(no subject)
The format is funky 'cause I copied and pasted and, whatevuh... but who thinks I'll be suspended for this paper? Haha, either way I'm handing it in tomorrow morning.
Who in this day and age hasn’t seen a newspaper? Whether one uses them for reading, for homework, or even for a place for your poorly trained puppy to do its business, he can’t avoid coming across one now and again. What creates such demand? What reason is there for such great abundance? Two words: news and paper. It really is that simple. The combination of these two concepts filled a void nationwide. To this day nothing has replaced the newspaper entirely. Not even the World Wide Web.
Not only does a daily newspaper present us with useful information such as movie times and reviews, comics, and home improvement tips, but it also supplies us with a basic understanding of politics and current events. Political quips and cartoons, armed with sneak peeks at presidential antics and slip-ups, inspire us as a people. We are able to laugh through the hard times, and smile at our losses, united as one people under God through the minefield that is the land of the free.
There is no other American establishment that can bring United States citizens, and non-citizens together like this! We are dangling from headline to headline, anxious to hear new progress, anxious to scoff once more at celebrity mishaps and mismatches, at numbers, statistics, and political officials.
Was it always this way? Actually… Yes. Newspapers, though more formal back in the day, have always been controversial. They were one of the first hands with which to push the envelope. Some early newspapers, dating back to the American Revolution, cover stories that are still well-known today, such as the Boston Tea Party, the signing of the Bill of Rights, and the Battle of Saratoga. These stories are comparable to the current stories, such as intelligence “misinforming” President George W. Bush, or the capture of Saddam Hussein.
The first American newspaper was more of a newsletter than anything. It was but one page, front and back. It informed the inhabitants of Boston about English politics, as well as local happenings such as deaths and upcoming meetings. It was issued weekly. The first issue was released on April 24th, 1704. American papers have come a long way since then. There are countless newspapers printed every day across the nation. Many focus on politics, while others such as the Wall Street Journal focus on business. There are county newspapers, town newspapers, church and school newspapers, even some dedicated solely to music and the arts. My family alone receives three different newspapers a week merely because all three members of my household have varying interests.
Many young people today thrive on the newspaper industry, finding it to be a way to keep up with the times and express themselves. More and more amateur newspapers are being created for the need to express freedom of the press. And with that noted, we hit an already raw nerve. Newspapers send a wave of relief cross-country, as we so seldom have chance to make our opinions known. Be we oppressed or merely afraid, newspaper seem to take the identity away from the words and produce a faceless opinion. That we cherish, whether we admit it or not.
Yet, censorship does run rampant. Some would argue it is more dangerous than the abominations it protects us from. A select few would agree that censorship is the true perversion; Perversion of art, thought, and opinion.
According to the Supreme Court, there are certain conditions placed on the First Amendment. In the case of Hazelwood School District vs. Kuhlmeier, the principal of Hazelwood East High School asked that two articles be withdrawn from the school paper, as he deemed them inappropriate. The Supreme Court ruled that he was not violating the students First Amendment rights because the entire dilemma was considered “editorial control” over student speech. Speaking for nearly every teen across this great nation, I say can’t you come up with a better excuse than that?
I can’t evade the truth in this situation. I am an advocate of speech, of opinion, and of freedom to express both. I saw this paper as an exciting opportunity to elaborate on my feelings on the matter, and I think I did well.
But here lies a break in my train of thought to note that as vehement as my rant is, it does not consume me. I am breathing therefore I am not bitter. The Lord has given us but one life on this good earth to attempt something good for all people. I have found it to be one of my many callings to make it known that acceptance of diversity is the key to love for all people. That may sound hypocritical, as I have expressed contempt towards those that censor newspapers, however I maintain respect for their concern.
In conclusion, a quote:
“Through and through, you have done what you do. You’ve wrestled with the media, deeming them fools. You entice the readers pushing the limits, but what hath it earned you but a life filled with bitterness?” -Anonymous.
"Bombing for peace is like fucking for chastity" -Frankie <3
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__ACE!_