As a philosophy minor, I have a thing for good arguments. They’re stimulating, thought-provoking and like a good movie or book, a good argument can challenge how you see the world and leaves you with something to remember.
But as the opinions editor, I also have a thing for filling the paper. Similar to a full box of chocolates, a full paper gives readers an assortment of information they can consume.
My goal for this semester is to fill the opinions section with good arguments. I want to step on the gas and see how we can develop this important branch of our campus discussions.
DePauw’s campus is full of people who are likely to make a significant impact on this world. It is important for these individuals not only to express themselves, but also for them to be heard. Each column is an opportunity for the writer to sharpen his or her thoughts, to share a feeling in a meaningful way.
DePauw contains too many smart people and unique perspectives for us not to have a strong opinions section. I want opinions that are debatable—as in, able to be debated. Great columns tackle tough subjects with complex solutions; they deal with significant issues. Help us understand why these issues are important, whether they are social, local, national or global. There is too much going on in the world for us to care about everything, so why exactly should we care about your opinion?
I want opinions that are bold and assertive. If you are going to share your opinion, then you should back it up. To properly back up an argument, the writer must examine both (or the many) sides of the issue.
Before you write the column, entertain the possibility that your stance might be misguided. Consider how and why others might agree with you. Such considerations improve an opinion piece dramatically because it makes the writer more credible and precise. Credibility and precision make a column accessible and worth reading.
I want writers who are passionate about their chosen topics, people who get excited to reason through challenging concepts. If you’re excited, get us excited too. If you’re mad, convince us to join you in your anger.
Tap into the deepest parts of yourselves and ask what lights a fire underneath you. What is it that makes you want to get up in the morning and live life? How do you wish the world was different? These sorts of questions can unearth your strongest opinions, and I sincerely hope you might share them with us all.
-Weilhammer is a senior English writing major from Indianapolis, Indiana.