By Leah Schultz
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 26, 1997

McKean wastes student's time

Editor:

I am writing in response to Jennifer McKean's article "Cross Over," which appeared in the Wildcat on Tuesday, September 23.

From reading this article and articles that she has written previously, it is painfully apparent that Jennifer was absent the day in her Journalism class when they discussed the purpose of a newspaper. It is even more unfortunate that Jennifer was absent the day that they discussed the purpose of a "Perspectives" page. The purpose of a "Perspectives" page is to inform is to inform the reader of an issue, take a stance on the issue, then, using facts and logical arguments, sway the reader. More importantly, it is disgusting that Jennifer is failing to accept the responsibility of having a half-page column by which she can influence the campus. She owes this campus community some sort of relevant topic and owes the Wildcat some sort of journalistic integrity.

I have read through "Cross Over" many times, gleaning the text for a possible issue that is relevant to me, a university student (the Wildcat's target audience). I was deeply disturbed and upset that I chose to waste my time reading half a page of catty comments about the place and its people I call home. You see, I trusted Jennifer. I trusted that as a journalism major, Jennifer would understand the writing and influencing the campus is a big deal. We, as students, have very little time and we trust that the Wildcat writers will not waste it by insulting us. Well, Jennifer, you've wasted my time and it doesn't make me happy.

As for a possible solution, next time that you have a few remarks to spew about Tucson and its inhabitants, sit out on the Mall with your fiancé and do it, but don't use your generous half-page as avenue to vent about the heat. You were close with the female genital mutilation topic. That's a good, hot topic, but try to incorporate some facts. (Go to the library. It's air-conditioned.) After you do that, try an tell me why I should agree with you. These simple tips might make your column worth reading next time. And if all else fails and you can't be with the ones you love, honey, love the ones you're with - or just quit your bitching.

Leah Schultz
Secondary education junior

P.S. As for the lack of Gap stores, there's one right down the street.