The End of an Era
Posted by studentssg on May 5, 2008
As you may know, and I’m not really sure how you wouldn’t considering who was involved, the Progressive Gala was this past weekend. Held between Ratner & the Smart Museum, the event tagged “Women in Washington” might have finally gotten to the idea of what a progressive event should actually be, not to mention, who progressives actually are.
Truth be told, I find the Gala inane in principle. At least, I have since its inception as its been neither a. progressive, or b. a gala (who can forget the umlaut). No one remembers what the event was like its first year, as it significantly changed last year due to the luck of the UCDems receiving $26,000 from the New Initiatives Fund (no I am not insinuating that they received this money because Kennedy was chairing the committee and HRG was applying, but if you are I can’t blame you). The Dems had to save face, as last year’s choice James Carville turned some people sour.
Let us recap:
Year 1: No one has a fucking clue.
Year 2: James Carville, aka ragin’ cajun, aka not a progressive.
Year 3: Gloria Steinem - Okay, I understand why UCDems thought this was a good idea - Gloria is a feminist icon, seriously, despite the fact a huge number of students (including Kennedy) didn’t have a fucking clue who she was when buzz started generating about this year’s Gala. But, she’s not a progressive anymore. More on that in a bit.
The Gala began Saturday night with an unnecessary and almost incomprehensible speech from HRG, who no longer ‘Chair[ed]‘ the Gala, but was, still, you know, there, talking. Then introduced was the actual ‘Chair’; too bad no one had a clue who the hell that was. I mean, I know her name, but for effect I will not tell you it. Ha. Too bad I was kind of impressed by what she did, I was really looking forward to panning this event. With the exception of Steinem, who, of course, cost the most, the event was indeed progressive, well planned and successful. Unfortunately, that was severely undermined by the idea an event like this needs a $$$$$ speaker to start things off.
Also, these girls are kidding themselves with these black cocktail dresses and pearls - you’re setting yourselves back more! Wear a fucking suit - I think the chair was, but as I said before, until HRG graduates it doesn’t matter what the hell anyone is doing besides her. And seriously, you all thought those dresses were appropriate when you were bringing Steinem to campus? I can only imagine what she was thinking.
Another side note, the comment made in that boring opening speech that this event couldn’t happen anywhere besides the UofC - keep dreaming, it can, will, and does happen elsewhere - get off your high horse.
So the big question - what’s going to happen next year when HRG graduates. What the hell am I saying, these people don’t ever leave the UofC; did anyone notice Caruso amongst the suits? Yeah, I know you did too.
Edit: You know what, I was too damn mean. So I made it nicer. Okay, HAPPY?!?!?!
