However, we also have to be careful about what we say to others. I just checked the CleanUpDHS site, and apparently someone threatened the freshman who posted the comment about censoring the Birth of Venus painting. While the author of the post did not explicitly state the threat that was made to the student, it still stands that there was a threat made. In a time where we all need to work together to defend the Squall, as well as the integrity of DHS as a whole, we simply cannot have people posting threats to others in the public domain.
CleanUpDHS is already having a field day over this issue. We cannot afford to fuel their fire. We just can't. It will put us in a situation that we definitely don't want to be in-- we, rather than the authors of CleanUpDHS will seem like the petty ones, something that will seriously hurt our argument, and may potentially give CleanUpDHS cause to sue.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is please, please, please keep defending the Squall and our school, but do it in a way that belies the fact that we are, in fact, intelligent kids.
I would just like to re-post what I attempted to submit to the other blog, as I highly doubt they are going to allow my comments through. While it started with the concern about the Birth of Venus painting, it led to more of a tangent and I feel like replying to this post would be more appropriate:
ReplyDelete"In addition to the Squall, isn't Venus on the wall next to the CPA pornography? Not only do the high school kids have to see it, but little kids who come in for band concerts and orchestra too. Many kids I talk to wish it was just painted over. I personally find it degrading and disrespectful to girls. Why don't they let the seniors paint a dress on her or something?"
This comment is abhorrent. Why is sex SO TABOO?! That painting is a classic Renaissance period piece that every kid should learn about. Would you really avoid taking your son or daughter to see Michelango's David in Florence because he's naked? It is astounding to me that you would actually wish to (or support anyone who wishes to) take away from your child's education. Should this censorship include violence as well? Should we avoid teaching elementary and middle school kids about the the American revolution? Slavery? 9/11? Are these as taboo as The Birth of Venus reproduction that stands in the halls of DHS? If you don't think so, contemplate WHY. Why is it okay to teach our kids about guns, slavery and war but not allow them to understand that sex is something natural that everyone at a proper age does? What's more is that the Birth of Venus isn't even ABOUT sex. It's simply about the BIRTH of Venus, you know...something every single human being went through to get into this earth...and guess what? We were ALL naked.
It saddens me to see these kinds of comments coming through. It's worse that they are all anonymous, no one willing to show their face and stand up for what they think.
Previously in this blog, a photo shoot I participated in for an article in the Squall a few years ago was pointed out as something that is inappropriate for the school newspaper. Yes, that was me, the horrid girl on the cover with the shirtless guy. If you didn't know, it was meant to replicate the John Lennon/Yoko Ono Rolling Stones cover from '81. It was supposed to be a nice throwback to an extremely notable couple that would stand as a classy way to represent the love issue for The Squall. I'm unsure of what is so scandalous about having a boy with his shirt off kissing a girl on the cheek while having a leg over her. Excuse me students of DHS, but if you have ever walked the halls between class periods you have undoubtedly seen MUCH more promiscuity occurring. I'm talking about full on hooking up with wandering hands, and girls up against walls practically being mounted by boys. While I don't find this tasteful, I don't think it's anything to start a blog to protest, and seeing as the cover did not even come close to that, I don't get what the deal is. Is it because he's shirtless? Has no one in high school (or middle school, or elementary school) never been outside in the summer? Never been to a pool? Never seen a guy without a shirt on? What is the harm here? Are parents worried their kids have never seen things like this before? Walk into any mall, open any magazine, turn on any television. That cover is the least of your worries.
I cannot believe that any of this matters to any parent. The fact that our economy is horrible, that we're having a huge reform in health care, that we're still in a war that's lasted nearly 10 years!! THESE are the issues you should be concerning yourself with. THESE are the things you should want to see change in so that your children will grow up and learn that their parents did things to help make their lives better. Not sheltering them for just a few more years before they get into the real world and discover it all for themselves anyway. Parents and students, get your priorities together.
That word, "belies," I don't think it means what you think it does ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, Rachel, I totally agree. If at age 14 (or really any age after four) you are disturbed by a naked woman (already censored a bit from the original Boticelli) then you need to be homeschooled. Nudity =/= sexuality! It's a huge stretch to call Venus degrading, in fact, I see it as a celebration the female body.
Also, I was the photographer for the cover "The Love Issue." It was indeed an Annie Leibovitz tribute. Shame on you adults for not recognizing that, especially with the fact box in the issue. That cover won first place at MIPA(!) Also, if you think my version is tasteless, check out the original! Get mad at her, sheesh.
Maria Brundage
DHS 2008
MSU 2012
And, on topic, shame on you DHS students, for sending threats. It just makes you look stupid and immature. Take the high ground!
ReplyDelete-M
When you look past the red tape, you'll see they've hinted, perhaps threatened us also. No, this doesn't mean I believe in threats, we are the higher people, don't do it.
ReplyDeleteThese parents are misinformed enough to believe their argument has some fashion of a base in it, meaning they are prone to doing something stupid.
I agree, the support is well received but the threats need to stop. They hurt our cause, they make us look "stupid and immature" according to M.
"Robby" - DHS senior
A high school is a public place. Expecting people who feel uncomfortable or don't agree with you to leave (i.e., be homeschooled) is exclusionary and unconstitutional. Look at it from the other side - if, before prayer was banned from school, those who felt offended were asked not to come to school it would have been an unconstitutional act. So, I don't think that is a good approach for us to take if we want to be logical about defending the Squall.
ReplyDeletePart 1
ReplyDeleteI am a senior at Michigan State University; an amazing school that is cutting edge in numerous facets, one of which is journalism and communications. I will be receiving my B.A. in communications and media studies very soon and am proud to have participated in the Squall’s existence. I hope to change the world in a unique and positive way through films and documentaries; to expose the horrors and joys that are kept hidden or overlooked.
Never before has our world been so distraught and corrupt; now more than ever we need a voice of reason, a voice that disturbs and stirs others, and a voice that reminds others to change. I am here to remind these criticizing parents that there is more going on outside of themselves, their little bubble and level of understanding that will one day, sooner or later, grow larger than their ability to complain and public issues will spill out. Whether by word of mouth, written means or seen through media, your children will grow up and hopefully will contribute to the world; but only if you learn to let go and accept reality.
The Squall is an award winning student newspaper and publication that has earned national recognition. However, pardon me as I can’t help but get the overwhelming sense that these parents including “Barbara R.” (someone who apparently doesn’t feel passionately or confident enough to share her entirety) are not members of the Dexter community but rather poorly educated, uncultured and over concerned parents that flocked to Dexter as more and more suburbia’s popped up in hopes of raising replicas of themselves; God save our town.
I lived in Dexter, Michigan for 18 years of my life and never before have I had to deal publicly with such anally retentive “adults” who are trying to bring such a counterproductive change to the school. Apparently, as they have so aptly demonstrated, these parents have no understanding, concept or respect for journalism and how it’s saved and shaped our futures. I could go into depth about the Constitution and the freedom of speech but I’ll assume these few parents actually paid attention that day in their elementary school and will be able to stay on par with us.
Freedom of speech and the right to voice your opinion is the exact reason you are able to post such an amateur and obsolete blog site as “Clean Up DHS”. There are several case law examples you could take the time to research that demonstrate how it is illegal and unconstitutional for a principal to edit and monitor the student newspaper. Are you not concerned after the whole ordeal with the principal installing spyware to monitor students while they were at home? Or do you not keep up with news?
May I be bold enough to ask what it is that you do with yourself all day; what is your occupation? Did you even get a college degree, or if so, perhaps you got married and side tracked with children so now you sit at home failing the roll of a SAHM and blog out your misery and contempt for your husband’s free life. Then again I could be way off but when I view such rants and idiotic discussions, this is exactly what my mind ponders and I find myself burying my head in my hands questioning why God gave people like you a mouth or fingers for that matter.
Would you like me to inform you of the true issues going on in this world, so that perhaps you’ll actually make use of your negative energy and put it towards being productive and saving lives, educating others, or even rallying for something that’s actually important? How about you use the time you waste on this blog site of yours, to research the crisis in the Congo where women are being raped daily; having guns shot through their vaginas, penetrated with broken glass and bayonettes.
Oh I’m sorry; did I offend you? Sometimes the truth is ugly and journalists, like Nicholas Kristof (New York Times) need to disturb and violate your eyes in order for you to get off your cushy American Dream and do something about it.
Part 2
ReplyDeleteHow about all the Native Americans that are still being robbed of their land and sterilized against their will in the US? Being surrounded by acres upon acres of uranium dug up by our greedy capitalistic society? Or perhaps I should inform you of the child prostitutes in Cambodia and other various countries throughout Europe, Asia and such? Men who not only rape their body but pillage and devour their souls; shoving ground chili pepper into their vaginas. One child who was only five years old was so badly penetrated that she had to have her bowels and intestines sewn back in. Or poor 16 year olds that have to use colostomy bags; a frightening reality as nearly 90% of the women in Congo’s villages are rape victims. Are you taken aback yet?
Please forgive me, I’m such a horrible person for bringing you the truth. Ewww, I don’t like being outside my comfort zone and I don’t want the hear about the world’s true needs but rather I’d like to continue my fabricated existence and to believe that I serve a purpose. Well I am not going to let that happen, at least not for the few moments I have your attention.
Do you still not see how stupid and trivial your thoughts and concerns are? Do you not see how little and insignificant you are and how counterproductive you are to the youth’s education, including your own children? I fear for and sympathize for your children as I cannot imagine being raised in such a restrictive and stifling environment; a cage rather. Oh but you’ll have a rude awakening once they go to college; many of them go crazy (hence why you see Girls Gone Wild), unless you raise them outside of your authoritarian style. It is because of parents like you who have failed to do their job that we have idiots running wild in this society.
What happened to you as a child that was so horrific that causes you foam at the mouth whenever there’s a chance to suppress and take from others? Sincerely, where did your parents go wrong? There are only so many creative theories I can come up with and yet none of which can explain your eccentricity.
You cannot hide your children under a rock and block out life’s truths and realities; not only would I accuse you of some warped Munchausen’s syndrome but rather you truly don’t want your children to grow and flourish. They need to see things that are disturbing, upsetting, inspiring, hopeful, creative, emotionally charged and unique. This molds them into a productive member of society and not a robot which is something I’m starting to consider as your origins. More like a Big Brother drone from what I have read in your blog. You might as well join the Fox News and other highly monitored and funded sources; sure, some people will believe it’s real news that you’re allowing and somewhat important. However there will be others, like the parents, teachers and students at DHS that enjoy the Squall for everything that it is; Real events, news and issues.
Part 3
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that Ms. Barbara R. (how about Barbara Ridiculous), believes that nothing in the Squall is edited. That literally nothing is touched other than legal matters and corrections? That is not true. Try and convince me otherwise as I spent hours upon hours correcting and editing things that my profane mind produced and others didn’t agree with.
I’d love to show you some of my previous articles and opinion columns as I’m sure I’d make you feel like Rip Van Winkle or some middle-aged person struggling to handle their life’s transitions…but wait, I forgot, that’s actually the truth! *Gasp*. Oops, I said something else that’s offensive! You know why? Because people like you need a reality check and to get in touch with themselves, the world and the others who inhabit it…because guess what, you’re not the only one on this planet and I hate you inform you that you aren’t more important. A rude awakening I know. So instead of worrying about what your son or daughter (perhaps both but I’m praying you haven’t reproduced more than one spawn) reads and hears, go do something with yourself.
Go volunteer, donate, help out or just even educate yourself because I can’t tolerate any more outlandish parental “movements” that don’t serve a purpose. If you have a problem with this, go elsewhere; Dexter was doing just fine without you and I’m sure it’ll cope without your charming and charismatic presence. If you aren’t satisfied perhaps I’ll make the connection with how your personal preferences reflect an unrealized love for boarding schools and strict religious, dogmatic institutions; I think you’d feel right at home and can sigh in relief as you know your child is safe being pumped full of sensationalized, controlled and manipulated information. Some people can’t handle the real world so they either turn their backs to it or they try to fight it and firmly believe they stand for something.
It’s a joke and we’re all laughing; just take the time to look around.
I just lost a good friend of mine this weekend and have his funeral to attend tomorrow, so instead of spending time on important things like writing up a remembrance speech, I have to waste my efforts on correcting bored and under stimulated people like you, because no one else will. No one else wants to deal with you and I don’t blame them.
However, I would love to deal with you. I’d love to learn about your life and how such a distraught and neglected person came to be. I’d love to take you to some of my classes and although painful, you might actually learn. I could show you what’s really important and point you in the direction where you can let your freak flag fly and I’ll pray you finally see the light.
If it weren’t for people who actually cared, we’d still be ruled by the same mindset and philosophy you embody; dictatorship . I hope you realize that out of the vast audience and readers that enjoy the Squall, you serve as a minute and unimportant fraction; but I always wonder, why is it that the few people who don’t like something productive or different are always the ones to bitch the loudest? It makes you appear larger than you are as others begin to believe it’s an issue and the majority is upset, however, congratulations for you and your large social movement of seven or more members; you aren’t going to change the Squall.
Part 4
ReplyDeletePlease urge me to sensor myself Barbara R. because I am seriously considering driving down to Dexter after class to meet and witness such incompetent parents at these conferences, of which I hope you’ll grace us with your presence. In fact if you RSVP I’ll be sure to plan around such a humorous and enlightening event. Let me know and we’ll make a date, I might even bring you flowers and take your mother out for dinner.
I am a proud senior at MSU and I will help the world but running my big mouth and opening the public to the problems in our world; whether they are pretty to look at or not. I was the entertainment editor for the Squall my sophomore and junior year. It was an amazing experience and although the hours spent writing, editing and the time at layout nights were strenuous; it was worth it. Why? Because the students, teachers and parents all enjoyed reading the Squall, even if it contained somewhat “controversial” topics. Rod Satterhwaite is an amazing man, has a brilliant character and ethic, and I refuse to allow some ignorant clique of parents to gather together so they can regurgitate each other’s sheeple-like words and actually believe they’re going to make a difference. You’re not and it is because I won’t allow or watch the school crumble beneath some disgruntled, mid-life crisis victims who don’t know where else to direct their dissatisfaction.
I urge you to push me further because I have gotten politicians to bend and universities to waiver their own rules and regulations. I am a mover and shaker and I will obliterate your meek voice with counter publicity and connections. Sit down and retire your lack of reason. Boom.
Samantha Elise Harris
Michigan State University
College of Communication Arts & Sciences
samantha
ReplyDeletewe're all upset but ... chill?
DOWN WITH THE MAN!!!
ReplyDeleteI was disrupted out of my day to hear about such things that these parents were doing and how they are most likely going to ruin the student's freedom of speech, etc. I was asked to do something about it so I did. Unless writing for important political and public figures, this is my style of writing and it gets people stirred up which is exactly what I want. So right now I am actually in my PJs hanging out with my two english bulldogs and we are beyong chill right now, haha :). I might even share some ice cream with them...I hope everyone is doing great and that something happens for the better with this issue. Take care! -Sam-
ReplyDeleteSorry your day was disturbed, Sam. Hope the rant helped.
ReplyDelete