So what counts as "news"?

In response to the last post, someone gives a thoughtful response and sort-of apology to Kari. Kudos -- it certainly matters to get serious responses. Of course, one has to wonder why the newspaper doesn't issue serious responses -- instead, someone who fears she may get in trouble posts on this blog and the devil's advocate. Where are the serious responses in the newspaper?

Which leads to another question: in the response to the Censorship? post, the author makes the comment that the newspaper is supposed to be about news. No doubt! So where does an "op/ed" about rape being a way for ugly women to get laid or to pass time in prison fit into this mission of the newspaper? Where does a comic strip about peeing on a 14-year-old Latina fit under the rubric of "news"? I'd like to believe that those on the paper are learning, but it isn't abundantly clear at this point that learning has occurred. Instead, it seems that the paper is mocking students and trying to sweep this latest fiasco under the rug. Fortunately, many are not letting that happen -- and it is newsworthy to report on it. In fact, it may go a long way to do some real investigative journalism into racism, sexism, and homophobia on campus.

Which leads to an idea: rather than asking all of these people to come to the Recorder and write stories, why don't Recorder staff writers take the initiative and go get the stories that affect and interest their peers? After all, I know I wouldn't want to be in the same room alone with Mark Rowan, given that he's shown nothing but disdain for women, people of color, and queer folks. Rather than insisting that the disgruntled people come and write for the Recorder (and when they do, they get edited out for writing "opinion" rather than news...), how about the staff writers going to get the stories? As it stands now, the "newspaper" is really little more than Rowan & Co. opinion. Just because you call it a newspaper doesn't mean it really is one....

But to the one who wrote in to the blog -- thanks. I do appreciate your sincerity and agree that you should be disappointed that the story was edited down. That shows a sense of responsibility often unseen in the newspaper. If only others on the staff were equally interested in creating a real newspaper.