It is with great disappointment that I write in regards to the Yahoo! inserts advertised in the Emerald. Familiar with poor judgment in the media industry, I performed the standard action of voicing my objections to the homophobic and sexually assaulting nature of the campaign. I called Becky Merchant, the advertising manager for the Emerald, to determine how the advertising staff came to the conclusion that these ads were acceptable. Although Merchant admitted that she herself knew there was a problem with the ads, she also stated that it is not her role to influence advertising decisions made by student staff. Thus, the advertising department collectively agreed that although the ads were “stupid,” they did not find it obviously offensive or stereotypically denigrating.
This brings me to two critical concerns. First, it is very disheartening to realize that our society has regressed to such a base level; viewing women as sexual objects is so common, it’s not wrong any more.
Today we are appalled at a school shooting. If it happens more frequently in the future, will we become equally desensitized and shrug it off in the same manner? I think not. Or would we?
What about rape? Sexual harassment? Gay bashing and hate crimes? General violence? What’s the difference? Where and when do we draw the line and demand that it is no longer acceptable?
These questions lead me to my second concern. I serve a similar role as Merchant: I am a hired professional responsible for serving the educational needs of students. When a potential conflict arises, it is expected that I take advantage of the “teachable moment” to facilitate recognition and a clear understanding of the issue. Further, it would be more than reasonable to make a strong recommendation as to the most appropriate course of action. If the students in the advertising department did not see a problem with these ads, then it was the job of the qualified “professional” to seize the opportunity to educate them. Not doing so is belligerently irresponsible. Merchant missed that moment, and as a result, a large population on this campus has been subjected to vile debasement and objectification of their womanhood and sexuality.
I was prepared to begin this school year without the customary cynicism towards student journalism. After this affront, however, my relationship with the Emerald will proceed with considerable caution and distrust of their ability to produce responsible journalism.