Step up the competition and respect

The Showdown was a spectacular affair. All groups should be congratulated for putting on a great show. There can only be one winner, however, and it is a shame that the aftermath of the Showdown has been characterized by bickering and poor sportsmanship, instead of congratulations. As a member of the AHANA Leadership Council, I would like to come out on my own terms to address many of the thinly veiled attacks on our recent event.

First of all, for those who spoke out against an event "that pits apples and oranges against each other and asks judges to decide which is better," (See "Almost Phaymus," Feb. 1) the Showdown has traditionally consisted of two categories. Groups can either take part in the cultural dance competition, won by MASTI this year, or the dance competition, which was won by F.I.S.T.S. The Showdown brings all types of dance groups together, and demonstrates the incredible diversity of performing arts within the AHANA community.

It also gives many performers a stage and an audience that they otherwise would not be able to reach. I believe the competitive style of the event contributes to, if not determines, the high level of energy we all saw. If there were no trophies, would groups have performed at that level? What's more, if Phaymus had won, would they be calling for the abolition of the competition aspect of the event? I think not. The idea that hip-hop groups like Phaymus and Synergy should not compete with step groups like F.I.S.T.S is incongruent with the high level of competition and performance that the ALC has worked hard to foster.

Splitting up the 11 dance groups according to the type of dance they do is ludicrous. Following that line of thought, F.I.S.T.S. would be in a group all by itself (Step), and Fuego would too (Latin dance). That would leave just Synergy and Phaymus in hip-hop dancing from Boston College, and while I'm sure these groups want to go head to head, perhaps they shouldn't aspire to do it on the ALC's budget. In response to the claim that the judges had no idea what they were doing, and that they made a mistake, "robbing" Phaymus, I ask: rob them of what? Was something promised to Phaymus because they were "robbed" last year, too? The judges this year were completely different from last year's, so any misgivings concerning the fifth annual Showdown are null now, and have absolutely no bearing on what happened this year. We stand by our selection of judges, and I find it presumptuous that people are questioning these judges, since they all have acclaimed dance and performing arts accolades.

Questioning the validity of the six judges who assessed the dance groups, decrying their decision, and crowning yourselves the "People's Champs," leaves a very bitter taste in the mouths of many of the people who made it possible for you to be on the stage in the first place. It is not only disrespectful to our organization and the months of work we put into this event; it is also disrespectful to the rightful winners of the event: F.I.S.T.S. Although every Phaymus complaint has been premised with a "F.I.S.T.S was great, but," these sorts of complaints undermine the phenomenal show that F.I.S.T.S put on. I have two last suggestions to groups who feel that they were slighted by the Showdown judging or by the ALC.

Instead of cutting up the competition in many different parts so everybody can get a trophy, why not just step up the routines to the level of groups like F.I.S.T.S.? By this, I don't necessarily mean copying the step group's act, but perhaps shying away from extensive hip gyrating and overtly sexual dances. The Showdown is about originality, and personally, I am happy that "music video dancing," which has historically objectified women, particularly my sisters of AHANA descent, was not rewarded with first place at this year's Showdown. In addition to (literally) stepping your game up on stage, I ask that you make your impact felt in the political arena as well. This huge outcry from the followers of Phaymus proves exactly what student leaders have said all year, that the AHANA community is stagnant and doesn't care about real issues. With the increasing marginalization of AHANA and GLBT students on campus, and the hate crime incidents of last semester, you would think people would want to fight for something real. Apparently, a plastic trophy is more than enough justification to erupt in a revolt. I hope the next time AHANA student rights are infringed, that you all respond so fervently.

Seif Ammus is a junior in the Caroll School of Management.