Cover more important topics in opinion section
Opinion and editorial journalism, while subjective in nature, should not merely be a smattering of random thoughts. The ideas presented in any piece of rhetoric should work toward a common goal of informing or imparting some piece of wisdom onto the reader. While Op/Ed articles may not be the beacon of scholarly light that I have built rhetoric up to be, it can be said with certainty that many of the recent articles featured in The DePauw's Op/Ed section have been lackluster in terms of their intent, to say the least.
One example is a recent article about the approaching formal season. The article served no greater purpose, other than imparting a one-sided, Dada-esque, patchwork view of DePauw's greek community. Not all greek men on campus walk around like pimps, exerting their lofty power and promises of a trip to St. Louis for the weekend over the apparently weak-kneed DePauw women. Many of my male friends have no interest in such displays (and several of the women that I know would not stand for being treated in this manner). "Formals" and "proms" are different expressions of the same mentality: Go somewhere different, look nice and be happy. Semantics are not the issue.
Let it be known that I am not attacking the caliber of writers that The DePauw or its staff has to offer. A number of the articles written in the newspaper are thought provoking and well written. However, I am instead asking that the staff of The DePauw remember that many people spend a majority of their time reading the Op/Ed section and significant time should be given to ensuring the quality of the articles that the writers produce. Create a focus and write for that focus so that others will be drawn into a discussion about the issues that you have strong opinions about. Articles on the "true nature" of the greek community's formal season or how to correctly quote movies interest next to no one.
— Stephen Shapiro, sophomore