Outrage goes unnoticed without a voice

By Editorial

As a student newspaper, our job is to be a source for campus information and a watchdog for the student population. In the opinion section, we seek to highlight controversial issues and challenge the minds and ideals of our readers. We hope to create dialogue and discussion between writers and readers, but this is often difficult without active involvement by our peers.

Every week we accept letters to the editor and give students and staff opportunities to voice opposing opinions, but unfortunately we rarely receive feedback.

In last week's issue, Bobby Philbrook's opinion piece titled "Water polo takes over Malley" generated quite a bit of controversy across campus. We heard passionate feedback from classmates, friends and athletes but, when we suggested each write a letter to express their views, they backed away.

Students at Santa Clara definitely do not lack opinions. It seems that almost everyday something negative comes up about the food in Benson, school spirit or the library (or lack thereof).

It's not hard to find complaints on campus. But when it comes time to own the complaints, students hide behind a wall of anonymity. Last week's article appeared to generate outrage and even hostility, but nobody came forward to own the complaints.

As the newspaper staff, we strive to make students aware of campus issues and, in turn, expect to hear feedback. You, as students, have a responsibility to act.

The Santa Clara is not the only student organization that faces a lackluster student population. Much like AS, we count on the students and cannot exist without them. We're not meant to be an organization run by a few, but, faced with little outside involvement, we have no choice.

Over the past few years Associated Students has struggled to capture the voice of the university. They've tried to make themselves available by offering office hours and by opening Senate meetings to the general public. They have even gone to the extent of patrolling off-campus housing to promote their services and encourage community. But instead of offering suggestions for improvement, students blindly complain. This type of behavior is unproductive and useless.

As the campus newspaper, we also have an obligation to the students. But without feedback, it's difficult -- even impossible -- to please our readers.

We understand that to put your name on something distributed across the campus is a risk. You risk being ridiculed by friends or challenged by strangers at parties.

But you have the opportunity to begin something. Your view can create debate and offer new, alternative opinions.

In the real world, employers don't have time for laziness and lackluster complaints.

You own your work and put yourself in the position to be questioned. While still in college we have the opportunity to learn how to express ourselves eloquently, to debate resiliently and to challenge authority. We can make mistakes without facing major repercussion.

Many were offended by what the water polo article had to say, but without a letter stating their position, other readers are now left with only one side of the debate.

In this newspaper we don't seek to push sides, our goal is to present issues. We want to publish alternative perspectives and whole issues, but without active involvement from our readers, we are often stuck with one argument.

If something upsets you in this week's issue, express your frustration. If you agree with something, praise the author.

Speak up Santa Clara -- we're all listening.