Fridays are great, aren’t they? Friday is the day I most look forward to during the week. On Fridays, I am done with classes at noon. I watch “Gilmore Girls,” and then I go to Salsarita’s.
After dinner, I usually return to my dorm with The New York Times, USAToday, and The University News and read, read, read! I save The University News for last, since I always look forward to reading what my peers have written and to seeing my articles. Typically, I have relaxing and stress-relieving Fridays.
Last Friday, as is routine, I sat down with my newspapers and read. I finally got to The University News and turned to the Op/Ed section-the section I always start with because I find it powerful when people express their opinions.
I excitedly read another article and thought that the point was a good one-we really should evaluate the true meaning of character. It was also interesting to read about how Guliani might not be the best choice for the Republicans. Then, I glanced at the next article and was surprised by the title, “Revisiting Rowling’s Revelation” That is what I had written about the week before. Great . just great.
Even before reading the article, I felt a sense of impending doom. In the letters to the editor, I saw a letter that was titled “Dumbledore Debate,” clearly related to the article I had written last week. Another wave of doom felt like it was going to crush into me. Did I arouse controversy?
After reading the commentary and the letter, I was utterly confused. Was that really how my article from the previous week had come across to people?
My article had come across as a hate article. It was not intended as such. I do not hate. Intolerance was not even close to my intended argument.
When writing opinion articles, it is necessary for people to disagree-everyone has their own opinions and the right to their own opinions. However, there is a distinction between disagreeing and misinterpreting. Before criticizing, one should read the article in its entirely, in the proper context. It is imperative to not take things out of the context of the article because that is not fair to the author.
Criticisms should be made about what was written, not what could have been written or what someone misinterpreted. If we get into the discussion of “What if she had written .” then we end up with fruitless discussion and debate.
In retrospect, and after rereading the original article, I accept the fact that it was not my best work. It isn’t going on my dorm room refrigerator. The writing was a bit ambiguous and, as a writer, I would like to sincerely apologize for failing to clearly make my point. I also apologize to anyone I offended. It was not my intention, and hate was not my argument.
Writing and communicating is a two-way game. The writer must do a superior job, but the audience also needs to be fair and read-and understand- an entire article before evaluating the article and criticizing the author. As a writer, I am already improving my skills and I hope you, as an entire audience and potential group of writers, try to improve yours as well.
Ultimately, I learned an enormous lesson: Words are important, so use them wisely. Make sure your that main point is clear. And remember: Journalism can be vicious!
Words are significant-not just in print, but in spoken language and even in silence. They are important in every role an individual plays-as a reporter, writer, student and friend. Make your life easier and learn through me: Use your words wisely. Use the right words in the right situations-when giving a speech, when writing an essay or doing anything related to communication.
As for me, I hope today is a relaxing and stress-relieving Friday.
Samiksha Tarun is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.
