COLUMN: Catching Up With the World

From Craig Rutenberg's "The Spoiral Light of Venus," Winter '94 From Craig Rutenberg's "The Spoiral Light of Venus," Winter '94Rejoice lovers of the American novel. Fans of biting satire and poignant criticism should also be more than pleased with this news. Joseph Heller, author of the classic Catch-22, has submitted the manuscript to its sequel, Closing Time, and it should be in bookstores this fall. Those that have read the book will remember it's setting: A U.S. military base in the Mediterranean during World War II. The island served as a microcosm for American society and war. In the book, Heller prophesied the rise of Richard Nixon, the failures of Reaganomics, and the rise of militant feminism. His scathing portrait of the hypocrisy of war played an integral part in anti-Vietnam War protests, as many demonstrators and soldiers had heard of or read the book. And Heller provided us with one of the most useful phrases in modern America. Catch-22. As the hero of the story, a pilot named Yossarian desperately tries to get out of duty, the futility of his efforts is exposed. If a pilot is insane, he cannot fly in any more combat missions. To be insane one must tell a doctor. However, this is a recognition of concern of personal safety in the face of danger, which means that the person is actually sane. To participate in the war is crazy; to recognize this is sane, which means that the soldiers must continue fighting. To continue fighting is evidence that a soldier is crazy; as soon as the person realizes this he or she is sane. Catch-22. Or, put another way, minority students at the University complain they are segregated and not offered the same options as other students. The University proposes to assign all first-year students to dorms and college houses to promote integration and cultural awareness. Naturally, this upsets minority students. If the proposal passes, students are integrated and cannot complain that resources are not available to them. At the same time they lose the rights and choices currently available, as well as their "community." If students defeat the proposal then they remain segregated and the status quo remains. Catch-22. It is quite frightening how much of the world is based on the "damned if you do, damned if you don't principle." It is a policy that inherently creates inaction, indecision, and bureaucracy. It makes clear issues unfocused -- it makes standing up for principles impossible. It hides the truth. Internationally, it is seen in the global non-response to 200,000 murdered citizens in the war ravaged former Yugoslavia. It is evident in the politics of the Cold War, and it explains why the United Nations was doomed to fail from its inception. Nationally it is the reason why the United States, the most advanced country in the history of the world, cannot provide health care for its citizens. It is the justification for partisan politics, and causes politicians to focus more on re-election than policy. And at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania it appears as political correctness, a movement whose language is evasive, and whose goals are self-defeating. It rears its head as the Commission on Strengthening the Community, whose report managed to upset almost everyone, most notably those whose earlier protests were the impetus for its creation. It allows dozens of special interest groups to bicker with each other over misperceived, limited power and influence in the University community. It allows the part to control the whole, and when the sum of the parts is taken, the only thing they can agree on is the need for a Locust Walk coffee shop. If it all seems ridiculous then you're following perfectly. It is all of this and worse, because Catch-22 is a situation which feeds on itself. Once the weakness is exposed, everyone can exploit it, or be exploited. Though it all sounds rather grim, one would hope that after the real insanity of an institution's policies is exposed, a powerful reaction could elicit change. This can only happen when we realize that perception is not always reality -- nor should it be too significant an influence. Stand up for your own beliefs and thoughts. Don't wait to be labeled "liberal" or "conservative" -- they're not words that mean anything. They are designed to divide people, not to bring them together. Simply, when we allow reality to take a backseat to image, we all lose. Of course, there is a catch. It is isn't easy to be yourself in a system where conformity is individuality. After the most recent attack on Greek life at the University, administrators send this message to incoming students. "Welcome to Penn. Be yourself, and join one of our prestigious, politically correct activities." Joseph Heller's perception and foresight of this phenomenon, which borders on predestination, is truly remarkable. Catch-22 is both fictional and real, about apocalypse and survival. Heller is sure to bring his unique style and his gift to Closing Time. If it is as prophetic and harrowingly funny as Catch-22, it will be another classic. For better or for worse, it will provide us with an accurate interpretation of the world around us, and a view to what lies ahead. In any respect, I stand among many eager for its publication. If you have read Catch-22 you may know what I mean. If you haven't read it, you should. Craig Rutenberg is a sophomore English and Political Science major from Highland Park, Illinois. The Spiral Light of Venus appears alternate Fridays.