Dear Editor,
The college love landscape is tough to navigate. It is no secret men are characterized by stipulating looks, and women often acquire status when searching for a romantic partner. Narrowing whom you want to associate yourself with based on these shallow values that are so deeply cemented in our society is how one ends up with relationships that are about as steady as Kim Kardashian’s marriage.
These traditional gender stereotypes influence what we assume are desirable characteristics. Money and good looks are not everything in a relationship; in fact, they are too commonly used as the starting point for a relationship to nowhere. Research done by social psychologists Rajecki, Bledsoe and Rasmussen show that successful interpersonal relationships are based on a deeper level of self- disclosure. People must first focus on desirable personality traits rather than superficial characteristics.
Johnnies and Bennies pride themselves on being polite Minnesota folk off the beaten trail. We like to think of ourselves with a lot more manners than our MIAC cousins, the Tommies. The truth of the matter is that we might not be so different after all. Both campuses have those guys who head to the bar looking only for the hottest chick and women looking for the man with success in the bag.
Some people may have noticed several classified ads around campus. Take a peek at the available bachelors and bachelorettes and decide for yourself: what criteria are you using?
Sincerely,
Andy Karel and Other Concerned Johnnies