To the Editors,
I believe I speak for many when I say that I was extremely disappointed with your cover article this week, “Meet Joe Hoya” (March 15, 2007). The exposé on Fritz Brogan, whom the Voice calls Joe Hoya himself, gives a negative image of the school of which many of us are so proud. My question to you is what makes Brogan “Joe Hoya”?
I can remember when I was accepted to Georgetown, my dream school, I couldn’t have been more excited. I also remember feeling nervous, however, as to whether or not I was going to fit in. There is definitely a long perpetuated stereotype of the typical Hoya as the conservative, wealthy, private school kid who pops his collar. Still, Georgetown was where I wanted to be, despite my fear of not fitting in with this personality type. Having been on the hilltop now for two years, I can honestly say that there is no where else I would rather be. We have so much to be proud of here, most importantly, the students. I am constantly surrounded by open-minded and intelligent individuals from all different backgrounds, each with their own story. It was definitely a huge relief for me to find such a diverse mix of students and to see that most people do not fall into the Fritz Brogan type.
Why do we perpetuate this image of Joe Hoya by describing people like Brogan as such? The article expounds on Brogan’s time at Georgetown and writes that, “like it or not, he is Georgetown.” What makes him such an accurate representation of our school? I do not believe Brogan deserves this title nor to be the subject of the cover article of this issue of the Voice. His narrow, conservative views and his personal issue with a gay kiss on the cover of the Hoya last year demonstrate exactly the ignorance that a progressive university such as Georgetown strives to prevent. Diversity is at the core of this institution, and it is stressed to its students from the moment they step foot on campus and walk into the Pluralism in Action program during orientation.
I am convinced that Brogan and his views represent those of people intimidated by the new face of Georgetown. Though he may seek to preserve the elitist, conservative character that the university once had, he needs to see that Georgetown is changing, and for the better. Georgetown brings together some of the most unique and intelligent people from all around the world and all walks of like. By calling people like Brogan “Joe Hoya” we give an inaccurate image of our school and wrongly allow the idea that the intolerant, self-important Hoya represents the norm here.
Michael McCluskey
SFS ‘09
