Spring Break
Say it with symbolism
The public needs to relax when it comes to symbolic speech, look past the shock factor
By: Ian McPhail
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: Opinion
Simply because an act is done on the margins of what is politically correct does not justify ignoring the message, as pundits seemed to do when commenting on the YCT carnival. People need to look past the shock value of what has been said or done and focus on the message being presented, and its intent and context, before dismissing a person or group as bigoted.
However, any form of speech designed to draw attention requires a fairly important message. Igniting a flag to protest the execution of a murderer portrays a crazy person, but the flags that blazed in protest of the Vietnam War carried a very different meaning.
Before carrying out symbolic speech, it is important to be sure that the words behind the action are strong enough to justify it. Perhaps YCT made their mistake in not speaking loudly enough on the message behind the egg throwing, but that hardly indicates a hidden racist attitude by them or the University. A few offensive remarks should not taint the careers of men like Imus and Louis, who now have anything they speak about race immediately called into question. With our most basic liberty under assault, its time to stand up for it by not being too sensitive, even if the way it is presented rubs someone the wrong way.
However, any form of speech designed to draw attention requires a fairly important message. Igniting a flag to protest the execution of a murderer portrays a crazy person, but the flags that blazed in protest of the Vietnam War carried a very different meaning.
Before carrying out symbolic speech, it is important to be sure that the words behind the action are strong enough to justify it. Perhaps YCT made their mistake in not speaking loudly enough on the message behind the egg throwing, but that hardly indicates a hidden racist attitude by them or the University. A few offensive remarks should not taint the careers of men like Imus and Louis, who now have anything they speak about race immediately called into question. With our most basic liberty under assault, its time to stand up for it by not being too sensitive, even if the way it is presented rubs someone the wrong way.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com