The Essence of Condemnation

Dear Editor:

I am in a state of uncertainty in regard to D. Hyman's recent opinion article "The Wreck Center" (Nov. 10). The article is keen to point out the cultural disadvantages of incessantly listening to pop music, reading gossip magazines, and holding tightly to cell phones for dear life - let alone doing so while exercising at the Rec. Center. These things can get a bit tiring. The author makes a strong point about the problems of emphasizing physical appearance over practical physical performance.

The author begins to take the offensive when he states that admiring or enhancing one's own physical appearance at the gym is excessive, "vain," and discomforting, while the author's writing itself suggests that he himself is entertained by these occurrences.

Though the author seems to suggest removing the mirrors from the Rec. Center in order to avoid "a perfect environment to judge while being judged", physical beauty is a good thing and not shameful, despite its abuses. How does the author plan for himself to "look good naked" without "gawking" at one's abdominal muscles like a "narcissistic neanderthal"?

The author condemns men for narcissistic, prehistoric tendencies while condemning women for enhancing their existing beauty while dressed, while he himself wishes to "look good naked" in full bodily form! The author mocks those who practice only a mild version of what he himself would practice in full.

~ J. Lee, Student, Education Major