a grip.

Also, according to wikipedia, skank is another word for slut. Which "is a pejorative term for a person who is deemed sexually promiscuous. The term is generally applied to women and used as an insult or offensive term of disparagement". How someone dresses is not reason enough to make a statement about their sexual habits.

Your treatment of women in this article is deplorable, but luckily it also means you will probably never get a date.

And then we will all win- You won't have to look at any nipples, and none of your offspring will spread your misogyny to subsequent generations.

JIM GREENLEAF

The weakness of your will has no authority to dictate the actions of others.

TAIJOO HA

You should bring this up with the pope! Honestly, you're never satisfied. Pride wasn't "gay" enough for you and now students are dressing too "skanky"? Give me a break and find some real news to report.

ANONYMOUS

you should visit a state school man.

it's all relative; you show through this article that you are very sheltered.

NORA

This is appalling. Aren't there editors at the Maroon who should have recognized that using the term "skank" or "tramp" is completely offensive and inappropriate? This is totally disgusting. And it is no less offensive to women just because he spent a paragraph berating men. The way a person dresses is their own business, though quite frankly I am yet to notice many people wearing so little that I was actually distracted. Furthermore, Mr. Dumas assumes a connection between dressing and conduct which is unfair and seems to pass moral judgment on those who do not dress conservatively enough for his liking. This article only confirms that The Maroon is a joke.

RP

Chill out, folks!

W

Wow, if I ever meet this Luke Dumas kid, all I'll be able to think about is how much of a tool he is. What a blowhard.

ANONYMOUS

Dumbass Dumas? I'm very surprised that some people are this immature. If you don't like it, don't read it. I actually like your articles. You shouldn't be fired. Keep writing :)

ANONYMOUS

I agree with Thomas Jameson. Luke Dumas is severely discrediting the Maroon as a whole, and the paper should take action to fix this. His articles aren't humorous or controversial (Which is what I'm assuming they strive to be. Too bad they're not well-written.), they're just offensive. Editorials are supposed to stimulate productive, if sometimes heated, discussion. The comment boards on his articles are simply complaints about Dumas.

Why are the Viewpoints editors letting Dumas get away with using such offensive terms like "skank"? Couldn't they have fixed it to say "scantily clad women" or something to that sort? What didn't they bother to clarify what he meant by "jesus sandals"? To this day I'm still confused.

Luke Dumas is the Bill O'Reilly of the Maroon--insubstantial, sparking controversy for the sake of controversy, and simply begging for attention

ROSE SCHAPIRO

And women who wear short skirts are asking to be raped.

Seriously? I hope the author realizes that things he writes in college are available forever on the internet.

BOB

And what is your point, sir, other than a need for fresh porn? While I hesitate to suggest that some things shouldn't be written -- political correctness is almost indefensible at times -- I am not hesitant to say when I personally like or dislike something. This, not so much. If the Maroon's intention is to foment conversation and get lots of letters to the Editor, then congratulations. Otherwise, what's the point here? Hard not only to take seriously, but hard to take as well.

UNDERCOVER SKANK

According to Urban Dictionary, skank is another word for slut, which is "a woman with the morals of a man."

Apparently some people don't understand that Luke Dumas is writing a humor column here--reminds me of number 101 on the list of Stuff White People Like (a blog I doubt the people who have thus commented on this article will appreciate): Being Offended (http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/05/28/101-being-offended/). If you don't think Dumas is funny, then please skip his articles and allow the rest of us to laugh in peace.

ANONYMOUS

This article is completely and totally pathetic. First of all, it's completely inappropriate (think about what your language implies, mister), and it's also quite untrue. It is a known fact that warm-weather clothing covers less of the body than cold-weather clothing. You know, because it's WARM. While I might be female and thus am not as easily drawn to the body parts of other females, I've never noticed a girl wearing so little that I was appalled by her attire. If you have trouble paying attention in class, I think it's YOU who has the problem, and not the so-called "scantily clad" women on this campus.

ANONYMOUS

I think this is relevant to your interests: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI

THX 4 TROLLING

THOMAS JAMESON

Undercover Skank:

The difference between Stuff White People Like (which I enjoy) and this is humour. While I'm sure Dumas intends satire, its hard to see, first, what the satire's point is? That in fact its a good thing that women dress this way? That its silly that women dress this way? That gay stereotypes are hilarious?

I'm the last person to be offended by almost anything. If Dumas was writing the exact same columns, even ones twice as offensive, with a razor-sharp wit and some seriously funny content, I would be in the front lines defending him. The problem is that, lacking any apparent point or any actually funny content, they just come across as tactless and offensive.

ANONYMOUS

I'm glad to see that you believe in a heteronormative paradigm, which reifies the structures of hegemony such that men and women need only to proscribe themselves to the views on the world that you've established as acceptable.

BOB

Why should we who don't think Dumas is funny despite his intent to be have to refrain from saying so? Perhaps we will skip his next humor column or, more likely, read it with the same morbid fascination one usually reserves for watching car wrecks. Either way, those who appreciate the hilarity shouldn't ask those who find the work simply unfunny (forget any other complaint), to refrain from pointing out that instead of killing the room Dumas is dying onstage. That young women in their springtime outfits look fetching is no great discovery. That Dumas equates revealing clothing with skankhood is regressive, pedestrian and uncreative. Soon we will tire of him making a fool of himself and the Maroon will suffer for it.

ANDREA ROWAN

How charming that some people consider misogyny to be a form of humor. I was under the impression that satire is only effective if well-written.

JOANNA LAINE

Everyone is overreacting to this column. First of all, though I'm not a "skank," I admit that I enjoy spring as a chance to look sexy. And I know guys who do the same. Luke wasn't being misogynistic, just criticizing something that both women and men do.

Second, you've all heard people use words like "skank" and "slut" to casually describe women who dress inappropriately. You know they don't necessarily mean sexually promiscuous. He was exaggerating. It's a joke.

Conservative though this column may be, there's something to be said for modesty. And regardless, the Maroon should be ashamed if it fires Luke Dumas after its front-page article about the lack of free speech on campus.

ANONYMOUS

I agree with "RP" and "Undercover Skank"--everyone should chill out. A lot of these comments seem out of line. There is no need to make judgments about Luke Dumas on a personal level, or to suggest he be fired. Keep writing, Luke!
Clearly, this piece was intended to be a humorous satire about a well-known fact: people really do wear a lot less clothing during spring.

ALI FEENSTRA

For one, let me say that I don't need any excuse--weather, the University of Chicago, the media, stereotypes about female sexuality, pressure to be attractive, or the clothes my mother bought me--to dress "like a tramp."
I pity Dumas and the editors of the Maroon. This article is insulting, uninspired, and ignorant. I pity the author for his ignorance; all that he has achieved is his own widespread alienation from the worthwhile people who dress as they choose instead of being inhibited by a long legacy of shame about bodies. It's too bad Dumas isn't comfortable taking off his shirt; but none of us really care.

And in response to the numerous "if you don't like it don't read it" comments...extend that statement, please, and tell me that the University should begin to regularly publish and widely distribute racist, homophobic, sexist, fatphobic, perhaps pro-Aryan texts...but don't worry, you don't HAVE to read it!

Is this really where the UC's intellectual elitism gets us? This article is a call to reconsider what we are here to learn. If Dumas is not confronting his blatant cultural ignorance in a Sosc or other class, it is a collective failure of the University, Maroon, and his own resistance to break down at least the most basic and unoriginal forms of persistent misogyny presented here.

This article is not less offensive and ignorant because it is, perhaps, intended to be "funny"--if anything, this lame attempt to produce humor out of misogyny reflects more poorly on the Maroon and the author than a seriously written criticism. Then it would be clear that this is not a well-supported "viewpoint" but clearly in the category of "hate speech."

ANONYMUS

ha ha, you're old

ANONYMOUS

The author just likes negative attention quite a bit - and it shocks me that the Maroon even publishes anything he says. Aforementioned author seems like a bitter high school student who hates himself and everyone around him, has no experience with the real world, and wants to drag down the rest of our self-esteems with his. I never considered the Maroon a serious publication, but this just proves they care more about causing a stir than anything else.

HARRISON ADAMS

The language here: "skank" "tramp" - is unacceptable, and flatly sexist. If the Maroon published an article with racist language this blatant it would be shut down. This is hate speech.

ANON.

How many blatantly offensive articles are you going to be allowed to write? Just a question. You're killing me here Luke, you too Maroon staff.

PATRICK MCWILLIAMS

Does anyone have any convincing evidence to suggest that "Luke Dumas" is anything but a computer program designed to hold the most asinine opinions possible and then regurgitate them at a 5th grade reading level? I'm glad I can now check misogyny off on my bingo card of reprehensible views expressed by Dumas. All I need now is some casual racism and I'll treat myself to some cheap beer to celebrate the fact that literally anyone can write for the Maroon.

TAB

I'm increasingly convinced that Luke Dumas is Seth Galifianakis.

KATHERINE

This article was an inspiration to me: where do I click to apply to be a Maroon columnists? Poor Maroon, you must be hard up for contributors, but was running this article the best way to let us know? I would have responded to a simple ad or email.

By the way, since the editor positions are obviously vacant, how do I note on my application that I want to be the one in charge?

Expect my first column for the next issue!

MANDEEP BEDI

It is rather disappointing for anyone to have anything to complain about following the winter season. Be happy with the sun. If this is supposed to be a comedic column it should be funnier. However, the article, which I read twice, isn't funny. No valid viewpoint. Zero nutritional content. Luke Dumas, you failed. This article expresses an extreme lack of tact which should have never been allowed to be published. That of course would be the normal reaction of any credible newspaper concerned about integrity. This is not a call for censorship, but a question of standards. Maroon, we...the people you write for, demand an explanation: why was a description of women being "tolerable to look at" and "veritably doable" deemed appropriate to include this article? Does it contribute anything useful or particularly insightful? In fact, was it so slow a newsday that you threw Dumas a bone to write? However charitable, grow up Maroon, you're becoming an embarrassment.

JACLYN VERONIQUE BUSTAMANTE

It may be intended to be funny, and yes, it could have been funny, but it fails miserably. So the Maroon should fire said author not because he's a misogynist, ignorant pig, since that would be a free speech violation, but because his work could be written by a tenth grader. And, what's wrong with being a "skank"? Personally, I enjoy dressing promiscuously. If it bothers the author that I have a sex life and like to flaunt it, so be it.

MRL

this is a bias incident.

JO

right on luke. lets band 2-gether and petition the rso gods to fund the coalition for women wearing thickly woven habits.

BEN JOYCE

Really Maroon, a retraction? Skank may not be a particularly nice word, but it's not something to get defensive over. I thought the Maroon wasn't such a pandering, wimpy paper. I guess I was wrong.

ANDREW CUTLER

Luke,

First and foremost, at this school, we don't refer to women as skanks and tramps. I like to think if your parents could raise you well enough to get you in here they would have had the sense to tell you not to print silly, childish diction in the school newspaper like that.

I'd advise when you get "distracted" by your classmates that you think of something else, like how little sense frisbee golf makes, or what your mother's face would look like if she heard that you were writing articles using derogatory terms for women.

And just because you're uncomfortable with your sexuality does not mean that everyone else has to be. If it offends you to see a thong, or a dude's six pack don't look. I'm pretty sure that unless you are unnaturally short, your eyes shouldn't be at that level anyhow.

ANONYMOUS

It isn't satire if it's bigoted. Rush Limbaugh probably also thinks that his commentary is satirical, but that doesn't lessen the bigotry. The Maroon should have a lot more sense than that, and frankly it's insulting to claim humor as a defense for discrimination.

ANONYMOUS

Hey Luke Dumas, I think you should spread your love at Arizona State.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=227323&title=intro-legendary-bad-boy

MOLLY ZEINS

The Maroon's oversight in sending the article to print is unforgivable.
Satirical or not, I'm with Harrison: This is hate language, and there is absolutely no justification for using it or printing it.

ANONYMOUS

-1 point for the retraction.

Considering how antagonistic the comments are, it’s funny how most of them don't actually weaken the points in the article (not that they're supposed to). Calling the article misogynistic is not exactly an argument against it, nor does insulting the author do anything.

THOMAS JAMESON

In defense of the retraction:

I'm inclined to believe, more than cowtowing to liberal PC sentiments (which would indicate a sort of spineless lack of respect for controversial publication), that this retraction has to do with the fact that if something is going to be offensive, it should have some merit, either literary, intellectual, or comedic. This really doesn't have any. It gestures towards the third weakly, and as to the first two, its seriously lacking.

Reiterating a previous poster: Its an issue of standards, I think, not content.

LAURA STONE

I'm sure the Maroon would love to claim they are the banner for free speech. But someone has to pay the printing bill. Somehow, I don't think their advertisers want to be placed alongside sexist bilge. I would happily contact them to let them know the quality of journalism they are supporting. The Women's Board, for instance, helped fund the launch of Noyes: The Chicago Maroon Magazine. I'm sure they would be less enthusiastic to shell out funding to publish the rantings of a no-talent chauvinist promoting the objectification of women.

Yes. This is a threat.

SGW

The Count of Monte Cristo was better.

JOSH EPSTEIN

My man Luke! The amount of hype that this piece has generated made A springtime strip the first Maroon article that I have ever read! I am personally not offended by what you have written, although I do pity you. Calm your anxiety! Take a deep breath... I wouldn't dare discard my shirt in public to reveal the cloak of alabaster flesh beneath.

To me, the number and intensity of these responses could only be the result of a successful piece of journalism. People are upset by your sexually repressed value-judgment and rightfully so, but at least there is a running (frequently pretentious) dialogue on the subject of sexuality. I will not pretend to understand your motive in writing this piece because it is practically irrelevant. If people did not find the piece itself amusing, the flood of emotional responses is sure to do the trick. However, suggestions that you be fired along with other ad hominem attacks are unnecessary and almost paranoid.

Fortunately, you are not anywhere close to being a moral authority and I am grateful that you cannot mandate a dress code. Your viewpoint may feel threatening to some, yet many other people struggle with sexual suppression (myself excluded--I've beat it twice since I've been here). The truth is, if you hadn't expressed this viewpoint here, those offended would have encountered it elsewhere soon enough.

Lastly, to those concerned with the school's repute and possibly their own personal prestige--Who really gives a shit? ITS THE MAROON.

LUKE DUMAS FAN

When I first read that article, I laughed. Eye-ogling is half the fun of some nice weather, and it seemed to me that the article was jealously inspired by one too many evenings of the author playing some lonely pocket pool because he can't work up the balls to go talk to a lady. It wasn’t anything major, mostly since I was blessed with a Y chromosome, just some casual conversation worth bringing up with friends. As I was about to find out, I was making some very unfortunate assumptions.

But, then this - what can be called nothing short of a shitstorm - happens.

It was beautiful. Absolutely fucking beautiful.

Luke, I must tip my hat to you, sir. You've trolled basically the entire student population. You've whipped up such frenzy that people actually care about what you have to say. You've caused people to mindlessly blast your piece without providing a reason why - just that you're being misogynistic, and that some stupid girls are butthurt over your opinion on their dress. Boo-hoo ladies, go make me a sandwich and iron my shirt.

I don't care if you're being sincere or not in your article. You pissed people off. The best thing that you can do now is to stand by your piece like a good trophy wife stands by her economically successful man.

You have, in short, reduced us to a gibbering, emotional, reactionary mass of stupid, without a single impulse of thought to spare between the whole mess of us.

I couldn’t be more proud to call you a peer.

BOB

To those who say, "If you don't like it, don't read it," I say ... wait: You can't know that you don't like something if you don't read it first. (Scratching my head.) I also wouldn't simply pass over Dumas's work because I didn't like the last try. I take any columnist column by column. So far, I think Dumas is batting one for three. But oh ... those two strikeouts were, to this reader, whiffs heard round the world. And that's it -- with all due respect to those who find him misogynistic, or hateful, or dense. The intent to satirize doesn't automatically excuse everything. The satire actually has to work. To reiterate someone else's point: had it been funnier, wittier, more clever, then even this apparently touchy subject could have succeeded. I mean, fer chrissakes, Swift suggested eating children and we're still talking about it with admiration. Dumas is no Swift, and at his age, how could he be? I encourage to Dumas to keep honing his craft, in public if necessary, as long as he understands that the price of being published is that readers will react often in painful ways.

NICK NUNEZ

More than the author, I think the Maroon as a whole is responsible for such a reprehensible article. A retraction after being flooded with comments is not the same as having journalistic integrity. This is something that should never have made it to print in the first place. The selection of language in the original run of this article should have stopped the editing staff instantly, instead it was allowed to run and only corrected once people had been offended. This is just another step our school paper has taken on the road to ruin. I think it would be best for the Maroon to first evaluate their poor standards for publication, and then to get back to reporting news and offering viewpoints that draw out debate and discussion- not outrage and offense.

DAVID JARVIS

TL;DR

LOWELLDONGUS

Luke Dumas Fan, as a representative of trolling worldwide -

This is not trolling. The lulz have not been maximized, nor were they originally sought. This is embarrassing to trolls.

SQUIRRELMAN

Would Luke be quiet about it and enjoy the view? At least I was. Man, now the girls are going to cover themselves like they converted to Islam overnight.

ME

I loved this article. Do not fire this man.

BETHANY BOULDIN

I agree with you and completely support you, Luke. There was a girl in Hutch yesterday with a dress on that was paper thin and showed absolutely everything even when she was standing straight up. I think it's appalling and completely inappropriate. I completely agree with what he had to say. And, personally, I think that kind of dress ITSELF is offensive to women. I am offended by the kind of woman that would think it is appropriate. So I appreciate your having spoken out against it. It's profane and unnecessary. And it's downright true that it happens 98% more with women than with men. And even though I don't believe you actually intended it to be satirical, I completely believe in and support what I feel are probably your true reasons.

OCCASIONAL SKANK

Oh Luke. <3! I think people should stop being so self righteous. He is clearly not sincere. If this was written in the Shady Dealer, there wouldn't be so much of an uproar. And readers should stop pretending that they're soooo sophisticated that they would NEVER use such terrible language. Please. I've met you people. I've had classes with you people. "What do I mean, 'you people,'" you say? I mean you hypocrites who criticize language that I know for a fact you have used before. Give me a break. You want to elevate this to your more sophisticated than thou level of discourse? Marcuse talks about repressive tolerance as a subversive form of violence. You know, I don't feel like subscribing to your universe of meaning. So suck my skanky balls.

RYAN TRYZBIAK

Even with the retraction the article remains offensive. Instead of being verbally offensive, it is now simply offensive to the intelligence of the entire student body.

Is an op-ed about girls dressing scantily really what a newspaper at one of the world's finest universities should be using its space on? I am more offended by how inane and useless it is than anything else. Surely the University of Chicago can manage a more enlightening level of discourse than this article promotes.

BRIAN YOUNG

Doesn't this article insult men too?

MAROON WRITER

I write for the Maroon. This is exactly the kind of article that makes me not want to admit that in front of my friends.

NAKEDONTHEQUAD

Yes, this article was in poor taste. It brings us all back to those high school days when kids would fling about all kinds of words and phrases without considering the impact they might have on those around them. The ViewPoints editors should have stopped this from being printed, if only because the article is simply bad journalism. I feel as if this was a gross oversight by the maroon staff. However, I feel as if some of the harshest criticisms that have been brought against Luke Dumas are perhaps too eager to destroy him as a person, instead of being constructive and actually addressing the issue. The issue is multiple: editorial oversight, poor writing in a highly regarded campus periodical, and of course the notion that loaded, bigoted language can make its way even into the University of Chicago's student newspaper! There are bigger issues to consider. Slap him on the wrist, but stop trying to roast the freshman. He was wrong, and I'm sure he knows it by now.

Not being a writer myself, I imagine that the process of becoming a satirist is often quite perilous. In learning to write satirically, I imagine that many people toe the line of political-incorrectness quite often, until they learn the boundaries of their discipline. Perhaps we should treat Luke less like an active agent of bigotry, and more like a freshman who needs to finish his core classes before being allowed to inject himself into the public discourse via a privileged position.

And he certainly shouldn't be fired. Reprimanded, yes. Taught how to write a better article, absolutely. But firing him for this would be a worse offense than letting the article go to print.

And to Mr. Dumas: You are privileged to be able to speak your mind to the student body through the Maroon. Not all of us can do that. You must be a smart young man and a decent writer (most of the time) to be able to hold such a position. You should stop and consider the power of your words and influence before being inflammatory, if that was your intention. Use your abilities to bring us together as a community, not to divide us. Make good vibes, man.

"With great power comes great responsibility."

RHEMA HOKAMA

Why is Luke Dumas allowed to continue writing for the Maroon? The Maroon is a well-written and well-thought out publication, but pieces like these jeopardize the credibility of the entire paper.

EMILY BALSAMO

This article is blatantly misogynistic and ignorant and I am embarrassed to attend a university that would publish this in the official school newspaper. What could possibly be satirical about this? Is it a satire on problems of feminine body image? Dumas consistently espouses offensive and ignorant views under the veil of "satire." I wish my university had a school paper that actually represented the student body, not just the members of the student body who are willing to write the most controversial (hate speech?) articles possible.

GN

The Maroon should not be apologizing...I agree that "skank" was a poorly chosen word, but calling the article misogynistic is an exaggeration. Moreover, readers should notice that examples were given of both men and women. The article leaned more towards women likely because there are more examples and instances of women dressing “scantily,” as Luke described it.

It is an op-ed piece--and we should be open to all opinions. As members of the University of Chicago we discuss and debate, we don’t panic and become blubbering, emotional amoebas, we think and respond. Words like misogynistic and ignorant are practically meaningless and are not viable reasons in academia. The article expresses an opinion. If you disagree with it, then you can dispute its points. We don’t hide ideas, we challenge them, it is what we do, and it is disappointing to see the student body reduced to an angry mob.

HANNAH

Honestly, I believe the idea behind viewpoints is to actually showcase points of view. He had one, he wrote it. And yes, he used language that we use in front of each other but not our parents. When our parents begin reading the Maroon, they can complain.

In the mean time, campus is our home, not just our school. It is where we live and eat and hang out, and no one has a right to dictate what women (or men) wear in public or in private.

ANONYMOUS

Some comments have been pointing to the fact that this is an opinion piece and that Dumas should simply be allowed to speak his mind and state his opinion. That may be true, but that does not give him the right to using offensive and insulting language.

Even overlooking that, a good opinion piece should have a purpose. What is the purpose of this article? Would people really change the way they dress because some writer for the Maroon thinks they should? (Maybe only because now they're aware of his fascination with nipples.)

I think there are better things to write an opinion piece on.

KATE KOSTER

I don't think Dumas's view is objectively wrong; I certainly don't believe that it would be wrong for Viewpoints to publish an article criticizing unmodest dress; the article was shit, though, and read like something a high school student from "Laguna Beach" might have written "How am I supposed to remain attentive and participate actively in class when someone across the room unknowingly pulls a Tara Reid? I don’t want to look at the nipple, but for some reason I must. In fact, I’m offended and made a little bit queasy by the sight of it, but at that moment it’s more important than my education could ever be." Come on.

EMILY

I can't wait for the day I wake up late, strap on my Jesus sandals, pump up the contemporary classical on my iPod, and in my haste, push Luke Dumas into oncoming traffic whilst offending him with my springtime attire. Maybe then he would reconsider transferring to the University of Arizona.

VINNIE

I didn't make it to this boring, sorry excuse for an editorial before elements were retracted, but seriously B-O-R-I-N-G. Who cares? The guy needs a therapist to get him comfortable with his own sexuality (straight or gay). Hmmmm... I'd be willing to bet that a quick scan of Mr. Dum(b)as(s)' dorm room web surfing logs would turn up significant amounts of porn. Come on Luke, you know you dig the bukkake.

JAR JAR BINKS

Wow. Way to stand up for your writers.

CHUCKIE

Save it for your blog, Dumas, and pick up some journalistic integrity while you're at it. Learn the difference between what is and is not publishable, and put down the thesaurus. You're giving a bad name to student journalists and writers everywhere, not only because of your overall ignorance, but because you are a shitty writer. If this was meant as a "satire" piece, you did a horrible job; one paragraph (let alone the final paragraph) of funny-writing IS NOT SATIRE. Christ, grow up.

YOUR LULS FUTURE

Jesus, just put a default CORRECTION/RETRACTION in the layout next to this kid's byline from now on.

CACTUS BILL

Thank you for writing this, Mr. Dumas. In the dark days before I heard of your name, I was an outcast, a loner, a nobody. Your editorial cured my acne and gave me 80 pounds of muscle overnight. Now I carry a stick to swat away all the women and sometimes men who want to show me their nipples and their thongs. I also get great cell phone reception now, all thanks to you!

A+++++++++ would read again

JAMES CARTER

Wow, the girls at UChicago are just as overly sensitive and whiny as they were 20 years ago when I was there. Let me give some advice. Learn to be less sensitive about "sexism" before you end up bitter, husbandless, and without children at age 40.

DSB

Having spent time at all the big universities around Chicago, I have to say that Luke's anger sounds familiar. It's the same complaint I hear from people who aren't in a relationship or hooking up: They are angry at the world for parading not-so-naked flesh in front of them. Many of those people also go on the attack as Luke did, instead of admit their shameful! lust-filled! feelings.

I would think that my analysis was way off-base -- except that his other columns seem to confirm it. Can someone please find a caring second-year for Luke? I'm sure he could be a nice guy if he could shake off the effects of dreaded sperm buildup. That or send him to cover Brown's Sexpowergod party; the airfare to Providence will be worth it.

CAN

What about all the split infinitives in this article? Where is the outrage over the skanky grammar?

LIN

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2009/05/20/do-our-students-become-tramps-to-more-effectively-enjoy-the-weather-or-do-they-use-the-weather-as-an-excuse-to-more-effectively-become-tramps%e2%80%9d-and-other-deep-philosophical-questions-from-t/

ANONYMOUS

Some of the people below should be just as ashamed of their comments as they think Dumas should be of his article. Calling him "Luke Dumbass?" Wanting to push him into traffic? Give me a break -- if you don't like the column, respond to it with civility and actual ideas. Your cyber-bullying has no place at this school.

JBEE

Wow. As a Northwestern grad, I always felt a little intimidated by intellectual heft of that venerable institution down south. Now, thanks to Luke and the Maroon, my inferiority complex is a thing of the past!

RHIANNON

Pfft. Yeah, let's just force everyone to cover up from head to toe in 80+ degree weather... and watch the heat stroke count sky rocket!

JOHN

Why the hell are you complaining? I love the spring, its when all the beautiful ladies come out of hibernation! Relax and enjoy the view Luke, or are you intimidated by skin?

JEAN GRAY

Luke, old pal, if you have a problem with women and their bodies (which it appears you do), maybe you should transfer to, oh, I don't know, the University of Baghdad. Or Tehran. Or anywhere in Saudi Arabia, Or most parts of Turkey.

Of course, that will void your first amendment right to publish...

SARA HERNDON

Frankly, I'm appalled-not so much at the author, really, because his ignorance is hopefully an isolated incident and really, it's his own problem that he'll have to struggle with. I'm more appalled that UofC would allow this kind of misogynistic, sophomoric thinking to actually be published and represent their university. I thought that UofC was an academically prestigious school until I saw this, but I think it must be more of a joke after seeing this. Even the Southern po-dunk state school I went to for undergrad wouldn't allow this silly shit to be published in their school paper. I get the "freedom of speech" bit, but someone, somewhere-maybe an editor-should be aware that what you publish speaks for and represents the student body at your university. You're trying to pass misogynistic thinking off as "humor"? Oldest trick in the book. What a snoozefest.

MARIA ALEXANDER

You are clearly a first year at the U of C. Give it time, and your articles will get better and have substance/backing/logic. Good luck.

MEG

People probably would've been more likely to read this as satire if it was actually satire. There's nothing clever or ironic about parroting real-world viewpoints (your own or not) and then crying "joke" when people call you on that shit. Unless, of course, this whole thing is a kind of meta-satire, in which case, good work. You have successfully ridiculed the hacks who think 'satire' means "any flippant piece that offended people".

GREGORY A. BUTLER

Dumas does have a point - it IS distracting when women parade around in inadequate clothing (and not just to straight men - but to gay men like Dumas as well).

What's worse is, these same women will actually get angry when a man has a sexual reaction to their visible breasts, midriffs and legs!

Look, if you dress and act like a lady, you can expect - and in fact DEMAND - to be treated like a lady and you have the right hate on anybody who doesn't treat you like a lady.

If you don't.... then don't get mad at the consequences.

LILY

Look at the nipple, Luke, look at the nipple. It might loosen you up.

LIZ

How sad, he couldn't even think of something offensive that was clever enough to get him on The View and everyone still hates him. He should just give up and join Men in Power for the real attention he obviously wants.

YAY

It's not necessary to wear tiny little shorts when it's very hot out. You can be perfectly comfortable in knee length shorts or skirt, or even jeans with a light top. People who walk around half naked are doing it for attention, not because of the weather. And I don't get why they like. I hate having creepy horny guys stare at me. They're just skanky. BRAVO LUKE!

MOTIVATION DES FEMMES

hh... funny ))

FLOWERS SQUIRT SHOWERS

hmm. informative..