A paid advertisement this week in the Oregon Daily Emerald about slavery reparations reminds us of the power of the printed word and the conflicts we sometimes feel among our commitments to freedom of expression, the marketplace of ideas and the nurturing of learning and community.
The staff of the Emerald decided to print this ad, after discussing whether it might “needlessly offend a significant portion of … readers.” They rightfully anticipated that some of us might find it offensive, and they have invited us to debate through the newspaper the decision to print the ad as well as the content of it.
The impact of these ads on our community will depend on the response that we, as readers, make to them. Some students tell me the ads are offensive to them and cause them to feel less safe on campus. Others tell me that the ad is offensive because it is large, disputatious in tone and content and provides no avenue for discussion or rebuttal.
If you find it offensive in tone or posture, inaccurate in content, inflammatory in rhetoric or suggestion, or disappointing in failing our aspirations for respectful dialogue about controversial and emotional issues, I encourage you to speak out. Although the Emerald has the right to publish this material, you have the opportunity to read it and if you find it objectionable, to express your opinion.
You can marginalize the impact of these ads by expressing to the Emerald staff why and how the ad is offensive, and by challenging the content through accurately refuting factual information or inferences that you find unsound or pejorative. And you can support, through attendance and sponsorship, our alternative venues for discussion of these issues where the dialogue can be more interactive, more research based and more intellectually respected.