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The best kind of columnist

This is in regard to the letter "Columnist reflects anti-intellectual culture," (3/11/96) by Andrew Dalton.

I believe that the author misses the point of Katie Hutchins' weekly column. He makes the mistake of taking seriously her pseudo-intellectual, self-indulgent prattling, which are clearly intended to be a witty and humorous commentary of today's society, much like the columns of Dave Barry.

Obviously, Hutchins, with her rapier comic wit, is making a satire of conversations overheard by her in coffeehouses, where beret-clad, unemployed philosophers discuss the meaning of life. Or possibly her column is directed around drunken, three-in-the-morning dorm room discussions that we all have with our roommates and friends during our first year. No matter her source of inspiration, every week I look forward to reading her fresh, inspiring and yes, humorous view of male/female relations, the University, society and even life itself. It always gives me a good laugh. If, however, Dalton really wants something to complain about, he need look no further than Jean Twenge's "The Erasable Pen," which every Tuesday pollutes the Daily with the exact type of anti-intellectualism, irrationality and fascist-leaning radicalism that Dalton so obviously has a problem with. For example, in a recent column "Fight with your significant other about anything but the movies" (3/12/96), she mocks and insults not only those who "think culture means watching `Ace Venture: Pet Detective,'" but also those who date their identical twin, those who are so unfortunate as to have a "... Small Dick ...", and those who own chainsaws.

She finishes her column with an unwarranted attack against Parcheesi players worldwide. It's all there in black and white; obviously Twenge thinks she can get away with insulting and discriminating against large segments of the population.

A suggestion -- give Katie Hutchins the column space reserved for Jean Twenge. In fact, I believe the Daily should dedicate an entire issue (with the exception of the crossword, of course) to Hutchins and those Hutchins-esque writers who would emulate her hysterical, biting outlook on life and writing style. The University could use a little more humor on its campus.

STEVE STANHOPE

LSA SENIOR