Comments on: KUST drops hip-hop concert after planning difficulties

By: Tyler Bunning

Tyler Bunning — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:31:25 +0000

I must disagree with Brett. Yes, the argument about being an adult is tired, however it’s only that way because we as students see it brought up time and time again. So, I would argue that it is in fact, relevant.

As for the lack of planning that you suggest: From what I heard, KUST had reached an agreement with Brother Ali in February, to perform in May. That’s a lot of planning ahead, especially compared to the fact that STAR had not had either of their spring performers booked until the beginning of May.

Lastly, about the STAR Facebook Poll: I would suggest that the creation of this poll was a direct result of the publishing of this article. Great job TommieMedia.

By: Brett Brakefield

Brett Brakefield — Mon, 17 May 2010 06:43:05 +0000

By reading the article it is clear KUST cancelled the show, because KUST did not feel they could do it in the last 4 weeks of school. So, if KUST had planned further ahead Brother Ali would have performed. KUST is now planning to have Brother Ali in the fall, and that means they’ve alloted themselves 3 months (at least) to plan this out. Hopefully it won’t come down to the wire next semester as well.

I am genuinely confused as to how this has been misconstrued into the solely administration’s fault. Brother Ali is undoubtedly controversial. I say this as a fan of the artist. For those that followed him I assume you remember the Uncle Sam controversy. For those that don’t I suggest you read into it before trying to claim otherwise.

The whole “I’m an adult” argument is both tired and irrelevant. As an adult it would have been prudent of you to read this school’s policies before you applied. If not then, surely before you decided to attend. You’ve given your consent to this school’s policies and think it is mature to complain about them without attempting to change them, unless we are counted complaints as effort.

For those unaware, STAR’s Facebook page has a poll for genre’s that are appealing to students for the fall. I suggest you participate.

By: Joey Cameron

Joey Cameron — Mon, 17 May 2010 01:14:14 +0000

This is an absolute joke. Our administration is un-believably ignorant and naive to what Hip Hop even is. Brother Ali is a family man, who has explicit lyrics? He is a class act…. and OMG he may cuss in a few songs that in my opinion have the right to be cussed in. Many of his songs are to educate and inform on very controversial topics that are in-turn relative to youth. He’s an activist, things aren’t always going to be pretty and Catholic as our school wants them to be. He speaks of reality not of “obscene” lyrics.

By: Bryce Werkmeister

Bryce Werkmeister — Sat, 15 May 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Mr. Martin brings up an excellent point when he says that the students at St. Thomas are here for a well-rounded education. Many of us have never attended a concert because of the homogenity discussed previously, and much of the time it is the same group of students attending the concerts approved by Campus Life. Maybe KUST is going to have to work outside the system next time to enrich students’ on-campus experience, but hopefully they will continue to have the courage to speak up for St. Thomas students. Thanks guys.

By: Molly Browne

Molly Browne — Wed, 12 May 2010 23:19:14 +0000

Brother Ali is AMAZING he’s young and fresh and reflects MN…I agree with most of you guys in that we should be open to artists that are urban & different from the norm. I hate not being able to defend St. Thomas when it comes to our performances because I love our school and wish we gave a little culture to our students. 10 smaller performances (with lesser known artists) is much better than one huge performance where people are either going to love-it or hate-it.

By: Craig Martin

Craig Martin — Wed, 12 May 2010 18:57:37 +0000

I completely agree Mr. Dahl. We are not childern anymore and deserve to be treated as adults. I believe it is unfair that we are not exposed to different ideas since St. Thomas prides on our “well-rounded” education. Some students choose to be here for that “well-rounded” education we’re promised, but St. Thomas denies people like Desmond Tutu and Brother Ali. I feel cheated out of my tuition everytime St. Thomas pulls a stunt like this. Now, I don’t know who Brother Ali is, but I give props to KUST for trying to bring someone new and different.

By: Dennis Collins

Dennis Collins — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:10:09 +0000

I went to a show at Gustavus before we’ve ever gone to a show at UST. Gustavus had Lupe Fiasco in their hockey arena and as far as I know everything went okay. He had a clean show and actually delivered the message of how education is really important in society today at the end of his show. St. Thomas needs to expand its musical horizons.

By: Eric Polkotti

Eric Polkotti — Tue, 11 May 2010 14:08:28 +0000

People see hip hop as youth culture and when youth culture becomes monopolized by big business what are the youth to do? Do you have any idea?

I think we should destroy the bogus capital process that is destroying youth culture.

By: David Dahl

David Dahl — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:14:31 +0000

This is yet another example of the UST Administration treating the students like babies. They need to stop worrying about sheltering my ears from a few swear words and realize that I am an adult. This same scenario happened with Desmond Tutu a few years ago. I believe that a proper institution should present the students with information of all ideologies, religions, beliefs, and ways of life. It is up to the student to process that information and ultimately make a decision for themselves. Denying me the opportunity to expose myself to something new such as Desmond Tutu or Brother Ali is doing nothing but denying me a well-rounded education. I doubt UST is going to change their policies, so I’d like free tuition because babies don’t pay for schooling.

By: Grant Powell

Grant Powell — Tue, 11 May 2010 04:06:43 +0000

St Thomas was able to bring Counting Crows here and do all the same things including carpeting the gym, maintain cost, undercover security etc. Brother Ali is national act barely comparable to the Counting Crows in terms of fan base. Having a home town hip hp icon should have been more of a priority than spending 10 times that a getting the 6th American idol winner. The recent performers of Jordin Sparks and Phil Vassar are about as all American as you can get, not exactly the most diverse acts.