I have always had a knack for pissing people off; usually it is intentional, to have a little fun or sometimes to prove a point, but other times it just happens — unintentionally and usually because I talk too much. But here’s the truth, sometimes I forget that there is a time and place for everything and end up doing things I regret in the process. This is what happened recently when I quite publicly (via social media) attacked the editors of my campus’ newspaper and in the process angered quite a few people who I dearly respect. And, to be frank, that really shook me up; because a couple of these people have been integral to my development, as a student and as a person. The reason why I blog about Brockport Student Government and why I speak out as I have is because of the lessons I have learned working with the editors and writers of The Stylus — and for that I thank and respect them. And again, I apologize for my actions and regret any harm I have caused; my words were poorly chosen and do not accurately reflect my feeling about the paper.
Nevertheless, this whole account has made me think long and hard about my writing here, and especially on my criticisms of student government. Is it my place to critique this administration as vocally as I have or, like with The Stylus, are my criticisms lacking both in substance and legitimacy? I have conceited that I was wrong in my initial reaction to the paper and that my actions were overtly disrespectful, but where ought I draw the line for myself when if comes to BSG? To be truthful, I almost came to the conclusion that what I was doing here in regards to BSG was little better than my actions towards The Stylus; but then I realized what I perceive as being a significant difference. The difference is this, my claims and criticisms about the paper were unfounded and much, much harsher than they ever should have been; but by comparison, my claims about BSG are generally factual and concern much more than my taste in editorial style — they involve the way our money is being spent and the ways in which this administration is representing the students they allegedly serve. Where in the former I was petty and trivial, in the later I feel that in many ways I am standing up for the students at this college.
By criticizing The Stylus as I have done, I have inadvertently done the exact opposite of my intentions here — I have attacked the very people who I claim to be defending, the students of SUNY Brockport. Further, by not supporting the paper and its editors and writers I am being as intolerant and disparaging to the students of the college community as I claim the current BSG administration has been. That is not acceptable, not for me and not for anyone else. It is not my place to attack the individual students who are trying to make a difference on this campus, as I now understand to be a key piece of The Stylus’ mission. It is simply unacceptable. I thank those students who have called me out on my own intolerance, disrespect, and misplaced hostility, and who have acted as a check to my actions. When a person steps out of line, as I have done, they need to be put back in their place — it is our responsibility as students and as responsible human beings.
We are all equally given the opportunity to share our opinions and try to make the word just that much better — and who am I to stop that. The freedom to speak openly without fear of backlash is something I have taken for granted in the past, but I will not allow that to impede on the progress I see coming for the future. It is my intention to continue pressing Brockport Student Government on the issues I feel need to be addressed, but I refuse to be a stumbling block for others who are exercising their right to free speech as I am doing here.
