March 26, 2007
Suck It, Bailey: Matthew Fox Gets NY Times Editorial
A few weeks ago, Columbia students reeled from the news that Golden Globe-nominated, Saturn Award- and SAG Award-winning actor Matthew Fox was chosen as the class day speaker. Bwog wrote about Fox's second banana performance in We Are Marshal, which starred Matthew McConaughey: "Our Class Day speaker got upstaged by the smelliest-looking man in show business."
Yesterday, the NY Times had an editorial that weighs in on Columbia's controversial decision to have the Lost star speak during Columbia College commencement. From NY Times editorial, "The Lost Generation":
Somewhat predictably, Mr. Fox’s invitation by the senior class officers has caused a stir on campus, where students have questioned everything from his speechifying bona fides to the wattage of his star power. The Columbia student body is famous for its protests, and extended that same demonstrative courtesy to last year’s speaker, Senator John McCain. At least as a Columbia grad, Mr. Fox knows what he is getting into and, we hope, will take whatever happens with a sense of humor.Yes, Nobel prize winner Shirin Ebadi is speaking at the School of International and Public Affairs (plus former Treasury secretary Robert Rubin is speaking at the B school), but maybe that's Columbia's way to telling the undergrads what they have to look forward to. We leave you with this comment from a reader on our initial Matthew Fox, Class Day speaker, post: "Matthew Fox? If you think that's bad, my commencement speaker was the president of ANOTHER COLLEGE."It would be easier to scold the students for not taking the occasion seriously enough if everyone else were not just as susceptible to the allure of star power. If a member of the Backstreet Boys can address a Senate environmental subcommittee, Mr. Fox can address graduating seniors. Though their parents might be forgiven for trying to sneak away to hear the Nobel laureate.
In other college news, NYU is getting its first gay fraternity with Delta Lamba Phi, which has had to "colonize" for three semesters.
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Five bucks says that the comment you quoted was someone who graduated with me from NYU in '05 - otherwise, this is a disturbing trend of having president colleges speak at other universities' graduations.
of course I meant college presidents, not president colleges. Sorry!
I don't even remember who gave the speech at NYU's 2004 commencement. I think it was the president of Honda?? or something.
At least Matthew Fox will be memorable.
Matthew Fox will be memorable? I don't even know who the hell he is!
I can't believe that Locke blew up the submarine.
my commencement speaker was Jimmy "JJ" Walker.
so shut up!
What's the difference between the editorial board of the Columbia Daily Spectator and the New York Times? Apparently, nothing. I wonder if Bill Keller will weigh in on the quality of dining hall food or campus safety next.
I've got you all beat.
My commencment speaker was... wait for it.. wait for it...
Cookie Monster!
And worse than that, he got top billing over Umberto Eco! How worthless is my degree?
I really can't believe this, its so disrespectful to talk about Matthew Fox like that. He might not be the 'best' actor around with the 'best' character, but he has all rights over Columbia University just like all the other graduates, it doesn't matter if he is a famous actor now, but he once was a student of that university. As well as, let's face it, he has been honest about his habits, other people who are looked upon are hypocrties, wearing masks. And for God's sake, PLEASE Columbia students, stop acting like snubs!!!
What is the big deal? If the students want Matthew Fox to speak at Class Day, then that is their desire. I wouldn't have minded him at my college's class day. At least he won't be some boring fuddy-duddy.
Puhlease! Matthew Fox might not be my first choice for Class Day Speaker but he is a Columbia College graduate who is moderately successful in his chosen career field. As he is someone who gets paid for his dynamism, I'm sure he'll give a thoughtful and entertaining address.
Clearly it will be better than the Class Day in 1999, when my parents (who both worked two jobs to help defray the my tuition costs) had to listen to the class president unsuccessfully joke that the core curriculum was only good for sounding sophisticated at dinner parties.
Perhaps if those complaining about Mr. Fox would stop treating class day as something sacred they might actually enjoy it. I mean, after all, isn't commencement supposed to be a celebration?