Oh How We Love Those Harvard LLMs

Last week we wrote a little bit about internecine warfare going on within the Harvard LLM community. It’s a silly and trivial story — which is, of course, ATL’s stock in trade. So we intend to keep following it.
Today we’re happy to bring you an update. This email went around over the weekend:

From: [xxxx]
Date: 3/24/2007 5:12:01 AM
To: [LLM community]

Dear Fellow LL.M.s,

We would like to bring to your attention, an untoward incidence that augurs badly for the general reputation of the LL.M class. We fear, someone on this forum (God forbid) might be trying to cause antagonism between the diverse members of our community. Following our International Party, the advertisement flyers of this most successful event, were, apparently for the sake of ridicule, sent to a contemptible website — the one for which Dean Kagan cautioned restraint.

Alas, the writer has confused his “contemptible website[s].” The site that was the subject of Dean Kagan’s recent message is the site discussed in this Washington Post article. That site is not ATL (even if, one could argue, there isn’t much of a difference at the end of the day).
More from our irate LLM, after the jump.


The email continues:

The links to the information referred to on the site, are hereunder.

http://www.abovethelaw.com/2007/03/the_harvard_llm_community_more.php

http://www.abovethelaw.com/2007/03/res_ipsa_loquitur.php

The gripe is not so much the fact that these busybodies are going gaga over our flyers. Nay — although it is admittedly hard to fathom why anyone would seek commentary refuge on such a mediocre forum. The qualm is much rather what appears to be the deliberate effort by their source to sate their appetite by fabricating an imaginary chasm between students in the LL.M class. Sad. This kind of sensationalism for self-aggrandizement, whatever malevolent rationale or sparsely thought out good intentions, must be condemned in the strongest terms.

FACT. We have had a stellar LL.M year where we have had occasion to bond as friends. FACT. There have been no divisions in the class on whatever front, nor is there cause for discord. Needless to say though, such acts as have been alluded to heretofore, could potentially send the wrong signals and ruin the reminder of our remarkable year.

If there had been any misunderstandings surrounding the International Party, these were amicably resolved and dispensed with. It is urged that we further our cordiality and promote and maintain the cohesion that has kept us together thus far.

… And if only to reiterate Dean Kagan’s communiqué on this subject, let us resist the temptation to originate or even contribute to discussions on such websites. Consequences borne out of that kind of fetish for gossip could have injurious ramifications to the reputations of innocent persons.

We, your representatives, affirm our dedication to the continued service of this wonderful and tightly-knit LLM community.

Thank you,
Your Reps,
SSMM

We enjoy the highfalutin, borderline archaic style of this email. But the “Kumbaya” portrait of international harmony the author tries to paint is misleading. It is definitely not a “FACT” that all the LLMs get along.
If you disagree, check out this promotional email for the “Taiwan Table.” Snarky reference to Flyergate in the original (but emphasis added):

Dear all,

Considering the International Party is around the corner, I hope you don’t mind a warm-up from Taiwan Table!

Besides yummy Taiwanese food and treats (vegetarian as well), traditional costume & pop music, we have gifts to give out!

More than 20 authentic souvenir from Taiwan, including pocket-size traditional instrument and a bag of Taiwan map!

Come and say something about Taiwan (even some Mandarin or Taiwanese), and you’ll have a chance to take something from Taiwan!

Pity as it is that we saw none of Asians countries was mentioned in the propaganda of International Party, I believe that all will be impressed by the passion and warmth from Asian Tables!

Have a nice weekend and see you on Monday!

Best,
… on behalf of Taiwan Table

Sponsored

So why are the Harvard LLMs trying to claim that they are a “wonderful and tightly-knit” community? Why not just admit that you all hate each others’ guts, and hold a WWF-style “Battle Royal” in Harkness?
Earlier: The Harvard LLM Community: More Vicious Than the Cafeteria in ‘Mean Girls’
Res Ipsa Loquitur

Sponsored